3541From George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 21 December 1776 (Washington Papers)
I am this Evening favoured with yours of the 19th from Chatham. I not only approve of the disposition you made of the three Regiments under Colo. Vose, because I think it was a very judicious one, but I had, previous to the Receit of your Letter, determined upon exactly the same plan, and had sent Orders to Colo. Vose to halt at Morris Town, that he might afford protection to the well affected...
3542Orders to Brigadier General William Maxwell, 21 December 1776 (Washington Papers)
Having countermanded the March of the three Eastern Regiments under the Command of Lieutt Colo. Vose and directed them to Halt at Morris Town in the Jerseys where I am informd that Colo. Ford at the head of a body of Militia has taken Post. You are to repair immediately to that place & take upon you the Command, not only of the above Regiments, but of the Militia also, and therewith to give...
3543To George Washington from Robert Morris, 21 December 1776 (Washington Papers)
Notwithstanding there are several British Men of War cruising in our Bay, the Continental Sloop Independance Commanded by Lieutt Robinson has pushed through & got up here yesterday afternoon There is onboard 856 Blankets which were intended with many others now expected in, for the use of the new enlistments, but the inclement weather and the severe duty the Troops now under your Command have...
3544From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 21 December 1776 (Washington Papers)
I have been favoured with your Two Letters of the 17th and 19th Instt. The remissness of the Inhabitants remaining in the City, to turn out at this alarming crisis, to erect Works for their own defence, is astonishing to the last degree. It surprizes me much, that any set of men can be so regardless of their own interests and security. They may flatter themselves, that this conduct will profit...
3545From George Washington to Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 21 December 1776 (Washington Papers)
I am honored with your favor[s] of the 7th and 12th of this inst. The first chiefly relates to your wishes, that the Troops of the State of Connecticut whose time expires on the first of January, may, by intreaties and promises of reward be induced to stay beyond their times. Past experience has repeatedly convinced us, that Troops at the most favorable season of the year, and well supplied...
3546Orders to Carpenter Wharton, 21 December 1776 (Washington Papers)
Lay in Provisions for Twenty thousand Men—at the following Places—and in the following quantities. At York Four Months. At Lancaster Two Ditto[.] At Mill Town Ten days. Besides the Provisions at these places, which are to be considered as Magazines, you should have some deposited on the Roads leading from Lancaster to Winchester in Virginia—And from the Head of the Bay to Alexandria in the...
3547From George Washington to James Bowdoin and the New Hampshire General Court, 22 December 1776 (Washington Papers)
The accounts received from New York respecting the distresses of our Prisoners, induce me to recommend to your Honble body, that measures should be taken to effect an Exchange as soon as possible & as far as circumstances will admit of. Ever since the Cartel has been settled between Genl Howe & myself, I have been endeavouring to accomplish it; but my attempts have not been attended with but...
3548To George Washington from Brigadier General Alexander McDougall, 22 December 1776 (Washington Papers)
I was happy to find that your favor to Col. Vose directed him to Stay in this State. But I am extreamly Chagrined, that the object of that order is not likely to be Effected. This State is totally deranged, without Government, or officers civil or military in it that will act with any Spirit. Many of them have gone to the Enemy for Protection, others are out of the State, and the few that...
3549From George Washington to Robert Morris, 22 December 1776 (Washington Papers)
Your favour of yesterday came duely to hand, and I thank you for the several agreeable Articles of Intelligence therein contain’d. for godsake hurry Mr Mease with the Cloathing as nothing will contribute more to facilitate the recruiting Service than warm & comfortable Cloathing to those who engage. Muskets are not wanted at this place, nor should they, or any other valuable Stores (in my...
3550From George Washington to the Pennsylvania Council of Safety, 22 December 1776 (Washington Papers)
I am honoured with yours of the 18th and 20th. I am of opinion with you, that the Ships, which made their Appearance in Delaware Bay, were never intended to come up, unless to create a diversion below, and thereby draw your Attention from the upper part of the River. But I hope the Weather will soon rid you of all Apprehensions of an Attack by Water for a time to come. Your Collection of old...