2001General Orders, 4 December 1775 (Washington Papers)
Lieut. Col. Enos, tried at a late General Court Martial whereof Brigadier Genl Sullivan was president, for “leaving his Commanding Officer without permission, or orders, and returning to Cambridge”—The Court after mature Consideration of the Evidence, are unanimously of Opinion, that the prisoner was by absolute necessity obliged to return with his division, and do therefore acquit him with...
2002From George Washington to John Hancock, 4 December 1775 (Washington Papers)
I had the honor of writeing to you the 30th Ulto incloseing Inventory of the Military Stores, taken on board the Brig Nancy, by Capt. Manly of the Armed Schooner Lee—I have now to inform you that he has Since sent into Beverly, a Ship named the Concord, James Lowrie Master, from Grenock in Scotland bound to Boston. She has on board dry goods & Coals to the value of £3606.9.7 Stg Shipd by...
2003From George Washington to Colonel Alexander McDougall, 4 December 1775 (Washington Papers)
Henry Knox Esqr. having informed me by a Letter from New York of the 27 Ultimo that upon his application you had been kind enough to promise your good offices in Congress, to have Twelve good Iron four pounders, with a Quantity of Shells & Shot directly sent to this Camp and also to spare Two Brass Six pounders; I have now the pleasure to acquaint you, that we are fully supplied with Shells &...
2004From George Washington to William Ramsay, 4–11 December 1775 (Washington Papers)
I am sorry to find by your favour of the 14th Ulto that there is so little prospect of stopping the Navigation of the Potomack, by sinking of Vessels or Cheveaux de Frieze—the Channel being not only deep but wide in those places which you judged most likely to admit of these obstructions —What ever plan you adopt, if executed at the expence of Individuals, should be as extensive as possible in...
2005From George Washington to Brigadier General John Thomas, 4 December 1775 (Washington Papers)
I recollect that when you were here last, you spoke to me in behalf of some Captn who was desirous of raising a Company, and taking the chance of a Vacancy. The answer I then gave I am not positive, but think I rather declind accepting the offer—upon reflecting more maturely on the matter I am clearly against it—because I am satisfied that if one person is indulged in an application of this...
2006From George Washington to Major General Artemas Ward, 4 December 1775 (Washington Papers)
The Officers for the Regiment of Artillery still remaining unfixed, and of consequence the Inlisting men for it greatly impeded, I should be glad as I am a perfect stranger to that Corps if you, with Genls Thomas and Spencer would assist me in Scrutinizing a list given In by Colos. Burbeck and Mason at my desire. For this purpose you will please to be here to morrow at 11 Oclock. I am with...
2007General Orders, 5 December 1775 (Washington Papers)
Varick transcript , DLC:GW .
2008Circular to the New England Governments, 5 December 1775 (Washington Papers)
I have of late, met with abundant reason to be convinced of the impracticability of Recruiting this Army to the new establishment in any reasonable time, by voluntary Inlistments—The causes of such exceeding great lukewarmness, I shall not undertake to point out; sufficient it is to know, that the fact is so—many reasons are assigned, one only I shall mention, and that is, that the present...
2009From George Washington to Colonel Benedict Arnold, 5 December 1775 (Washington Papers)
Your Letter of the 8 Ultimo with a Postscript of the 14 from Point Levi, I have had the pleasure to receive —It is not in the power of any man to command success, but you have done more—you have deserved it, & before this I hope, have met with the Laurels which are due to your Toils, in the possession of Quebec—My thanks are due, & sincerely offered to you, for your Enterprizing & persevering...
2010From George Washington to Major General Philip Schuyler, 5 December 1775 (Washington Papers)
Your much esteemed Favour of the 22d Ultimo covering Colonel Arnold’s Letter, with a Copy of one to General Montgomery, and of his to you I received Yesterday Morning. It gave me the highest Satisfaction to hear of Colonel Arnold’s being at point Levi, with his Men in great Spirits after their long and fatiguing March, attended with almost insuperable Difficulties, and the discouraging...
2011General Orders, 6 December 1775 (Washington Papers)
Varick transcript , DLC:GW .
2012From George Washington to Nicholas Cooke, 6 December 1775 (Washington Papers)
Your favours of the 25 & 30 Ultimo I received, and am to inform you that from the good Character you gave of Mr Aborn, I ordered the Agent in whose care his Vessell was, to deliver her up to him; There were other circumstances too, that were favourable to Mr Aborn & Induced a beleif that he was not Inimical to our cause. I am much Obliged by your kind attention to my two Letters of the 15 & 18...
2013From George Washington to James Otis, Sr., 6 December 1775 (Washington Papers)
Copies of the Inclosed Letter I have already written to the Governors of Rhode Island & Connecticut, & shall do the same to the President of the Congress in New Hampshire; as I conceive our affairs are in a very critical Situation. It was mentioned to me yesterday, in conversation, that the Militia of this Government ordered in, to supply the places of the Connecticut Troops, are allowed 40/...
2014General Orders, 7 December 1775 (Washington Papers)
The Connecticut Regiments are to be under arms, upon their regimental parades; on saturday at eleven in the forenoon, in order to be reviewed—They are to have their arms in good order; the Rolls to be called over, and no man to be absent, every one that is able must appear; for this purpose they are to be exempt from all other duty upon that day. The Qr M. General is strictly enjoined to pay...
2015From George Washington to Nicholas Cooke, 7 December 1775 (Washington Papers)
Your favour of the 4 Instant, I this moment Received, advising of the taking of a Captain & midshipman of One of the Kings Armed Schooners—You will be pleased to take their parole, not to leave North Hampton untill they are properly discharged, they will, be sent there, where there are several other officers, prisoners. As soon as the deficiency can be ascertained, I will Inform you, at...
2016From George Washington to John Hancock, 7 December 1775 (Washington Papers)
I wrote you the 4th instant by express to which I beg you will be reffered—my fears that Broughton & Sillman woud not effect any good purpose were too well founded, they are returned, & brought with them three of the principal inhabitants from the Island of St Johns. Mr Collbuck is president of the Council, acted as Governor[.] they brought the Governors Commission, the Province Seal &a &a. as...
2017From George Washington to the Portsmouth Committee of Safety, 7 December 1775 (Washington Papers)
Richard Emms, a prisoner at Portsmouth, having expressed a Strong desire to go to his Family & Friends in the West Indies in a Schooner which is about to go there, you will be pleased to grant him a permit for that purpose, Unless there be any Objections against It, which I am not apprized of. I am Gentlemen Your Hble servt LS , in Robert Hanson Harrison’s writing, NjMoHP ; LB , DLC:GW ;...
2018General Orders, 8 December 1775 (Washington Papers)
Varick transcript , DLC:GW .
2019From George Washington to Brigadier General John Sullivan, 8 December 1775 (Washington Papers)
The Intention of yesterday’s order, respecting the Review of the Connecticut Troops, is only to afford a good oppertunity of making choice of such of their Arms as shall be found fit for the use of the New Army. I am not without my fear that if they are appriz’d of the Intention, some of the best Arms will be Secreted; for this reason I desire you will say nothing of the matter till the...
2020General Orders, 9 December 1775 (Washington Papers)
serjt Lane of Col. Whitcomb’s Regiment, with nineteen men of different Regiments, whose Names, Corps and Companies are delivered to Brigade Major Carey, are immediately to be draughted, and sent to the Quarter Master General to receive his orders. The Court Martial whereof Col. Woodbridge was president is dissolved. Varick transcript , DLC:GW .
2021General Orders, 10 December 1775 (Washington Papers)
The General has great pleasure in thanking Colonel Bridge and the Officers of the 27th Regt (who from a peculiarity of circumstances, or want of vacancies, have no appointment in the new-established Army) for their polite address to him; he considers the assurances which they have given, of their determination to continue in service (if required) until the new Regiments are compleated, in a...
2022From George Washington to James Otis, Sr., 10 December 1775 (Washington Papers)
I this moment received from Mr Thomas Crafts the Letter you have Inclosed, from which It will appear, that some of the people who came out of Boston were Infected with the small pox—As this disorder should It spread may prove very disastrous & fatal to our army & the Country around it, I should hope that you will have such necessary steps taken as will prevent the infection’s being further...
2023General Orders, 11 December 1775 (Washington Papers)
The Majors of Brigade, to be more exact, in obliging the Adjutants to deliver to them every saturday, at Orderly time, an exact return signed by the Commanding Officers of the new establish’d Regiments, of the Number of men, weekly inlisted in each of those Regiments; The Majors of Brigade will for the future, be answerable for any neglect in executing this order. To reward and encourage...
2024From George Washington to William Bartlett, 11 December 1775 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to William Bartlett, 11 Dec. 1775. On this date Bartlett wrote to GW : “I acknolidge the Favour of yours of this date.”
2025From George Washington to John Hancock, 11 December 1775 (Washington Papers)
Captain Manly of the Lee Armed Schooner has taken & sent into Beverly, two prizes Since I Last wrote you (which was the 7th instant) one of them is the ship Jenny, Captain Forster who Left London late in October, he has, very unfortunatly, thrown all his paper over board; is not yet arrived at Camp, if he does, before I close this, I will Let you Know what information I get from him; his...
2026From George Washington to the Simsbury Committee of Safety, 11 December 1775 (Washington Papers)
the prisoners which will be deliverd you with this haveing been tried by a Court Martial & deemd to be Such flagrant & Attrocious villains, that they Cannot by any Means be Set at Large or Confined in any place near this Camp were Sentenced to be Sent to Simsburty in Connecticut. you will therefore be pleas’d to have them Secured in your Jail or in such other manner as to you shall Seem...
2027From George Washington to John Tayloe, 11 December 1775 (Washington Papers)
In a Letter which I have receiv’d from Mr Lund Washington dated the 24th Ulto are these Words—“I got a Letter the other day from Mr Mercer wherein he says that Colo. Tayloe & himself thinks that the Money due upon Bond for the Sale of Colo. Mercers Estate, or at least all those Bonds that are due from Maryland, or near here, should be paid to me; those in Berkley, Frederick &c. to Mr Mercer;...
2028From George Washington to Lund Washington, 11 December 1775 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Lund Washington, 11 Dec. 1775. On 30 Dec. Lund Washington wrote to GW : “Your Letter of the 11th Inst. I have recieved.”
2029General Orders, 12 December 1775 (Washington Papers)
The Honorable the Continental Congress having been pleased to appoint Henry Knox Esqr. Colonel of the Regiment of Artillery, upon the new-establishment; he is to be obeyed as such. The Colonels or commanding Officers of the five Connecticut Regiments, upon the new establishment; to deliver to the Adjutant General to morrow at Orderly time, an exact List of the Commissioned Officers of their...
2030From George Washington to Eleazar Wheelock, 12 December 1775 (Washington Papers)
Cambridge 12 December 1775 . “Acknowledged receipt of two Letters. Thankd him for information respecting Major Rogers & inclosed a Letter for him, which was Saved with other papers thrown over board by Capt. Forster.” LB , in Stephen Moylan’s writing, DLC:GW ; Varick transcript , DLC:GW . The abstract is taken from the memorandum in the letter book. No copy of the full letter has been found,...
2031General Orders, 13 December 1775 (Washington Papers)
The Major Generals are to order the Militia Companies to be joined to the different Brigades and Regimints, in their respective Divisions in such a manner, as to supply the dificiency of the Connecticut Troops, and to prevent disorder and confusion, in case we should be called to action; and make a report thereof as soon as it is done. As the Companies have an Inclination to join particular...
2032General Orders, 14 December 1775 (Washington Papers)
Varick transcript , DLC:GW .
2033From George Washington to Nicholas Cooke, 14 December 1775 (Washington Papers)
Your favour of the 11 Instant was handed me by the Two French Gentlemen, for which I am exceedingly Obliged to you—I have heard their proposals and plan for Supplying the Continent with Arms & Ammunition, which appear plausible and to promise Success; But not thinking myself authorized to enter into any contract respecting the same, and being not fully acquainted with the measures Congress...
2034From George Washington to John Hancock, 14 December 1775 (Washington Papers)
I received your favour of the 2d instant with the Severall resolves of Congress therein inclosed—The resolves relative to Captures made by Continental armed vessells only want a Court establishd for trial, to Make them Complete, this I hope will be Soon done, as I have taken the Liberty, to urge it often, to the Congress. I am Somwhat at a Loss to Know whether I am to raise the two Battalions...
2035From George Washington to John Hancock, 14 December 1775 (Washington Papers)
The Two french Gentlemen who will appear before you with this, brought recommendations to me from Governor Cooke of Providence, their names are, Messieurs Pennet & Depliurne. They propose a plan for supplying this Continent with Arms & Ammunition, which appears to me very eligible, as I am not acquainted with the extent of Schemes already formed by Congress for the attainment of these...
2036From George Washington to Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 14 December 1775 (Washington Papers)
“I beg leave to recommend to your kind notice Monsieurs Pennet and De Pliarne two French Gentlemen who came here last night. . . . I pray the favor of you to supply them with such necessaries as they may want and have Carriages provided for expediting their journey as much as possible.” LB , Ct : Trumbull Papers; LB , DLC:GW ; Varick transcript , DLC:GW . This letter is very similar in wording...
2037General Orders, 15 December 1775 (Washington Papers)
The Quarter Masters of all the Regiments, are as soon as possible, to deliver to the Deputy Commissary General Mr Elisha Avery, all the Cyder Barrels, Butter Firkins & Candle-Boxes, in the possession of their respective Corps; as those Articles are very much wanted for the public service. Varick transcript , DLC:GW .
2038From George Washington to Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Reed, 15 December 1775 (Washington Papers)
Since my last, I have had the pleasure of receiving your Favours of the 28th Ulto and 2d Instt. I must again express my gratitude for the attention shewn Mrs Washington at Philadelphia—It cannot but be pleasing, altho’ it did in some measure, impede the progress of her journey on the Road. I am much obliged to you for the hints containd in both of the above Letters respecting the jealousies...
2039From George Washington to Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 15 December 1775 (Washington Papers)
Your favors of the 7th and 9th instant I received, and was much pleased to hear of the zeal of the people of Connecticut & the readiness of the inhabitants of the several Towns to march to this Camp, upon their being acquainted with the behaviour and desertion of their Troops. I have nothing to suggest for the consideration of your Assembly; I am convinced that they will not be wanting in...
2040General Orders, 16 December 1775 (Washington Papers)
Varick transcript , DLC:GW .
2041From George Washington to John Hancock, 16 December 1775 (Washington Papers)
the information Containd in the above comeing So Many different ways, Corroborated by Severall vessells haveing Salid this day from Boston, I thought it my duty to transmit it to you, tho Halifax is the place given out for their destination, it is possible they may be bound else where, I Shall communicate this inteligence to Governors Cooke & Trumbull, & to the Convention of Newyork for their...
2042From George Washington to the Massachusetts General Court, 16 December 1775 (Washington Papers)
Among many resolves of Congress which were forwarded to me the other day, are the Inclosed. Not being able to discover from the Resolves themselves, or the Letter which accompanied them, whether a Copy had been transmitted to you by the President, or to be handed in by me, I thought it best to err on the safe side, especially as the Q. M. Genl has just inform’d me that he is exceeding scarce...
2043General Orders, 17 December 1775 (Washington Papers)
When fresh Recruits from the Country join the new established Regiments, The Colonels, or commanding Officers of those Regiments, are to discharge the like number of old Soldiers, who have not engaged for the next Campaign; taking care to part with the most indifferent first. A General Court Martial to sit to morrow Morning in Cambridge, at Ten in the fore-noon, to try such prisoners as shall...
2044From George Washington to Nicholas Cooke, 17 December 1775 (Washington Papers)
By sundry persons and Accounts just from Boston I am Informed, that the Ministerial Army is in very great distress for want of fresh provision, and having received Intelligence that there are Two hundred Fat Cattle on Block Island, and some Transport Vessels cruizing that way in quest of Necessaries for the Army, I must request you to have the Cattle &c. removed from thence immediately, and...
2045From George Washington to Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 17 December 1775 (Washington Papers)
I yesterday received the inclosed information from several persons, who lately came out of Boston, which, I thought it my duty, to transmit to you —Whether these Troops are embarked I cannot undertake to say; but if they are it is more than probable, that their destination may be very different from what they gave out in Boston, and that that was only used as a feint—It is certain that several...
2046From George Washington to Major General Artemas Ward, 17 December 1775 (Washington Papers)
The Applications for Liberty to go to the lines, are so frequent, that they cause much trouble—you will therefore Sir Grant passes to such as you may think proper at the same time I would recommend to you, that the officer who will attend upon these occasions be a person of sense & one who will carefully attend to the conversation of those who meet on the Lines. I am &c. LB , in Robert Hanson...
2047From George Washington to Nathaniel Woodhull, 17 December 1775 (Washington Papers)
Cambridge , 17 December 1775 . . Encloses intelligence from Chelsea and Dorchester. L[S] , in Robert Hanson Harrison’s writing, N : New York Provincial Congress Revolutionary Papers; LB , DLC:GW ; Varick transcript , DLC:GW . The L[S] was damaged in the New York State Library fire of 1911. The letter-book copy and Varick transcript are memoranda indicating that this letter is similar in...
2048General Orders, 18 December 1775 (Washington Papers)
The Colonels & commanding Officers of Regiments and Corps, are to deliver to the Adjutant General, at Orderly time next Saturday —Their Pay Abstracts for the Months of October, November and December; Also an Abstract for the month of January next, for each of the new-established Corps, The Honorable the Continental Congress having been pleased to order all those, who have bravely resolved to...
2049From George Washington to John Hancock, 18 December 1775 (Washington Papers)
Captain Manly of the Lee armed Schooner took & Sent into Beverly the sloop Betsey, A. Atkinson Master, She is an armed vessell, dispatchd by Lord Dunmore with Indian Corn, Potatoes & Oats for the Army in Boston—the paquetts of Letters found on board I have the honour to send you with this, by Captain James Chambers, they being of So Much importance that I do not think, it woud be prudent, to...
2050From George Washington to Major General William Howe, 18 December 1775 (Washington Papers)
We have just been informed of a Circumstance, which were it not so well Authenticated, I should scarcely think credible; It is that Col. Allan who with his small party was defeated & taken prisoner near Montreal, has been treated without regard to decency, humanity, or the rules of War—That he has been thrown into Irons & Suffers all the hardships inflicted upon common Felons. I think it my...