To George Washington from John Morgan, 12 September 1776
From John Morgan
New York Sepr 12. 1776.
May it please Your Excellency
Agreeable to Orders I have been into the County of Orange & collected seven Members of Committee, & spent the whole of Yesterday & part of this day in viewing the Country, & looking out for proper Coverings for the reception of the Sick & Wounded. I am sorry to report that in a circuit of 14 Miles in that County, I cannot find or hear of any suitable Accomodations, for more than about 100 Sick. No Country can be worse provided in all respects; & the places proposed are remote from any Landing.1
From the knowledge I have of New-Ark, I am perswaded it is a place infinitely superior in all respects for the Establishment of a Genl Hospital. There are but 4 Miles of Land Carriage required; all the rest is Water Carriage. The Houses are numerous large & Convenient. If it be objected that they are full of Inhabitants from N. York, so is every Hovel thro’ Orange County; & as to the Town of Orange, I cannot find that there is room for One Sick person without incommoding Some One or other.
After this report, which is grounded on the most careful Inquiry & Inspection, I wait your Excellencys further orders. but if I may be permitted to offer my Sentiments it is, that no time be lost in applying to the Committee at New-Ark by requisition for Room for the Sick; & if your Excellency thinks proper, I will immediately repair with all dispatch to urge the Matter without delay—or proceed in any other Way your Excellcy may see fit. I am, Yr Excellencys Most obedt & very humble Servt
John Morgan
ALS, DLC:GW.
1. John Haring of Orange Town wrote Gen. George Clinton on this date: “Doctor Morgan has been up here to look for a place for the sick and wounded; at the time I was with him I Could not think of a proper place but since he has been gone it has been suggested to me that the new Court House in Haverstraw precinct would answer, and am of Opinion it is the suitablest place in our part of the County. I should be Glad if you would mention it as such, it is a spacious Building and stands upon somewhat of a rising Ground. In our town-ship I am Convinced, there can be no place Got, without turning a number of Distressed persons out of Doors, almost every House here is filled and Crowded with people who fled out of the City” (Hastings, Clinton Papers, 1:345–46).