• Ay *^ O > ^U>' The orderly Serjeants who attend at Head Quarters are hereafter to bring their Dinners with them & attend till they are regularly relieved. The Health of the Troops quartered in the City being much endangered by the State of their Necessary Houses, it is recommended to the Officers for their own Sakes as well of their Men to attend to it & if any Method to Head Quarters August 17*" AD 1776 Parole C sne Benj° Durant of Cap* Wadsworth Company & Co^ Bailey's Reg* Convicted by a Gen^ Court Mar- tial where Co' was president of geting' Drunk on Guard sentenced to recieve 30 Lashes Patrick Lyon of Cap* Curtiss Company Reg* Learneds Convicted by y'' same Court of Sleeping on his post sentenced to receive 25 Lashes Benj" Wal- 8 lace of Cap* Stewarts Independant Company of N York forces Convicted by y"" same Court Mar- tial of deserting and enlisting into another Com- pany Sentenced to receive 39 Lashes the General approves of the above sentences and orders them to be executed at the usual times & places the General Recommends to all commanding Officers of Divisions Brigades or Regiments in isuing thier Orders to be Carefull they do not interfier with Gen^ orders which have or may be issued and those Gentlemen that have not had opportunity from thier late arrival to know what have will do well to enform themselves more especially before any special Orders are issued which may have a General Effect Brig''"" for y'' Day Gen' M^Dougal Field Officers for the Piquet Co' Douglass L* Co' Latimore & Maj"" Smith Main Guard Maj'" Bewel B M Livingston the guard ordered to mount at Lispenards Brewery in the evening to in the Day also and march of the Parade with the other Guards Head Quarters August i8 1776 Parole C, sign As nothing contributes so much to the good order and goverment of Troops as an exactness of Discipline & a strict observance of orders and as the army is now aranged into Different Divisions, those Divisions form*^ into Brigades and the Bri- gades are Compos'^ of Regiments the Gen^ hopes and expects that the several Duties of the army will go on with the chearf ullness & Alacrity as one means of accomplishing this he directs y* no Regi- ment Brigade or Division, will interfere with the duties of an other but walk in thier own proper Line, the Co"s takeing care not to contravene the orders of their Brig*"" the Brig'"^ of thier Maj' Gen^ that the whole pay due attendance to Gen^ orders which can only be set aside or Dispenced with by orders of equal dignity the arms under such a regulation will soon become respectable in itself & formidable to the Foe It is an incumbant Duty upon every Officer of every rank to be alert and attentive in the discharge of the several Duties 10 annex*^ to his Office his Honour his own Personal safety and for Ought he Knows the salvation of his Country and its dearest Priviledges may depend upon his exertions, particular cases may and doubt- less will happen to render it necessary for the good of the service that a change of Officers should be made from one Brigade to another but whenever thier appears cause for this it will be notify*^ by Gen' or Special orders the Gen' cannot quit this subject as this may possibly be the last opportunity previous to an attack without addressing Private Men and exhorting the Troops in general to be profoundly silent and strictly obedient to orders be- fore they come to and whilst they are in action there is nothing can contribute more to their suc- cess than a Cool and deliberate behavour nor any thing to the discouragement of the enemy than to find new Troops calm & determinate in thier man- ner y^ Gen' has no doubt but that every good Sol- dier and all the officers are sufficiently impress with the necessity of examining the state and condition of thier arms but his own anxiety on this head im- pells him to remind them of it after a spel of wet weather lest we should at any time be caught with II arms unfit for immediate use the Regiments of Militia from Connecticut are to be form'' into a Brigade under the Command of Brig*'" Gen' Wolcot who is hourly expected and in the mean time to be under the Command of Co" Hinman the oldest Co" in the Militia Tho the fire ships which went the north river last friday evening wer not so successfull as to destroy either of the Men of War yet the Gen' thanks the Men for the Spirit & resolution which they shew** in grapling y^ Vessels before they quitted the fire ships & as a reward of this merit presents each of those who stay'' longest on board and are somewhat burnt 50 Dollars and to the others 40 Dollars each Brig"' for the Day Gen' Scot field Officers for the piquet Co' Chester Lieu* Co' Prentice Maj"" Brooks Main guard Lieu* Co' Stockholm brigad Maj' Fish 12 August iS*"" 1776 Regimental Orders That Each Captain in the Regiment make a return of the number of Officers and Soldiers be- longing to thier Company and that they make a Provition return to y^ Q"" Master Tomorrow Morn- ing by Eigh oClock and that an Orderly Sergeant attend upon y^ Adjutant at 5 oClock P.M. to re- cieve orders Andrew Ward C Head Quarters August 19 1776 Parole C'sign Joh Green of Cap* Johnson Company & later M'^Dougls Regiment convicted by a General Court martial whereof Co' Wyllys was President of breaking out of his Quarter guard and being absent 2 Days order'' to whip'' 39 Lashes the Gen' approves of the sentence and orders it to be executed at the usual time and place the prisoner 13 then to be return'^ to hi*s Quarter guard the Court Martial to sit tomorrow upon the tryal of Lieu* Hobby of y^ Regiment late Co" M^Dougals the Judge Advocate will be inform*^ of the Witnesses by Gen^ Putnam a Subaltons guard to go over tomorrow to relieve the guard at Roebucks Ferry Co' Hichkocks Reg* to move tomorrow to burdetts ferry to relieve the party now thier to join Gen" Mifflins Brigade and receive orders of Gen' Heath agreeable to general orders of the 12 Instant Gen' Putnam will order Boats the Adjutants of such Regiment as are lately come in to apply to the Adj* Gen's Office for Blank returns which they are to fill up and bring at orderly time Viz at 1 1 oClock every Saturday Brig*^"" for the Day Gen' Wadsworth Field Officers for y' Piquit Co" Atlen Lieut Co" Jacobs & Major Sherman Main guards Lieu* Co" Hardenburgh Brigad Maj' for the Day Wyllys 14 Burdetts Ferry August 21'* 1776 Regimental Orders That a Serjeant, 2 Corprels, & 12 Men, to mount quarter Guard, that no Soldier goes more than half a Mile from his Quarters without leave from his Cap*, that no soldier fires his musket without Order, or leave of his Cap*, nor waste his amunition carelessly, that they are carefull not to abuse the Inhabitance, either in person, or Prop- erty, and as the Gentlemen Officers are men of Property, Honour, & Conscience, they will do thier utmost to prevent all plundering of Orchards, Gardens, or Corn Fields, and will acquaint thier Soldiers that they must recieve the proper Punish- ment Due for the breach of Orders, or any of the Martial Laws. Andrew Ward Co" N. B. these orders to be published at the head of each Company at 6 oClock P.M. 15 Burdetts Ferry August 21 Regimental after Orders The Guards for tomorrow, i Serjeant 2 cor- prils and 15 rank and file the Guards to parade and relieve at 8 oClock in the Morning the or- derly sergeants precisely to parade thier men 8 oClock For Fatigue i Sub" i Serj* i Corp^ and 20 Privates the party to be sailors if to be had and to march from y^ parade to the Landing Andrew Ward Co" Burdetts Ferry August 22 1776 Regimental Orders As an attack is immediately expected as In- form^ by express that Cap**" of the several Com- panies are Directed to see that thier Men Clean thier Guns this afternoon in the best manner and put them in such Order as that they be fit for Immediate use that thier Cartridges are well siz"' and fit for thier Guns and to be ready on the 16 shortest notice to defend this post For Guards tomorrow i Sub" 2 Serj* 3 Corp's and 25 Privates, for the works i Cap* 2 Sub'* 3 Serjeants 2 Corp^* 50 Privates as Complaints is made to me the Soldiers Cut up the fences they are hereby strictly forbiden touching or damageing any of the Fences or Buildings and also desire that every Officer would exert himself to punish that and every other Disorder Andrew Ward Co'' as the firing of 2 Cannon on mount Washing- ton is an alarm the Regiment is to Repair imme- diately on the Grand parade that a weekly return be made tomorrow of the number of Officers & Privates according to form Burdetts Ferry August 23 1776 Regimental Orders Guards for tomorrow i Cap* 2 Sub. 3 Serj*^ 3 Corp'^ 50 Privates and a Drum and Fife that Huntington of Cap* Dana's Company is 17 appointed Drum Major for the Regiment and is to be Obey*' as such that the Revalee be beat on the Hill Burdetts Ferry August 23 1776 Regimental Orders Guards for tomorrow i Cap* 2 Sub' 3 Serj* 3 Corp'^ Drum & Fife and 50 Privates, for the works I Cap* 2 Sub 3 Serj*' 3 Corp'^ 60 Privates the Cap*s & Sub"s are Desir'' to make a return of the Date of all thier Commissions of the same rank which they now Sustain by tomorrow Morning 8 oClock The Drummers belonging to the 2 Com- panies on the hill are to beat the revalee at Day break and the Troop at 8 oClock in y® Morning the retreat at sunsett and Tatoo at 9 oClock in the Evening that a Provision return be made tomorrow Morning at 8 oClock Andrew Ward Co'' 18 Burdetts Ferry August 24*^ 1776 Regimental Orders Parole Washington C'sign Lady The Guards for tomorrow and the same num- ber for the works as this Day the Officers that mount the Guards are to go the rounds once by Day and once by Night the party that reciev^ the Tools for the works are to return them at Evening Andrew Ward Co" Bourdetts Ferry August 25 1776 Regimental Orders Parole Wooster C.sign N Haven The Guards and works as Usual the Cap*s of the Several Companies that have not reciev'* thier tents are desir'' to recieve them a Drum and Fife to attend the Guards likewise a Drum and Fife to attend the Works a Provision return to be made tomorrow at 4 oClock P.M. Andrew Ward Co" 19 Bourdetts Ferry August 26 1776 Regimental Orders Parole CjSign Guilford The Guards for tomorrow as Usual the same number for the works the Guards and Works to be attended with Fife and Drum That a return of the officers Names and the ranks they sustain in the respective Companies be made to the Adjutant tomorrow at 8 oClock in the morning Andrew Ward Co" Parole Bourdetts Ferry August 27 1776 C.sign College Regimental Orders The Guards and Works as Usual As there has been a movement of the Fleet this Day and as 3 Deserters have Inform'^ that thier design is to land at Powleys Hook and on N York side up N River the Cap*s of the several Companies are Directed 20 to see that thier Men are well equip*^ and are in constant readiness for action on the Shortest no- tice Andrew Ward Coll Bourdetts Ferry August 28*" 1776 Regimental Orders C.Sign Saybrook The Guards and Works as usual the Cap*s are Directed to see that thier Men that are off Duty are exercis*^ an Hour in the forenoon and an Hour in the Afternoon every Day by them selves or one of thier Officers the Drums and Fifes to be on y^ Parade at 9 oClock where Lieu* Co" John- son & Maj"" Cook and the Cap*s in the Regiment are Desir"^ to attend them and look out the meet- est Person for Drum and Fife Major and make report by 12 oClock Andrew Ward Co" 21 Regimental after Orders That a Provision Return be made to the Q' Master and a Weekly Return to Adjutant by twelve oClock and that the stewards of the sev- eral Companies attend the Q'Master over the River to recieve Provisions on Friday morning. Andrew Ward Co" Bourdetts Ferry August 29 1776 CSign Jamaica Regimental Orders The Guards and Works as Usual yesterdays Orders respecting Drums & Fife to be attended to tomorrow at the same hour Andrew Ward Co" Bourdetts Ferry August 30 CjSign Putnam Regimental Orders The Guards and works as Usual James Hunt- ing is appointed as Drum Major & Allen Prior as Fife Major and are to be obey*^ as Such Andrew Ward Co" 22 Bourdetts Ferry August 31 1776 Regimental Orders C Sign Sullivan Guards and works as Usual would once more request the Officers that they are carefull to see that thier Men clean thier Arms and put in the best order lest we be caught with our Arms unfit for use the Drum and Fife Majors will exercise the Drumers and Fifers in the Regiment two Hours in a Day every Day and they will likewise appoint a Drum and Fife to attend the Guards and the Fatigue Parties Andrew Ward Co" Bourdetts Ferry Sep* i 1776 Regimental Orders CSign Hancock The same number for the Guard and Works as usual. Andrew Ward Co" 23 Bourdetts Ferry Sep* 2 1776 Regimental Orders C,Sign Quebeck The Guards as usual for the Works i Cap* 2 Sub 2 Serjeants 3 Corprils and 50 Privates Andrew Ward Co" CSign Bourdetts Ferry Sep* 3"^ 1776 Regimental Orders Guards & Works as yesterday Andrew Ward Co" CSign Bourdetts Ferry Sep* 4 1776 Regimental Orders That a Provision Return be made to the Q"" Master tomorrow at 12 oClock and likewise a weekly return be made to the Adjutant at the same time Guards and Works as usual Andrew Ward Co" 24 The Regiment to parade at 6 oClock this After- noon to attend Prayors Bourdetts Ferry Sep* 5* Regimental Orders Guards and Works as usual Andrew Ward Co" Bourdetts Ferry Sep* 6, 1776 Regimental Orders For Guards i Sub 3 Serj*s 3 Corprils 25 Pri- vates for y*" Works as usual No Officer may leave his Guard during the time he is on Duty, he must not sufifer above 2 Men at a time to leave the Guard, and then only for thier Victuals & Drink, when they return, he may allow two more to go off on the same ac- count, but he may allow them no longer time than is absolutely necessary, that each may have his turn, which if they transgress, he shall punish 25 them at thier return. 'But lest some of them should ask leave just before thier turn upon Gentry, in order to escape thier Duty, the Officer of y** Guard should always send for the Gorporal, before he gives leave, that he may enform him when the Man is like to be wanted, as also a Serjeant, or Gorporal, to set down his name, with the Hour he went, and the time allow*^ him, when he returns he is to acquaint his Officer with it, that he may know whither he is Punctual or not. Andrew Ward Go" G.Sign Bourdettes Ferry Sep* 7 1776 Orders by the General Guards and works tomorrow as this Day. as Gomplaint is made to me that the Soldiers have been Pilageing Gorn Fields cutting up Fences robbing Orchards &c and also of Firing away thier Amunition needlessly the Gommanders of the Sev- eral Gores are directed to do thier utmost to pre- vent such Disorder and that they acquaint thier Soldiers that they must Receive the punishment 26 due for the breach of Orders or any of the Mar- tial Laws and that no Soldier goes more than half a mile from his Quarters without leave from his Cap* Andrew Ward Co'^ Fort Constitution Septem 8*^, 1776 General Orders Parole Bergin Countersign The main Guard to Consist of 60 Men & to be furnished by detachment from y^ Different Corps to take post in the Barn near Roswells Landing and to detach a Serjeant and 12, men every Night who must fix one Gentry on the next Southern point & Reconnoiter the Shore every hour from nine oClock to Daylight y^ Officers to be par- ticularly CarefuU to prevent the Men waisting their Amunition and not to presume to fire his piece without Permission from the Commanding Officer of the Corps unto which he belongs. The Egeaner to have as many men to assist him in the works that he may prosecute or he shall think 27 necessary to be furnished in the Same proportion on the main Guard & each Batalion to mount and Furnish thier own Guards to be posted where the Commanding officer thinks Proper James Ewing B.G\ Bourdetts Ferry Septem 8*^ 1776 Regimental Orders I Subbolten i Serj*. 2 Corporals and 25 Privets to mount Quarter Guard Andrew Ward Co" Sep* 9"^ AD 1776 Regimental Orders A Regimental Court martial to set this Day between the hours of Eight and Three in y^ after- noon for the tryal of such prisoners as shall be brought before them the Court to consist of 2 Cap*s 3 Sub'* Cap* Phelps President Andrew Ward Co" 28 Bourdetts Ferry Sep* 9 1776 Regimental Orders CSign Guards as of this Day Fort Constitution Sep* 10 1776 General Orders Parole Boston C Sign The different corps to make daily returns to y^ Brigade Major who is to make a general Re- turn of all the troops present Fifty men to be daily employ*^ in Cuting Facens and making them up according to the Engianers Directions they must use thier Tomhawks to cut them as no axes are to be had the Q"" Master of the Different Batallions & Companies to take a Man or two from the Different Comp^ and erect Provies at proper Places for the use of thier Com- pany a Serjeant and Six Men to mount Guard daily at the General Hospital to assist the Doctor 29 no Soldier to presume to go more than half a Mile from Camp without leave in Writing of the Commanding Officer of the Battallion to which he belongs James Ewing B G^ Sep^ 12*'' The Regiment march^ from Bourdetts Ferry to West Chester County Manor of Fordom in West Chester County Sep* 13 1776 Regimental Orders Guards for tomorrow i Sub 2 Serj*s 2 Corp and 25 Privates for the Works i Cap* 2 Sub 2 Serj*s 2 Corp'^ and 50 Privates it is again repeated that the Officers take the utmost pains to prevent thier Soldiers from Pil- ageing and unreasonably abusing and robing the Inhabitants of thier Corn Fruit &c and likewise from destroying Fences, as Orders are of no Con- sequence unless Duly attended to it is required & expected that the Officers not only make the 30 Orders to thier men but that they use thier utmost endeavours to see them executed. Andrew Ward Co" Regimental after Orders That a Corporal and lo Men attend y^ Q'^Master at 9 oClock likewise a Corporal and 10 men to assist in building an Oven for the use of the Regiment that the Orderly Serjeants upon Recieving Orders do immediately Deliver them to thier Officers that some attention may be paid to them and that a Camp cullerman from each Com- pany wait on the Major and take his Orders for Diging Vaults for the Conveniency of the Regi- ment and that the Cap*s of the Several Companies are verry exact in examining the state of the arms and amunition belonging to thier Companies and that they order them to be put in the best order that may be Andrew Ward Co^ 31 Head Quarters Kings Bridge Sep* 14*' 1776 Parole — Countersign Quito A Lieu* Co" Major 2 Cap*s 4 Sub' 4 Serj* 4 Corpus 2 D & F & 100 Privates from the Pensyl- vanian Batallions belonging to Gen^ Mifflins Bri- gade to parade at two oClock this afternoon near Fort Independance and march to relieve Co" Nixon at Gen^ Morriss House in morrisania they will take 2 Days Provision with them likewise the same number of Commissioned Non Commis- sioned Officers and rank and file from each of the Brigades afores*^ to parade at the same Fort at 8 oClock Tomorrow morning and march to morris- ania under Command of a Major from Gen^ Clin- tons Brigade to relieve the Guards at the Wido Morris's house they must be Furnish*^ with two Days Provision 32 Manor of Fordom in West Chester County Sep* 14 1776 Regimental Orders The Guards as usual those of the Regiment that are able to do Duty to go on Fatigue except those that are necessisarily employ*' in Cooking Andrew Ward Co" West Chester County Sep* 15*'' 1776 Guards and works for tomorrow as this Day Manor of Fordom in West Chester County Sep* 16 Regimental Orders Guards & works as Usual the Regiment to Cook a Days Provision this Evening that no noise be made in Camp after tattoo beating and that the Regiment lie on thier arms this Nigh and turn out at revallie beating and parade for Exer- cise Andrew Ward Co" 33 Head Quarters Kingsbridge Sep* i6 1776 Parole Uston C.Sign Renthem The Field Officers for y^ Piquet to be imme- diately appointed who are to act as field Officers of the Day in thier respective Brigades a Co" from Gen^ Mifflins Brigade at the Pennsylvanian encampment Lieu* Co" from Gen^ Clintons Bri- gade which the Brigade Majors are to notify As the assistant Adjutant Gen' has not yet been favour** with the Field Officers Names A Piquet to con- sist of one sixth Part of each Regiment properly Officer** to be constantly mounted at retreat beat- ing who are to continue on Duty 24 Hours the Officers will carefully inspect the mens arms and amunition after which they are to lie upon thier arms through the Night and are to remain at thier post through the Day and in case of an alarm are Immediately to turn out and engage the Enemy whilst the Regiment Can get under Arms the Piquet are to parade on thier own Brigade Pa- rades and there to recieve Orders unless the Sud- denness of the attack shall call for thier marching 34 immediately, in which case the Field Officers of the Piquet will march without waiting for Orders from the Gen'^ Such Regiments as have not made out thier Pay abstracts to the Paymaster Gen" are to do it immediately the Brigade Majors are to send in the names of thier respective Field officers to the adj* Gen" B Orders Adj* of y^ Day tomorrow Abby West Chester County Sep* 17 1776 Regimental Orders The Guards as usual for the works i Sub 2 Serj' 2 Corp' & 30 Privates Andrew Ward Co" Head Q" Kings bridge Sep* 17 1776 Particular care is to be taken to Prevent the waste of amunition the Cartridges of such Pieces as are necesarily loaden are to be drawn if pos- sible if not to be fir** agreeable to orders but the 35 Major Gen" begs that the Commanding Officers and Cap*^ would give thier Orders as the Men will have a fondness rather to fire than draw thier Cartriges in case of an alarm the officers & Sol- diers are to parade with y^ greatest alertness it is very unsoldierlike to see Companies & Regiments Paradeing and the Officers absent or the Soldiers backw^ard & forward enquiring for thier Companies or Regiments The Companies & Reg*^ should immediately form and the Officers to be at thier posts to give and Recieve Orders the Gen" does not mention because he has heard of any misbehavior in this Division (altho he has heard of such conduct elsewhere) but because he is anxious that Regularity & soldier like deport- ment should be the true characteristic of this Division The Details for the Piquet given out this Day to the Brigade Majors to be constantly kept up every Day till a new one is given out the Fatigue Men to parade at the Bridge and be under the direction of Major Hugs the men Order'' to the out Guards to be Provided with 2 Days provision this to be a Standing Order 36 Co" Wells Field Officer for y*" Piquet tomor- row Details for Co" Chester Maj' Capt Sub Rerj' D&¥ Corp Priv« Advance Guards i 25545 220 Fatigue 012323 78 r 3 7 8 6 8 298 Head Q'' Sep* 18 1776 Parole Jersey C.Sign Newport The Brigade majors are to settle a Court martial for the tryal of Prisoners Comanding officers of regiments and all other Officers are charg*^ in the strictest manner to prevent all plun- dering & sieze every Soldier carrying off Plunder whither belonging to the same Regiment or not or on what ever petence it is taken & y*" Gen^ Posi- tively comands that such Plunderer be carried to the next Brigadier or Commanding Officer of a Regiment who is immediately to have the 37. offender whip* on tlie spot the Regimental Sur- geons are to take care of thier own sick for the Present untill a Gen'^ Hospital can be establish*^ on a Proper footing they are to keep as near thier Regiments as Possible and in case of action to leave thier sick under the care of thier mates and be at hand to assist the wounded. Under the pretence of Ranging or Scouting the greatest irregularities have been committed the Gen" therefore forbids it in the most express manner but by leave from him or the Brigadier Gen^ of the Day in writing and then always to be under the direction of a Proper officer the Gen' Does not mean by this to discourage patroling and scouting Parties when properly Regulated on the other hand he will be pleas'* with & except the Service of any good officers who are desirous of being thus employ^ & will distinguish them Gen' Persons Gen' Scot & Co" Sergeants Brigade are to march over Kings bridge and take Gen' Heaths Orders for encamping Co" Sha, Magaw, Has- let, and the Regiment under Co" Ward to return to fort Washington and be under the command of Gen" Mifflin Co" Wards Regiment from con- 38 necticut may for the present be anexed to the Brigade Commanded by Co" Sergeant West Chester County Sep i8 Regimental Orders Sub Ser* Cor D&F P I I I I 21 to mount Q" Guard tomorrow Andrew Ward Co" West Chester County Sep* 19 Parole Hancock CjSign Warren Regimental Orders Sub S C P I Cap* I 2 2 40 to mount Piquet Guard this night to parade at sunsett Q"" Guard as usual 39 Camp Manor of Fordom Sep* 20 1776 Regimental Orders Guards as usual, As the Religious Character of the Gentlemen officers of my Reg* is well known they will doubtless attend on Divine Service when thier business will admit I only ask them to parade in the front of thier own Companies when ever they attend. The non Commission Officers are directed to attend, to parade in y"" proper place in thier Several Companies The Cap*^ are desir'' to make return of what amunition is wanted in y*" Company at y*' rate of 24 rounds F"^ Man Andrew Ward Co" It is necessary for our own safety Head Quarters Sep* 20*^ 1776 Parole Spain C.Sign France As many of the Regiments last from y" City of N York have left thier tents and Cooking uten- tials not from any default in them but for want of 40 Teams and Vessels to bring them off by which means one part of the army is greatly distress*^ while the other part are comfortably supply*^ the Gen" earnestly advises and directs the Co"^ and Commanding Officers of such Corps as have not suffer*^ to stow thier men thicker in thier tents and send all they can togather with such pots as they can possibly spare to thier Suffering fellow Soldiers till such time as they can be provided the tents &*" are to be sent to M" Courtrights House who will cause them to be deliver*^ to those Regi- ments standing most in need of them, which Regi- ments must be answerable for thier return when call'' for The Gen" hopes that Soldiers fighting in such a cause as ours will not be discourage** by any Difficulties that may offer and enforms them that the Ground he now possesses is to be defended at all events any officer or soldier who upon the approach or attack of the Enemy's forces either by Land or water presumes to turn his back or flee Shall be Shot Instantly down and all good Officers are hereby authorized and required to see this done that the Gallant part of the army may 41 not fall a Sacrifics to the base and cowardly part or share in the disgrace of a cowardly and un- manly retreat. The heights we are now on may be defended against double the force we have to contend and the whole continent expects it from us but that we may assist the natural strength of the Ground as much as possible and make our Post more secure the Gen" earnestly recommends to the Command- ing officers of brigades and Reg*' to turn out every man that is ofif Duty for Fatigue and apply to Gen" Putnam for tools and directions when & how to work this measure is earnestly recommended to the Men as it will tend greatly to thier own Security & ease as the Guards will be lessened as the Ground gets Strengthen'' Gen' Green is appointed careful! officer at bourdetts Ferry to examin passengers that none come over but such as have proper passes Gen'' Mifflin is to do the same on this side to pre- vent disaffected or suspected persons from passing. If Cap* Johnson & the other gentlemen who were imploy at N York are inclin" to engage in it again they are to have the preference given them. The Commanding Officers of Militia Regi- 42 ments now in the service may make out thier pay abstracts in order to recieve payments they will be particular in doing it as the disorderly manner of those that have left the service will require the utmost care to prevent imposing on the publick and the Congress have resoW that all continental troops and Militia going home from the Service shall restore all continental Arms and other prop- erty and also amunition remaining in thier hands at the time they bring about to return or the value of it disbursed. The Guards will be reliev'' at 4 "Clock this afternoon after which they are to be reliev^ Reg- ularly and constantly at 9 oClock in the morning The Gen" directs y* the Brigade Majors attend him properly at 7 oClock tomorrow morning and account for thier several Departments as he is determin'' to put up with no more negligence in officers he expects the punctual attendance of the whole Gen" Wadsworth must look out a good person to do the Duty of his Brigade Commanding and other Officers of Regiments are to collect the Horses strowling about thier incampments and 43 send them to the Q' M' Gen" or one of his Depu- ties the use of the Horses when properly im- ploy'^ will be to the army it is hop^ it will be an inducement to every Officer in the army to exert himself the Officer of y" Guard at Kingsbridge to be carefull that no Soldier takes horses over the Bridge tho such Person should have a common pass every Person riding without a Saddle is to be taken up and the Horse to be sent to the QM till releas"^ by further Orders the scarcity of Fodder makes it necessary that no horse should come into the camp but what belongs to the army all visitants are therefore to keep thier Horses above the Bridge unless they obtain a special pass from some Gen" Officer or Commander of Brigade Gen" Bull Brigadier of the Day to meet the Guards at 4 "Clock on the parade and report im- mediately what brigade major fails of bringing his proportion of Guards at the time Major Addams Brigade Major of y^ Day L' Co" Marshall of Widers Regiment Maj^ Sane of Gen' Fellows Brigade Maj^ Cleft of Gen" Wadsworths Brigade Cap* Burgis of Gen" Griffiths Regiment Cap* Persons of Co" Serjeants Regiment 44 are appointed to oversee the working Parties and excluded from other Duty A General Court Martial whereof Co' Lasher is appointed Prisident is order*^ to sett tomorrow morning at 9 ''Clock at M"" Coxens tavern a L* Co'' & 2 Cap*^ from Gen" Persons Brigade Gen" Scott Gen" Clinton Commandant Chester 2 Cap*' each a Maj' & 2 Cap*' from Commandant Sergeants Brigade Camp West Chester County Sep* 21. 1776 Regimental Orders That the Cap*' of the several companies ex- amin the state of thier arms and make report of the number of those that are defective and also it is directed and order'' that they make a return of the want of amunition and Flints and that the orderly Serjeants immedeately upon recieving or- ders shew them to y"^ Cap*' or commanding officers of y' Company s'' orders to be read at the head of each Company and that the Gen" Orders are read at the head of the Regiment by the Adjutant or 45 Serjeant Major after morning or evening prayor that a Provision return be made to the Q' Master tomorrow precisely at 12 oClock w^ithout fail and that no man cut or saw any of the boards that are provided for the use of the Regiment on any pretence whatever Andrew Ward Co'^ Head Quarters Sep* 21 1776 Parole Lisbon CjSign Dover If the Q"" M G has any sails or other covering he is to deliver them to Gen" Spencer who will see that the Regiments most in need of them now under his immediate concern are first supply"* The Gen" exhorts the commanding officers of every Regiment and corps to fall upon the best and most expeditious methods of Procuring cloathes and necessaries for thier men before the Season gets too far advanc** for this Purpose they are hereby outheris*^ to send out one or more officers as the nature of the case shall require and the serv- ice shall admitt of to purchase & provide them 46 Gen" Putnam & Spencer togather with the several Brigadiers this side Kings Bridge are to look out the Grounds within our lines and fix upon places to build barracks or hutts for Quarter- ing the Men no time should be lost in making the Choice that covering may be had as soon as possible for the ease and comfort of the men it earnestly recommended to all Brigadiers and com- manding officers of Corps to see or know that the Orders relative to thier Brigades are comply^ with. And they as well as the commanding Officers of Regiments SC" are requir** to attend strictly to the mens health that they are really sick may be sup- ply"^ in the best manner our sircumstances will admitt of while such as feign themselves sick to get excus*' from Duty meet with no kind of counte- nance or favour as it tends to throw the Burthen on the Spirited and willing men who disdain such scandalous Practices The Gen" would remind all officers of the indesputable necessity their is of each of them exerting himself in the department he acts in and that where this is the case Oh! the advantages aris- ing from it as an army let it be ever so large they 47 move like clockwork whereas without it it is no better than an ungovernable machine it serves only to perplex and distract those who attempt to conduct it. The Brigadiers and Brigade Majors of the Day are both to attend at guard mounting, see them brought and so continue near the advance Lines till they are reliev'' the next Day in order that they may be ready in case of an attack to command at the Lines. When they are reliev^ they are to report extraordinaries to the Commander in Chief Sep* 21 1776 Division Orders Brigadier for the Day tommorrow Gen" Per- sons Brigade Major Fish The President of the court martial which stands adjourn'' till Mon- day will appoint some proper Person to act as Judge Advocate West Chester County Sep* 22 1776 Regimental Orders that a Serjeant and 16 Men attend the mason at the Oven Obidiah Johnson L*C 48 IV Head Quarters Sep* 23 1776 Ebenezer Leffingwell being convicted of offer- ing violence to his superior Officer of cow- ardice and of misbehaviour before the enemy was ordered to suffer Death this day the Gen" from his former good conduct & upon the interposition of y" Adjutant Gen" at whoom he presented his piece is plas'^ to pardon him but declares that the next offender shall suffer Death without mercy. Serjeants Major is appointed Adj* to Co" Meads Reg* in Co" Sillimans Brigade Co" Doug- las's Brigade Major being under an arrest for neglect of Duty in not giving the parole & counter- sign to the Guard Co" Douglas is to appoint an- other to do the Duty Several Co"^ and commanding Officers of Regi- ments having neglected to make report of the ex- amination of thier Regiments after Plunder are now reminded of it and will be mentioned in or- ders if they neglect it. A Report is to be made to head Quarters as soon as possible of the Several Officers under arrest that they may be try**. Co'^ and commanding Officers are to attend to it. 49 Brigadier for the Day Commandant Chester Brigade Major Dolliver Field Officers for Advance Guard, For Piquit Co" Greyham Co" Tolcot L*Co" Baldwin L* Co" Hinman Major Abail Major Shelden Head Quarters Sep* 2/\}^ 1776 Parole Bristol C.Sign Salem The Q.M.G". and chief Ingianere are to mark out the Ground tomorrow on which the Barracks and huts are to be built this side Kings Bridge they are to call on the Gen"^ Privious to thier set- ing out on this business when y^ Ground is mark** out the Q'.M.G". is to cause the materials for building to be laid thereon as soon as possible The Gen" is inform*^ that in consequence of his recommendation of the Instant many Regi- ments have cherefully turn"^ out to work while the others have sent few Men on fatigue the former 50 he thanks for thier conduct while the other are to be inform^ that thier conduct will be mark^ The Gen" would have them recollect that it is for thier own self defence y\ these works are constructing and the sooner they are finished the sooner they will be able to errect warm and com- fortable Barracks or hutts for themselves to lodge in. The Militia which came to the assistance of the army under the command of Gen" Woolcot are to hold themselves in readiness to return home, before they go they are to return into the Publick stores everything they drew, from thence such as amunition canteens camp Kettles &c &c Major Hanley aid de camp to Gen" Heath whoose activity courage & every other good Qual- ity ; which can destinguish a brave & gallant Sol- dier must indear him to every lover of his Coun- try having fair at the late scirmish at Montizures Island while bravely leading a Party on his re- mains will be interrd this afternoon at 5 "Clock from the Quarters of Major David Hanly acting as D A G below the hill the ridoubt is thrown up on y*" Road, The Gen" thanks the command- 51 ing Officers of the Regiments for thier care in examining the tents & knapsacks of the Soldiers after Plunder he directs that what has been found be returnd to the House on the road below head Quarters and that Regimental Court martials be immidiately sett to try every one who cannot prove he came honestly by What he is found possess** of the ofifendor to be punished as soon as the sen- tence is approv** of by the Co" or Commanding Officer As a little wholesome severity may put a stop to such ruinous Practices in future the Gen" orders y* a verry strict enquiry will be made and no favour shewn, the Gen" does not admit of any pretence for Plundering whither it is tory Property be- yond the Lines or not it is equally a breach of orders and is to be punished in the Officer that gives the Orders or the Soldier that goes without Such Co"^ or Commanding officers of Regi- ments as have not reported will be mentioned in tommorrows Orders if report is not made before A working party of an loo Men properly Officer** to parade tomorrow morning at 7 "Clock opposite to head quarters the Parade will be some 52 Gen" Officer who will put under arrest any Officer who is found delinquent of having his men in time A Field Officer of the Regiments posted at mount Washington to visit the Guards thier the distance of the Lines not admiting the Gen" officers to go up Division Orders 24*** Sep* A Court of enquiry to sett this day at 10 "Clock to enquire into the reason of the conduct of the Several Officers who commanded Companies on the night of y^ 22 Instant in not landing thier companies agreeable to Orders. Brigadier Par- sons President Co" Brewer Co" Malcomb Co" Ward Co" Pawbery All Persons conser*^ are to attend the Court which is to sett at such place as the President shall appoint Jn" Hull Surgeon of Co" Baldwins Regiment of Militia tried by a Gen" Court Martial whereof Co" Lasher was President for having demanded S3 and taken money of Soldiers for writing recom- mendinations for the sick to be discharge is found guilty by S*^ court & Sentenc*^ to be drum*^ out of the Army the Major Gen" approves of the sentence & orders it to take place accordingly tomorrow at lo "Clock Brigadier for the Day Gen" Clinton Brigade Major Grey Field officers for the Piquet Co" Swatham L* Co" Brewer Major Millins Head Quarters 25*^ Sep* 1776 Parole Cumberland C.Sign. Pitt The same number of Men to parade tomorrow morning as this Day for fatigue Co" Serjeants to send to the Provose Guard the Soldiers who were with the Ens° Macumber and charg'^ with Plunder- ing at harlem. 54 The Brigadirs who are in want of tents for thier Brigades are to attend at y^ Q.M.G. at 4 o Clock this afternoon and divide such tents as are on hand among them. Such Regiments of Militia as have return^ to the QMG such articles as belong to the publick y* they have Rec*^ and to thier respective Brigadiers the amunition they have drawn of which they have first produc*^ certificates are Discharg*' and may return home as soon as they think proper The Gen" hopes the commanding Officers of all other of the Regiments take care that no other Men mix with them in going home & that particular care be taken that no horses be taken by the men which are Properly imploy*' in the Service Division Orders 2t^^^ Sep* 1776 Jn*" Yongue & Jn" Dennis private Soldiers in Cap* Stoutons Company Co" Greyhams Reg* try^ by a Gen" Court Martial whereof Co" Lasher was President for having deserted the advance Guard & for geting Drunk y*" prisoners are severally found guilty of a breach of the 8 article for which the 55 court sentenc*^ them to recieve 24 Lashes for leav- ing the parad and 20 Lashes for geting drunk David Robbins of Cap* Stewarts Company try** by the same Court martial for Desertion found Guilty and Sencened by y^ Court to recieve 20 Lashes the Major Gen'^ approves of the Sentence and orders them to be put in execution to morrow at the head of thier own Regiment Brigadier for y* Day Gen" Scott Brigade Major Pauling Field Officers for the piquet Co" Ward L* Co" Cooper Major Muffit For advance Guard at Morrisania I Cap* 2 Sub 2 Serj* 2 CorpP 25 Privats Home Guard i i i 25 Fatigue 1222 45 S6 Head Quarters Sep* 26 1776 Parole Hallifax C Sign Georgia The Court martial of which Co" Morgan was President having found that L* Stewart struck Serjeant Phillips but that he was provock** so to do by the latter and acquited him of threatning the life of Co" Silliman the Gen" approves the sen- tence and orders L* Stewart to be releas'^ from his arrest the same Court martial having convicted L* Dan" Pelton of Co" Ritsonas Reg* of leaving camp 2 Days and being absent without leave the court orders him to be multed of one months pay the Gen" approves of the sentence and that strict care be taken accordingly in the next pay abstract Cap* Phillips of Cap* Hubbels Company & Co^ Silli- mans Reg* try*^ by the same court martial for Cowardice and leaving his party on the 17th In- stant was acquited the Gen" approves the Sentence and orders him to be discharg*^ The Regiments of militia which compose the Brigades commanded by Co" Douglass & Co" Silli- 57 man being desmiss'' they are requested to join thier former Brigades A Court martial for the trial of Deserters and other crimes not capital are immediately to be form*^ in the several Brigades & the Sentences when approv*^ by the Brigadier are to be immediately executed. Co" Morgan being necessarily detain*^ from court martial Co" Ewing is to be President during his absence. The Gen" expects and insists that all the plunder and other things found in consequence of the examination lately made be sent immediately to the white house upon the road near head Quarters to be deliver'* to the cap* of the Guard and depos** there without further orders Co"^ and command- ing Officers of Regiments are to see that it is done immediately The Officers commanding the rangers is to give passes to any of his party but to none others Upon any allarm or approach of the enemy toward our lines Gen" Mifflin and his Brigade is to possess our left flank from the hollow way by Co" Sergeants late incampment to the point of 58 Rocks on the Left of our Lines & till the Reg* commande*^ by Co" Widens Brigade is to be join*^ to the same Gen" M^Dougal is to repair to the plain back of Gen" Mifflins and to be ready to sup- port him or the Piquet in y*' front as the occation may require Gen" Bull is to repair to the Lines which cross the road by Co" Moylands Lodgings and extend thier right flank to the middle Redoubt by M"" Courtrights house occupying the same Gen"^ Wadsworth & Fellows are to take the remaining part of the lines & redoubts threw up on the North River these three Brigades to defend the lines or wait there for orders Gen" Herd is to parade and be ready to march when ever call^ for Gen" Putnam is to command in front of the Lines by M'^ Cartrights Gen" Spencer in the rear of him Division Orders Brigadier for tomorrow Gen" Parsons Brigad Major Fish Brigade Orders The Commandant reminds the officers in his Brigade that its absolutely against Orders that 59 Card playing or any other gaming of hazard should be practiced in the army he is amaz^ that orders are so little attended to as they are he wont overlook the breach of orders in either Officers or men in future he likewise informs the Brigade that 2 Lads in y*" 16*^ Regiment have by his order been punished this Day for Playing cards when at the same time they plead the ex- ample and countenance of thier Officers. Head Quarters Sep* 27 1776 Parole Hampton C.Sign Walton L* Durkee of Co" Phillips Regiment tried by Gen" Court martial whereof Co" Ewen was presi- dent for leaving the Reg* without permission from his Commanding Officers and being absent about 20 Days was acquitted by the Court the Gen" approves of the Sentence and orders him to be discharge The returns are expected tomorrow by orderly 60 time which the Brigade Majors and Adjutants will do well to see to The Gen" is not more surpris'^ than vex'' to find that in spite of all his care to prevent unneces- sary firing & waste of amunition that every after- noon Produces fresh instances of shamefull dis- charges of musquets when thier has been no rain to wet or otherways to injure y*' Load he now positively orders that there be no firing without leave of thier Brigadier Gen" who are to inquire immediately into the case and whither the cartorig cannot be drawn or not without. The Gen" also directs that none but y^ out sentries shall ever have thier musquet Loaded and if they would be vigilent and watchfull on thier posts they need not load untill occation should require it Division Orders Brigadier for y'' Co" Sergeants Brigade Major Talmage Advance Guard i Cap 2 Sub 2 Serj' zC". 85 P II I 25 122 2 42 61 Head Quarters Sep* 28 1776 Parole Stanford C Sign Rye M' Fan Wadsworth is appointed Maj"" of Brigade to Gen" Wadsworth Will'" Higgins of Cap* Hambletons Company of artillery convicted by Gen" Court Martial where of Co" Widen was president of plundering and stealing order*^ to be whip*^ 39 lashes. The Gen" approves the sentence and orders it to be executed tomorrow morning at the usual time and place. A number of the new rules and regulations of the army having come to hand the Several Brigade Majors are to recieve thier proportion and de- liver them to the Commanding Officers of the Several Reg*^ who are immedeately to cause them to be read to the Regiments and made known to both officers & Men that there may be no pre- tence for Ignorance it is with great concern the Gen" finds that so many excuses are made by Field Officers and others who are on duty especialy on Piquet, by this means active and willing Officers 62 are discouraged he hopes trifling reasons and Slight complaints will not be urg*^ to avoid Duty when the utmost care and vigilence is necessary. The Gen" has also in riding through the Camp observ'' a shamefull waste of Provision Learge pieces of fine beef not only thrown away but left above ground to putrify. while such practice is continued the troops will be sickly, the Com- manding Officers of Reg^'' who have not done it are immediately to appoint Campcullermen Officers who have spirit & Zeal will see that such Neusences are remov** some of the camps nearest Head Q'" are very faulty in this respect and will be pointed out in Gen" orders if thier is not a reformation. Stephen Moyland having resign*^ his Office of Q.M.G". Brig*^-- G" Mifflin is appointed thereto till the pleasure of congress is known The Q*^ M G" will deliver to Gen" Spencers or- ders such tents as are wanted in Gen"*" Wadsworth & Fellows Brigades That the approach af the enemy may be com- municated as spedily as possible t\yo Field pieces are to be fir*^ by order of the Brigadier of the 63 Day at the redoubt on the road by Co" Moyland this to be repeated by two others at Head Quarters & the like number at Mount Washington Co" See is to take command of Gen" Mifflins Brigade till further Orders. Gen" Saltanstall is to order in four of y*" Militia Regiments under his command who are to incamp on the Hill opposite fort Washington toward the point oposite the incampment on the otherside Harlem River. The Gen" desires that the several works in which we are now ingag'^ may be advanc*^ as fast as possible as it is esentially necessary In future when an Officer is order*^ on duty and through illness or any private reason cannot at- tend he is to procure one of equal rank to do the duty for him unless some extraordinary reason should cause an application to head Quarters Otherways a Regular Roaster can never be kept. The Brigade Majors are to furnish the Ingianere with a detail of the respective brigades orderd on Fatigue this is to be left at his office near head Quarters and when any alteration is made they are furnish out a New Detail. Major Bicker is order" to attend the works and is to be excus'^ from 64 any other Duty, any Soldier detected in cuting any Abatis without order from the chief Ingianere is to be sent to the provose Guard and tried by Gen" Court Martial Officers are desir'' to put a stop to so dangerous a practise immediately Fatigue men are to breakfast before they go to the Parade no man being allow'' to return to his tent or Quarters on that account. The Building up tents with boards is a practice peculiar to this army and in our present situation cannot be indulg'' The Boards brought into Camp are for floars to the tents and Officers will do well to prevent thier being apply'' to any other use Division Orders Brigadier for the Day Commandant Chester Brigade Major Dolliver Co" Pauling For Picquet L* Co' Wels Maj"' Alner Home Guards o Cap* i Sub 2 Serj* 2 Corp 2 DF 26 P Fatigue 1222 2 48 65 Sept 29 1776 Regimental Orders That a Serj' and 10 Men be employ*^ in clean- ing a house for an hospital under the direction of Doct"^ Knight Andrew Ward Co" Head Quarters Sep"" 29"' 1776 Parole Fairfield CSign Leyden Ensigns Fosdick & Shipman of Co" Webbs Reg* but lately in a detachment of Rangers under Cap* Holmes tried by a Gen" Court martial where- of Co" Widen was president for abusive language to thier Officers apd order*^ to be reprimanded for thier conduct before the Officers of Co" Webbs Regiment. The Gen" approves the Sentence and orders them to join thier Regiment that it may be carried into execution. As thier is the great- est appearance of bad weather the Gen" Directs & begs that the officers would take special care of thier arms & amunition wherever thier is a con- venient Cover bell tents or painted tents to have the arms put into them he also directs that the 66 several brigades as soon as the weather permits be march'' to thier alarm posts as fix'' in the order of the 26*'' that the corps may know how to repare to them and defend them to the best advantage and to be repeated until the Officers and Men be well acquainted with the ground and the post From some discoveries made yesterday there is reason to think the enemy meditate a spedy and General attact, its therefore of greatest conse- quence that we should be well prepar," in every respect ready to meet them A Court martial consisting of the Several mem- bers, are to meet tomorrow morning 10 Clock at the white house near Head Quarters for the trial of Cap* Weason & Cap* Scott for Cowardice and mis- behaviour in the attack made upon Montdeseurs Isleland on the morning of the 25*'' Instant. Brigadier Gen' Bill prisi( ) Co" Morgan Major Putnam Co" Newcomb Hopewell Co" Holeman Matt L* Co" Cadwelader Cap^ Winship L* Co" Wysen phelps Bates & Gillit & Rusul 67 UB- ^ iOr> o " a % . • • . *^ 'V^ . t • ^. *- ./\-ki^-. **,.'^* C, vP V^\^' c, vP •» o_ ^^-"^^ / o. ' » o^ *^ • .♦^ ^^-^^^ IBBS BROS. * ^Msfe^^ o <0 -7" •■ Q. MIY BINDINO ^«l!w?vs;>s. » d' <^ * <^^<^^l\l^ ^ ■^* LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 011 769 548 7