George Washington to Board of War, June 30, 1777
Middlebrook [ New Jersey ] June 30, 1777. Discusses disposal of artillery imported in the Amphitrite. 1 Emphasizes need for centralized regulations for procuring supplies.
The Board of War, also known as the Board of War and Ordnance, was created by the Second Continental Congress as a special standing committee to oversee the American Continental Army's administration and to make recommendations regarding the army to Congress. On January 24, 1776, Congressional delegate Edward Rutledge, echoing General George Washington's own concerns, suggested that a war office similar to Great Britain's be established. Pressure from Washington and the large volume of military business led Congress to establish the Board of War and Ordnance on June 12, 1776. Five delegates of Congress, initially John Adams, Roger Sherman, Benjamin Harrison, James Wilson, and Edward Rutledge, assisted by a permanent secretary, Richard Peters, composed the Board of War. They assumed the prescribed responsibilities for compiling a master roster of all Continental Army officers; monitoring returns of all troops, arms, and equipment; maintaining correspondence files; and securing prisoners of war. The Board of War began functioning on June 21, 1776.
Middlebrook [ New Jersey ] June 30, 1777. Discusses disposal of artillery imported in the Amphitrite. 1 Emphasizes need for centralized regulations for procuring supplies.
Pennypackers Mill [ Pennsylvania ] September 28, 1777. Asks Board of War to order the militia “from the Southward� to join the main Army.
Valley Forge, February 21, 1778 . Asks that artillery at Farmington and Albany be forwarded to Camp.
Valley Forge, February 23, 1778 . Approves mode suggested to gain redress for Daniel Hiester. 1 Will comply with congressional regulations for ordinance department. Asks about possibility of securing stores…
White Plains [ New York ] August 3, 1778 . Discusses proposed attacks against Indians.
[ Philadelphia, January 18, 1779. ] Outlines a “Plan for paying arrearages of Clothing to the troops.�
[ Middlebrook, New Jersey ] February 17, 1779 . Discusses proposed regulation for settlement of accounts. Suggests an additional regulation for giving certificates to inhabitants for articles taken for use…
Middlebrook [ New Jersey ] February 27, 1779 . Encloses Brigadier General Du Portail’s plan for a corps of engineers.
Middlebrook [ New Jersey ] April 10, 1779 . Asks that the Board wait until Baron von Steuben returns to Camp before deciding if duties of adjutant general and inspectorship…
George Washington expresses frustration to the Board of War over the delayed reorganization of the clothing department and welcomes the provision of cannon. He opposes the plan to divide the German Battalion and reduce the cavalry, emphasizing the importance of maintaining these military units intact.
[ Middlebrook, New Jersey ] May 23, 1779 . Asks Board to send shoes and overalls to troops of the western expedition.
George Washington writes to the Board of War from Ringwood, New Jersey, on June 6, 1779, refusing to confirm the proposed arrangement of Colonel Thomas Proctor’s artillery corps. He expresses concerns about the organization and effectiveness of Proctor’s unit under the suggested structure. Washington seeks to maintain proper military order and readiness by challenging this decision.
George Washington addresses the Board of War regarding issues with military rank, enlistment terms, and coordination between states affecting the Continental Army's organization. He requests that the Board send him copies of the new regulations and printed journals of Congress to stay informed on official directives. Washington seeks to improve army discipline and administration amid ongoing challenges.
In council July 22nd 1779. Approved as to the gallies; and as to the ship Gloster it is recommended to the board of war to have a proper enquiry and…
George Washington addresses the Board of War regarding their plan to repair soldiers' shoes, emphasizing the importance of maintaining adequate footwear for the Continental Army. He evaluates the proposed methods and stresses efficient execution to support troop readiness during the ongoing Revolutionary War.
Williamsburg, 30 July 1779 . Because of the multiplicity of business, one clerk cannot attend to all the duties the office requires, including keeping a journal. Appointment of a second…
Williamsburg, 9 Nov. 1779 . The prospects of procuring a supply of flour from Maryland are uncertain and expensive. The price in that state is already greater than in Virginia…
In Council Novemr. 9th. 1779 Mr. Peyton Clothier General is directed to repair to the Grand Army there to receive and issue to the Officers and Soldiers of the Virginia…
Williamsburg, 11 Nov. 1779 . A restatement of the full duties of the commissary of stores. Signed by Innes, Nelson, Barron, Griffin, and Lyne. Countersigned: “In Council Nov. 15th. 1779.…
In Council Novr. 12th. 1779. The Governor is advised to appoint Frederickg., Petersbg., New London, Staunton, and Winchester places of rendezvous for New levies raised under the act of Assembly…
In Council Novr. 13th. 1779. The act of May 1779. under which Mr. Blunt has been last Drafted refers to one of October 1778 as to the method of determining…
In Council Novr. 15th. 1779. The Board advise that one prison ship agreeable to the resolution of Assembly be employed; that she be moored in James river above the windings…
In Council Novr. 18th. 1779. The Board are of opinion that until the numbers of an invading enemy and the proposed point of invasion known, neither the numbers of militia…
[ Williamsburg ] 20 Nov. 1779 . Approval, with the concurrence of the executive, of the purchase of cloth, to be paid for in part by cannon at the foundry.…