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George Washington Papers, Series 3, Subseries 3A, Varick Transcripts, Letterbook 3

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George Washington Papers, Series 3, Subseries 3A, Varick Transcripts, Letterbook 3 To THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS Wilmington, September 1, 1777. Sir: The latest and most material intelligence I have obtained respecting the Enemy, you will find in the inclosed papers, which I do myself the Honor of transmitting to you. How far the Enemy have it in view to extend themselves in a Line from Bay to Bay, I cannot determine; But the Idea has taken place with many, and it is said to be founded on their hints to some persons, who from accident in some instances and perhaps choice in others have had a more familiar intercourse with them. I cannot suppose they have any such design, or if they have, that it can be more than temporary, for procuring Supplies of Provisions. 25 Genl. Howe's declaration is agreeable to his constant usage, and is what we might reasonably expect. The only difference is, the present Exhibition is stiled a Declaration. It is another effort to, seduce the people to give up their rights and to encourage our soldiery to desert. The facts 26 contained in the Deposition of Francis Alexander, which you have also inclosed, seem to be opposed to that regularity and good discipline, which are promised by the Declaration. Yesterday there was some skirmishing between One of our advanced parties and One of the Enemy's, in which they 25. Howe's declaration was issued August 27 at the Head of Elk. He announced that the strictest orders had been given and that the severest punishment would be inflicted on any soldier who should plunder property or molest the inhabitants. Security and protection was extended to all who should remain peaceably at their usual places of abode; he promised pardon to those who had taken an active part in the rebellion, provided they should voluntarily return to their allegiance and surrender themselves to any detachment of the King's forces within a specified time. 26. Francis Alexander's deposition swore to witnessing an act of British rapine. It is filed with Washington's letter in the Papers of the Continental Congress. were obliged to retreat, with the loss of an Officer and three Men killed, according to report. We had one private wounded. George Washington Papers, Series 3, Subseries 3A, Varick Transcripts, Letterbook 3 http://www.loc.gov/resource/mgw3a.003 I have received no particular Accounts respecting the Maryland Eastern Shore Militia. From the best information I have, a Great many are well disposed to turn out, but are prevented giving their aid, thro' the want of Arms. Apprehending that the Militia there would stand in need of an Officer to arrange them, I wrote to Genl. Cadwalader requesting his good offices, which, I am told have, been exerted. Colo Gist is now gone down and I expect will move on as soon as possible, with such as are armed, towards the Enemy. Genl Smallwood is gone to take the Command of those on the Western Shore, of which, I hear, many are collecting, but I have no authentic advices on the Subject. I have the Honor etc. P S Will it not be advisable to order Colo. Richardson's Regiment, from their present Station to march 27 and Join the Eastern Shore Militia? 27. In the writing of Robert Hanson Harrison. To THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS Wilmington, September 1, 1777. Sir: At half after Twelve O'Clock, I was honored with Yours of this Morning, with Its several Inclosures. I shall make inquiry, respecting the Workmen in the Militia and will order all to be detached, that can be spared. The Intelligence from the Northward is very interesting, and I hope will be succeeded by other fortunate Events. I am sorry General Arnold did not arrive sooner; If he had, it is probable the Enemy 23 would have suffered considerably in their retreat, I flatter myself, that we shall have nothing more to apprehend in that Quarter this Campaign, and that the disgrace and disappointment they have met with, will produce a favourable change in the dispositions of the Indians. I am etc. 24 P.S. You will be pleased to send the letter for Colo. Hughes by the Eastern post tomorrow. To THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS Wilmington, 8 O'Clock P.M., September 3, 1777. Sir: I this minute returned to Head Quarters, where George Washington Papers, Series 3, Subseries 3A, Varick Transcripts, Letterbook 3 http://www.loc.gov/resource/mgw3a.003 23. On the approach of Arnold's force the British and Indians besieging Fort Stanwix (Fort Schuyler), N.Y., fled. 24. In the writing of Robert Hanson Harrison. I found your favor of this date with the Resolves respecting Genl. Sullivan and Colo Richardson's Battalion. I had conversed with General Sullivan upon the Subject and observed to him, that it was necessary an inquiry should be had relative to the Affair of Staten Island, as his conduct was censured and much dissatisfaction prevailed. He was sensible of the propriety of the measure and expressed a desire that it should take place, provided he could have the benefit of Genl Smallwoods Testimony, who was on the expedition. [Unfortunately] That Gentleman happens, at this time, to be in Maryland which must necessarily delay the inquiry, unless some mode can be agreed upon for obtaining his 57 Sentiments upon the matter. This morning the Enemy came out with considerable force and three pieces of Artillery, against our Light advanced Corps, and after some pretty smart skirmishing obliged them to retreat, being far inferior to them in number and without Cannon. The loss on either side is not yet ascertain'd. Ours, tho' not exactly known is not very considerable; Their's, we have reason to believe, was much greater, as some of our parties composed of expert Marksmen, had opportunities of giving them several close, well directed Fires, more particularly in one instance, when a body of Riflemen formed a kind of Ambuscade. They advanced about two Miles this side of Iron Hill, and then withdrew to that place, leaving 57. Sullivan's expedition against Staten Island had miscarried, and rumors had circulated to his disadvantage. Congress directed Washington to appoint a court of inquiry, which acquitted Sullivan with honor. His letter to Washington, dated Aug. 24, 1777, giving an account of the expedition, is in the Washington Papers. a Picket at Couch's Mill about a Mile in front. Our parties now lie at White Clay Creek, except the advanced Pickets, which are at Christiana Bridge. On Monday a large Detachment of the Enemy landed at Cecil Court House and this Morning I had advice of their having advanced on the New Castle Road, as far as Carson's Tavern. Parties of Horse were sent out to reconnoitre them, which went Three Miles beyond the Red Lion, but could neither see nor hear of them, Whence I conjecture, they filed off by a Road to their left and fell in with their George Washington Papers, Series 3, Subseries 3A, Varick Transcripts, Letterbook 3 http://www.loc.gov/resource/mgw3a.003 Main body. The design of the Movement this Morning, seems to have been to disperse our Light Troops, which had been troublesome to them and to gain possession of Iron Hill, to establish a post 58 most probably for covering their Retreat in case of accidents. I have the honor etc. To THE COMMITTEE OF INTELLIGENCE IN CONGRESS Head Qurs., Wilmington, September 3, 1777. 59 Gentlemen: I have the honor of yours of yesterday, with a number of hand Bills giving an Account of our Successes to the Northward. They shall be distributed among the Soldiery, and I doubt not but they will answer the good end which is 58. In the writing of Robert Hanson Harrison. The word in brackets is in the draft and not in the letter sent. 59. The handbills were those issued by Congress (August 22), which reproduced General Schuyler's letter of August 18 announcing the victory at Bennington, Vt. In it Schuyler expressed the hope that Congress would soon hear that Arnold had succeeded in relieving Fort Stanwix (Fort Schuyler), N. Y. intended by them. Every piece of good News, circulated in this manner thro' the Camp, will certainly inspirit the Troops. I refer you to my Letter to Congress for the Transactions of this day and have the honor etc. P.S. the raising the Seige of Fort Schuyler was before published in Genl Orders, but having the matter 60 in full is a further gratification. To THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS Head Qurs., Wilmington, September 5, 1777. Sir: Since I did myself the honor of writing to you the Night before last, the Enemy have remained 71 intirely quiet. A person who came express from General Rodney, informs me, that the Enemy's Shipping fell down from Cecil Court House on Tuesday last, but how low he does not know. I have desired Genl Rodney to enquire into this matter and if it be true, to send persons along the Bay Shore to see where they lay. Genl Maxwell who is just come up from the Lines, confirms the account George Washington Papers, Series 3, Subseries 3A, Varick Transcripts, Letterbook 3 http://www.loc.gov/resource/mgw3a.003 of the Shipping having fallen down Elk; but it is thought, with an intent of going up the other Arm of the Bay, for the convenience of Watering near the Mouth of Susquehannah. I have the honor etc. P.S. We have not been able to ascertain the Enemy's loss in the 60.
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