11From 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...
12From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 5 January 1777 (Washington Papers)
Fortune has favord us in an attack on Princeton—General How advancd upon Trenton which we Evacuated on the Evening of the second of this instant and drew up the Troops on the Southside of the Mill Creek and continued in that position until dark, then march’t for Princeton which we reacht next morning by about Nine oClock—There was three Regiments Quarterd there of British Troops—which we...
13From 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....
14From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 5 February 1777 (Washington Papers)
Your favor of Yesterday representing the Case of Mr John Taylor I have received & Assure you that I never Intended to exclude any from the benefit of my Proclamation who were not particularly Active in persecuting, and destroying the Property of the friends to our cause The case of Mr Taylor & any others that are brot to you, or confin’d, must therefore depend upon this —As to the Circumstance...
15From 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...
16From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 22 February 1777 (Washington Papers)
Upon taking a retrospective View of the Enemy’s Conduct, & comparing one piece of Information with another, I am led to think that Philadelphia must be their Object, & that whenever they move, it will be toward the Delaware with their main body—This belief, the necessity of a proper Attention to the River, & the Advantages which may result from havg some Person on the other side with a few...
17From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 22 February 1777 (Washington Papers)
Govr Livingston in his Letter to me of the 15th Inst: did me the honor of inclosing Copies of your Letter to him & his Answer, on the subject of imposing fines on the reluctant Militia of this State—His reasoning on this subject, perfectly coincides with my Opinion; they are so full & plain as to render any Obervations of mine unnecessary. I desire therefore that this practice may have an...
18From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 28 February 1777 (Washington Papers)
Your several favours of the 25th & 26th Inst. came to hand —The pass granted by Ld & Genl Howe to William Taylor dated the 18 Int. is of such a nature as not to afford any protection to the Vessell & Crew even on the most scrupulous Construction of the Law of Nations; and she came in so suspicious a manner, without a Flag flying, as would have justified severer treatment than mere...
19From George Washington to Maj. Gen. Israel Putnam, 9 May 1777 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Maj. Gen. Israel Putnam, 9 May 1777. Putnam wrote GW on 10 May : “I just receiv’d your favour of yesterday.”
20From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 12 May 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have just received your favour of the 10th. Of the Troops coming on and to come on from Bristol, you are to detain at your post all the Marylanders, Colo. Hazen’s Regiment of Pennsylvania, and that of Delaware, the others must be sent on immediately to the places where their respective Corps are stationed. Your application to General Mifflin for tents, was right, and must be repeated, as we...
21From George Washington to Maj. Gen. Israel Putnam, 14 May 1777 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Maj. Gen. Israel Putnam, 14 May 1777. Robert Hanson Harrison docketed Putnam’s letter to GW of 13 May in part: “Ansd within 14.” On the reverse of Putnam’s letter, Harrison wrote the following memorandum of the reply: “14 Wrote to Genl Putnam to send on All the Troops except those from Maryd—the State of Delaware, & Hazen’s Battalion.”
22From 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...
23From 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...
24From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 30 May 1777 (Washington Papers)
Inclosed you will receive a copy of the Information I received last night. From this, It appears, the Enemy are drawing their force from New York, and the account seems to be corroborated thro’ several other Channels. My principal design in communicating this intelligence, is, that if the facts are true, it favours the Expedition suggested in my Letter of the 25th. You are not to understand...
25From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 1 June 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have now before me your Two favors of the 27th and 30th Ulto. I thank you for the information contained in the latter; I had the substance of it, transmitted before in a Letter from Genl McDougal. In respect to the Rhode Island Detachment, you will have received Orders for their march to join Colo. Olney at Morris Town. I do not agree with you in Sentiment, respecting the Quantity of...
26From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 8 June 1777 (Washington Papers)
The accounts you give me of the distress of the Massachusets Troops for cloathing surprize me a good deal, as I was always taught to beleive that they had an abundance in that State. I have wrote to the Cloathier Genl to know the Reason of it. In the mean time, that the men may not suffer, I desire you will stop a parcel of Hunting Shirts, Over alls, Waistcoats, shoes and shirts that are...
27From 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...
28From 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...
29From 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...
30From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 13 June 1777 (Washington Papers)
When I wrote to you last evening I forgot to desire that the detatchments of Colo. Saml B. Webbs and Colo. Sherburns Regiments might march with the first division from Peekskill. They are to join Genl Varnums Brigade, which is at present weak. When any other detatchments of the same Regiments arrive with you, they are to be hastened forward as fast as possible. Df , in Tench Tilghman’s...
31From 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...
32From 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...
33From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 22 June 1777 (Washington Papers)
Your favours of the 16th 19th & 21st instant, have reached me, the former without signature—I approve of your ordering payment to the Militia; but I could wish great attention to be paid to the nature of the abstracts, they present, that they be properly certified and have every appearance of being right. You have mistaken the orders I gave, according to wch General McDougall should have...
34From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 25 June 1777 (Washington Papers)
I this morning received your favor of the 23d and am happy to hear part of the Cloaths for the Troops have arrived and that More are on the way. Under the present appearances of things & incertainty of the Enemy’s Operations, I think it unadviseable to detach Glover’s Brigade from peeks Kills. If Genl Howe should make a push up the River, the importance of the Highland passes will demand the...
35From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 29 June 1777 (Washington Papers)
I am favd with yours of the 25 and 26th instt. As a few days must determine whether the Enemy really intend to leave the Jerseys, I think you should, instead of detatching any part of your force, keep it much together as possible, because if their View should be turned towards the north River, they will in all probability be sudden in their operations. I have no objections to your sending a...
36From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 30 June–1 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
I rec’d yours of the 28th Inst. by Col. Hughes & thank you much for your kind congratulations. The several reasons you mention for sending Genl Glovers Brigade to the white Plains had not escap’d me, Yet, I do not think they shou’d prevail against those, which appear’d more cogent & strong for keeping them where they are. But as you seem to consider it so essential, I have no objection to...
37From 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...
38From George Washington to Maj. Gen. Israel Putnam, 2 July 1777 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Maj. Gen. Israel Putnam, 2 July 1777. Putnam writes in his letter to GW of 4 July that “I have Received your several favors of the 30th Ultm. the first and second Inst.”
39From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 6 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
I was last Night favd with yours of the 4th—Genl Mifflin has this day sent off a load of intrenching Tools for Genl Schuyler, they will be delivered to you and I beg they may be immediately forwarded to Albany. The inclosed letter contains an order for Cartridge paper which is to be sent up at the same time with the Tools. If the Enemy, instead of going up the North River, should move to the...
40From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 12 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
In consequence of the disagreeable event which has taken place in the evacuation of Ticonderoga and Fort Independence—though our situation does not make it prudent to send on any very considerable reinforcements immediately besides those already gone, yet it is necessary we should be preparing to throw them in, when it can be more safely done, and the true state of affairs in that quarter is...
41From 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...
42From 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...
43From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 17 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
Genl Parsons having inform’d me that many Gentlemen are Candidates for the two Regts lately commanded by Genl Huntington & Colo. Douglass I have to request that you will call a Board of General Officers as soon as may be to hear the pretensions of each & enquire into the particulars of their several Claims, which, when regularly taken you will transmit to me with the Opinion of the Board...
44From 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...
45From 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...
46From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 22 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
It being judged necessary to reinforce the Army to the Northward with another Brigade, you are desired to dispatch Glovers as speedily as possible by Water to Albany. As Genl Schuyler has lately had ten peices of Artillery sent up to him, Genl Glover need not carry his with him. The remainder of Nixon’s Brigade are to follow as fast as they arrive. Every Tent that can possibly be spared from...
47From 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...
48From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 25 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
My Letter of yesterday would inform you of the reasons which occasions the remove of this part of the Army towards Philadelphia, and the recall of the divisions under Genls Sullivan, & Lord Stirling—I have now to add, that, it is my desire that you should keep as many of the remaining Troops (as can possible be spared from the defence of the Forts and passes of the Highlands) in the most...
49From 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...
50From 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...
51From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 31 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have just rec’d information from Philaa that the Enemy’s Fleet arrived at the Capes of Delaware yesterday. you will therefore please to order the two Brigs. which were thrown over the N. River to March immediately towards Philadelphia thro’ Morris Town and over Coryels Ferry where Boats will be ready for them. The Troops to March as expeditiously as possible, without injuring the men. I beg...
52From 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...
53From George Washington to Maj. Gen. Israel Putnam, 2 August 1777 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Maj. Gen. Israel Putnam, 2 Aug. 1777. On 4 Aug. Putnam wrote GW that “I Recd yours of the 1st Inst. last evening & your favour of the 2nd this moment.”
54From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 7 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have your favr of the 4th instant. We are yet intirely in the dark as to the destination of the Enemy, the Fleet has neither been seen or heard of since they left the Capes of Delaware on this day week. If they had intended back to the Hook, we must have heard of their arrival there long before this time, as the Winds have been constantly fair. As the sickly season has commenced to the...
55From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 11 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
I recd yours of the 8th instant at this place. I was upon the march with the Army to recross the Delaware upon a supposition that the Fleet had certainly gone to the Eastward, but I was last Night overtaken by an Express from Philada with an account that they had been seen on the 7th instant off Sinepuxent Inlet about 16 Leagues to the Southward of the Capes of Delaware. Upon this I have...
56From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 13 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have your favr of the 11th with Copy of a Letter from Govr Trumbull, by which I am pleased to find that he so readily complies with the requisition for a Body of Militia. I have a letter from Govr Clinton, in which he informs me that instead of five hundred Men he shall order Eight hundred to Fort Montgomery and that neighbourhood. Mine to you of the 11th gives you my opinion fully as to the...
57From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 16 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have your favr of the 14th instant. Just before it came to hand I had recd the intelligence which it contained from Genl Clinton. The people in the Northern Army seem so intimidated by the Indians that I have determined to send up Colo. Morgans Corps of Rifle Men who will fight them in their own way. They march from Trenton tomorrow Morning and will reach peekskill with all expedition. You...
58From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 18 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have yours of the 15th. As it appeared clearly from the account sent out by the Enemy, that Palmer was really an Officer of theirs, he deservedly suffered for being found lurcking about our posts, and was a spy in the truest Sense of the word. I am surprised at the conduct of the Militia of Connecticut, who because they find no Enemy directly at their own doors refuse to stay and assist...
59From 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...
60From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 6 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
In your letter of the 22d Ulto, you transmitted a memorandum requesting directions about repairing & building Barracks, and also my sentiments, as to the number of Troops that may probably winter at Peeks Kill. In respect to the number of Troops, that may quarter there, it is dificult, if not impossible at this time to ascertain it, as a variety of circumstances may arise in the course of the...