9101General Orders, 1 October 1775 (Washington Papers)
The Colonels and commanding Officers of Corps, are upon application from the Qr Mr General, immediately to employ under his direction, all the Carpenters in their several regiments, to erect barracks for the Regiments and Corps they respectively belong to. Lieut. Cummings of Capt. Dow’s Company in Col. Prescots regiment, tried at a General Court martial, whereof Colo. Hitchcock was presdt for...
9102From George Washington to Samuel Washington, 1 October 1775 (Washington Papers)
I have understood from a Letter which Genl Gates has receivd, that you had thoughts of purchasing a Mill from Mr Jacob Hite —Let me Intreat you to consider the Matter well before you bargain—I have understood that this is a very expensive piece of Work—that the Dam has already gone off once or twice &, independently of this, the Work, from the extensiveness of them, is, & must be, costly—To...
9103General Orders, 2 October 1775 (Washington Papers)
Varick transcript , DLC:GW .
9104From George Washington to Lund Washington, 2 October 1775 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Lund Washington, 2 Oct. 1775. On 29 Oct. Lund Washington wrote to GW : “On Sunday last I got three Letters from you dated the 2d 7th and 9th of Octbr.”
9105General Orders, 3 October 1775 (Washington Papers)
Any Officer, non Commission’d Officer, or Soldier, who shall hereafter be detected playing at Toss-up, pitch & hustle, or any other Games of chance, in, or near the Camp or Villages bordering on the encampments; shall without delay be confined and punished for disobedience of orders. Doctor Isaac Foster, to take the direction and superintendency of the General Hospital, until further orders,...
9106General Orders, 4 October 1775 (Washington Papers)
The General approves the Sentence of the General Court Martial, inserted in Yesterday’s Order, and directs that Ensign Proctor, be mulct’d one Month’s pay, and the prisoner John Gallop of Capt. Williams Company, in Col. Patterson’s regiment, punished with Fifteen Lashes, on the bare-back, at the time, and place the Colonel of the regiment shall think proper, and the Value of the Gun stopt out...
9107Instructions to Colonel John Glover and Stephen Moylan, 4 October 1775 (Washington Papers)
His Excelly having resolved to equip two armed Vessels has impowired you to negotiate this Business in which the followg Directions are to be observed. Copy in Joseph Reed’s writing, DLC:GW ; Varick transcript , DLC:GW . Although Reed’s copy has no dateline, it is endorsed “Octr 4th 1775.” The Varick transcript includes the closing, “I am, Gentn Your Most Obt Servt G. Washington.” GW left much...
9108From George Washington to Captain Daniel Morgan, 4 October 1775 (Washington Papers)
I write you in Consequence of Information I have received that you & the Captains of the Rifle Companies on the Detachment agt Quebeck claim an Exemption from the Command of all the Field Officers e[x]cept Col. Arnold. I understand this Claim is founded upon some Expression [of] mine, but if you understood me in this Way, you are much mistaken in my meaning. My Intention is and ever was that...
9109From George Washington to Major General Philip Schuyler, 4 October 1775 (Washington Papers)
Your Favor of the 20th Ult: came safely to Hand, and I should have dispatched the Express much sooner, but Colo. Arnold’s Expedition is so connected with your operations that I thought it most proper to detain him till I could give you the fullest account of his progress. This Morning the Express I sent him returned and the Inclosure No. 1. is a Copy of his Letter to me. No. 2. is a Copy of a...
9110General Orders, 5 October 1775 (Washington Papers)
Lieut. Zachariah Walker tried at a General Court martial whereof Col. Varnum was presdt—for “Cowardice in the action upon Bunkers-hill the 17th of June last”—The Court on Consideration of the Evidence, are unanimously of opinion, that the prisoner is not guilty, of the charge against him—The General commands the prisoner to be instantly released. Varick transcript , DLC:GW . Walker served in...
9111Circular to the General Officers, 5 October 1775 (Washington Papers)
In a Letter from the General Congress dated 26th Sept., Information on the following Points is required. What Number of Men are sufficient for a Winters Campaign. Can the Pay of the Privates be reduced, & how much. What Rations should be allow’d The Men. What Regulations are further necessary for the Government of The Forces. To the above Queries of The Congress, I have to Add several of my...
9112From George Washington to Nicholas Cooke, 5 October 1775 (Washington Papers)
By an intelligent Person &c. (as in the preceding Letter) Your several Favours of 26. & 29. Septr were duly received—The Care of the Men respecting whom you request Direction in yours of the 29th I will consider of, as there are some Regulations forming in the Army of which I chuse to see the Result before I make any Disposition. you will therefore be pleased to have them employed in this...
9113From George Washington to John Hancock, 5 October 1775 (Washington Papers)
I was honoured with your Favour of the 26th ult: late the Night before last, and a Meeting of the General Officers having been called upon a Business which will make a considerable Part of this Letter, I took the Oppy of laying before them those Parts of yours which respect the Continuance, & new modelling the Army—the Fuel, Cloathing & other Preparations for the ensuing Winter. They have...
9114From George Washington to the New York Committee of Safety, 5 October 1775 (Washington Papers)
By an intellig⟨ent Person from⟩ Boston the 3d Instt, I am informed ⟨that a Fleet⟩ consisting of one 64 one 20 Gun ⟨Ships. 2 Sloops⟩ of 18 Guns: Two Transports with 60⟨0 Men were⟩ to sail from Boston as yesterday; t⟨heir Destination⟩ a profound Secret. That they took on ⟨board⟩ 2 Mortars, & 4 Howitzers with other Arti⟨llery calcu⟩lated for the Bombardment of a Town. ⟨I have⟩ thought it proper...
9115From George Washington to Robert Carter Nicholas, 5 October 1775 (Washington Papers)
Your favour of the 8th Ultimo came to my hands on the 2d Instant by Mr Byrd. I return you my sincere thanks for your kind congratulation on my Appointment to the honourable and important Post I now hold, by the suffrages of this great Continent. My heart will ever bear testimony of my gratitude, for the distinguished mark of honour which has been conferred on me by this Appointment; as it also...
9116From George Washington to the Portsmouth Committee of Safety, 5 October 1775 (Washington Papers)
I am to acknowledge the Receipt of your Favour of the 2d Instt informing me that the Ship Prince George Capt. Emms from Bristol to Boston with Flour for the Enemy by a Mistake of her Captain, & the spirited Conduct of some of the Inhabitants is now in your Possession. I cannot but consider this as a most providential Event, the State of this Army being alone defective in that Article. It would...
9117From George Washington to Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 5 October 1775 (Washington Papers)
By a Person from Boston the Day before yesterday we learn that a small Fleet consisting of a 64 Gun Ship a 20, 2 Sloops of 18 Guns. 2 Transports & about 600 Men sailed as yesterday. They took on Board 2 Mortars, 4 Howitzers & other Artillery from which we suspect they intend to bombard some Town on the Coast. General Gage is recalled Genl How commands in his Place. We have some late Accounts...
9118General Orders, 6 October 1775 (Washington Papers)
Varick transcript , DLC:GW .
9119From George Washington to the Massachusetts General Court, 6 October 1775 (Washington Papers)
On the 29th August I did myself the Honour of addressing you on the Complaint of the Quarter Master respecting Wood for the Army—The Recess of the House of Representatives prevented any Steps being taken upon it: I must now beg Leave to recall your Attention to my Letter of that Date as the Evil is increasing & more alarming as the Winter approaches. Little or no Wood is brought in & it is...
9120From George Washington to Major General Philip Schuyler, 6 October 1775 (Washington Papers)
I wrote you Yesterday of which the inclosed is a Copy. Since which I have been informed that your Illness has obliged you to quit the Army, and General Wooster as the Elder Brigadier, will take Rank and Command of Mr Montgomery—General Wooster I am informed is not of such Activity as to press thro’ Difficulties, with which that Service is particularly environ’d. I am therefore much alarmed for...
9121General Orders, 7 October 1775 (Washington Papers)
Lieut. Col. Abijah Brown tried at a late General Court martial, whereof Col. Hitchcock was presdt—for “endeavouring to defraud the Continent, in mustering two Soldiers, whom he at the same time employed in working upon his farm”—The Court having duly considered the evidence, are of opinion, that Lieut. Col. Brown is not guilty of any fraud, in endeavouring to have Harrington and Clarke...
9122From George Washington to Lund Washington, 7 October 1775 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Lund Washington, 7 Oct. 1775. On 29 Oct. Lund Washington wrote to GW : “On Sunday last I got three Letters from you dated the 2d 7th and 9th of Octbr.”
9123General Orders, 8 October 1775 (Washington Papers)
For the future the Adjutant General will send the Parole and Countersign, under a sealed cover, by the orderly Adjutant at Head Quarters, to the Majors of brigade, Scammell, Box, Cary, & Henly —They at Gun-firing in the evening, and not before; are to deliver the parole and Countersign, to the Adjutants of their respective brigades—The Adjutants are first to deliver the parole and Countersign,...
9124General Orders, 9 October 1775 (Washington Papers)
If any Negroe is found straggling after Taptoo beating about the Camp, or about any of the roads or Villages, near the encampments at Roxbury, or Cambridge; they are to be seized and confined until Sun-rise, in the Guard, nearest to the place where such Negroe is taken up. Varick transcript , DLC:GW .
9125From George Washington to Lund Washington, 9 October 1775 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Lund Washington, 9 Oct. 1775. On 29 Oct. Lund Washington wrote to GW : “On Sunday last I got three Letters from you dated the 2d 7th and 9th of Octbr.”
9126General Orders, 10 October 1775 (Washington Papers)
Varick transcript , DLC:GW .
9127General Orders, 11 October 1775 (Washington Papers)
Capt. Samuel Gridley of Col. Gridley’s Regiment of Artillery, tried at a late General Court Martial, whereof Colonel Bridge was president, for “Backwardness in the execution of his duty, and for Negligence in the care and discipline of his camp[”]—The Court upon mature Consideration of the evidence, examined in support of the Charge, are unanimously of Opinion, that no part of the Charge is...
9128General Orders, 12 October 1775 (Washington Papers)
Varick transcript , DLC:GW .
9129From George Washington to John Hancock, 12 October 1775 (Washington Papers)
I am honoured with your several Favours of the 26th, & 30th September, & 5th October. The Contents of which I shall beg Leave to notice in their respective Order. Previous to the Direction of Congress to consult the General Officers on the best Mode of continuing, & providing for the Army during the Winter, I had desired them to turn their Thoughts upon these Subjects, & to favour me with the...
9130From George Washington to Lund Washington, 12 October 1775 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Lund Washington, 12 Oct. 1775. On 29 Oct. Lund Washington wrote to GW : “Mr Milner came here on Fryday with a Letter from you dated the 12th.”
9131General Orders, 13 October 1775 (Washington Papers)
Lieut. Richard Woodward of Capt. Gridley’s Company, in Col. Gridleys Regiment of Artillery, tried at a late General Court martial, whereof Col. Woodbridge was president, for “Cowardice in the Action upon the 17th June last, and for mutiny” The Court were unanimously of opinion, that the Charge of Cowardice on the 17th of June last, is fully supported against the prisoner; and are also...
9132From George Washington to Nicholas Cooke, 13 October 1775 (Washington Papers)
I am favour’d with yours of the 10th & am Sorry it has so happened that the proposed Scheme of Intercepting the Enemy’s Ordnance Stores cannot have your Assistance. The Experience your Officers & Men have had by an earlier Attention to Sea Service would have made them very acceptable on the proposed Enterprize. The Fleet which sailed out of Boston a few Days ago & of which I apprized you the...
9133From George Washington to Richard Henry Lee, 13 October 1775 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Richard Henry Lee, 13 Oct. 1775. On 22 Oct. Lee wrote to GW : “I thank you for your obliging favor of the 13th.”
9134From George Washington to Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 13 October 1775 (Washington Papers)
Your favor of the 9th inst. has been duly received. The Fleet mentioned in mine of the 6th instant has been seen standing N.N.E. so that we presume it is destined against some town of this Province or New Hampshire, or possibly gone to Quebec —A Gentleman of character here from Canada assures me he will meet with no opposition there —I am sorry other avocations will deprive me of the pleasure...
9135From George Washington to John Augustine Washington, 13 October 1775 (Washington Papers)
Your favour of the 12th Ulto came safe to hand a few days ago; by it I gladly learnt that your Family were recover’d of the two complaints which had siezed many of them; and confind my Sister—I am very glad to hear also, that the Convention had come to resolutions of Arming the People, and preparing vigorously for the defence of the Colony; which, by the latest Accts from England will prove a...
9136From George Washington to Nathaniel Woodhull, 13 October 1775 (Washington Papers)
I am to thank you for your Favour of the 4th Instt inclosing the Advices from England of 26th July & 8th August. A few Days ago I apprized the Committee of New York of the sailing of a small Fleet from Boston with Artillery to bombard a Town. I did not then know that the Provincial Congress was setting or the Advice would have been directed to them. I now Sir, beg Leave to acquaint you that...
9137General Orders, 14 October 1775 (Washington Papers)
The General has seen, and approves the sentence, of the General Court Martial, held upon Lieut. Woodward of the Artillery; he orders it to take place immediately, and commands Lieut. Woodward to be dismissed the Camp. Varick transcript , DLC:GW .
9138General Orders, 15 October 1775 (Washington Papers)
One Sub., one serjt and twenty-five Rank & File from each of the four Brigades in the Lines, and in Cambridge, to parade to morrow morning at Sun-rise upon Cambridge Common, to cut Fire-wood for the army. The Qr Mr General or his deputy, will attend upon the common in Cambridge to give directions to the Officer commanding the party. A General Court Martial to sit on Wednesday Morng next, at...
9139From George Washington to the New Hampshire Committee of Safety, 15 October 1775 (Washington Papers)
I was yesterday favoured with yours of the 11th Instt wherein the Necessities of the Town of Portsmouth & the Garrison there for some Part of the late Capture of Flour are represented. Had I known their Situation, I should have made the Application unnecessary by directing Mr Moylan on the Subject. They have my chearful Consent to take what is necessary, but perhaps somewhat less than 600...
9140From George Washington to Lund Washington, 15 October 1775 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Lund Washington, 15 Oct. 1775. On 5 Nov. Lund Washington wrote to GW : “I have just reciev’d two letters from you Octbr 15th & 23d.”
9141General Orders, 16 October 1775 (Washington Papers)
Varick transcript , DLC:GW .
9142Instructions to Captains Nicholson Broughton and John Selman, 16 October 1775 (Washington Papers)
The Hon. Cont. Congress having received Intelligence that two North Country Brigantines of no Force sailed from England some Time ago for Quebec laden with 6000 Stand of Arms a large Quantity of Powder & other Stores —You are hereby directed to make all possible Dispatch for the River St Laurence & there to take such a Station as will best enable you to intercept the above Vessels. 2. You are...
9143General Orders, 17 October 1775 (Washington Papers)
The Quarter Master General will deliver to the Major of each Brigade, or his Order, Twenty great Coats for the use of the Centinels of each brigade: As the Brigade Major is to give his receipt for the same, he is to be answerable that they are regularly deliver’d from guard to guard. Lieut: Thomas Randell of the Regt of Artillery, tried at a late General Court Martial for “stabbing a matross...
9144Minutes of the Conference between a Committee of Congress, Washington, and Representatives of the New England Colonies … (Franklin Papers)
ADS : Library of Congress; three ADS , one incomplete: National Archives; incomplete DS : Massachusetts Historical Society As summer wore on into autumn, Washington’s troubles increased. His impromptu army was short of everything it needed, clothing, provisions, ammunition, and the money to buy them. Officers were disgruntled; privates threatened to mutiny if their wages were cut. Enlistments...
9145General Orders, 18 October 1775 (Washington Papers)
The General Court Martial ordered to sit this day, at Roxbury, is postponed until Friday morning next, at Nine ’OClock Brigadier Genl Thomas being obliged to attend this forenoon at Head quarters. Varick transcript , DLC:GW . John Thomas, who attended this day’s council of war at Cambridge, was president of Col. David Brewer’s court-martial. See General Orders, 15 Oct. 1775 . The following...
9146I. Questions for the Committee, 18 October 1775 (Washington Papers)
Several Clerks, and Issuing Commissaries, are necessarily Imployed undr the Commissary Genl—for which no Provision is made—several Assistant Quarter Masters are also Imployed in order to discharge the Duty—and a Clerk is, and all along has been, found necessary, to assist in the Office of the Adjutt General—What Pay should be allowed them? Six Vessells (Armed) are fitted, & now fitting out as...
9147General Orders, 19 October 1775 (Washington Papers)
Varick transcript , DLC:GW .
9148From George Washington to Major Christopher French, 19 October 1775 (Washington Papers)
Your Letter of the Inst. was duly received. Doctr Franklin the Chairman of the Committee of Safety of Philadelphia is now in Camp, & when the necessary Attention to Matters of greater Importance will Admit, I propose to make the proper Inquiries, & then will endeavour to Settle the Matter in Question in Such a Manner as I hope will be final & Satisfactory. In the Mean time I must acquaint you...
9149General Orders, 20 October 1775 (Washington Papers)
Varick transcript , DLC:GW .
9150From George Washington to Lieutenant Colonel Experience Storrs, 20 October 1775 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Lieutenant Colonel Experience Storrs, 20 Oct. 1775. In a letter of 23 Oct. to GW, Storrs writes : “In Compliance with your Exelencies Request of the 20th of this Instant I have Conferred with the Several Officers of this Regiment, Laid your Exelencies Letter before them for there Consideration.”