31To George Washington from Brigadier General William Smallwood, 28 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
The march of the troops down here through the frosty roads, has cut out their shoes, & by being barefoot they are rendered unfit for duty, to remedy which, I have contracted with a gentleman here, for 200 sides of sole, & 200 sides of upper leather, for which he is to receive raw hides in exchange at the same rate on which the commissary of hides exchanges raw hides for dressed leather. I have...
32To George Washington from Major General Stirling, 28 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
I received your Excellency letter of Yesterday’s date. the inclosed note I received about an hour ago from Colonel Barber the same Intelligence is Confirmed by another Come in to another Quarter, I have sent out what light [Horse] were here for further Confirmation of it, and have ordered the Troops in Case it be true immediately to Search every house within their late lines for Straglers of...
33From George Washington to Major General Stirling, 28 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have received your Letter dated this day at noon and the pieces of Intelligence inclosed in it—your Lordship will act according to circumstances—I altogether approve of what you propose to be done with respect to those persons who have been detected in traiterously furnishing the Enemy with Provisions—the Punishment falling upon one or two Individuals of note will probably strike a Terror...
34From George Washington to Major General Stirling, 28 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
When you shall have received certain intelligence of the Enemys retiring to Philadelphia—it will be expedient to march your Division and the different parties that were detached to join you with all convenient speed back to Camp—that they may as soon as possible be refreshed and provide for their Winter Shelter—this was intended to have been mentioned in this mornings Letter—but was omitted —I...
35To George Washington from Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 28 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
If I am rightly Instructed, Genl Woodfords pretentions to rank is founded on his Serving as a Colonel in the State of Virginia against Govr Du[n] more in the Year 1775. I have no Idea of his being Entitled to rank in the Continental line from holding a Commission at that time in the State—especially if he Adverts to the Distinction which that State drew between the Rank of Militia, Minute men...
36General Orders, 29 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
The Commander in Chief earnestly exhorts the officers of every rank to use their utmost exertions to have the huts completed as soon as possible, that the troops may get comfortably lodged. He also directs a gill of spirits to be served this afternoon to each non commissioned officer and soldier. And as officers may find it difficult and expensive to procure spirits for their own use in camp,...
37Circular to the States, 29 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
I take the liberty of transmitting you the inclosed Return, which contains a State of such of the New York Regiments, as are in the Army immediately under my command. By this you will discover how deficient—how exceedingly short they are of the compliment of Men, which of right according to the establishment they ought to have. This information I have thought it my duty to lay before you, that...
38To George Washington from Major General John Armstrong, 29 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
I lately wrote yr Excely of four prisoners confined in this Guard for Carrying Provisions on different roads toward the Philada Market, and that I wou’d Send them to you for tryal —Upon Examining the prisoners & farther reflexion, I thought it unnecessary to trouble you with them, especially as in my Opinion none of them stood in the Shoes of a proper Victim—I have therefore I believe...
39From George Washington to the Board of War, 29 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
Capt. Sullivan who will deliver this was bearer of a Letter to me from Col. Gibson Commanding Officer at Fort Pitt, in which the Garrison is represented as exceedingly distressed for want of Cloathing and I am sollicited to give such directions as may facilitate the procuring a Supply —I have in consequence written to you on the subject, and have no doubt that every thing on your part will be...
40To George Washington from Major General Thomas Conway, 29 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
Coll fitzgerald mentionn’d to me yesterday that your excellency Wish’d to Know the method I intended to proceed upon in the new office to Which I was appointed. the first stepp, is to take your orders concerning the instruction of the troops the returns of Which Models, are to be sent to the Different Regiments concerning the Cloathing, arms, rations, Regimental pay Books, &c. &c. are not yet...
41From George Washington to Colonel John Gibson, 29 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
Capt. Sullivan has deliverd me your Letter of the 5th Instant inclosing a Return of the Garrison at Fort pitt—and desiring me to give such directions to Capt. Sullivan as may facilitate the procuring a Supply of Cloathing for that part of the 13th Virginia Regimt which is with you—I am sorry that I can do no more in this business than represent the distress of the Garrison to the Board of War...
42To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 29 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
Col. Gibson of the Virgina State regiment sais there are a great number of his men left behind in Virgina and on the road—he wishes to send Lt Col. Brent and two Captains to collect the Straglers deserters and recruits that may be recruited for the Regiment. There will remain a sufficient number of Officers to command the men belonging to the Regiment after these Officers are gone. Col. Gibson...
43From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 29 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
Major Blacckden of Colo. Sheldons Light Dragoons goes to Boston to procure Cloathing and Accoutrements for the Regiment against the ensuing Campaign. As the prices of many articles have risen from there being too great a number of Bidders, I have directed the Major, if there are any persons purchasing for the Continent, not to interfere with them, but to apply to them for such Articles as he...
44To George Washington from Brigadier General Henry Knox, 29 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
Memorandum of sundry matters necesary to be done in the ordnance departments. 1. All the Artificers at Carlile and Springfield to be enlisted during the War or pleasure of Congress—The whole to be on the same establishment, as to pay, rations, &c.—and to form ten Companies—From these the Artillery of the Armies to be supplied with artificers for the field. 2. The laboratory Companies at...
45To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel William Palfrey, 29 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
In Consequence of your Excellency’s pleasure signified by Colo. Tilghman I have Order’d Mr Reed to proceed immediately to Head Quarters with the Military Chest —My own ill State of Health is such that I am not able to follow it immediately—A violent Cold which has settled on my Lungs has Confin’d me for ten days past—I am something better, but the Disorder seems very obstinate—As soon as I can...
46To George Washington from Brigadier General Samuel Holden Parsons, 29 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
Col. Webb’s falling into the Enemy’s Hands the 10th Inst. you have doubtless before this been made acquainted with. The Descent on Long Island was designd to destroy the Timber & Boards prepard at the East End of the Island for Barracks in New York, to destroy the Fleet there from Rhode Island for Wood. Attack a Regt Stationd about Eight Miles Eastward of Jamaica & remove or destroy whatever...
47To George Washington from Brigadier General Casimir Pulaski, 29 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
As I have nothing more in view, in giving the following Sistem, then the fullfilling my duty to introduce & maintain good order & render Capable of service the Corps I command, I hope my frequent representations will not frustrate those whose Zeal for the good of these States is known. My Own Knowledge dictates the following Articles, which tho’ they may not be perfect yet I am assured they...
48From George Washington to Brigadier General William Smallwood, 29 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
I was yesterday favd with yours of the 27th as I was with those of the 22d and 25th: I imagine the Ships you saw going down were only empty transports and Victuallers for which having no use, they think it safer to send them aw⟨ay tha⟩n let them lay crouded in the docks of Phila⟨da⟩ where a single Vessel taking fire might prove destructive of the whole. The Enemy, who were only out upon a...
49To George Washington from Major General Stirling, 29 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have received yours of Yesterday evening about an hour ago. have Orderd in all the parties that are out both of my division and of the fifteen detached parties; I expect they will be ready to march for Camp by Noon. There is now a fine oppertunity for the Q.M.G. & Commissary Genl of provisions to employ their Waggons, at one place within Six miles of this place there is above 100 Tun of Bar...
50To George Washington from Brigadier General James Mitchell Varnum, 29 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
I inclose your Excellency two Certificates from Doctor Rush. The Absurdity of the one, recommending more than three Hundred Miles March, for a lame Fifer; The dangerous Contents of the other, tending to discourage the Troops, & cause Tryumph in the Enemy, should a similar one fall into their Hands, induced me to trouble your Excellency in this Way. I have this Gentleman’s Recommendations...
51To George Washington from Colonel Samuel Blachley Webb, 29 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
Before this, I suppose your Excellency must have heard of a late decent on Long-Island and the objects General Putnam had in view by ordering on the Troops The detachment under my command left Norwalk in four Transports the Evening after the 9th Instant, the weather proved very blustering by which means we parted Compy—on the morning of the 10th at dawn of day we found ourselves within two...
52To George Washington from Brigadier General George Weedon, 29 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
On considering what appears most proper in this Army, for a permanent system in future promotions, regulations, and arrangements, I would beg leave to suggest the following hints. First, All continental commissions, below the rank of Brigadier, to issue by the Commander in Chief upon the following general rule; except where extraordinary merit takes place; to which retrospect should ever be...
53General Orders, 30 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
Great numbers of prisoners are now in the Provost, suffering extremely from the severity of the season. Brigade General Courts Martial are to be appointed for to morrow, and to sit daily, ’till all the prisoners belonging to the respective brigades are tried. Varick transcript , DLC:GW . Brig. Gen. George Weedon’s orderly book adds the following passage to the general orders for this date: “a...
54To George Washington from Major General John Armstrong, 30 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
My last letter to the Council of this State was wrote in consequence of yr Excellencys desire, that the militia shou’d be maintain’d thro’ this winter in the same numbers & succession as they have been in the cource of the Campaign; which requisition I urged with some Argument drawn from the exposed Situation of this Side the Scuylkill & the inexpedience of dividing the Continental Army. On...
55From George Washington to Major Samuel Blackden, 30 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
Being appointed by Colo. Sheldon to procure Cloathing and Accoutrements for the Regiment agt the ensuing Campaign, you are to repair immediately to Boston as the most probable place of furnishing yourself. Upon your arrival there, you are, thro’ General Heath, (to whom I have written) to apply to the persons purchasing Cloathing for continental use, for as much as will be sufficient, and as...
56To George Washington from the Board of War, 30 December 1777 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from the Board of War, 30 Dec. 1777. In his letter to the Board of War of 2–3 Jan. 1778 , GW wrote: “Your Favors of the 28th & 30 Ulto came to hand this Morning.”
57Colonel Daniel Brodhead to Lieutenant Colonel Tench Tilghman, 30 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
At the Request of his Excellency the Commander in chief I take the Liberty of addressing you with a few Remarks, which have occured to me, relative to the Minutiæ of our Army: and some which in my Opinion may, by able Hands be improved, into Usefull Regulations. I have had the Mortification to see that the different Staff Departments, have been for the greater part filled, with Men of low...
58To George Washington from Major John Clark, Jr., 30 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
The Spy mentioned in my Letter of Day before Yesterday, returned last Night, and informs me the Enemy are all over the Schuylkill except a Guard at the middle Ferry, they have taken up their Bridge at Grays, & say, that so soon as they’ve haul’d their Wood from this side, they will take up that at middle Ferry also, & continue Boats for the benefit of the Market People, I must now inform you...
59To George Washington from Major John Clark, Jr., 30 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
The bearer Christian Bittinger with whom I am nearly connected has been in the service near three Years, during which time he has found himself in Cloathes for the most part—he has been with Colonel Morgan to the Northward, & is desirous of going home on furlough the Col. has this morning wrote me that his conduct merits one, but he was fearful if he granted it that others wou’d expect the...
60To George Washington from the Continental Navy Board, 30 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
We have sent by the Bearer a few Fish which we take the Liberty of presenting to your Excellency’s Table requesting you will do us the Honour of accepting them, & hope they will prove a seasonable Refreshment. Had we opportunity equal to our Zeal we should be happy in exerting our best Abilities to shew the Affection & Respect we have for your Excellency. Sincerely wishing you all Manner of...
61From George Washington to Major General Thomas Conway, 30 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
I am favor’d with your Letter of yesterday, in which you propose (in order to loose no time) to begin with the instructions of the Troops. You will observe by the Resolution of Congress relative to your appointment, that the board of War is to furnish a Sett of Instructions, according to which the Troops are to be Manœuvred—As you have made no mention of having recd them, I suppose they are...
62From George Washington to Lieutenant Colonel Benjamin Flower, 30 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
Instructions for the Commissary of Military Stores— All the Continental Arms that are out of order are to be collected without delay, that they may be repaired and render’d fit for Service as speedily as possible. Every Workman that can possibly be engaged is to be employed for this purpose—and in proportion as the Repairs are completed the Arms are to be packe⟨d⟩ in proper Chests, which are...
63To George Washington from Major General Lafayette, 30 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
I went Yesterday morning to Head Quarters with an intention of Speaking to Your Excellency But You were too Busy and I shall lay down in this letter what I wished to Say. I don’t Need telling You How I am Sorry for all what Happens Since Some time it is a necessary dependence of my most tender and Respectful friendship for You, which affection is as true and Candid as the other Sentiments of...
64To George Washington from Major General Charles Lee, 30 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
As I have the strongest reason to flatter myself that you interest yourself in whatever concerns my comfort and welfare I think it my duty to inform you that my condition is much better’d—it is now four or five days that I am on my parole, have the full liberty of the City and its limits, have horses at my command furnish’d by S’r Henry Clinton and General Robinson—am lodg’d with two of the...
65Instructions to Officers of Light Dragoons, 30 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
As you are appointed to retire from the immediate duty of your Regiment in order to provide Accoutrements &ca to Equip it for the next Campaign—You are to observe that it will be necessary to enter into some agreement with the Officers of the other Regiments of Dragoons who go for the same purpose, that you may not interfere with each other in applications to Tradesmen, or the Purchase of any...
66From George Washington to Richard Peters, 30 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
Captain Jones of Coll Baylers Regt of Light dragoons has a troop of Men inlisted and accoutrements compleat, but not having been able to procure Horses at the limited price, the Men are as yet dismounted. I am informed that there are a number of horses at Lancaster and Carlisle which were purchased for the North Carolina light dragoons but tis said they have neither proper Arms or...
67To George Washington from Brigadier General William Smallwood, 30 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have just been favor’d with yours of yesterdays Date, & the Requisitions therein shall be stricktly complied with—I wrote some Days ago by Colo. Gist (who informed he had your Permission to retire to settle his Regimental Accts) to Governor Johnson, to forward the Cloathing to this Place, & have taken Measures to comply with the Resolution of Congress respecting the Stock. I have no...
68From George Washington to Major General Stirling, 30 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
The bearer presents the horse to you, which I offered in exchange for your black —In the Summer, when I first got him, he had the appearance of a fine, and handsome horse—at present (by neglect at Bethleham) his appearance is altered. He was purchased for me by Colo. Moylan as a horse of Six yrs old, & I believe him to be sound, knowing nothing to the contrary. he goes rough, equal I believe...
69To George Washington from Major General John Sullivan, 30 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
Several of The General officers of the Army have been with me This morning To Consult upon Some Measure to be pursued Respecting Some Late promotions which have taken place To Their prejudice They are about meeting to make a proper Representation of their Grievances to your Excellencey and To Congress as Soon as may be in the Interim They beg your Excellencey would Defer Announcing in orders...
70General Orders, 31 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
Varick transcript , DLC:GW . Brig. Gen. George Weedon’s orderly book includes the following general orders for this date: “DETAILS the Same as yesterday only Poors furnishes a Captain instead of Glovers. In order to procure a certain supply of shoes for the Troops The respective Brigadiers and Officers Commanding Brigades are as soon as possible to see Mr. Ewing Commissary Genl. of hides and...
71To George Washington from Major General Thomas Conway, 31 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
I was Directed By the Board of war to furnish a sett of instructions according to which the troops are to be Manœuvred. I propos’d to you sir, (in order to Lose no time) to Beginn immediately with officers and non commission’d officers. I meant to work with them the whole Day, and in the evening and Night to write the Regulations concerning camp Duty and the instructions for the Manœuvres...
72From George Washington to Nicholas Cooke, 31 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
By Lieutt Colo. Barton I was honored with your Favor of the 5th Ulto with it’s Inclosure. The spirit and disposition of this Gentleman for enterprize and of the Officers concerned with him in capturing Genl Prescot, give them a ⟨hi⟩gh claim to the thanks and esteem of ⟨their⟩ Country. Congress, persuaded of this, ⟨promoted Mr Ba⟩rton on the 24th Instant to the ⟨Rank and pay of a⟩ Colonel in...
73To George Washington from Certain General Officers, 31 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
As General Officers of the American Army we beg liberty to represent that, at a period when the affairs of our country called for the utmost exertion of every friend, we cheerfully embarked in the contest with Great Britain, and accepted such commissions in the army as Congress thought proper to confer upon us—Previous to our appointments we had considered ourselves, as Citizens of America,...
74To George Washington from Major John Jameson, 31 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
I herewith send you a Return of the Detachments on this side the Skuylkill The Parties on the Germantown & Ridge Roads are too small if seperated as I do not think that less then fifteen Privates properly Officer’d will do for either of the Roads and about twenty four will do if they remain together. It will be necessary for the Officers on this side the River to be furnished with Money to pay...
75From George Washington to Major General Lafayette, 31 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
Your favour of Yesterday conveyed to me fresh proof of that friendship and attachment which I have happily experienced since the first of our acquaintance, and for which I entertain sentiments of the purest affection. It will ever constitute part of my happiness to know that I stand well in your opinion, because I am satisfied that you can have no views to answer by throwing out false colours,...
76To George Washington from Major General Lafayette, 31 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
I schould have much more reproached myself the liberty I took of wraïting to your excellency, if I had believed it could engage you in the trouble of answering to that letter—but, now, as you have wrote it, I must tell you that I received this favor with the greatest satisfaction and pleasure—every assurance and proof of your affection fills my heart with joy because that sentiment of yours is...
77From George Washington to William Livingston, 31 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
It being of great importance to prevent the Enemy from Supplies of Forage and provisions I must take the liberty of requesting the interposition of your interest & authority for this purpose, and that the most speedy & suitable measures may be adopted & pursued either by your direction or that of the Legislature or Council for the removal of All that lies within the vicinity of the Jersey...
78To George Washington from James Lovell, 31 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
A Course of Disappointments has attended the printing of the Journals of Congress. Good progress was indeed making in Sepr last when Mr Aitkin had nearly finished a second Volume with December 1776. This Work he has sent out of the city of Philadelphia, and buried. By all the Scrutiny I can make, I gain no other Knowledge about the Spot where the Books are deposited than a high probability...
79From George Washington to Brigadier General Casimir Pulaski, 31 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
Instructions for Brigadr General Count Pulaski You are to march the body of the Cavalry into Winter Quarters at Trenton where you are to take the most effectual means for putting both men and horses in condition to act with vigour in the ensuing Campaign notwithstanding your distance from the Enemy and the apparent improbability of their forming any Enterprize against you—some degree of...
80To George Washington from Colonel Theodorick Bland, December 1777 (Washington Papers)
The Original Establishment of my Regt was one feild Officer a Captain Leiutt Cornet three Corporals, one Drummer one trumpeter & thirty Rank and file ⅌ troop; a Quartermaster to each Squadron; a Chaplain and Surgeon & adjutant to the Regt, and a Rough Rider to each troop. Their Pay as follows Majr Commt 10s. Adjutant 7.6 Capt. 7.6 Quar. Mastrs 5.0 Leiut. 6 Rough Ridr 5.0 Cornet 5 Drummer...