GEORGE WASHINGTON
BICENTENNIAL EDITION
THE WRITINGS OF
GEORGE WASHINGTON
(The Commission expired December 31, 1934)
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
[Note:Deceased. ]
Arthur Capper Kansas
Virginia
Millard E. Tydings Maryland
House of Representatives
Willis C. Hawley Oregon
John Q. Tilson Connecticut
Joseph W. Byrns * Tennessee
[Note:Deceased. ]
Virginia
Presidential Commissioners
Mrs. Anthony Wayne Cook Pennsylvania
Mrs. John Dickinson Sherman * Colorado
[Note:Deceased. ]
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
Director
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
Professor Randolph G. Adams
Librarian William L. Clements Library
University of Michigan
President J. A. C. Chandler *
[Note:Deceased. ]
William and Mary College
President Tyler Dennett
Williams College
Dr. Charles Moore
Chairman United States Commission of Fine Arts
George W. Ochs-Oakes, Esq .*
[Note:Deceased. ]
Editor, New York Times
Brigadier General John M. Palmer
United States Army, Retired
Victor H. Paltsits
Chief of Manuscript Department
New York Public Library
Page
To the Board of War, February 10
Arrangement of Artificers -- Recruiting the corps. 1
General Orders, February 10 2
General Orders, February 11 3
To Brigadier General James Clinton, February 12
Defects in his brigade -- Loss of arms, etc. -- Waiters -- Returns -- Clothing. 4
General Orders, February 12 5
To Major General Arthur St. Clair, February 12
Failure of British to surprise him -- Extension of patrols. 6
General Orders, February 13 7
To the President of Congress, February 14
Fires at West Point. 8
To Colonel Henry Jackson, February 14
Ownership of arms. 9
To Chevalier de La Luzerne, February 15
Weakness of Army -- Covering party for wood cutters. 10
To Joseph Reed, February 15
Election to the American Philosophical Society. 11
To the Board of War, February 15
State quotas of troops -- Returns. 12
To Major General William Heath, February 15
Returns of troops. 13
To Colonel Stephen Moylan, February 15
Returns of his regiment. 14
To Lieutenant Colonel Benjamin Flower, February 15
Returns of his regiment. 15
General Orders, February 15 15
General Orders, February 16 16
To Major General William Heath, February 16
Fires at West Point -- Major Hull's rank -- Surprise of an outpost at White Plains. 17
To Colonel Stephen Moylan, February 16
Location of cavalry. 18
To Governor Thomas Jefferson, February 16 19
To the North Carolina Delegates in Congress, February 17
Clothing for troops. 20
To the President of Congress, February 17 20
General Orders, February 17 22
General Orders, February 18 22
To Major General Nathanael Greene, February 18
Transportation of clothing. 23
To Baron Steuben, February 18
Returns -- Disaster to the Confederacy . 23
To the Board of War, February 18
Armand's command -- Von Heer's corps. 25
To Francis Lewis, February 19
Marine prisoners at New York. 26
To Major General William Heath, or Officer Commanding the Highlands, February 19
Returns of troops. 27
To Abraham Skinner, February 19
Exchange matters. 28
To Governor William Livingston, February 19
Enlistment complaints and Judge Symmes's interference -- Grant of a gratuity by Congress -- Inexpediency of state interference. 28
To Governor Thomas Sim Lee, February 19
Artillery arrangement. 31
To Charles Pettit, February 19
Form of a certificate. 32
General Orders, February 19 32
General Orders, February 20 34
To Colonel Goose Van Schaick, February 20
Returns. 35
Circular to the States, February 20
Quotas of troops. 35
To James Wilkinson, February 20
Clothing supply -- Estimates. 38
To Colonel Stephen Moylan, February 21
Return of troops. 39
To Major Henry Lee, or Officer Commanding His Corps, February 21
Return of troops. 39
To Major Levin Winder, February 22
British horses removed from Staten Island. 40
To Lieutenant Colonel Marinus Willett, February 22
Secret service -- Protection of a spy -- Agent at Secaucus -- Written reports needed. 40
To Major General William Heath, February 22
British horses removed from Staten Island. 42
To Major General Arthur St. Clair, February 22
Enterprise against Powles Hook. 42
To John Cleves Symmes, February 22
Interference of state and Congress powers -- Enlistment troubles. 43
To Brigadier General Enoch Poor, or Officer Commanding at Danbury, February 22
Readiness to receive the enemy. 44
To Colonel Christopher Greene, February 22
Returns. 44
To the President of Congress, February 23
The King's speech. 45
To the Board of War, February 23
Swords for non-commissioned officers. 45
To Major General Arthur St. Clair, February 23
Delay of the project. 46
To President Joseph Reed, February 23
Lack of clothing -- State supplies. 46
General Orders, February 23 47
General Orders, February 24 48
To Captain Joshua Trafton, February 24 48
To Major General Arthur St. Clair, February 24
Failure of an enterprise -- His presence necessary. 49
To Doctor Philip Turner, February 24
State of the Medical Department. 49
To Major General Nathanael Greene, February 25
Alarming state of the forage. 50
To the Board of War, February 26
Court-martial powers. 51
To Major General Nathanael Greene, February 26
The forage supply. 52
To Governor Jonathan Trumbull, February 26
Troop returns. 53
To Governor William Livingston, February 26
Troop deficiency. 53
To William Fitzhugh, February 26
Exchange of his son -- The situation. 54
To the Board of War, February 27
Troop deficiencies -- Lieutenant Colonel Connolly. 54
To Major General Benjamin Lincoln, February 27
Lincoln's situation -- Spanish successes in Florida -- Virginia troops sent south. 55
To Juan de Miralles, February 27
Intelligence from Havana -- British in the Carolinas -- Will keep Miralles informed. 57
General Orders, February 28 59
General Orders, February 29 59
To Baron de Kalb, February 29
To take St. Clair's place. 60
To Lewis Pintard, February 29
Exchange matters. 60
To Baron von Knyphausen, February 29
Exchange negotiations. 61
To Major General William Phillips, February 29
Meeting of exchange commissioners. 62
To Brigadier General John Stark or Officer Commanding His Brigade, February
Bad state of his brigade -- Returns. 62
To Colonel Thomas Craig, March 1
Pardon of Lieutenant Armstrong. 63
General Orders, March 1 64
General Orders, March 2 65
To Colonel Joseph Ward, March 2
Good wishes. 66
To Fielding Lewis, March 2
Colonel Fairfax's affairs. 66
To Major General William Heath or Officer Commanding the Highlands, March 2
Discharges and furloughs of officers -- Mistake in subaltern arrangement. 67
To Major General William Heath, March 2
Captain Cartwright. 68
To John Beatty, March 2
British officers permitted to go to New York. 68
To the Board of War, March 3
Arrangement of the Massachusetts subalterns. 69
General Orders, March 3 69
General Orders, March 4 70
To James Lovell, March 4
Thanks for intelligence. 70
To Lord Stirling, March 5
Inattention to orders -- Example of officers -- Inspections -- Value of proper returns -- Lax discipline. 71
To Governor Thomas Jefferson, March 5
Detroit expedition. 74
General Orders, March 6 75
To the Board of War, March 6
Supplies from France -- Swords for non-commissioned officers. 75
To Baron Steuben, March 6
His health -- Returns -- Reserve arms -- Cavalry -- Combining mustering and inspection departments. 76
To Lieutenant Colonel Benjamin Flower, March 6
Artillery artificers enlistments -- Bounty. 79
To Ensign William Spencer, March 6
Leave of absence. 80
To the President of Congress, March 6 80
General Orders, March 7 80
To Major General Robert Howe, March 7
Express riders -- Information for the enemy: State quotas -- Magazines -- Money. 81
To Major General Arthur St. Clair and Lieutenant Colonels Edward Carrington and Alexander Hamilton, March 7
Commission as exchange commissioners. 84
To John Cleves Symmes, March 7 85
To the Board of War, March 8
Cavalry returns -- Equipment of dragoons -- Clothing. 85
Instructions to Major General Arthur St. Clair and Lieutenant Colonels Edward Carrington and Alexander Hamilton, March 8
Exchange negotiations. 87
To Major General Nathanael Greene, March 8
Quartermaster department difficulties. 89
To Colonel Goose Van Schaick, March 8
Court-martial matters. 89
To Colonel Stephen Moylan, March 8
Condition of cavalry -- A court-martial. 90
To Major Benjamin Tallmadge, March 8
New Jersey's interference with furloughs -- Clothing. 91
To the President of Congress, March 6 -- 8
Spanish expedition from Havana -- Cedar River hostages -- Distress of the Quartermaster Department -- General Irvine -- Supplies from the States. 92
General Orders, March 8 95
General Orders, March 9 96
To Major General Nathanael Greene, March 9
Supplies for the campaign -- Horses -- Campaign on the North River -- Boats. 96
To Major General Alexander McDougall, March 9
His returns to the Army. 98
To Colonel Joseph Cilley, or Officer Commanding General Poor's Brigade, March 9
Court-martial of Isaac Tichenor. 98
To Brigadier General Jacob Bayley, March 9
His court-martial. 99
To Juan de Miralles, March 9
A British transport. 100
To James Gray, March 9
A court-martial. 100
To Governor William Livingston, March 10
New Jersey men in Continental dragoons -- European affairs. 101
To Governor Thomas Sim Lee, March 10
Dragoons -- Mrs. Chamier's furniture. 102
General Orders, March 10 102
To Major General Robert Howe, March 10 -- 11
Orders to General Poor for managing West Point -- chain of light parties -- Position of an outpost. 103
General Orders, March 11 105
To Major General Robert Howe, March 11
Intelligence of an intended British attempt on West Point. 105
To Major General Robert Howe, March 11
British movements -- Militia -- Chance of West Point being the objective. 106
To Baron de Kalb, March 11
Water guards -- Militia light horse -- Signals. 107
General Orders, March 12 108
To Colonel Return Jonathan Meigs, March 12
Request his return to camp. 109
General Orders, March 13 109
To Colonel John Mehelm, March 13
Shoes, hides, and Mr. Taylor's conduct. 110
To the Board of War, March 14
Offensive operations from Fort Pitt; Supplies. 111
To Colonel Daniel Brodhead, March 14
Natchez and English settlements on the Mississippi -- Detroit expedition -- Supplies -- Disapproval of a court-martial sentence -- Boats. 111
To Mottin Augustin de La Balme, March 14
Certificate of service. 113
General Orders, March 14 114
To the Board of Admiralty, March 15
General Arnold's offer to command a marine expedition -- Troops as marines. 114
To Brigadier General Jacob Bayley, March 15
Intelligence from Canada -- Raising of volunteers -- Indian youth at Dartmouth College. 115
To John Beatty, March 15
Exchange matter. 116
To Baron de Kalb, March 16
Bedkin's corps -- Change of cantonment. 117
To Colonel Josiah Starr and Lieutenant Colonel Isaac Sherman, March 16
Officers' clothing -- Efforts to aid the Connecticut line. 117
To Lieutenant Colonel Udny Hay, March 16
Express riders. 118
To Governor William Livingston, March 16
Captain Fitzrandolph. 119
General Orders, March 16 120
To the President of Congress, March 17
Scarcity of provisions -- Want of meat. 121
To Marquis de Lafayette, March 18
Failure of letters -- Looking to Europe -- Movements of the two armies. 122
To Azariah Dunham, March 18
Wheat and grain at mills. 125
General Orders, March 19 126
To Colonel John Gunby, March 19
Virginia clothing for officers. 126
To John Moylan, March 19
Clothing for Crane's Artillery. 127
To the President of Congress, March 20
Requests proceedings in the case of General Arnold. 127
To the Board of War, March 20
Arrangement of subalterns of the Eighth Massachusetts Regiment. 128
To John Mitchell, March 20
Making of a chariot. 128
To Baron de Kalb, March 21
Guard boats -- Dangerous stations -- Removal of stock. 129
To Major General Robert Howe, March 21
Measures to protect West Point -- The chain -- Stony and Verplancks Points -- Clothing. 131
General Orders, March 21 133
General Orders, March 22 134
To Philip Schuyler, March 22
Stagnation of affairs -- New systems in the Commissary and Quartermaster departments. 137
To Major General Nathanael Greene, March 22
Depositories of provision and forage. 138
To Brigadier General Enoch Poor, or Officer Commanding at Danbury, March 22
Monthly returns. 139
To Lord Stirling, March 22
New Jersey recruiting act -- Instructions for recruiting officers -- Continental bounties and emoluments. 139
To Colonel Otho Holland Williams, March 22
Trial of Mr. Randall. 141
General Orders, March 23 141
To the President of Congress, March 23
British in the south. 145
To Major Nicholas Fish, March 23
Issuance of General Orders. 146
General Orders, March 24 147
To Colonel Francis Johnston, March 24
Pursuit of deserters. 147
To Baron de Kalb, March 25
Confidence in his vigilance -- Alarm signal. 148
To the Board of War, March 25
Courts-martial -- Confirmation of sentences -- Dragoon saddles -- Cavalry orders -- Provision scarcity. 148
To Governor Jonathan Trumbull, March 25
Recruiting -- Starvation -- Money value. 150
To Major General Nathanael Greene, March 26
Defects of supply system -- Aid for the South. 151
To the President of Congress, March 26
Estimate of provision needed -- Congress's requisition inadequate -- No means of making good a deficiency in the supply -- Such power should be conferred -- Transportation difficulties -- Need of a central authority -- Need of green pasturage. 152
To Daniel Putnam, March 26
General Putnam's health. 157
To Major General Nathanael Greene, March 26
Aid for the -- south Means of moving the army. 157
To Royal Flint, March 26
Supplies. 158
To John Trumbull, March 26
Certificate of his services. 159
Circular to the States, March 26
Specific supply act of Congress. 159
General Orders, March 26 160
General Orders, March 27 162
To Brigadier General Louis Le Beque du Portail, March 27
To go to Charleston. 163
To the President of Congress, March 27
Du Portail ordered south. 163
Council of War, March 27 164
To Colonel Stephen Moylan, March 27
Clothing and accoutrements. 167
To Nehemiah Hubbard, March 27
Dragoon accoutrements from the Board of War. 167
To Baron Von Knyphausen, March 27
Mr. Pintard's parole. 168
To the President of Congress, March 28
Indian raids -- Defeat of Spanish fleet off Gibraltar -- Voluntary enlistments and bounties. 169
To Major General William Heath, March 28
Need of recruits -- Clothing. 171
To Governor William Greene, March 28
His request for a Continental regiment. 172
To Major General Benedict Arnold, March 28
Troops for his marine expedition -- Leave of absence. 173
To Doctor Isaac Foster, March 28
Officers' clothing. 174
To Brigadier General Jedidiah Huntington, March 29
Recruiting in Connecticut -- Recruiting officers. 175
To Lieutenant Colonel Pierre Regnier, March 29
Certificate of service. 176
General Orders, March 29 176
To John Mitchell, March 30
Purchase of a chariot. 177
To Major General Benjamin Lincoln, March 30
Introducing Du Portail. 178
To the Board of War, March 30
Dragoons ordered south. 179
To John Mathews, March 30
Some derangement of the enemy's plans -- Reported arrivals of ships from the south -- An embarkation probable. 180
To Major General Robert Howe, March 30
Reenforcement for West Point -- Resignations. 181
To Brigadier General Poor, or Officer Commanding His Brigade, March 30
New Hampshire troops to move to West Point. 182
To Colonel Thaddeus Kosciuszko, March 30
Forwarding the Works at West Point -- Shoes. 182
To Lieutenant Colonel Ezra Newhall, March 30
Furloughs. 183
To the Commanding Officer of Lee's Corps, March 30
March south. 183
General Orders, March 31 184
To Philip Schuyler, March 31
Danger of writing private sentiments -- Anxiety on account of the southern operations -- Another embarkation of the enemy in progress. 185
To Colonel Seth Warner, March 31
Recruiting money -- Clothing. 187
To the President of Congress, March 31
Exchange commissioners at Amboy -- Intelligence of the Minister of France -- Negotiations opened on the suggestion -- The information erroneous -- The Convention prisoners -- Advantage to the British of an exchange. 188
Formation of the Continental Army Under the Immediate Comd. of the Comr. in Chief for the Campaign of 1780 190
To the Board of Treasury, April 1
Proof of enlistment terms. 192
To Major General Robert Howe, April 1
Poor's brigade for West Point. 193
To Lieutenant Colonel Benjamin Temple, April 1
His transfer -- Visit to Virginia -- Recruiting. 193
To Mrs. Mary Auchmuty, April 1
Mr. Auchmuty's permission to go into New York. 194
Council of War, April 1 195
To President Joseph Reed, April 1
Memorial of officers. 196
General Orders, April 1 196
General Orders, April 2 196
To the President of Congress, April 2
British to push operations in the south -- Weak condition of the American Army -- Movement of troops as a threat -- Detachment proposed for the south -- Route and suggestions. 197
To Major General Nathanael Greene, April 2
Detachment for the south -- Arrangement necessary. 200
To Major General Arthur St. Clair, April 2
Exchange negotiation -- Governor Hamilton -- Violators of parole -- Chaplains. 201
To Baron Steuben, April 2
His propositions for the arrangement of the Army -- Present crisis perplexing beyond description -- Situation of the additional regiments -- Anxiety for affairs at the south -- Detachments for the south -- Gloomy prospects -- French minister's visit to camp. 202
To Baron de Kalb, April 2
To go to the south. 205
To Brigadier General Mordecai Gist, April 2
Troops to be in readiness to march. 205
To Brigadier General Jedidiah Huntington, April 3
Recruiting expenses. 206
To Colonel Elias Dayton, April 3
Payment for provisions seized. 206
To the President of Congress, April 3
Corps unconnected with State lines -- Their anomalous condition -- If no provision can be made, they may be dissolved, and incorporated with State regiments -- Results if their present state is neglected -- General situation of the Army -- At no time has dissatisfaction been more general or alarming -- Specific supplies -- Patriotic virtue of officers and men have alone preserved the Army from dissolution -- Different treatment of the crisis by the States -- Evil effects -- Further discriminations to be made -- General plan needed. 207
General Orders, April 3 212
To the Board of War, April 3
Mode of obtaining supplies -- Signals for vessels. 212
General Orders, April 4 214
To Baron de Kalb, April 4
To take charge of the troops to march south. 215
To John Beatty, April 4
Major Harnage and Captain Hawker. 216
To Deputy Governor Jebez Bowen, April 4
Intelligence from Bilboa. 216
To Governor Jonathan Trumbull, April 4
Recruiting -- Completion of quota. 217
To Juan de Miralles, April 4
Sailing of British expedition. 218
To Colonel Stephen Moylan, April 5
Doctor Shippen's court-martial. 219
To Colonel Azariah Dunham, April 5
Alarming state of the meat supply. 219
To Governor George Clinton, April 5
Posting of the militia. 220
General Orders, April 5 211
To Cornet Peregrine Fitzhugh, April 5
His exchange. 222
General Orders, April 6 222
To the President of Congress, April 7
British detachment sailed from New York -- Its destination. 226
To the Board of War, April 7
Alarming state of provision supply. 227
To Colonel Zebulon Butler, April 7
Indian raid at Wyoming. 228
To Colonel Ephraim Blaine, April 7
Lack of meat. 229
To Colonel Azariah Dunham, April 7
Lack of provisions. 230
To Captain Bernard Ward, April 7
His wife and goods. 230
To Abraham Skinner, April 7
Nicholas Dean. 231
To Governor Richard Caswell, April 7
Depository of specific supplies. 231
General Orders, April 7 232
General Orders, April 8 233
To John Mitchell, April 8
The chariots. 233
To the Board of War, April 9
Captain McLane's promotion -- Major Lee's plan -- Deserters. 234
To Sir James Jay, April 9
Need of liquid for secret writing. 237
To Colonel James Wood, April 9
Conduct of British officers -- Their request. 237
To the Officer Commanding Lee's Corps, April 9
To march for South Carolina at once. 238
To President Joseph Reed, April 9
Places of deposit of specific supplies. 239
General Orders, April 9 239
General Orders, April 10 240
To the President of Congress, April 10
Admiral Rodney's victory. 241
To William Ellery, April 10
A regiment to be stationed in Rhode Island. 241
To Brigadier General Jedidiah Huntington, April 10
Prisoners to be sent into New York. 242
To Brigadier General Henry Knox, April 10
Artillery to accompany Maryland troops. 243
To Samuel Allison, April 10
His complaint. 243
To Brigadier General Mordecai Gist, April 10
March of the Maryland troops. 244
To Major William Perkins, April 10
Removal of cannon and ordnance stores. 244
To the Commanding Officer of Lee's Corps, April 10
Samuel Allison's complaint. 245
To Lund Washington, April 11
Chancery suit with James Mercer -- Papers, etc. 246
To Colonel Goose Van Schaick, April 11
An enlisted slave. 247
General Orders, April 11 248
General Orders, April 12 249
To Major General Nathanael Greene, April 12
Colonel Gunby's demand for a wagon. 250
To Brigadier General Samuel Holden Parsons, April 12
Clothing. 250
To Henry Champion, April 12
Distress of the Army for meat -- Requests his aid. 251
To President Joseph Reed, April 12
Places of deposit of specific supplies. 252
To Governor George Clinton, April 12
Indian raids -- Militia to protect the frontiers. 253
To Colonel Christopher Greene, April 12
Disapproval of a court-martial sentence. 254
General Orders, April 13 255
To Major General Robert Howe, April 13
Alarm signals -- British fleet -- Fascines and gabions -- March of Massachusetts recruits -- Expenses of recruiting officers. 255
To Major General Robert Howe, April 13
Rumor of Washington going south -- Howe's wish to go. 257
To Major Henry Lee, April 13
Delay in his march -- Court-martial of a prisoner. 258
To John Mercereau, April 13
Secret service arrangements. 259
General Orders, April 14 260
General Orders, April 15 260
To Governor Thomas Jefferson, April 15
Clothing for the Virginia troops. 262
To Major General Benjamin Lincoln, April 15
The expedition against St. Augustine -- Clinton's arrival in South Carolina -- Advices from New York point to a further embarkation -- Solicitude for Charleston De Kalb sent with troops to his assistance -- Specific supplies. 263
To Governor John Rutledge, April 15 265
To the Magistrates of New Jersey, April 15
Their readiness to aid -- Distress of the Army for food -- Need of teams -- Embarrassments from depreciated currency. 266
To Jonathan Williams, April 15
Thanks for wine. 267
To Brigadier General Jedidiah Huntington, April 16
Intelligence. 267
General Orders, April 16 268
General Orders, April 17 268
To the President of Congress, April 17
March of Maryland troops south The Penobscot expedition impracticable -- Need of a fleet. 269
To the President of Congress, April 17
Artillery ordered south -- Rank in the artillery -- State artillery in South Carolina. 272
To Major General William Heath, April 17
Recruiting officers -- Expenses -- Enlistment details -- Continental bounty -- Marine captures. 274
To Brigadier General Henry Knox, April 17
Blank cartridges. 276
To the Board of War, April 18
Artillery arrangement. 277
To Major General Benjamin Lincoln, April 18
Employment of Chevalier Dubuysson. 279
To Brigadier General Jedidiah Huntington, April 18
Shoes and shirts. 279
To Colonel Stephen Moylan, April 18
Major Bull -- Cavalry supplies at Springfield. 280
To Colonel Elisha Sheldon, April 18
Lack of recruiting money -- Bounty to officers -- Cavalry equipment. 280
General Orders, April 18 281
To Ezekiel Cheever, April 18
Cavalry equipment. 282
To James Bull, April 18
Clothing for dragoons. 283
General Orders, April 19 283
To Brigadier General Jedidiah Huntington, April 19
Service of the militia horse. 284
To Governor William Livingston, April 19
Captain Craig's militia horse. 284
General Orders, April 20 285
To Brigadier General Peter Muhlenberg
Rendezvous for recruits and drafts -- General directions. 285
To Brigadier General Jedidiah Huntington, April 20
Escort for the French Minister. 287
To Colonel William Davies, April 20
Arrangement of officers gone south -- Deputy adjutant generalcy -- Collecting recruits -- Pay of Virginia officers. 288
To Colonel James Wood, April 20
Court-martial sentences. 290
General Orders, April 21 290
To Colonel Alexander Scammell, April 21
Colonel Dayton's regiment. 291
To Doctor William Brown, April 22
The sick at Petersburg. 291
General Orders, April 22 292
To Major John Burrowes, April 22
Flour guard. 292
To Lucas Van Beaverhout, April 22
His invitation. 293
To Nicholas Cruger, April 22
His request. 293
To Brigadier General Jedidiah Huntington, April 23
His visit to camp. 293
To the Board of War, April 23
Sale of boats and tar -- Tents for Colonel Brodhead. 294
General Orders, April 23 295
General Orders, April 24 295
General Orders, April 25 296
General Orders, April 26 297
To James Bowdoin, April 26
Constitution of Massachusetts. 298
To Lieutenant Colonel John Laurens, April 26
The loss of the bar involves the loss of the town and garrison of South Carolina -- A British embarkation for the south -- Intentions of the enemy -- Washington cannot come south. 298
To Chevalier de La Luzerne, April 26
Miralles's illness. 301
To Colonel Goose Van Schaick, April 27
Indian ravages -- Maryland and Delaware men to be forwarded south. 301
To Major John Burrowes, April 27
Wagons for moving stores. 302
To the Board of War, April 27
Captains Schott's and Selin's companies. 302
To Abraham Skinner, April 27
Exchange of Captain Fitzrandolph. 302
To Chevalier de La Luzerne, April 27
Condition of: Miralles. 303
To Governor Jonathan Trumbull, April 27
Artillery recruiting. 303
To Major Moses Knapp, April 27
Reenlistments into artillery and cavalry. 304
To Governor William Livingston, April 27
Exchange matters -- Colonel Billop and Captain Fitzrandolph. 304
General Orders, April 27 305
To Major General Benjamin Lincoln, April 28
Anxiety for Charleston -- Sailing of a British fleet from New York -- Maryland troops marching south. 306
To Major General Robert Howe, April 28
Distresses of the Army -- A demonstration against the enemy -- Fascines and gabions -- Supplies for the main Army not to be diverted -- State of the arsenals. 308
To President Joseph Reed, April 28
Difficulty in collecting the specific supplies -- Representation of Pennsylvania field officers -- Enlistments and drafts -- Provision for officers -- Making good the losses through depreciation of the currency. 309
To the President of Congress, April 28
Death of Miralles. 312
To the President of Congress, April 28
Colonel Ward's appointment as Commissary of Prisoners. 313
General Orders, April 28 313
General Orders, April 29 314
General Orders, April 30 315
To Colonel John Bailey, April 30
Resignation. 316
To Governor Diego José de Navarro, April 30
Death of Miralles. 316
To James W. Watson, May 1
Purchase of rum and hay -- Places of deposit. 317
To Captain Jeremiah Ballard, May 1
Flour at Brunswick. 318
General Orders, May 1 318
General Orders, May 2 319
To Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Hamilton, May 2
Letter from Doctor Gordon. 320
To Baron Steuben, May 2
Appointment of Washington's nephew. 320
To Brigadier General Henry Knox, May 2
Deficiencies in ordnance department. 321
General Orders, May 3 321
To Reverend William Gordon, May 3
Hamilton's answer -- Charges -- European assistance -- Congress' plan of finance. 322
To Abraham Skinner, May 3
Exchange of Lieutenant Colonel Connolly. 323
General Orders, May 4 324
To the Board of War, May 4
Exchange of Lieutenant Colonels Ramsay and Connolly. 325
To Brigadier General Jedidiah Huntington, May 4
Expected move of British. 326
To Brigadier General Jedidiah Huntington, May 4
Unnecessary to march. 326
To Henry Champion, May 4
Arrival of cattle. 327
To Governor Thomas Sim Lee, May 4
Exchange of officers. 327
To David Finney, May 5
Thanks for dimity. 328
To the President of Congress, May 5
French reenforcements at Martinique -- Agent for prisoners -- Money needed for the military chest -- John Paul Jones. 329
To the Board of War, May 5
Massachusetts subaltern arrangement. 331
To Major General Robert Howe, May 5
Major Bauman's experiments -- Gloomy prospects of meat -- Flour -- Colonel Gouvion -- News from the south. 332
To Chevalier de La Luzerne, May 5
His visit to camp. 334
To Barbé Marbois, May 5
His visit to camp. 335
To Fielding Lewis, May 5 336
General Orders, May 5 336
To Brigadier General Jedidiah Huntington, May 6
Conduct of Brigade Major McCormick. 336
General Orders, May 6 337
To Major William Perkins, May 6
Removal of ordnance and stores from Rhode Island. 338
To Deputy Governor Jabez Bowen, May 6
Removal of stores. 338
General Orders, May 7 339
General Orders, May 8 339
To the Board of War, May 8
Muskets and bayonets. 339
To Brigadier General Jedidiah Huntington, May 8
Major Troup's conduct. 340
To Isaac Woodruff, May 8
Infringement of the civil power. 340
To Marquis de Lafayette, May 8
Escort -- Safe arrival. 341
To Colonel Elisha Sheldon, May 8
Captain Hoogland's claim. 341
To Major Lemuel Trescott, May 9
Strength of British at Bull's Ferry. 342
General Orders, May 9 342
To Major General Robert Howe, May 9
Success against Delancey's detachment. 343
To Major John Burrowes, May 10
Move to Connecticut Farms. 344
To Brigadier General Jedidiah Huntington, May 10
Mr. Smith to go into New York -- Preservation of Mrs. Livingston's gardens. 344
To John Adam, May 10
Beef and flour for Lieutenant Colonel Antill. 345
General Orders, May 10 345
To Henry Champion, May 10
Non-arrival of cattle. 347
To Captain Bartholomew von Heer, May 11
Forwarding his troop. 347
To Chevalier de La Luzerne, May 11
Honors paid Miralles -- Arrival of Lafayette. 347
General Orders, May 11 348
To Francis Lewis, May 12
Thanks for lemons. 348
General Orders, May 12 349
To Sir James Jay, May 12
Medicine -- Elaboratory -- Major Beauman's experiments. 350
General Orders, May 13 351
To the President of Congress, May 13
Marquis de Lafayette. 351
To the President of Congress, May 13
Intelligence. 352
To Francis Lewis, May 13
Thanks for wine. 352
To James Duane, May 13
To complete the Confederation a desirable object -- Fate of Charleston -- Huger's misfortune -- Consternation in New York. 353
To Brigadier General Jedidiah Huntington, May 13
To march to camp. 355
To Lieutenant Colonel Udny Hay, May 13
Sir James Jay's experiments. 355
To Joseph Jones, May 14
Arrival of Lafayette -- Finances -- Need of a committee of Congress near Headquarters -- Advantages. 356
To James Duane, May 14
Arrival of Lafayette -- Finances -- Need of a committee near Headquarters -- Advantages. 358
To the Board of Treasury, May 14
Supply of specie. 358
To Chevalier de La Luzerne, May 14
French fleet in the West Indies. 359
General Orders, May 14 359
To Major General Heath, May 15
Expectation of a French armament -- The primary object of our allies is the destruction of Halifax -- Information wanted -- Spies should be sent to that place and Penobscot. 360
To Major General Benjamin Lincoln, May 15
Hopes for Charleston -- Arrival of Lafayette -- French armament. 362
To Major General Robert Howe, May 15
British forage in Bergen -- Pickets, gabions, and fascines. 363
To Lieutenant Colonel Udny Hay, May 15 364
To Colonel Christopher Greene, May 15
Making fascines. 365
To Major Lemuel Trescott, May 15
Intelligence. 365
To Brigadier General Jedidiah Huntington, May 15
To remain where he is -- Troops to be in readiness to move. 366
To James Bowdoin, May 15
Letter for Heath -- Information of Halifax needed -- Strength of the Army. 366
To Governor Thomas Jefferson, May 15
The expected arrival of a French fleet -- Signals -- Introducing Major Galvan, who goes to Cape Henry. 367
General Orders, May 15 369
To Marquis de Lafayette, May 16
First object of cooperation to reduce New York Reasons fur proceeding immediately to Sandy Hook -- Possession of the harbor indispensables -- British attempt to obstruct the entrance -- Ultimate plan -- Messages for the French -- The Count de Guichen should be induced to come to America. 369
To Brigadier General William Maxwell, May 16
Works for Maxwell's position. 373
To Colonel Goose Van Schaick, May 16
Fire at Fort Schuyler. 374
General Orders, May 16 374
To Major William Galvan, May 16
To meet the French fleet at Cape Henry. 375
To Governor John Rutledge, May 16
Letter for General Lincoln -- Arrival of French fleet The New York objective -- Aid for Charleston -- Contingencies. 375
General Orders, May 17 377
To Brigadier General William Woodford, May 17
His arrival at Charleston. 378
To the President of Congress, May 17
Fleury's furlough. 378
To Colonel Elias Dayton, May 17
Sailing of a British fleet. 379
To Lieutenant Colonel Udny Hay, May 17
Platform plank. 379
General Orders, May 18 380
To Lord Stirling, May 18
Question of an enlistment for the war. 381
To Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, May 18
Aid for Charleston -- State of finance -- Inexpediency of attempting further relief -- Resuming his command in the Army. 381
To Colonel Clement Biddle, May 18
His resignation -- Value of his services. 383
To Governor George Clinton, May 18
Coming of a French fleet -- Men and supplies needed -- Need of the troops at Fort Schuyler. 383
To the President of Congress, May 19
Letters for Governor Rutledge and General Lincoln -- Troops sailed from New York. 385
To Lord Stirling, May 19
Position of Maxwell's brigade. 385
To Marquis de Lafayette, May 19
Proclamation for Canadians -- Suggestions -- Pilots for the French fleet -- Something for the savages. 386
To Brigadier General William Maxwell, May 19
His position -- Punishment for inducing soldiers to desert. 388
To Colonel Goose Van Schaick, May 19
Troops left at Fort Schuyler. 389
To Major Benjamin Tallmadge, May 19
The Culpers. 390
To Governor Jonathan Trumbull, May 19
French armament coming -- Fresh provisions and vegetables needed on its arrival -- News from the south. 390
To Lund Washington, May 19
The Mercer business -- Consciousness of duty done -- Help of Providence. 391
To Vicomte de la Touche-Tréville, May 19
Wishes for his success. 392
To Vicomte de la Touche-Tréville, May 19
British naval force at New York -- Possible plans of action. 393
General Orders, May 19 395
General Orders, May 20 395
To Marquis de Lafayette, May 20
Dispatches -- Mr. Holker -- Committee from Congress -- Priors for Cape Henry. 396
To Major Henry Lee, May 20
Halt of his troops. 397
To Colonel Elias Dayton, May 20
Destination of the British fleet. 397
To Philip Schuyler, May 21
Where can the enemy be attacked to the greatest advantage? -- In the south or at New York, and in case of a junction of their force -- What force should be asked of the States -- Questions connected with an operation against New York. 398
General Orders, May 21 400
To Major Thomas Lloyd Moore, May 22
Attempt on Bull's Ferry. 401
General Orders, May 22 402
To Brigadier General William Maxwell, May 23
French fleet reported off the Jersey coast -- Colonel Gimat. 402
To Jeremiah Wadsworth, May 23
Chevalier de Fayolle's mission. 403
To Governor William Greene, May 23
Coming of a French fleet -- Chevalier Fayolle's mission. 403
General Orders, May 23 404
To Governor George Clinton, May 23 -- 24
Frontier distress -- Troops at Fort Schuyler -- Subsistence difficulty -- Half-allowance -- Exertions of States necessary -- Massachusetts to furnish troops for the frontier -- Provision scarcity at Fort Schuyler -- Condition of the army -- Magazines. 405
General Orders, May 24 407
To the Committee of Cooperation, May 24
Powers vested by Congress in the Committee. 408
To Colonel Goose Van Schaick, May 24
Apprehensions of the frontier -- Militia -- Supply of the garrison of Fort Schuyler. 409
To the Officer of General Maxwell's Brigade, May 24
To accompany Colonel Gimat. 410
To Doctor James Craik, May 24
French fleet and army expected -- Hospital to be established at Providence -- General directions. 410
To Governor William Greene, May 24
Introducing Captain Rochefontaine. 411
To Major General Robert Howe, May 25
Difficulty in digesting a plan of campaign -- Howe's employment -- Fascines, gabions, and scantling. 412
To Major General Nathanael Greene, May 25
Horses for the French army. 413
To Major General Robert Howe, May 25
Unable to relieve distress of troops -- Meat shortage -- Flour stopped for lack of transportation -- Everything almost at a stand -- Fascines and gabions -- News of the enemy -- Resignations in the Massachusetts line. 413
To Colonel Goose Van Schaick, May 25
Supplies for Fort Schuyler -- State of the magazines. 415
To Major General Alexander McDougall, May 25
To remain where he is. 416
To the Committee of Cooperation, May 25
The Committee's circular letter to the State, -- Unless its recommendations are adopted, it will be impossible to cooperate with any reasonable prospect of success -- Consequences of failure -- Importance of filling the battalions -- A regularly organized force needed -- Militia too uncertain -- Drafting the only efficacious means of getting men. 416
To Governor William Greene, May 25
Introducing Doctor Craik -- Hospital for the French. 419
To Governor George Clinton, May 25
Flour for Fort Schuyler -- Unhappy state of finances. 420
To Mrs. Nicholas Hoffman, May 25
Refusal of her request. 421
General Orders, May 25 422
General Orders, May 26 422
To Major General Nathanael Greene, May 26
Boats at Providence. 423
To Colonel Return Jonathan Meigs, May 26
Suppression of mutiny. 424
To Henry Champion, May 26
Distress for meat. 424
To Lieutenant Colonel Udny Hay, May 26
Flour for Fort Schuyler. 425
To Governor Jonathan Trumbull, May 26
Mutiny from want of meat -- Begs that relief be hastened. 425
To Colonel Ephraim Blaine, May 27
District of troops for meat. 426
To Colonel Clement Biddle, May 27
His resignation Expected arrival of the French -- Begs him to remain in office. 426
To the Board of War, May 27
Lack of meat -- Mutiny of troops -- Cattle must be forwarded. 427
To the President of Congress, May 27
Army reduced to an extremity for want of meat -- Mutiny in the Connecticut line -- Distress at West Point and Fort Schuyler -- Frontier threatened -- Advices from Canada -- New York troops to be sent to Albany -- Lack of provisions -- Mutiny -- Complaints of the troops -- Depreciated pay -- A British address to the American Army. 428
General Orders, May 27 432
General Orders, May 28 433
To President Joseph Reed, May 28
Every idea of the distress of the Army will fall short of the reality -- Indifference and insensibility of the country -- The address to the States by the Committee -- The present is the most decisive moment -- Assistance from France -- The last campaign and its lessons -- Maritime strength of England compared with those of France and Spain -- A powerful marine depends on an extensive commerce -- The creation of a fleet by France -- The longest purse will win -- Financial position of Great Britain -- That of France and Spain -- Spain divided on the war -- Aid of France will ruin us if we will not meet the emergency -- Dependence on Pennsylvania -- General situation as respects supplies -- Wishes Pennsylvania legislature would vest Reed with plenipotentiary powers. 434
To Brigadier General William Maxwell, May 28
Postponement of fortification building -- Recommends change of location of his troops -- Fascines -- Suspicious cattle purchase -- Mr. Norton to come out from New York. 440
To Major General Robert Howe, May 28
New York brigade to go to the frontier. 442
To Solomon Southwick, May 28
Distress for meat -- Salt beef. 442
To Governor George Clinton, May 28
New York brigade ordered to Albany. 443
To the Board of Admiralty, May 29
Captain Van Dyke's case -- Recommends him for appointment of captain in the Marines. 443
To Colonel Elias Dayton, May 29
Intercourse with New York must be stopped -- Rules for flagboats. 445
To the Board of Treasury, May 29
French expedition -- Services of Colonel Biddle -- His accounts. 446
To Colonel Clement Biddle, May 29
Forage supply -- Trenton a place for deposit. 447
General Orders, May 29 448
To Brigadier General James Clinton, May 30
Sir John Johnson's expedition from Canada -- Fort Schuyler -- His brigade to go to Albany -- From thence according to Clinton's discretion -- Provision for Fort Schuyler -- Provisions for his troops. 448
To Major General Robert Howe, May 30
Guard for Lafayette's baggage. 450
General Orders, May 30 451
General Orders, May 31 452
To Joseph Jones, May 31
Congress should have greater powers -- We can no longer drudge on in the old way -- Always working up hill -- One army branching into thirteen -- General Weeden. 452
To the President of Congress, May 31
Surrender of Charleston. 454
To the President of Congress, May 31
Introducing Colonel Sherburne. 455
To the Committee of Cooperation, May 31
Essential to know the resources of the country before acting -- Force of men required -- Quantity of provisions and supplies -- British force at New York -- Allied fore -- Provisions needed -- States to be called upon for definite aids -- A call for militia may prejudice recruiting the Continental battalions -- A perfect understanding essential. 455
To Major General Nathanael Greene, May 31
Preparations for campaign -- Boats, etc. -- Misleading the enemy -- Artillery and engineering articles wanted. 459
To Colonel Christopher Greene, May 31
Capital court-martial case. 461
To Colonel Elias Dayton, May 31
News in Rivington's paper -- Warns against the enemy. 461
To President Jeremiah Powell, May 31
Massachusetts acts -- Pardon for deserters. 462
To Major General Robert Howe, June 1
Surrender of Charleston and return of Sir Henry Clinton to New York -- Defense of West Point -- Flour and salt meat -- Collection of cattle. 463
To Jeremiah Wadsworth, June 1
Apprehension for West Point. 464
To Governor Jonathan Trumbull, June 1
Fall of Charleston -- Return of Sir Henry Clinton to New York -- Flour and salt meat for West Point -- Cattle supply must be kept up -- Fascines and gabions. 464
General Orders, June 1 466
General Orders, June 2 467
To Major General William Heath, June 2
French fleet expected at Rhode Island -- Hospital -- Heath to go to Rhode Island. 467
Circular to the States, June 2
Committee's letter -- Militia and recruits needed -- State quotas -- Rendezvous -- Filling the regiments. 468
To Baron von Knyphausen, June 2
Commissary of prisoners authorized -- Lewis Pintard. 470
To Major General Nathanael Greene, June 3
Establishment of expresses between headquarters and Rhode Island. 471
General Orders, June 3 472
To Major General Robert Howe, June 3
Transportation of flour. 472
To Major General Horatio Gates, June 4
Will he join the Army. 473
To Colonel Elisha Sheldon, June 4
Clothing -- Dragoons for duty on the lines. 473
To Major Jeremiah Talbot, June 4
Guard of stores on the road. 474
To Captain Moses Ashley, June 4
His promotion. 474
To Abraham Skinner, June 4
Hessian officers to go into New York, also the son of Doctor Connolly. 475
To Major General Benedict Arnold, June 4
Printing the proclamation to the Canadians -- Secrecy. 476
General Orders, June 4 476
General Orders, June 5 477
To Major General Robert Howe, June 5 477
To James Duane, June 5
Promotion of Captain McLean -- Surrender of Charleston. 478
To the Board of War, June 5
Complaint against Colonel Weltner -- Captain-Lieutenant Godfrey's sentence -- His value to the elaboratory. 480
To Chevalier de La Luzerne, June 5
Expressions of good-will -- Appreciation of his services. 481
To John Augustine Washington, June 6 482
Council of War, June 6 482
General Orders, June 6 485
General Orders, June 7 486
General Orders, June 7 486
To Major Jeremiah Talbot or Officer Commanding at Paramus, June 7
Advance of British at Elizabethtown -- Militia -- Orders. 487
To Lord Stirling, June 7
British advance -- Militia alarm. 488
To the Board of War, June 8
Halt of Major Lee's corps. 488
General Orders, June 8 489
To Lord Stirling, June 8
Movement of troops to meet the enemy. 490
To Lord Stirling, June 8
Washington's position -- General instructions. 490
General Orders, June 9 491
To Brigadier General Nathaniel Heard, June 9
British probable movement -- Videttes. 492
To the President of Congress, June 10
British advance to Springfield -- Opposition to them -- Enemy retired to Elizabethtown -- His vandalism -- Militia. 493
To Major General Robert Howe, June 10
West Point the capital object of attention -- Incursion of Knyphausen into New Jersey -- Inexplicable conduct -- Skirmishing -- The posts on the Hudson may be the object. 494
To Brigadier General James Clinton, June 10
His movement beyond Albany -- His return to West Point. 496
Answers to De Corny, June 10
On the coming cooperation with the French. 496
To Governor Jonathan Trumbull, June 10
Introducing De Corny -- Supplies for the French. 499
To Lieutenant Governor Pierre Van Cortlandt, June 10
Retreat of Sir John Johnson -- Return of Clinton's brigade to West Point -- British advance at Elizabethtown. 500
To President Caesar Rodney, June 10
Appointment of ensigns. 501
General Orders, June 10 502
General Orders, June 11 503
To Colonel Clement Biddle, June 11
Impress of forage. 504
To the Committee of Cooperation, June 11
Pressure on the States -- Knyphausen in New Jersey -- Intentions of British Spirited actions of New Jersey Militia -- Absolute need of a permanent force -- These ideas should be held up clearly to the States. 504
To Jeremiah Wadsworth, June 11
His exertions -- The situation -- Arms and recruits -- British advance into Jersey. 506
To Major Henry Lee, June 11
His rapid march. 508
To Governor Jonathan Trumbull, June 11
Salt provision for West Point -- Trumbull's zeal -- Need of exertions to cooperate with the French -- British advance into Jersey -- Their intention -- Ravages -- Need of men -- Condolence. 509
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