GENERAL WASHINGTON TO PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.

[Read March 6, 1776.]

Cambridge, February 26, 1776.

SIR: I had the honour of addressing you on the 18th and 21st instant, by Mr. Hooper, since which nothing material has occurred. We are making every necessary preparation for taking possession of Dorchester-Heights as soon as possible, with a view of drawing the enemy out; how far our expectations may be answered, time can only determine. But I should think, if any thing will induce them to hazard an engagement, it will be our attempting to fortify these Heights, as, on that event's taking place, we shall be able to command a great part of the town, and almost the whole harbour, and to make them rather disagreeable than otherwise, provided we can gel a sufficient supply of what we greatly want.

Within these three or four days I have received sundry accounts from Boston of such movements there, such as taking the mortars from Bunker-Hill; the putting them with several pieces of heavy ordnance on board of ship, with a quantity of bedding; the ships all taking in water; the baking a large quantity of biscuit, &c., as to indicate an embarkation of the troops from thence. A Mr. Ides, who came out yesterday, says that the inhabitants of the town generally believe, that they are about to remove either to New-York or Virginia, and that every vessel in the harbour, on Tuesday last, was taken up for Government's service, and two months' pay advanced them; whether they really intend to embark, or whether the whole is a feint, is impossible for me to tell; however, I have thought it expedient to send an express to General Lee, to inform him of it, in order that he may not be taken by surprise, if their destination should be against New-York, and continued him on to you. If they do embark, I think the possessing themselves of that place and of the North-River, is the object they have in view, thereby securing the communication with Canada and rendering the intercourse between the Northern and Southern United Colonies exceedingly precarious and difficult. To prevent them from effecting their plan, is a matter of the highest importance, and will require a large and respectable army and the most vigilant and judicious exertions.

Since I wrote by Mr. Hooper, some small parcels of powder have arrived from Connecticut, which will give us a little assistance.

On Thursday night, a party of our men, at Roxbury, made the enemy's out-sentries, consisting of a corporal and two privates, prisoners, without firing a gun or giving the least alarm. I shall be as attentive to the enemy's motions as I can, and obtain all the intelligence in my power, and if I find them embark, shall, in the most expeditious manner, detach a part of the light troops to New-York, and repair thither myself, if circumstances shall require it. I shall be better able to judge what to do when the matter happens; at present I can only say, that I will do every thing that shall appear proper and necessary.

Your letter of the 12th instant, by Colonel Bull, came to hand yesterday evening, and shall, agreeable to your recommendation, pay proper notice to him. The supply of cash came very seasonably, as our treasury was just exhausted, and nothing can be done here without it.

I have the honour to be, with great regard, your most humble servant,

GEORGE WASHINGTON.

P. S. This was intended to have been sent by express, but meeting with a private opportunity the express was countermanded.

GENERAL ORDERS.

Head-Quarters, Cambridge, February 15, 1776.

The Regiments upon the new establishment, and the Regiments of Militia, lately arrived at Cambridge and Roxbury, to deliver to the Brigade-Majors they respectively belong to, at Orderly time, on Saturday, an exact return of their numbers, according to the form the Adjutant-General has this day given to each of the Brigade-Majors.

Such of the Regiments as are in want of leather shot-bags with straps, to hold ball and buck-shot, may have them by applying to the Adjutant-General. It is intended that every non-commissioned officer and soldier be supplied.

Head-Quarters, Cambridge, February 16, 1776.

The Congress have been pleased to appoint Joseph Frye, Esq., a Brigadier-General in the Continental Army. He is to be obeyed as such; and his Excellency, the General, orders that he shall take the command of the vacant Brigade commonly called the Cambridge Brigade.

All the Regiments are immediately to be completed to twenty-four rounds of ammunition a man. The Colonel, or commanding officer of each, is to pass his receipt to the Commissary for the cartridges, or powder and lead necessary to do this, and to take receipts from their several Captains for the total quantity in each company; the Captains are to do the like from each of their men, who are to account satisfactorily for any load they have passed their receipt for, or pay four pence for each deficient. The Colonels, or commanding officers of Regiments, are to take especial care that this order is strictly complied with; that those fines are charged without fail to the delinquent soldiers, and credit given for them in making out the pay-abstracts. This order is to be read to, and impressed upon the minds of every man by their officers.

The General is surprised to find the Militia applying for cartouch-boxes and other accoutrements, when he had not a doubt but they would have come completely equipped. As the case, however, is otherwise, he directs that they should be served with powder-horns and shot-pouches, In lieu of cartouch-boxes, and that every thing which is delivered to them be charged to the Regiment that received It, that it may be redelivered, or paid for at the expiration of the term for which they stand engaged, and to this the Quartermaster-General and Commissary of Stores, are to give particular attention without further direction upon this head.

The intrenching tools of every kind, are to be carefully looked up, and put in good order; the Quartermaster-General is to give proper directions upon this head. No lime is to be lost in the doing of it.

To prevent any mistakes, or impositions in the purchasing of arms, the Colonels are immediately to have the several arms, belonging to their respective Regiments, branded with the number of the Regiment, or stamped and marked in such a manner as they may be known.

Colonel Knox is to report the exact number of cannon cartridges, which are filled and ready for use, specifying the sorts and sizes.

Head-Quarters, Cambridge, February 18, 1776.

Head-Quarters, Cambridge, February 19, 1776.

A General Court-Martial to sit to-morrow morning, at eleven, at Pomeroy's Tavern, in Cambridge, to try such prisoners as shall be brought before them. All evidences and persons concerned to attend the Court.

Head-Quarters, Cambridge, February 20, 1776.

As it is necessary that every Regiment should be furnished with colours, and that those colours should, if it can be done, bear some kind of similitude to the uniform of the Regiment to which they belong; the Colonels, with their respective Brigadiers, and the Quartermaster-General, may fix upon such as are proper and can be procured. There must be to each Regiment the standard, (or Regimental colours,) and colours for each grand division; the whole to be small and light. The number of the Regiment is to be marked on the colours, and such a motto as the Colonel may choose; in fixing upon which the General advises a consultation amongst them.

The Colonels are to delay no time in getting this matter fixed, that the Quartermaster-General may provide the colours as soon as possible; they are, also, to consider what camp equipage may be further necessary, that no time may be lost in providing it, as the season is fast approaching for taking the field.

The General cannot again help urging it, in the strongest terms, to the Colonels the necessity of the strictest attention to the discipline of their men; learning them to march