The Writings of George Washington

CONTENTS OF VOL. VI.

1777.

To Major-General Putnam, August 1st

PAGK

Sailing of the British fleet-Consequent anxiety and disposi-

tion of troops-Importance of the Highlands.

To the President of Congress, August 3d.

Desires to be excused from naming a commander for the

northern army-Militia for that army.

To Governor Trumbull, August 4th.

Perplexity due to movements of enemy's fleet-Evacuation of

Fort Edward-Reinforcements for the northern army.

To Governor Henry, August 4th

New regulations for recruiting.

To the New York Council of Safety, August 4th

Panic on Burgoyne's advance-Strengthening the northern

army-Little as yet done by the States affected-Arnold and
Lincoln sent on-No aid can be given from the south-False
reports of Burgoyne's force-Election of Clinton as governor.

To John Augustine Washington, August 5th

Movements of the troops-Inoculation-Affairs at the north

-Attitude of France-Col. P. P. Thornton-British fleet prob-

ably gone to the eastward.

To the President of Congress, August 9th

Resolution of Congress on exchange of prisoners-Inquiry

into the conduct of affairs at the north.

To the President of Congress, August 10th

No intelligence of the fleet-Army moved to Coryell's-De-

fences of the Delaware-Billingsport and Fort Island compared
-A battery at Red Bank-Disposition of land forces-Obstruc-
tions in the river-The country should be accurately mapped.

To Major-General Putnam, August 11th .

The fleet sighted south of the Capes of Delaware-Necessity

of obtaining intelligence of the force left in New York.

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To Lieutenants Bird, Dorsey, Craig, Moore, and Gray,

August 15th

On claims of rank and resignations-How to be interpreted.

To Governor Clinton, August 16th

Action near Fort Schuyler-Indians and effect of reverses—

Efforts of the State commended - Troops at Bennington-
Morgan's riflemen sent to the north-Their characteristics-On
massing the troops in front of Burgoyne-Advantage of threat-
ening the enemy's flanks-Removal of the boats.

To Benjamin Franklin, August 17th.

Embarrassments caused by foreigners-Expedient to discour-

age their coming over, or to promise nothing.

To Benjamin Harrison, August 19th.

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The Marquis de Lafayette-Conditions of his joining the

army.

To Brigadier-General Wayne, August 19th

Exorbitant prices of necessaries-Redress-Augmented pay

and its application.

To Major-General Gates, August 20th

His progress-Col. Morgan's corps-Other reinforcements--

Movements of the enemy.

To the President of Congress, August 21st

British probably gone to the southward-Charleston the

object-How is the army to be employed ?-An attack on New
York desirable-Opinion of a council of general officers-Dis-
position of the northern army.

Arrival of British in Chesapeake Bay-The army to move on

Philadelphia.

To the President of Congress, August 23d

Army on the march-Will go through Philadelphia-De-

fences of the city.

To the President of Congress, August 25th

Disposition of the army-Stores at the Head of Elk.

To the President of Congress, August 27th

The British debarked-Difficulties of removing stores.

To Major-General Sullivan, August 27th.

Expedition against Staten Island-More might have been

accomplished-Brigade should be spared.

To General Cadwalader, August 28th

Howe on his march towards Philadelphia-The Maryland

militia-Knows of no one else to take up the matter.

To the President of Congress, August 30th

No movement on the part of the enemy-Prisoners taken.

To the President of Congress, September Ist

Intentions of the enemy-Howe's Declaration-Skirmishing

by advanced parties-The Maryland militia.
To Governor Livingston, September Ist

The case of Troup-Court-martial ordered, but may not be
competent in the matter-The New Jersey militia-Abuse of
passports-Movements of the British-Troup's case once more.

To the President of Congress, September 3d

Inquiry into Sullivan's expedition against Staten Island-

Repulse of the enemy-Their advance.

To Major-General Heath, September 7th

Position of the two armies-Probable plans of the enemy.

To the President of Congress, September 9th

Manoeuvres of the British-Army at Chad's Ford.

To the President of Congress, September 11th.

Battle of Brandywine-Losses-Hope of better fortune.

To the President of Congress, September 13th.

The defences of Philadelphia.

To the President of Congress, September 15th.

Inexpedient to recall Sullivan-Great need of general officers

-Position of the two armies-Want of blankets-Removal of

provisions from the city.

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To the President of Congress, September 19th.

Power of appointment conferred-The Schuylkill repassed—

Movements of the army.

To Lieutenant-Colonel Alexander Hamilton, Sep-

tember 22d .

Distress of the army for clothing and blankets-Directed to

levy contributions in Philadelphia-Horses.

To the President of Congress, September 23d .

Advance of the British and intentions of the American army

-Events of the week summarized-Deplorable situation of the
troops with respect to clothing-Strengthening Fort Mifflin-
Howe's acquisition of Philadelphia may prove his ruin.

To Major-General Putnam, September 23d

Reinforcements ordered down.

To Major-General Gates, September 24th.
Directed to send down Colonel Morgan's corps.

To Lord Stirling, September 25th

Manoeuvres.

To John Parke Custis, September 28th

Renting dower lands in King William-Rule for determining

rental-Land and belongings to be appraised-Rent to have

some relative value to land and slaves.