101From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 9 June 1777 (Washington Papers)
Inclos’d is a Letter for Colo. Sheldon which I desire you’ll forward immediately to him by express, as it contains orders for him to send on his Horse If any of them have arriv’d at Peeks kill, be pleas’d to send them on to this place as quick as possible One Troop will be left at Peeks kill, but that must be one of the last, for the Horse that are here you know have been upon hard duty all...
102From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 15 January 1778 (Washington Papers)
In a letter from you of the 25th Octobr last, you informed me that twenty three Boats had been saved from the Enemy, besides what were up Esopus Creek, the number of which you did not then know. You at the same time informed me that you should have those put into repair that wanted it, and set the Carpenters at work to build new ones. I shall be glad to hear in your next what number you have...
103From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 20 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
As we do not know what may be the next object of the enemy, and it is our Duty to be well prepared at the most important point, I am to request you will immediately consult the principal officers with you in conjunction with the commanding Officer of the light infantry, and form a disposition for opposing the enemy in concert, as well in the first instance at landing, as during their progress...
104From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 26 October 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have your favr of the 20th inclosing a Copy of Genl Burgoines Capitulation which was the first authentic intelligence I recd of the Affair, indeed I began to grow uneasy and almost to suspect that the first accounts you transmitted me were premature. As I have not recd a single line from Genl Gates, I do not know what steps he is taking with the Army under his command, and therefore cannot...
105From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 13 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have been favoured with yours of the 11th. Inst. with its Inclosures. I had received a Letter from Genl Schuyler nearly of the same purport of his to the Council of Safety of New York. The more Accounts we get—the more astonnishing does the evacuation of the posts on the Lakes appear. What can have become of Genl St Clair & the Army? I wish we may have heard the worst. I have nothing in...
106From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 28 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
We have certain advices that part of the Enemy’s Fleet, Viz. Seventy Sail were beating off Little Egg Harbour on Saturday morning with a Southerly Wind. From this Event, there seems to be but little room to doubt but that their destination is into Delaware Bay and against the City of Philadelphia. I am now to request that the Two Brigades which I mentiond some time ago, to come this way in...
107From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 17 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
You will, as soon as possible after receipt of this, put the two Massachussets Brigades under your command in motion—with their Artillery and Baggage—and proceed with them to Danbury, where you will receive further Orders. Genl Poor, with his Brigade—is to conduct the Convention troops from Enfield to Fish Kill landing. I have written to him particularly on the subject and therefore it is...
108From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 12 June 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have your favr of the 10th. From Genl Howe’s Movements within a few days past, it is clear, beyond all matter of doubt, that he has dropped all thoughts of an expedition up the North River, having drawn the greatest part of his Troops from New York and its dependencies to Amboy, and from thence to Brunswic where his main Army is encamped. Great numbers of Waggons are brought over, and many...
109From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 30 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
Since writing the inclosed I have some advices that the enemy are moving towards the Clove at Suffrens, you will immediately dispa[t]ch some horsemen to ascertain the fact —I shall be at Fish kill Town this afternoon if you should have any intelligence to communicate. Sir I am & Df , in James McHenry’s writing, DLC:GW ; Varick transcript , DLC:GW . GW apparently obtained this information, in...
110From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 26 February 1778 (Washington Papers)
I duly received yours of the 13th instant, and am happy to learn the works on the north river are getting into some train for execution, though I could wish circumstances had permitted them to be in greater forwardness, as I consider them of the last importance: For if the enemy next campaign should be able to open a navigation up the north river—to mention no other ill consequence, that may...
111From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 21 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
The Intelligence, which occasioned us to advance from the Entrance of the Clove yesterday Morning I find to have been premature, and mean to remain here till I have your Answer. What I wish to be particularly and certainly informed of, is, Whether you have received any further Accounts from Genl Silliman or Other persons contiguous to the Water respecting the Ships that were seen going up the...
112From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 20 February 1777 (Washington Papers)
I had the pleasure of receivg your favr of the 18th yesterday eveng communicating the successful attempt made by Colo. Neilson on the Enemy at Lawrence’s Island that Morng. The Colo. & his party conducted the plan with such secrecy & resolution, that they claim my sincerest thanks for this Instance of good behaviour, & I wish that you would acquaint them with my hearty Approbation of their...
113From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 19 October 1777 (Washington Papers)
Your favor of the 16th I received Yesterday morning—and was much obliged by the interesting Contents. The defeat of Genl Burgoyne is a most important event, and such as must afford the highest satisfaction to every well affected American breast. Should providence be pleased to crown our Arms in the course of the Campaign with one more fortunate stroke I think we shall have no great cause for...
114From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 1 October 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have yours of the 27 and 28 Ulto and am glad to find that the reinforcement I ordered is in such forwardness. I make no doubt but some troops have arrived at New York from Europe but I am pretty certain they are not any thing like so numerous as your informant mentions. I know it has been their custom thro’ the whole Campaign to swell their reinforcements much beyond what they really were....
115From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 25 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
Fresh accounts are momently coming in, to confirm the intelligence of the enemy’s fleet having gone to Sea, with the whole or the greatest part of their force. The general opinion is, and a variety of circumstances make it most probable that their destination is towards Philadelphia; and for this reason, I have to desire you will keep a couple of brigades in constant and complete readiness to...
116From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 20 June 1777 (Washington Papers)
General Howe has suddenly quitted his new post between Somerset and Brunswick and has returned to his old situation. The whole design of his making his late movement this way may possibly have been to induce us to draw off our troops from Peeks Kill—though I think it most probable that he was disappointed in his expectation of the manner in which we should act; and finding the people turn out...
117From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 1 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
⟨I have confirmed⟩ the different se⟨ntences⟩ of the Court Martial which you handed to me—but as I understood you that the Officers who were insulted by the Dragoons had interceded in their favor. If I should not be mistaken in this you are at liberty to remit the punishment. Yrs &c. P.s. You will be pleased to order them to join their Regt. Df , in Richard Kidder Meade’s writing, DLC:GW ;...
118From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 14 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
I received your favor of the 7th instant in due time. I wish the most effectual measures to be taken for filling up the regiments, but am sorry to find it your opinion that the Connecticut levies will be raised very slowly. I am now writing the governor, and shall take notice of the necessity of forwarding this business. The assembly were right in their construction of the resolution of...
119From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 13 March 1779 (Washington Papers)
Inclosed are Copies of Affidavits transmitted me by Governor Clinton in consequence of a Complaint exhibited against Lt Col. Holdridge, by James Hallett of the State of New York. A Representation of the same matter I am informed has been laid before Congress—if they have not ordered differently—You will order a Court Martial for the Trial of Col. Holdridge & in the mean time take proper...
120From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 1 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
At sunset this evening I receiv’d your letter of the 30⟨th. ulto—⟩the intelligence contain’d in the Copies of the letters you transm⟨itted,⟩ is truly interesting & it appears almost certain to me, that Genl Howe & G⟨enl⟩ Burgoyne design if possible to unite their attacks & form a junction of the⟨ir two⟩ Armies. I approve much of your conduct in ordering Nixons Brigade to be ⟨in rea⟩diness, & I...
121From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 10 June 1777 (Washington Papers)
This will be delivered to you by Mr Young who is sent up by the Cloathier General to issue Cloathing to the Troops at Peekskill. I beg you will give him your Countenance and Assistance in seeing that none are allowed to draw but such as are really in want. Some Regiments not content with a compleat suit of Uniform have drawn a Frock, Waistcoat and over alls, by which means they are doubly clad...
122From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 1 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have this moment received intelligence by express that the enemy’s fleet yesterday morning about 8 OClock sailed out of the Capes in an Eastern course. This surprising event gives me the greatest anxiety, and unless every possible exertion is made, may be productive of the happiest consequences to the enemy, and the most injurious to us. I have desired General Sullivan’s division and the two...
123From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 9 March 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have your favs. of the 2d and 4th instants and am pleased to hear of Genl Tryons speedy retreat from Horseneck with the loss which he sustained in his march back. I cannot see any right that I have to interfere in scudders Affair, more especially as he acted under a state commission and has libelled his prize in the Court of Admiralty. I have returned you the papers you sent with Docr...
124From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 27 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
You are appointed to the command of the Brigades of Poor, Parsons and Huntingdon which are to be quartered this Winter at Danbury. You will keep a succession of small Parties down towards the enemy’s lines mostly towards the Sound as Genl Mcdougall will guard the North River to watch their motions—prevent small parties from penetrating too great a distance into the Country—and to gain any...
125From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 17 June 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have been favoured with yours of the 15th & 16th Instant. You have done well in sending on the Troops though they have not had the small pox. The Camp is thought to be entirely clear of infection & the Country pretty much also. If it is not, Innoculation may be carried on, should it be found expedient. I am extremely sorry to find the Troops are in such distress for Tents & Cloathing. I...
126From George Washington to Maj. Gen. Israel Putnam, 5 November 1777 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Maj. Gen. Israel Putnam, 5 Nov. 1777. On 14 Nov. Putnam wrote GW that he had been “favd with your’s of the 4th 5th & 9th Instt.”
127From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 26 January 1780 (Washington Papers)
On the 20th I received Your Letter of the 4th and was exceedingly sorry to find that you had been so severely attacked by a fit of the palsy. You have my sincerest wishes for your recovery—and I shall be happy if your next accounts announce this—or at least that there are good grounds to hope for it. I am Dr sir with great regard & esteem Yr Most Obedt servant Df , in Robert Hanson Harrison’s...
128From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 16 March 1779 (Washington Papers)
In mine of the 6th I directed Hazen’s regiment to be detached towards the Co’os—on receipt of this, you will be pleased to send the remainder of Poor’s brigade to reinforce General McDougall. Near a thousand of the men who now compose his command are drafts whose time of service will expire by the first of next month. The importance of the Highland posts makes it absolutely necessary they...
129From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 11 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have your favr of the 7th and am glad to find that you had determined to detain Warners Militia. At whatever place Govr Clinton and yourself determine to throw obstructions and Batteries upon the River, I imagine it will prove satisfactory, for no person is supposed to have a better knowledge of that Country than the Governor. For the very same Reasons that Genl Howe is reinforcing himself...
130Orders to Major General Israel Putnam, 21 May 1776 (Washington Papers)
The Congress having been pleased to signify a desire that I should repair to Philadelphia in order to advise & consult with them on the present posture of Affairs, and as I am on the point of setting out accordingly—I have to desire that you will cause the different Works now in agitation to be carried on with the utmost expedition. to this end I have wrote to the Provincial Congress (of this...
131From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 27 March 1779 (Washington Papers)
I last evening recd your favors of the 22d instant with the several peices of intelligence they contained. Under the present uncertainty of the Enemy’s intentions it is impossible to determine upon drawing a force to any particular point. New London, tho’ the most probable, may not be the real object—and should it be so, it is too far distant to derive any further support from you than what it...
132From George Washington to Maj. Gen. Israel Putnam, 11 December 1776 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Maj. Gen. Israel Putnam, 11 Dec. 1776. On 12 Dec. Putnam wrote to GW : “Your Favor of Yesterday I have received.”
133From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 22 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
By the inclosed which is this Moment come to hand you will perceive that the Enemy’s Fleet have at length fairly entered Chesapeak Bay, Swan point being at least 200 Miles up. I desire you will immediately forward this account to Govr Trumbull, to be by him sent on the Eastward. As there is not now the least danger of General Howes going to New England, I hope the whole Force of that Country...
134From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 24 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have just received advice of the Enemy’s fleet having sailed from the Hook, in consequence of which I have to desire you will immediately make Genl Sullivan’s & Lord Stirling’s Divisions cross the river and proceed towards Philadelphia—They will have more particular Orders on their Rout—You are to reserve two field pieces for each Brigade that remains behind, except that which is to garrison...
135From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 10 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
The prospect of a Descent from Staten Island on Jersey, by the Enemy posted & collected there, has induced Congress to order Fifteen hundred Troops at pecks Kill, with a Brigadr, to be in readiness to march for repelling them. This they have advised you of, as they informed me by Letter Yesterday. As there are many circumstances proving this invasion likely to take place from the seeming...
136From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 8 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
I shall remove this afternoon to Fredericksburg to which place be pleased to address any future intelligence. If the enemy should make any move up the river of a serious nature, you are immediately to call upon Baron de Kalb who will remain here untill the designs of the Enemy are more fully known. I would recommend it to you always to keep a sufficiency of Boats ready to throw over your force...
137From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 15 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have just arrived with the Army at this place where I shall remain till I see what turn Genl Howe takes. Seventy Sail fell down to the Hook on Sunday, but I have not heard whether they have gone out. Genl Knox informs me that he has sent off two Tons of Powder Yesterday for you, and he says that there are about ten Tons in Fort Montgomery, which is much more than is necessary there, you may...
138Orders and Instructions for Major General Israel Putnam, 29 March 1776 (Washington Papers)
As there are the best reasons to believe that the Enemys Fleet & Army which left Nantasket Road last Wednesday Evening are bound to N. Y. to endeavour to Possess that Important Post & if Possible Secure the Communication By Hudsons River to Canada. it must be Our Care to prevent them their Designs. To that End, I have Detach’d B. G. Heath with the whole Body of Riffle Men & five Battallions of...
139From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 25 May 1777 (Washington Papers)
Would it be practicable, do you think, under the present Circumstances, and situation of the Troops at Peeks Kill, to surprise the Enemy at Kings bridge? it must be effected by surprise or not at all, and must be undertaken by Water, which would also prove abortive, if the Enemy have Vessels of any kind above Fort Washington. The undigested Ideas which I have entertained of the matter, are...
140From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 22 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have received your two favours of the 20th and 21st with their inclosures. With respect to the intelligence you have had of so large a number of ships being in the sound it is too vague to place any confidence in it; but it is of so much importance should it be true, that the most effectual means ought to be taken immediately to ascertain the real state of the fact, by sending trusty persons...
141From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 25 December 1776 (Washington Papers)
I am glad to hear by Your Son that you are getting better again If I had not been well convinced before of the Enemies Intention of possessing themselves of Philadelphia, so soon as the Frost will form Ice hard enough to transport them, and their Artillery across the Delaware, I have an Intercepted Letter which puts the matter beyond a doubt. If therefore the Citizens of Philadelphia have any...
142From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 14 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
By express this moment receivd from General Dickonson, the Enimy have crost over from Newyork & Statten Island in two divisions one at Elizabeth Town the other at Second River—each division consisting of about a thousand men with Artillery. By your returns it appears you have three thousand Six hundred and Eight men including the Militia and Sergeants fit for duty at your post—besides the...
143From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 16 March 1778 (Washington Papers)
The Congress having by a Resolve of the 28th November last directed that an enquiry be made into the loss of Forts Montgomery and Clinton and into the conduct of the principal Officers commanding those Forts, I have appointed Maj. Genl Mcdougal, Brig. Genl Huntingdon and Colo. Wigglesworth to carry the Resolve into execution. It is more than probable that the conduct of the officer commanding...
144From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 28 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
By intelligence received from different quarters, there is great reason to suspect the enemy have some important movement in contemplation—In this aspect of things, it becomes the part of prudence to provide as effectually as we can for the security of those points, at which we are most vulnerable. I am therefore to desire you will, without delay , detach General Parsons’ Brigade to reinforce...
145From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 26 May 1777 (Washington Papers)
I wrote to you upon a particular Subject Yesterday, to which I refer, and request to know your sentiments thereon, as soon as you can with propriety communicate them, because it may have some influence upon my movements in this quarter. An Express from Govr Trumbull, which came in last night, informs me that two Hessian Regiments and an half, and the 63 British had orders on the 17th Instt to...
146From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 5 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
Notwithstanding the favorable aspect of our Affairs, Congress have wisely determined to put nothing to the hazard, and have therefore directed the preparations for the Campaign to be carried on with as much activity as possible. I must therefore again request you to use your utmost endeavours to forward the Recruits of Connecticut to the North River with all possible dispatch. Those belonging...
147From George Washington to Maj. Gen. Israel Putnam, 7 January 1777 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Maj. Gen. Israel Putnam, 7 Jan. 1777. On 9 Jan. Putnam wrote to the Pennsylvania council of safety: “I received a Letter from his Excellency last Evening, without Date, but supposed to be written 7th Inst., he was at Morris Town, & proposed refreshing his Troops a few Days at that Place” ( Pa. Archives Samuel Hazard et al., eds. Pennsylvania Archives . 9 ser., 138 vols....
148From George Washington to Maj. Gen. Israel Putnam, 15 July 1779 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found : to Maj. Gen. Israel Putnam, 15 July 1779. Putnam wrote GW on 16 July: “Your Excellencys Letter of yesterday did not reach me till 7 oClock this morning.”
149From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 17 March 1779 (Washington Papers)
I recd intelligence last night, that the enemy on Staten Island are in motion with a more than usual demonstration and parade—This may intend an incursion into the Jersey’s—or it may be ment to cover an expedition elsewhere—possibly against the posts at the Highlands—I therefore think it necessary to communicate to you the intelligence, that you may accellerate the remainder of Gen. Poor’s...