Letter from General Washington to General Putnam

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Amboy, May 22, 1776.

SIR: Your letter of the last night, with the despatches from Canada, came to my hands at Woodbridge this morning. I wish that the information given you by Captain Goforth, respecting the number of prisoners taken, may prove true. What he told you about the enemy' s not having sallied out differs widely from General Thomas' s account of that affair.

You will please to give every assistance which General Schuyler requires that may be in your power; and lest you may not have kept a copy of his letter, I will transcribe that paragraph which contains his demands: "Intrenching tools of every kind will be wanted, more powder, lead, and cannon ball, and guns for the vessels on Lake Champlain; rigging, sailcloth, and sailmakers to be sent up."

For intrenching tools, rigging, sailcloth, and sailmakers, I would have you apply immediately to the Provincial Congress, who will probably be able to procure them for you; some of the members mentioned to me that they could procure a quantity of tools, of which you will send off as many as you can spare; you must take care not to leave yourself destitute. I sent five tons of lead forward which General Schuyler knew not of; however, I would have you examine what quantity there is in store, and, if you can spare it, send up two tons more. As to the cannon-ball and guns, you will consult with Colonel Knox, who must judge what sort of each is necessary, and send them up with the other articles. I have already spoken to the Commissary-General to send

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It was a misfortune indeed that the vessel with powder and arms should fall into the enemy' s hands. Let the Committee, by all means, have the periaugur to cruise off the back of the Island; the sooner she is out the better, as more vessels with those articles may be daily expected.

I am, with great regard, sir, your most obedient servant,

GEORGE WASHINGTON.

To General Putnam.

P˙ S. Please to forward the enclosed by the first express, or the post, which goes to Albany. Send two tons of powder, which will serve until we can find a further supply.