51From George Washington to Brigadier General Alexander McDougall, 24 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
I am pleased to find by yours from Coryells Ferry that you are so near me. The Army will fall down to Night to a well known place called the Trap 24 Miles from Philada. Tomorrow we shall proceed further down towards Philada. I am Dear Sir Yr most obt Servt LS , in Tench Tilghman’s writing, owned (1997) by Mr. Joseph Rubinfine, West Palm Beach, Florida. The letter is addressed: “To Brigr Genl...
52From George Washington to Brigadier General Alexander McDougall, 24 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
Since writing to you this morning, it has been determined in consequence of farther intelligence that it will be more adviseable to remain on the ground which we occupy at present, than to march to the Trap as was at first intended—you will therefore regulate your movements accordingly. I am Sir Your most Obedt Servt LS , in Caleb Gibbs’s writing, NHi : McDougall Papers. GW franked the...
53From George Washington to Brigadier General Alexander McDougall, 24 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
Since I have seen Captn Faulkner, and learnt your Situation from him, & compar’d it with that of the Enemy, I have become exceedingly uneasy least they should attempt to Interrupt your March, which I think they can, and surely will do, if they have any good advice of your approach —& of this I have no doubt, as we are in a most disaffected Country. I have therefore, notwithstanding the two...
54From George Washington to Brigadier General Alexander McDougall, 25 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
I was favoured with Yours by the Bearer of this. I wish you to proceed with your Detachment to the best Grounds near Markleys, about Two Miles below Pennibeckers Mill on the Skippack Road & there remain for further Orders. From the present view of things, I think, I shall join you there or somewhere near It, with this Army. Mr Thomas, who has this in charge, says he is well acquainted with the...
55From George Washington to Brig. Gen. Alexander McDougall, 23 October 1777 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Brig. Gen. Alexander McDougall, c.23 Oct. 1777. Joseph Reed refers in his letter to GW of 23 Oct. to “a Letter Genl McDougal received from your Excelly this Afternoon.”
56From George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 12 February 1778 (Washington Papers)
The Congress, so long ago as the 30th November last, directed me to have an enquiry into the Causes of the losses of Fort Mifflin upon the Delaware, and Fort Montgomery upon Hudsons River—The peculiar Situation of the Army has hindered me from attending to this matter before this time. As most of the principal Officers, up the North River, were immediately concerned in the defence of Fort...
57George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 16 March 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Valley Forge, March 16, 1778 . Instructs McDougall to set up court of inquiry to investigate Major General Israel Putnam’s alleged responsibility for fall of Forts Montgomery and Clinton. Appoints McDougall to command of the Highlands. Df , in writing of Tench Tilghman, with postscript in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
58From George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 16 March 1778 (Washington Papers)
I was favd with yours of the 17th ulto in due time, and should have proceeded immediately upon the business of the enquiry had not General Putnam’s private Affairs required his Absence for some little time : I have appointed Brigr Genl Huntingdon and Colonel Wigglesworth to assist you in this matter and inclosed you will find instructions empowering you, in conjunction with them, to carry on...
59From George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 21 March 1778 (Washington Papers)
This will be delivered to you by Colonel de la Radiere of the Corps of Engineers, who was employed to superintend the fortifications on the North River—but from some misunderstanding between him and the late commanding Officer, in which he thought his own honour and the public interest were committed, he determined to renounce the work, and return to Camp —I can safely recommend him to you as...
60From George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 25 March 1778 (Washington Papers)
I hope this will find you arrived at your quarters upon the North River. By advices recd two days ago from Elizabeth Town I am informed that two Regiments of British and two of Hessians were embarked at New York and by accounts from Rhode Island it was imagined that the Enemy were about evacuating New Port. This makes me suspicious that General Howe is drawing his reinforcements together to...
61From George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 27 March 1778 (Washington Papers)
I opened the inclosed to take out the letter for the commanding Officer at Albany, having an opportunity of sending it immediately there by Colo. Armand. I forgot to desire you to give orders to the drivers of all Cattle and to the conductors of all cloathing and Stores coming from the Eastward to cross the Delaware at Easton and not come down as low as Sherrards or Correyels ferry as usual....
62From George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 31 March 1778 (Washington Papers)
That part of the Troops of New York have left that place, admits of no doubt—the accounts of their number differ—some say four Regiments (two British and two Hessian)—some 2300, and others 2500 men—all of which there is reason to believe are arrived at Philadelphia; as a Fleet consisting of near 50 Transports (the same number that left New York) passed Wilmington about five days ago. By...
63From George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 6 April 1778 (Washington Papers)
The presence of Colonel de la Radiere, rendering the Services of Mr Kosciousko, as Engineer at Fish kill, unnecessary—you are to give him immediate orders to join this Army without loss of time—Inclosed is a Packet for Col. Hay Deputy Quarter Master, which you will be so good as to forward immediately by express. I am with great regard and esteem Dear Sir Your most obedt Servt however desirous...
64From George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 8 April 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have been favd with yours of the 29th March and 3d instant. The Fleet which arrived in Delaware, as mentioned in mine of the 31st ulto, came from N. York; but they had very few troops on board, so that if those transports, which were at the Hook with Troops, have sailed, I know not certainly where they are gone. General Lee, who came out of Philada a few days ago upon parole, says he thinks...
65From George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 22 April 1778 (Washington Papers)
I am favd with yours of the 13th instant. I am perfectly satisfied with your delay of the enterprise proposed to you, as I am certain it has been founded upon substantial reasons. Congress having, by their Resolve of the 15th inst., directed Genl Gates to resume the command of the Northern department and to repair forthwith to Fishkill for that purpose; I imagine he will proceed immediately...
66From George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 1 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
I return you my thanks for your favor of the 27th Ulto and heartily congratulate you on the important intelligence contained in it. As the matter is related in general terms, France appears to have acted with politic Generosity towards us, and to have timed her declaration in our favor, most admirably for her own interests and the abasing her ancient Rival. One immediate good consequence I...
67From George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 5 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have wrote pressingly to General Heath and General Putnam to forward the Recruits of Massachusets and Connecticut to the North River with all possible dispatch. If they arrive there during the continuance of your command, you will be pleased, agreeable to former orders, to send on those, belonging to the Regiments that are here, immediately. I very much fear that we, taking it for granted...
68From George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 11 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
I am favd with yours of the 6th instant inclosing a Return of the Troops under your command. From the accounts which I had received, I expected that the Connecticut Regiments had been much fuller. That the persons who are draughted should procure substitutes of any kind to releive themselves is not to be wondered at; but that the Officers who are appointed to receive the Draughts should suffer...
69From George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 17 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
From a variety of concurring circumstances and the general information of persons coming from Philadelphia, it would appear that the enemy mean to evacuate the City, and accordingly are preparing to embark. Some accounts are, that part of their heavy cannon & baggage are already on board, and all agree that the whole of the transports are wooding and watering. What objects they have in view I...
70From George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 12 July 1778 (Washington Papers)
I am very desirous of seeing you, and request that you will be with me, as soon as you can, without injury to your health or overfatiguing yourself. I am Dr Sir with great regard & esteem Yr Most Obedt servt LS , owned (1996) by Mr. Joseph Rubinfine, West Palm Beach, Florida. GW signed the cover, which was addressed to McDougall at Peekskill, New York. McDougall’s docket on the letter reads,...
71George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 15 September 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
[ White Plains, New York ] September 15, 1778 . Orders McDougall to march to Danbury and put himself under command of Major General Horatio Gates. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
72From George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 15 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
You are to march tomorrow morning precisely at the time appointed with the division under your command towards Danbury, there to join the left Wing, under the immediate command of Major General Gates. You will take the Route by King’s Street Bedford &ca. You will regulate the particular order of your march, agreeable to the principles of a General Order issued at Valley Forge the first of June...
73From George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 2 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have been favd with your letter of yesterday morning. I have no particular orders to communicate except that I wish you and Genl Lincoln to send from your divisions a fatigue party to repair the Road from Fredericksburg by New Milford, Woodberry, and Waterbury to Farmington. I have written to Genl Lincoln upon the subject. This measure will facilitate the movement of the Army if it should be...
74From George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 8 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
An outrage has been committed on some inhabitants of this State, by a Lieut. Henderson—Marshal—B. Ball and an Ensign Smith, as appears from the deposition in the hands of the bearer of this letter. As these officers are in your command, you will be pleased to direct them under immediate confinement; and to remain so till the civil power can take up the matter. Henderson and Ball I beleive are...
75From George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 23 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
You are immediately to proceed with the brigades of Nixon, Parsons and Huntington—by the route which will be delivered to you by the Quarter Master General—as far as Hartford—where you will wait for farther orders. I am persuaded that no attention on your part will be wanting for the maintenance of discipline, and preservation of the Health of your troops—and that no precaution will be...
76George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 24 October 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Fredericksburg [ New York ] October 24, 1778 . Informs McDougall that Major General Horatio Gates has been given instructions about proceeding to the danger area. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress ; LS , in the handwriting of H, the W. Wright Hawkes Collection of Revolutionary War Documents, on deposit at Union College, Schenectady, New York.
77From George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 24 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have written to General Gates whom you will join at Hartford—that in case he should receive certain advice of the arrival of the fleet, which lately sailed from the Hook, at the Eastward, to proceed with the two divisions, to the Quarter which seems to be threatened. I mention this lest that part of your instructions which require you to wait further orders from me, should occasion any...
78From George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 25 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
Notwithstanding the large fleet that sailed on the 19th & 20th—and the reasons we had to conclude, that the Regiments were on board—which we had repeatedly heard were embarked—I have just received advices through different Channels—and which cannot but be certain and authentic—that there were none but Invalids & Offi cers of the reduced Corps on board; and, that the Troops which had embarked,...
79From George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 8 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
As I am obliged to go from Head Quarters this morning on business of consequence —I am under the necessity of giving you a short answer to your Letter of the 3d Inst., which was only presented to me just now. Your reasoning as to the improbability of the Enemy’s operating to the Eastward was very strong; and your views of the difficulties that would attend the quartering of the whole Army on...
80From George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 14 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have your favour of the 9th and 13th. I think it will be on every account better for the Officers of the Connecticut line, to take their places as they were posted by the new arrangement, and I desire that General’s Huntington and Parson may do it. I have received advice from Boston that the Sommerset of 64 guns, one of Admiral Byrons Fleet, went on shore on Cape Cod in a Gale of wind the...
81George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 17 November 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Fredericksburg [ New York ] November 17, 1778 . Orders McDougall to Danbury. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
82George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 19 November 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Fredericksburg, New York ] November 19, 1778 . Orders McDougall to halt with the two Connecticut brigades and to send Brigadier General John Nixon on to Danbury. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
83From George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 19 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
If you should not have reached Danbury or very near it with the division before this gets to hand, you will be pleased to halt the two Connecticut Brigades where this shall find you ’till further orders. General Nixon will still proceed to Danbury, as was at first intended. In this case you will inform me where the two Brigades halt. But if you should be very near Danbury with the division you...
84George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 24 November 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Fredericksburg, New York ] November 24, 1778 . Instructs McDougall to take command in Highlands. Describes extent of command and gives instructions for this command. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
85From George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 24 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
You will forthwith proceed to the Highlands and take the command there—All the Posts in the North River from Poughkeepsie, inclusively, downwards, will be comprehended within the limits of your command. The Troops under you will consist of three Massachusetts Brigades, Nixons, Pattersons, & Learneds & the Garrison at West Point. I need not observe to you that West Point is to be considered as...
86From George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 5 December 1778 (Washington Papers)
I am this moment arrived here from Elizabeth Town upon receiving intelligence of the Movement of the Enemy up the River. I have halted Genl Wayne at this place. Colo. Morgan with Woodfords Brigade is at Pompton, Colo. Clarke with the Carolina Brigade at the Clove and Baron Kalb with the two Maryland Brigades on the other side the Mountain. All these troops have orders to hold themselves in...
87From George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 7 December 1778 (Washington Papers)
I received yours dated the 5th at West Point early this morning. I was yesterday on my way towards the River when I met Major Platts letter from Haverstraw informing me that the enemy had fallen down the River again —and of the dispositions which had been made for their reception. By this letter I was releived from my principal anxiety which was, that perhaps Pattersons and Learneds Brigades...
88George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 16 December 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Middlebrook, New Jersey ] December 16, 1778 . Asks for McDougall’s opinion on kind and number of ships necessary to destroy enemy’s naval force on Lake Ontario. Df , in writings of George Washington and H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
89From George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 16 December 1778 (Washington Papers)
I duly received your favor of the 9th and am much obliged to you for the several particulars you communicate. The prize gained by Sir Henry Clinton seems hardly to have been worth the trouble of the expedition. I am sorry that Col. Malcolm is not sensible of the necessity which has deprived him of his late command—The very advantageous opinion I entertain of him made me wish it had been...
90From George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, c.18 January 1779 (Washington Papers)
Letter not found : to Maj. Gen. Alexander McDougall, c.18 Jan. 1779. GW wrote George Measam on this date : “I have given directions to Genl Putnam who commands the three Brigades near Danbury and to Genl Mcdougall who commands the troops at Fishkill, Peekskill and West Point to draw any of the above Articles as they may have occasion.”
91George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 29 January 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Philadelphia, January 29, 1779. Apologizes for delay in answering McDougall’s letters. LS , in writing of H, George Washington Photostats, Library of Congress.
92From George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 29 January 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have been duly favoured with your several letters of December 10th January 11th and 19th, with their inclosures. They have all been received in this city, where I have been for some time past, intirely engrossed in a variety of important business with Congress, which has put it out of my power, to give them an answer so full and particular as I could wish; and as the same impediment still...
93George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 9 February 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Middlebrook [ New Jersey ] February 9, 1779 . Discusses problems confronting McDougall in reference to supplies, works at West Point, hard money, clothing, suspicion of trafficking with enemy, Brigadier General Enoch Poor’s brigade, and arrangement of the Bay line. LS , in writing of H, George Washington Photostats, Library of Congress.
94From George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 9 February 1779 (Washington Papers)
In my letter of the 29th Ulto I briefly acknowleged the receipt of your favours of the 10th of december 11th and 19th of Jany and promised you a particular answer to their contents so soon as I should be disengaged from the variety of pressing business in which I was, at that time, immersed. I returned to Camp, three days since, and embrace the earliest opportunity of resuming your letters;...
95George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 14 February 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Middlebrook [ New Jersey ] February 14, 1779 . States that Jonathan Burrall is taking money for use of McDougall and Major General Israel Putnam. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress; LS , in the handwriting of H, the W. Wright Hawkes Collection of Revolutionary War Documents, on deposit at Union College, Schenectady, New York.
96From George Washington to Major Generals Alexander McDougall and Israel Putnam, 14 February 1779 (Washington Papers)
Mr Burrall an Assistant Pay Master General sets out this morning with 400,000 Dollars for the use of the posts under the respective commands of General Putnam and yourself. The inclosed copy of his instructions will shew you in what manner it is to be applied. You will perceive that 100,000 Dollars is to be appropriated as bounty money for reinlisting the troops under your command during the...
97From George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 25 February 1779 (Washington Papers)
Inclosed you have a Copy of the arrangement of the Massachusetts line as returned to the Board of War by the Committee appointed for that purpose: but as many alterations may have happened, by Resignations and other causes, since the lists were made out, the Board have sent them to me for a final revisal, Congress having by a Resolve of the 4th instant empowered me to compleat the arrangement....
98George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 3 March 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Middlebrook [ New Jersey ] March 3, 1779 . Sends one hundred and fifty guineas. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. This money was to be used for secret service.
99From George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 3 March 1779 (Washington Papers)
About a fortnight since, I sent you by Mr Laurance, fifty guineas —I have now given Colonel Malcolm One hundred and fifty more to be delivered to you. These two parcels will nearly amount to the sum you requested from Congress. I am with great regard and esteem D. Sir Your most Obed. serv. LS , in Alexander Hamilton’s writing, CSmH ; Df , DLC:GW ; Varick transcript , DLC:GW . On the draft,...
100From George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 6 March 1779 (Washington Papers)
Mr Laurance delivered me your estimate of the strength and position of the Enemy at New York and its dependencies. I have since been favd with yours of the 4th instant. I shall endeavour to reinforce your post by the time the nine months men are about leaving you, so that I hope the enemy will be disappointed should they have such intentions as have been communicated to you. Since I sent up...