From The George Washington Papers
at the Library of Congress, 1741-1799. The Writings of George
Washington from the Original Manuscript Sources, 1745-1799.
John C. Fitzpatrick, Editor.
http://memory.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/r?ammem/mgw:@field(DOCID+@lit(gw030229))
Camp at Cambridge, July 10, 1775.
Sir: I arrived safely at this place on the 3d 62 instant;--after
a Journey attended with a good deal of Fatigue and retarded
by necessary attentions to the successive Civilties which
[Note 62: Despite this statement, all other documentary evidence
shows that Washington reached Cambridge , Mass., July 2 and
took command of the Army on July 3.] accompanied me in my
whole route. Upon my arrival I immediately visited the several
Posts occupied by our Troops, and as soon as the Weather permitted,
reconnoitred those of the Enemy. I found the latter strongly
entrenching on Bunkers Hill about a mile from Charlestown,
and advanced about half a mile from the place of the last
Action, with their Centries advanced about 150 Yards on this
side the narrowest part of the neck leading from this place
to Charles Town. Their floating Batteries lay in Mystick River
, near their Camp, and a twenty Gun Ship below the Ferry place
between Boston and Charles Town. They have also a Battery
on Copse Hill, on the Boston side, which much annoyed our
Troops in the late Attack. Upon Roxbury Neck they are also
deeply entrenched and strongly fortified. Their advanced Guard
'till last Saturday, occupied Brown's Houses, about a Mile
from Roxbury Meeting House and twenty rods from their Lines:
But at that time a party from General Thomas's Camp surprized
the Guard, drove them in and burnt the Houses. 63
[Note 63: The house and barn of Mr. Brown stood on the west
side of the highway [ Washington Street] near the present
location of Franklin Square. On July 8 a party of volunteers
from the Rhode Island and Massachusetts forces, under the
command of Majors Tupper and Crane, attacked the post and
drove in the guard and set fire to the buildings, but two
attempts appear to have been necessary to accomplish this.
(See Joseph Trumbull's letter to Eliphalet Dyer, July 11,
1775.) "This was the only armed conflict between the
opposing armies which took place within the original limits
of Boston." ( SeeCentennial Anniversary Evacuation of
Boston, p. 12.)]
The Bulk of their Army commanded by General Howe, lays on
Bunker's Hill, and the remainder on Roxbury neck, except the
light Horse, and a few Men in the Town of Boston. On our side
we have thrown up Intrenchments on Winter and Prospect Hills,
64 the Enemy's Camp in full view, at the distance of little
more than a mile. Such intermediate points, as would admit
a Landing, I have since my arrival taken care to strengthen
[Note 64: The original line of American fortification crossed
what is now Washington Street, on the line of division between
Boston and Roxbury, near the present Clifton Place.--Ford.]
down to Sewall's Farms where a strong Intrenchment has been
thrown up. At Roxbury General Thomas has thrown up a Strong
Work on the Hill, about two hundred Yards above the Meeting
House, which with the Brokenness of the Ground and Rocks,
have made the Pass very secure. The Troops raised in New Hampshire
with a Regiment from Rhode Island occupy Winter Hill. A Part
of those from Connecticut under General Putnam are on Prospect
Hill. The Troops in this Town are entirely of the Massachusetts:
The remainder of the Rhode Island Men, at Sewalls Farm. Two
Regiments of Connecticut and nine of the Massachusetts are
at Roxbury. The residue of the Army, to the Number of about
seven hundred, are posted in several small Towns along the
Coasts, to prevent the depredations of the Enemy: Upon the
whole I think myself authorized to say, that considering the
great extent of Line and the nature of the Ground, we are
as well secured, as could be expected in so short a time and
under the disadvantages we labour. These consist in a Want
of Engineers to construct proper Works and direct the Men;
a Want of Tools and a sufficient Number of Men to man the
Works in case of an Attack. You will observe by the Proceedings
of the Council of War, which I have the Honor to enclose,
that it is our unanimous Opinion to hold and defend these
Works, as long as possible. The Discouragement it would give
the Men and its contrary Effect on the Ministerial Troops
thus to abandon our Incampment in their Face, formed with
so much Labour and expence; added to the certain Destruction
of a considerable and valuable extent of Country, and the
uncertainty of finding a place in all respects so capable
of making a stand are leading reasons for this Determination.
At the same time we are very sensible of the Difficulties
which attend the Defence of Lines of so great extent, and
the Dangers which may ensue from such a Division of the Army.
My earnest Wishes to comply with the Instructions of the
Congress in making an early and complete return of the State
of the Army, has led into an involuntary delay of addressing
you, which has given me much concern. Having given Orders
for that purpose immediately upon my arrival, and not then
so well apprized of the imperfect Obedience which had been
paid to those of like nature from General Ward, I was led
from day to day to expect they would come and therefore detained
the messenger. They are not so complete as I could wish, but
much allowance is to be made for inexperience in Forms and
Liberties which had been taken (not given) on this subject.
These reasons I flatter myself will no longer exist and of
consequence more regularity and exactness in future prevail.
This, with a necessary attention to the Lines, the movements
of the Ministerial Troops and our immediate security, must
be my apoligy, which I beg you to lay before the Congress,
with the utmost duty and respect.
We labour under great Disadvantages for want of Tents, for
tho' they have been help'd by a collection of Sails from the
Seaport Towns, the Number is yet far short of our Necessities.
The Colleges and Houses of this Town are necessarily occupied
by the Troops, which affords another reason for keeping our
present Station: But I most sincerely wish the whole Army
was properly provided to take the Field, as I am well assured,
that besides greater Expedition and activity in case of alarm,
it would highly conduce to health and discipline. As meterials
are not to be had here, I would beg leave to recommend the
procuring a farther supply from Philadelphia, as soon as possible.
65
[Note 65: On July 19, the day this letter was read in Congress,
Mr. James Wilson was ordered to secure a report on the quantity
of duck, tow cloth, sheeting, etc., procurable in Philadelphia
.]
I should be extremely dificient in Gratitude as well as Justice,
if I did not take the first Opportunity to acknowledge the
Readiness and attention which the Congress and different committees
have shewn, to make everything as convenient and agreeable
as possible. But there is a vital and enherent Principle of
delay incompatible with Military service in transacting Business,
through such various and different channels. I esteem it my
Duty therefore to represent the Inconvenience that must unavoidably
ensue from a dependence on a number of Persons for supplies,
and submit it to the consideration of the Congress, whether
the public service will not be best promoted by appointing
a Commissary General for these purposes:
We have a very remarkable instance of the preference of such
a mode in the Establishment of Connecticut, as their Troops
are extremely well provided under the direction of Mr. Trumbull,
and he has at different Times assisted others with various
Articles; should my sentiments happily coincide with those
of the Congress, I beg leave to recommend Colonel Trumbull
as a very proper person for this department. 66 In the Arrangement
of Troops collected under such circumstances, and upon the
Spur of immediate necessity, several appointments have been
ommitted, which appear to me indispensably necessary for the
good Government of the Army, particularly a Quarter Master
General, A Commissary of Musters and a Commissary of Artillery.
These I must particularly recommend to the Notice & Provision
of the Honorable Congress. 67 I find myself already much embarrassed
for want of a Military Chest; these embarrass ments will encrease
every day, I must therefore most earnestly request that money
may be forwarded to me as soon as possible. The want of this
most necessary Article, will I fear, produce great Inconveniences
if not prevented by an early attention.
[Note 66: Col. Joseph Trumbull was accordingly appointed
Commissary General of the Continental Army on July 19, the
day this letter was read in Congress.]
[Note 67: Congress left these appointments to Washington
to make. They will be found announced in the General Orders,post.]
I find the Army in general and particularly the Troops raised
in Massachusetts Bay very difficient in necessary Clothing:
Upon Inquiry it appears there is no Probability of Obtaining
any supplies in this Quarter; upon the best consideration
of this matter, I am able to form, I am of Opinion that a
number of hunting Shirts, not less than 10,000, would in a
great Degree remove the difficulty in the cheapest and quickest
manner. I know nothing so trivial in a speculative View, that
in Practice would have a happy Tendency to unite the men and
abolish those Provincial distinctions which lead to Jealousy
and Dissatisfaction. In a former part of my Letter I mentioned
the want of Engineers. I can hardly express the Disappointment
I have experienced on this Subject; the Skill of those we
have being very imperfect and confined to the mere manual
exercise of cannon, whereas the war in which we are engaged,
requires a Knowledge comprehending the Duties of the Field
and Fortifications. If any Persons possessed of these Qualifications
are to be found in the Southern Colonies, it would be of great
Public Service to forward them with all expedition. Upon the
Article of Ammunition, I must re-echo the former complaints
on this Subject; we are so exceedingly destitute that our
Artillery will be of little use without a supply both large
and seasonable; what we have, must be reserved for the small
Arms and that managed with the utmost Frugality. I am very
sorry to observe that the appointments of General Officers
in the Provinces of Massachusetts and Connecticut have not
corresponded with the wishes and Judgment of either the Civil
or Military. The great Dissatisfaction expressed on this Subject
and the apparent Danger of throwing the whole Army into the
utmost Disorder, together with the strong Representations
made by the Provincial Congress, have induced me to retain
the Commissions in my hands until the pleasure of the Continental
Congress should be farther known, except General Putnam's
which was given the Day I came to the Camp and before I was
apprized of these disgusts. In such a Step, I must beg the
Congress will do me the Justice to believe that I have been
actuated solely by a regard to the Public Good.
I have not, nor could have any private Attachments, every
Gentleman in Appointment was a Stranger to me but from Character:
I must therefore rely upon the candour and Indulgence of Congress;
for their most favourable construction of my Conduct in this
particular. General Spencer's disgust was so great at General
Putnam's promotion, that he left the Army without visiting
me or making known his Intention in any respect. 68
[Note 68: Ford notes the letter from Samuel B. Webb to Silas
Deane, printed in theConnecticut Historical Society Collections
, vol. 2, pp. 285, 288, 290, as throwing some light on Spencer's
conduct. At the bottom of the whole difficulty lay the matter
of Maj. Gen. Artemas Ward's supreme command of all the troops
besieging Boston before Washington's election and arrival.]
General Pomeroy had also retired before my Arrival, occasioned
as is said by some Disappointment from the Provincial Congress.
General Thomas is much esteemed and most earnestly desired
to continue in the service, and as far as my Opportunities
have enabled me to judge, I must join in the general Opinion,
that he is an able good officer and his Resignation would
be a public Loss. The postponing him to Pomroy and Heath,
whom he has commanded, would make his continuance very difficult
and probably operate on his mind, as the like circumstance
did on that of Spencer.
The State of the Army you will find ascertained, with tolerable
Precision, in the Returns which accompany this Letter. Upon
finding the Number of Men to fall so far short of the Establishment
arid below all Expectation, I immediately called a Council
of the General Officers, whose opinion as to the mode of filling
up the regiments and providing for the present Exigency, together
with the best Judgment we are able to form of the Ministerial
Troops, I have the Honor of inclosing. From the Number of
Boys, Deserters and negroes which have inlisted in this Province,
I entertain some doubts whether the Number required, can be
raised here; and all the General Officers agree, that no Dependance
can be put on the Militia for a continuance in Camp, or Regularity
and Discipline during the short time they may stay. This unhappy
and devoted Province has been so long in a State of Anarchy
, and the Yoke of Ministerial Oppression so heavily laid ,
that great allowances are to be made for their Troops collected
under such circumstances; The Defficiencies in their numbers,
their Discipline and Stores can only lead to this conclusion,
that their Spirit has exceeded their Strength. But at the
same time I would humbly submit to the Congress, the Propriety
of making some further Provision of men from the other Colonies.
If these Regiments should be completed to their Establishment,
the dismission of those who are unfit for Duty, on account
of their Age and Character, would occasion a considerable
Reduction, and at all events, they have been inlisted upon
such Terms, that they may be dismissed when other Troops arrive:
But should my apprehens'ons be realized, and the Regiments
here not be filled up, the public Cause would suffer by an
absolute Dependance upon so doubtful an Event, unless some
Provision is made against such a Disappointment. It requires
no Military Skill to judge of the Difficulty of introducing
Discipline and Subordination into an Army while we have the
Enemy in View and are in daily expectation of an attack, but
it is of so much Importance, that every Effort will be made
to this End, which Time and circumstances will admit. In the
mean Time I have the Pleasure of observing, that there are
Materials for a good Army, a great Number of Men, able Bodied,
Active, Zealous in the Cause and of unquestionable Courage.
I am now Sir, to acknowledge the receipt of your Favor of
the 28th June, enclosing the Resolutions of Congress of the
27th and a Copy of a Letter from the Committee of Albany,
to all which I shall pay due Attention. General Gates and
General Sullivan have both arrived in good Health.
My best Abilities are at all Times devoted to the Service
of my Country, but I feel the Weight, variety and Importance
of my present Duties too sensibly, not to wish a more immediate
and frequent communication with the Congress. I fear it may
often happen, in the Course of our present Operations, that
I shall need the Assistance and Direction from them which
Time and Distance will not allow me to receive. Since writing
the above, I have to acknowledge your Favor of the 4th instant
by Fessenden, and the receipt of the Commission and Articles
of War. Among the other returns I have also sent one of our
killed, wounded and missing in the late Action, but have been
able to procure no certain Account of the Loss of the Ministerial
Troops, my best Intelligence fixes it at 500 killed and 700
wounded; but it is no more than Conjecture the utmost pains
being taken, to conceal their Loss. 69
[Note 69: Sparks notes, from Almon'sRemembrancer (vol. 1,
pp. 99, 179), that at Bunker Hill, on June 17, according to
a return published by the Provincial Congress of Massachusetts,
the loss was 145 killed and missing and 304 wounded. About
30 of the first number were wounded and taken prisoners. By
General Gage's official return, the killed and missing of
the British were 226 and the wounded 828, in all 1,054. (See
Washington's letter to the President of Congress, July 14,
1775 ,post.)]
Having ordered the Commanding Officer at Roxbury to give
me the earliest Intelligence of every Motion of the Enemy,
by Land or Water, discoverable from the Heights of his Camp,
I this instant, as I was closing my Letter received the enclosed
from his Brigade Major. The Design of this Motion I know not;
it may be to make a Diversion somewhere along the Coast; it
may be for New York, or it may be practised as a Deception
on Us. I thought it not improper however to mention the Matter
to you: I have done the same to the Commanding Officer at
New York, and I shall let it be known by the Committee of
Safety here, that the Intelligence may be communicated, as
they see best, to the Sea Coast of this Government. I have
the Honor, etc. 70
[Note 70: The original L. S., in the writing of Joseph Reed,
is in thePapers of the Continental Congress.]
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