51From 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...
52From 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....
53From 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...
54From 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...
55From 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...
56From 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...
57From 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...
58From 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...
59From 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...
60From 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...
61From 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,...
62From 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...
63From 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...
64From 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...
65From 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...
66From 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...
67From 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,...
68From 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...
69From 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...
70From 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...
71From 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...
72From 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...
73From 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...
74From 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...
75From 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.”
76From 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...
77From 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;...
78From 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...
79From 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....
80From 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,...
81From 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...
82From George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 16 March 1779 (Washington Papers)
In order to supply the place of the drafts which you mentioned would leave you by the 1st of next Month—I have sent orders for the remainder of Poor’s Brigade (one regiment of which has been detached) and one of the North Carolina battalions (Patton’s) to march forthwith to reinforce the troops under your command. I have directed the Officer commanding the Carolina troops, previous to marching...
83From George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 17 March 1779 (Washington Papers)
I received intelligence last night, that the enemy on Staten Island are in motion, with more than usual demonstration and parade. This may intend an incursion into the Jerseys, or it may be meant to cover an expedition elsewhere— possibly against the posts under your command . I therefore think it necessary to communicate to you the intelligence, I have received to put you upon your guard and...
84From George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 25 March 1779 (Washington Papers)
I duly received your favour of the 20th instant—Mr H—— has just delivered me that of the 22d—The letter and inclosures referred to in it have not yet come to hand. I have had a good deal of conversation with Mr H—— He appears to be a sensible man capable of rendering important service; if he is sincerely disposed to do it —From what you say—I am led to hope he is; but nevertheless, if he is...
85From George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 28 March 1779 (Washington Papers)
I yesterday Evening was favd with yours of the 21st instant with the several inclosures to which it refers. —— is gone to Philada and will call upon me in his way back. In my last I took the liberty to drop you a hint upon the subject of the danger of our putting too much confidence in persons undertaking the Office of double Spies. The person alluded to in the present instance appears very...
86From George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 1 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
Be pleased upon the receipt of this to order Colonel Malcoms and late Pattons Regiments to march as soon as possible to the Minisink settlement, and upon their arrival there to take their orders from General Hand, or the commanding officer. Their most expiditious route will be to New Windsor by water, and from thence across to Minisink, which is not more than 40 miles. When the corps march,...
87From George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 5 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
I this morning received your Two favors of the 31st Ulto and 1st Instant. General Clinton and Admiral Gambier, as you will probably have heard before this, have returned from the Eastward—and, I believe, several of the Troops, which had gone towards the East end of Long Island. The expedition they had in view in that Quarter, whatever it was, seems to be at an end—or at least for the present....
88From George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 19 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have received the favor of your two letters of the 6th and 15th with the papers inclosed. I am glad to find it is your opinion that from the present state of the works at the fort the enemy will not make his attack on the West side—I wish it were more in our power to provide against the danger you mention from the opposite point than it is—our prospect of heavy cannon is very unpromising,...
89From George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 23 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
After reading the inclosed be pleased to seal and send it forward to Reading by Express—I have recd another letter from General Maxwell of a later date than that enclosed to General Putnam, in which he says that seven of the nine Regiments were embarked with all their Baggage and the other two expected to embark immediately. The transports lye in the North River—I do not think, from the...
90From George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 28 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have duly received within these few days past your several favors of the 15th 17th and 24th instant. In a letter of this date I have requested the interposition of Congress, that the cannon in the State of Massachusetts, the property of the Continent, may be pr[o]cured for the Posts on the North river. I would imagine that my last orders to the officer commanding at Reading, which were...
91From George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 3 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
I duly received your favors of the 28th and 30th ultimo. Under the circumstances you mention I think it will be best to retain the masons, till you have completed the works, at which you mean to employ them; when they may be returned to their corps. The moment Gen: Parsons’ brigade arrives, or any part of it comprehending a regiment; you will immediately detach a regiment from General Poors,...
92From George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 6 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
Upon receipt of this you will be pleased to give directions, that the regiment of General Poor’s brigade which was ordered to march to Eastown, in my letter of the 3d instant, be paid up to the 1st of April, previous to its departure. But in case there should be no money in the chest, I would not have the regiment delayed any time in waiting for it. A supply will set out from this place...
93From George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 8 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have been favoured with Your Letters of the 1st Instant. I am entirely of opinion with you—that the disposition which quartered so large a part of the army on this side Hudson’s river was right, and I shall take occasion to add—that I am perfectly persuaded your conduct throughout your command has been invariably directed and well-concerted to promote the public interest. With respect to the...
94From George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 12 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
Your favor of the 8th instant was handed me yesterday evening. Should any of the New-York levies arrive at your post, you will be pleased to order them immediately up to Gen. Clinton at Albany. The two remaining regiments of Poors brigade are to be put in readiness to march at a moments notice. I have omitted giving any directions relative to resignations, till I could ascertain, fully, all...
95From George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 14 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
Upon receipt of this you will be pleased to give orders for the two remaining regiments of Poors brigade to march immediately to Easton, with the same quantity of amunition &[c.] allowed to the others. Previous however to their march they are to be paid up to the 1st of April, and to draw two pair of over-alls per man, exclusive of the deficiencies in their clothing. As Colonel Cortlands...
96From George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 20 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
General Huntington and some Officers of his Brigade were some time since on a Court Martial at Reading —I have directed General Putnam to appoint another Court at that place consisting wholly or principally of the same members to try one of the persons concerned in the same transactions who did not attend as he ought to have done and apparently endeavoured to elude his trial by a resignation...
97From George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 23 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have received your several favours of the 13th 14th and 18th with their inclosures—I shall pay due attention to the contents and acquaint you with the result as speedily as possible. For the present, I shall only say, that I would not wish you to distress the posts under your command, in order to cover that part of the country, you mention in your letter of the 18th. I request you to furnish...
98From George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 24 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have just received a letter from Col. Shreve stationed at Elizabeth Town of which the inclosed is an extract. This corresponds with other accounts through different channels. It would seem as if the enemy really had som[e] expedition in view, possibly against the posts under your command possibly against this army. The circumstance of muffled oars indicates silence and secrecy. It appears to...
99From George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 28 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
I last evening received your favor of the 25th instant; that of the 23d came to hand a few days since [with] its inclosure. For the present, and till the enemy’s intentions can be further developed, I approve of the positions you have assigned to Pattersons and Nixon’s brigades, as you think them most conducive to the defence of West-point, in case the enemy should have in view, a coup de...
100From George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 30 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
Mr Laurence delivered me last evening the message with which you charged him. The representation he makes of the state of your provisions alarms me beyond measure. Satisfied that the enemy could not carry the fort by assault without incurring greater loss than they would probably choose to hazard; I depended on being able to collect the army time enough to relieve it from an investiture. But...