131From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 19 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
On examining the return from Peeks kill of General Poors brigade, which was some time since directed to that place, I was surprised to find that only 457 rank and file had arrived. You will immediately on receipt of this letter, give express and positive orders, for all such as remain, however employed, to join their respective regiments without further delay. I am sir &. Df , in James...
132From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 23 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
Inclosed you have an extract of a letter this instant received from Genl Maxwell at Elizabeth-town —to what end the commotion he speaks of tends, is uncertain; but as the Army and our posts on the North River (for security of the communication between the Eastern & Southern States) are the only objects we can attend to without hazarding more than Military prudence will warrant[.] I cannot...
133From 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...
134From 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...
135From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 20 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
I return you the papers relating to the officers at Springfield —I find by them that Major Ayres has avoided a trial by a resignation. This is a matter which it would be inconsistent with my duty to permit as the charge against Major Ayres is of a very serious nature and founded on the report of a public body. It is contrary to practice that the resignation of an officer while under arrest...
136From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 24 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
By recent intelligence, thrô different Channels, I have the best reason to believe that, General Clinton has drawn his whole force to a point at New York and its vicinity—That he has collected (& some accts add removed, to Kings bridge) a number of flat-bottomed Boats with Muffled Oars—and that, every appearance indicates an expedition at hand —There are but too important objects he can have...
137From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 2 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
In mine to you of the 24th instant, I requested you to join the main army immediately to take the command of one of the wings—As things now are at a crisis and every officer ought to be at his station I am to repeat my earnest desire wherever this finds you that you will instantly repair to my Head Quarters—I expect to set out tomorrow towards the Clove by way of Morris Town. I am Dr Sir Yr...
138From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 14 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
As I am just setting out for West point where I may remain for two or three days, You will take the command of the Troops in this Camp till my return. I have published this in orders and you will receive from the Adjutant General the disposition I have made for opposing the Enemy in case they should move against the post at west point. All I have to request at present is, that you will have a...
139From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 16 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
I wish to see you at this place as soon as possible to have your opinion on several matters of importance. I am Yr most Obedt serv. LS , in Alexander Hamilton’s writing, NjP . Putnam appears to have been the recipient of this letter because the docket is in the writing of his secretary.
140From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 21 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
As I am removing Head Quarters for the present from this place to New Windsor you will have the immediate command of the troops in this camp. Should any letters arrive for me immediately from the forts or out posts, you will open them for your own information and then forward them to me—All others, you will forward directly on unopened. I wish you without delay to have the inquiry which was...