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.”
9151From George Washington to Major Benjamin Tupper, 20 October 1775 (Washington Papers)
Whereas Information has been given to me that two Vessels the one belonging to Holmes & the other to Coffin, both Persons of known Enmity to the United Colonies are now laying at Martha’s Vineyard, intending to proceed to Boston with their Cargoes for the Benefit & Refreshment of the ministerial Troops there—These are therefore to require you to seize the said Vessels, with their Cargoes, &...
9152General Orders, 21 October 1775 (Washington Papers)
The Officers of Col. Gridley’s regiment, and Major Crane’s Corps of Artillery, who are inclined to engage in the service of the United Colonies, for one Year from the day of the expiration of their present term of service, are to deliver in their Names and the Rank they now possess to the Adjutant General to morrow Morning at ten OClock; such as disincline to remain any longer in the service,...
9153General Orders, 22 October 1775 (Washington Papers)
The Deputies from the Honorable Continental Congress, having arrived in this camp; in order to confer with the General, the several Governors, of Rhode Island, & Connecticut, the Council of massachusetts bay, and the president and Convention of New Hampshire; on the continuing an Army for the Defence & support of America, and its Liberties; all Officers, who decline the further Service of...
9154General Orders, 23 October 1775 (Washington Papers)
Col: David Brewer of the 9th Regt of Foot, tried at a General Court Martial, whereof Brigdr Genl Thomas was president, for “procuring a Lieutenant’s Commission for his son, an unexperienced boy of 16, or 17 Years of Age, and returning him as in the public service from the 24th of April, and drawing his pay for the month of August; during all which time the said boy, was at home, in his fathers...
9155From George Washington to Lund Washington, 23 October 1775 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Lund Washington, 23 Oct. 1775. On 5 Nov. Lund Washington wrote to GW : “I have just reciev’d two letters from you Octbr 15th & 23d.”
9156General Orders, 24 October 1775 (Washington Papers)
The General approves the sentence of the General Court Martial, in yesterday’s orders. Varick transcript , DLC:GW .
9157From George Washington to Nicholas Cooke and Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 24 October 1775 (Washington Papers)
The inclosed Information, being of the highest Importance, I thought it proper to transmit it to you with all Dispatch. I am Sir yr mo. Ob. Servt LB , in Edmund Randolph’s writing, DLC:GW ; Varick transcript , DLC:GW . The letter-book copy is addressed to Cooke and is followed by a note reading “A Letter in the same Words was written to Governor Trumbull of Connecticut.” Trumbull’s letter book...
9158From George Washington to the Falmouth Committee of Safety, 24 October 1775 (Washington Papers)
The Desolation, and Misery, which ministerial Vengeance had planned, and, in Contempt of every Principle of Humanity, has been so lately brought on the Town of Falmouth, I know not, how Sufficiently to detest. Nor can my Compassion for the general Suffering, be Conceived beyond the true Measure of my Feelings. But my Readiness to relieve you, by complying with your Request, signified in your...
9159Agreement with John Fisk, 24 October 1775 (Washington Papers)
Articles of agreement between George Washington Esqr. Commander in Chief of the Continental Army, for himself and his successors in the said command, and John Fisk. Witness, That the said George Washington doth hereby bind himself, to receive of the said John Fisk, any Quantity of Powder not exceeding twenty Tons; for each Pound of which he engages to pay the said Fisk, four Shillings lawful...
9160From George Washington to John Hancock, 24 October 1775 (Washington Papers)
My Conjecture of the Destination of the late Squadron from Boston in my last has been unhappily verified by an Outrage exceeding in Barbarity & Cruelty every hostile Act practised among civilized Nations. I have inclosed the Account given me by Mr Jones a Gentleman of the Town of Falmouth of the Destruction of that increasing & flourishing Village. He is a very great Sufferer & informs me that...
9161From George Washington to Nathaniel Woodhull, 24 October 1775 (Washington Papers)
Your Favour of the 12th Instant I duly received, and thank you for inclosing Captain Thompsons Information. The Contents of the Deposition, now transmitted to you, are of such a Nature, that I thought, no Time should be lost in giving you the earliest Notice of them. I am Sir yr mo. obt Servt LB , in Edmund Randolph’s writing, DLC:GW ; Varick transcript , DLC:GW . Some member of GW’s staff...
9162General Orders, 25 October 1775 (Washington Papers)
Otway Byrd Esqr. is appointed to act as Aid-de-Camp to Major Genl Lee, during the Absence of Samuel Griffen Esqr. and is to be obeyed as such. For the future Peas and Beans are to be valued by the Commissary General at Six shillings, lawfull money a bushel. Varick transcript , DLC:GW . Byrd continued to serve Lee as an aide-de-camp after Griffin’s return.
9163From George Washington to Major Christopher French, 25 October 1775 (Washington Papers)
I now set down to give a final Answer to your Application respecting your Swords—Dr Franklin confirms what I before mentioned that the Priviledge claimed was no Part of the Stipulation made at Philadelphia, but passed without Discussion. Having made Inquiry I find the Rule with Regard to the Indulgence in Question is, that Prisoners do not wear their Swords. I therefore cannot approve of it,...
9164General Orders, 26 October 1775 (Washington Papers)
As several of the Officers have not yet signified their intentions respecting the requisitions contain’d in the orders of the 22nd Instant, and as the Nature of the Case will admit of no delay—The General directs, that every Officer in the army, do forthwith declare to his Colonel or Commanding Officer of the regt to which he belongs, whether he will, or will not continue in the service, until...
9165From George Washington to Major General Philip Schuyler, 26 October 1775 (Washington Papers)
Your several Favors of the 12th & 14th Instant came safely to Hand, though not in the proper Order of Time with their several Inclosures. You do me Justice in believing that I feel the utmost Anxiety for your Situation: that I sympathize with you in all your Distresses, and shall most heartily share in the Joy of your Success—My Anxiety extends itself to poor Arnold, whose Fate depends upon...
9166General Orders, 27 October 1775 (Washington Papers)
In making out the Pay Abstracts for the Month of September; the Colonels and commanding Officers of Corps, are not to include any Officer, or Soldier, on the Detachment with Col. Arnold; as he drew full pay for that Month, for every Man under his command. Varick transcript , DLC:GW .
9167From George Washington to the Massachusetts General Court, 27 October 1775 (Washington Papers)
Gentlemen: The continued accumulation of price, and the scarcity which prevails throughout the camp, for the several articles of wood, hay, &c., oblige me to address your honourable Houses again upon this subject. The distress of the Army for these necessaries, I fear, will be followed, with the most dreadful effects to the general cause in which we are engaged, unless some speedy and...
9168General Orders, 28 October 1775 (Washington Papers)
The General Court Martial whereof Col. Bridge was President is dissolved. It is recommended to the Non-Commissiond Officers and Soldiers, whose pay will be drawn in Consequence of last Thursday’s orders (especially to those, whose Attachment to the glorious Cause in which they are engaged, and which will induce them to continue in the service another Year) to lay out their money in Shirts,...
9169From George Washington to Anthony White, 28 October 1775 (Washington Papers)
Sir,—I could not let Mr. White depart this Camp without paying you the tribute of a Letter. When I wrote to you last, I thought it not at all unlikely, that he might have been one of my Family before this, as I was not sanguine in my expectation of the Gentleman’s (to whom I had written before I had spoke to yr. son on this Subject) coming this way. By the last Post I received a Letter from...
9170General Orders, 29 October 1775 (Washington Papers)
Varick transcript , DLC:GW .