1General Orders, 28 March 1777 (Washington Papers)
The Execution of Serjt Porterfield is suspended, by order of the Commander in Chief, ‘till Friday the 4th of April. Varick transcript , DLC:GW . For Sgt. John Porterfield’s conviction of desertion and sentencing to be shot, see General Orders, 21 Feb. 1777 .
2From George Washington to Colonel George Baylor, 28 March 1777 (Washington Papers)
I am glad to discover by your favour of the 26th Ulto that You have a prospect of getting your Horses. We want them much—Inclosed is a Letter to Mr Finnie the Depy Quart. Mast. Genl directing him to supply you with the Continental Rations for Horse. Mr James Mease of Philada, the Clothier General, will furnish you with Cloathing whenever You call upon him & send for them—I presume the Men will...
3To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 28 March 1777 (Washington Papers)
yesterday I received the Honor of yours of the 13th Instant and immediately gave Orders Accordingly. Brigadiers General Nixon, and Glover with Colonels Greaton, Sheppard, Nixon, Putnam, Wigglesworth, Alding, Bigelow, and late Pattersons, Regiments I have Ordered to Peeks-Kill, Brigadier General Patterson, with Colonels Marshall, Brewer, Bradford, Frances, Bailey, Wesson & Jacksons Regiments to...
4From George Washington to Captain Allen McLane, 28 March 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have certain information that Lord Cornwallis returned from Jersey yesterday, and ’tis said they intend an attack upon this army with their joint force before Genl Green can rejoin us. I therefore depend upon your keeping a very good look out upon their line, and gaining every intelligence from people coming out of Town, that I may have the earliest notice of their movements or intentions I...
5From George Washington to the Pennsylvania Council of Safety, 28 March 1777 (Washington Papers)
I am glad to find by your publication in the pennsylvania Gazette of the 19th instant that you have compleated your arrangement of Feild Officers, by means of which I hope the recruiting of your Battalions will go on more briskly than it has done heretofore. By the promotion of Major Butler and death of the Colonel and Lieut: Colonel, the eighth Regiment of your State is left without a Feild...
6From George Washington to Colonel Joseph Trumbull, 28 March 1777 (Washington Papers)
I cannot, upon any principle whatever, Accot for, your inattention to my repeated requests to come forward to the Army, and regulate the business of your department, in this Quarter; The expediency alone of the measure, would, I expected, have prompted a visit; this not happening, I desired Captain Wadsworth to inform you, in my name, of the necessity there was for your attendance—and since...
7From George Washington to Captain Francis Wade, 28 March 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have yours of the 25th inclosing sundry Letters and papers respecting some of the most notorious of the disaffected in the County of Monmouth. It is to ⟨be⟩ lamented that the States will not pursue the proper Methods to root out all such dangerous Enemies from among them, it is not in my power to do it at present, having sufficient work upon my Hands to watch the common and more powerful...
8To George Washington from Brigadier General David Wooster, 28 March 1777 (Washington Papers)
I herewith forward The Proceedings of A General Court Martial, held at Fairfield for the Tryal of William Stone, and Alexander Fulton. As They are now confined in Fairfield Goal, which is much surrounded with Tories, and threatned with a visit from Long-Island, I must beg Your Excellencys answer, and farther directions as soon as possible. There being no Judge Advocate, in this part of The...
9General Orders, 29 March 1777 (Washington Papers)
Varick transcript , DLC:GW .
10To George Washington from Elisha Boudinot, 29 March 1777 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Elisha Boudinot, 29 Mar. 1777. GW wrote Boudinot on this date “I recd yours of this day.”
11From George Washington to Elisha Boudinot, 29 March 1777 (Washington Papers)
I recd yours of this day and am much obliged to you for the pains you have been at to obtain intelligence. I highly approve of your plan to gain more, and enclose you a Sketch of such Matters as it will be proper for your Spy to report to deceive the Enemy. If he can do us no harm by reporting what is intrusted to him—You may add what you please, only taking care to keep a Copy and send it to...
12From George Washington to Col. Philip Burr Bradley, 29 March 1777 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Col. Philip Burr Bradley, 29 Mar. 1777. Robert Hanson Harrison docketed Bradley’s letter to GW of 24 Mar. in part: “Ansd 29th within.”
13From George Washington to John Hancock, 29 March 1777 (Washington Papers)
I last night had the Honor to receive your Letter of the 26th Instt accompanied by sundry Resolves of Congress & some other papers. The arrival of the Arms—Locks & Flints you have been pleased to mention, is a most fortunate & happy event. I join you most sincerely in congratulations upon the occasion. I have not yet obtained a certain account of the expedition against & destruction of Peek’s...
14From George Washington to John Hancock, 29 March 1777 (Washington Papers)
Since I had the Honor of addressing you this morning by the Return Express, the Eastern post arrived. The Intelligence he brought, is agreable and interesting, as you will perceive by the inclosed Letter from Mr Hazard which I do myself the pleasure of transmitting you. I am happy to say, the arrival of the Ship at portsmouth, and the capture of the two prizes, is confirmed, by other Letters...
15From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 29 March 1777 (Washington Papers)
The Situation of our Affairs again compells me to call upon you in express and positive Terms to hasten the Troops of your State (those inlisted for the continent I mean) to Peekskill and Ticonderoga, in such proportions as I have before directed, without one Moments loss of time. The Enemy have lately, taking advantage of our weakness at Peekskill, made a descent there, burnt the lower...
16To George Washington from Patrick Henry, 29 March 1777 (Washington Papers)
I am very sorry to inform you that the recruitting Business of late goes on so badly, that there remains but little prospect of filling the six new Battalions from this State voted by the Assembly. the Board of Council see this with great Concern; and after much Reflection on the Subject, are of Opinion, that the Deficiency in our Regulars, can no Way be supply’d so properly, as by inlisting...
17To George Washington from Colonel Henry Beekman Livingston, 29 March 1777 (Washington Papers)
Since I received Your Favour we have had a Visit from the Enemy at this Post abot 500 in Number after waiting untill they were Landed Colo. Courtlandts Regiment and my own being all the Men that were present were Orderd to a Hill Back of Mrs Mandeviles House —the Enemy Drew up Opposite on an Eminence fronting us about 400 Yards Disstant when we received Orders from Genl McDougal to Retreat...
18To George Washington from Brigadier General Alexander McDougall, 29 March 1777 (Washington Papers)
It is very mortifying to me to be under the Necessity of informing you, that I was obliged to quit this Post on Sunday last. To be the instrument of demonstrating to the Enemy, the weakness or supiness of this Country, must be grating to the feelings of any man of sensibility, but more especially to the Soldier. But when I reflect, on the many insults the Commander in Chief has suffered,...
19From George Washington to Brigadier Generals Samuel Holden Parsons, Enoch Poor, and James Mitchell Varnum, 29 March 1777 (Washington Papers)
The Situation of our Affairs again compells me to call upon you in express, and positive Terms to hasten the Troops of your State (those Inlisted for the Continent I mean) to Peeks Kills, or head Quarters, without one moments loss of time. I do not mean by this to interupt the Inoculation of them; but, that nothing which can facilitate the March of the whole, or part (under proper Officers)...
20From George Washington to Lieutenant Colonel Nathaniel Ramsay, 29 March 1777 (Washington Papers)
After returning my most sincere thanks to you & the other officers of your Battalion for your services, since your arrival in this State, I am under the Necessity however painfull to me of requesting you to remain at your present Post a few days longer, (not having it in my power at present to relieve you.) I am Sensible of the Disadvantages which must of course Accrue to you & many of your...
21From George Washington to Capt. John Paul Schott, 29 March 1777 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Capt. John Paul Schott, 29 Mar. 1777. Tench Tilghman docketed Schott’s letter to GW of 24 Mar. in part: “Ansd 29th with orders to march the Men inlisted immediately to Morris Town—sent him a Warrant for 300 Dollars.”
22From George Washington to Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 29 March 1777 (Washington Papers)
I am honored with yours of the 21st by Express, and return you my most sincere thanks for your ready compliance with my request for two thousand Militia—A late Maneuvre of the Enemy convinces us of the necessity that there is for an immediate march of this body of men to Peekskill. I imagine upon information of our weakness at that Post (the Eastern Militia having just left it) and that there...
23General Orders, 30 March 1777 (Washington Papers)
Varick transcript , DLC:GW .
24From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 30 March 1777 (Washington Papers)
Since mine of yesterday, I recd your favor of the 16th: The fortunate arrival of Arms at portsmouth will remove all difficulties which you laboured under for want of them, and I therefore hope that your next will inform me that some of your Troops are on their march to peekskill as well as to Ticonderoga. You will see the Necessity of sending part to peekskill, as quick as possible, by my...
25From George Washington to Colonel Timothy Pickering, 30 March 1777 (Washington Papers)
The Office of Adjutant General being vacant by the resignation of Colo. Reed, and the power of appointing a Successor with me, I am induced from the good opinion I entertain of your attachment to the interests of the United States and your Military character, not only to make a tender, but most heartily to wish your acceptance of it. It will give me much pleasure if the Offer meets your...
26General Orders, 31 March 1777 (Washington Papers)
The General Court Martial held at Woodbridge the 28th Inst:, whereof Col. Martin was President, for the trial of Capt: Will: Work of the 12th Pennsylvania Regt accused of “Misbehaviour and Cowardice, in an Action with the Enemy, on Carman’s hill, near Bonum-Town, on the 8th Instant”—The Court after mature consideration, are of opinion that the prisoner is Guilty, and sentence the said Capt:...
27From George Washington to Brigadier General George Clinton, 31 March 1777 (Washington Papers)
A Captain who escaped from New York on Saturday Evening and who arrived here this morning, informs, that about Three Thousand Troops (British & Hessians) were embarked from the City & Staten Island when he came away. It was generally said, they had in contemplation an expedition to Chesepeak Bay and to make a descent on the Eastern Shore. There were some who conjectured, they mean to go up the...
28From George Washington to Lieutenant Colonel Benjamin Flower, 31 March 1777 (Washington Papers)
The great waste and embezzlement of Public Arms, and the difficulties arising from thence make it necessary, that the utmost precautions should be used to restrain such infamous practices and future losses. I know no way so likely to effect it, as that of putting on them some mark indicating ’em to be public property, and therefore request that you will have all belonging to the States, as...
29From George Washington to John Hancock, 31 March 1777 (Washington Papers)
Captain Desheild of Mr Buchanans Ship from Baltimore who was taken by the Enemy and carried into York made his Escape from thence on Saturday Evening. He informs, that three thousand Troops, British & Hessian, embarked about Ten days ago from the City & Staten Island on board Transports which were laying at the Latter when he came away, he adds that the Enemy have built & are building a number...
30From George Washington to Brigadier General Alexander McDougall, 31 March 1777 (Washington Papers)
I am much surprised at never having received any regular account from you, of the late Affair at peekskill. I am yet intirely at a loss to know the Quantity, Quality or Value of the Stores that were lost. A Captain of a Tobacco Ship taken and carried into New York, left that place on Saturday last, he informs that three thousand Men were embarked and laying on Board Transports at Staten...
31To George Washington from the Pennsylvania Board of War, 31 March 1777 (Washington Papers)
By Appointment under the new frame of Government established in this State, we succeed the late Council of Safety in the Military Department, of course your Excellency’s letter of the 28th Inst. came before us, and from our knowledge of the late Council, we can assure your Excellency that it was thro’ inadvertency that they infringed upon the powers invested in you by Congress, and not by...
32From George Washington to Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 31 March 1777 (Washington Papers)
Since I did myself the pleasure to write to you yesterday, I have received information, that the Enemy have embarked three thousand men, some said, with an intent to go to Chesapeak Bay, others, to go up the North River again. As this last is the most probable, I beg you will hasten your Militia to Peekskill with the utmost expedition, and also what Continental Troops are ready. Should the...
33To George Washington from Colonel Henry Beekman Livingston, March 1777 (Washington Papers)
I just Received Your Orders of the 12th Instant Accordingly have sent You My Return enclosed being a true State of the Regiment Orders Are already issued for Assembling the Recruits at Peeks Kill the Greatest Part are Collected and ready for a March at any warning a Sufficiency of Officers have been left for the Recruiting Service And Your Excellency May depend that no Pleas for Delay will be...
34General Orders, 1 April 1777 (Washington Papers)
Varick transcript , DLC:GW .
35From George Washington to Elias Boudinot, 1 April 1777 (Washington Papers)
I am authorizd by Congress to appoint a Commissary of Prisoners —The pay will, I expect, be about Sixty Dollars pr Month. The Duty, except as to confinement, not hard; at least after the business is once put into a proper train. Close attendance on the Army will be requisite, in order to receive and distribute the Prisoners to places assign’d for their confinement; at each of which some person...
36To George Washington from Brigadier General John Glover, 1 April 1777 (Washington Papers)
I recd your Excellys esteem’d favour of the 3 Ulto Adviseing that by a Resolve of the Honble the Continental Congress, they were pleas’d to promote me to the Rank of Brigr General. I esteem it, a mark of grate respect & Honor don by that August body—unmerited by me. I Could wish myself Qualified, but when I Consider my owne inabilities, & inexperience, I Cannot think myself in any Degree...
37To George Washington from Colonel William Grayson, 1 April 1777 (Washington Papers)
I return’d the day before yesterday from Maryland, & am sorry to inform you that the recruiting service in that quarter does not by any means answer my expectations or wishes; Mr Smallwood & Mr Jones will I think (from present appearances) succeed; but Mr Tilly & Mr Brown have not got a man; the latter has resign’d his commission & return’d the bounty money for that reason; I wrote you by the...
38To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 1 April 1777 (Washington Papers)
This will be handed to your Excellency by Monsieur Mauduit de Plesis, who lately arrived here with the French General De Borre—He has represented to the Council of this State, that he is charged with Dispatches to the Honble Congress—The Council have desired me to assist & forward him. I take the Liberty to enclose Copy of a Letter from Col. Wayne dated at Ticonderoga the 25th of March 1777,...
39From George Washington to Major General Charles Lee, 1 April 1777 (Washington Papers)
I am to inform you, that Congress not perceiving that any advantage would be derived either to yourself or the public Interest from an interview between you and a part of their Members, could not consider ⟨them⟩selves at liberty to comply with your request. At the same time I am to assure you, that every ⟨means⟩ will be pursued to provide for you⟨r safety and⟩ the attainment of your liberty....
40From George Washington to William Livingston, 1 April 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have been honoured with yours of the 17th and 26th March. I communicated the intelligence you gave me concerning Govr Franklin, to Govr Trumbull, who will have his motions narrowly watched in future. I perceive many difficulties in the execution of your Militia law, particularly in suffering an appeal to lay before a Court of Judicature. That indulgence will always be claimed by the person...
41To George Washington from Brigadier General James Mitchell Varnum, 1–4 April 1777 (Washington Papers)
Your Excellency’s Commands of the 3rd March last, I received the 18th of said Month; Agreeable to which I called upon the Colos. for a Return of their Battalions; I have finally got them. On the 28th ultimo your Excellency’s orders of the 6th of the same Month was received. The Troops who have had the small Pox will march on Monday next, about one hundred and forty or fifty as appears by the...
42To George Washington from Colonel Samuel Blachley Webb, 1 April 1777 (Washington Papers)
Want of proper intelligence from my recruiting Officers has been my principle reason for not giveing your Excellency a proper return before this, and I am yet unable to do it with that accuracy I wish, the whole of my returns amount to One Hundred and Thirty four, a number of the Officers out a considerable distance from this, have yet made me no returns, that I cannot but hope my number is...
43General Orders, 2 April 1777 (Washington Papers)
Varick transcript , DLC:GW .
44From George Washington to Major General Benedict Arnold, 2 April 1777 (Washington Papers)
I was this day favd with yours of the 26th last Month and a few days ago with that of the 11th. It is needless for me to say much upon a subject, which must undoubtedly give you a good deal of uneasiness. I confess I was surprized when I did not see your Name in the list of Major Generals, and was so fully of opinion that there was some mistake in the matter, that I (as you may recollect)...
45From George Washington to Owen Biddle, 2 April 1777 (Washington Papers)
Capt. Proctor did me the honour to deliver your favour of the 31st Ulto. I have to lament that the Expressions intended to thank the late Council of Safety for easing me of a part of the heavy load I bear in forming our new Army, could be so misunderstood by your Board. I rejoiced at hearing that they had not only appointed their Officers in the first instance; but had arranged them likewise;...
46From George Washington to John Hancock, 2 April 1777 (Washington Papers)
Since I had the honor of writing to you last, I have recd the inclosed from Genl Mcdougal which contains a full account of the late affair at peekskill. Every prudential step appears to have been taken by the General, and as good a disposition made as his small Number of men would admit of. I have heard nothing further respecting the embarkation of Troops which I mentioned in my last, I am in...
47From George Washington to Colonel Henry Beekman Livingston, 2 April 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have yr favrs of the 29th Ulto & without date, the last inclosing a Return of yr Regiment —I wish it had borne a more agreeable aspect; but I trust no pains will be spard & no means left untried to complete it. Genl McDougal transmitted me a full Account of the late Affair at Peekskill. I wish the state of our Treasury admitted of my sendg you the Sum of Money you wrote for; But We have been...
48From George Washington to Brigadier General Alexander McDougall, 2 April 1777 (Washington Papers)
Yours of the 29th Ulto was delivered to me Yesterday by Mr Laurence. The loss we have sustained in Commissary’s and Quarter Masters Stores is to be regretted, as they are most useful to the Army and not to be replaced at this time, the Commissary’s particularly. I had repeatedly guarded him against suffering any large quantities laying near the Water in such places as were accessible to the...
49Paper from Lieutenant Colonel William Walcott, 2 April 1777 (Washington Papers)
Whereas General Washington did in his Letter to General Howe, bearing Date the Thirtieth Day of July 1776, declare that he was authorized to propose, and he did in the said Letter accordingly propose a general Exchange of all Prisoners of War in the Manner & upon the Terms following; viz: “Officers for Officers of Equal Rank; Soldier for Soldier; and Citizen for Citizen.” To which Proposal His...
50General Orders, 3 April 1777 (Washington Papers)
It having been observed that the Waggoners, and those who have the care of the public Horses, use them very cruelly, by riding them extreemly hard upon all occasions, it is therefore recommended to the Quarter Masters, and Waggon-Masters, to give strict orders against such practices in future, which, if continued after such notice is given, the offenders shall be liable to immediate...