1From George Washington to Brigadier General John Sullivan, 4 September 1775 (Washington Papers)
I receivd your Letter of yesterday respecting Lieutt Sanborn, as also his application for a discharge—As it is not my wish to strain the Law to its full extent, but to exercise it in such a manner as to prevent irregularities, & for the support of due subordination, without which no army can long exist; & as Lieutt Sanborn stands fair in the opinion & esteem of both Officers and Soldiers, and...
2From George Washington to Brigadier General John Sullivan, 8 December 1775 (Washington Papers)
The Intention of yesterday’s order, respecting the Review of the Connecticut Troops, is only to afford a good oppertunity of making choice of such of their Arms as shall be found fit for the use of the New Army. I am not without my fear that if they are appriz’d of the Intention, some of the best Arms will be Secreted; for this reason I desire you will say nothing of the matter till the...
3From George Washington to Brigadier General John Sullivan, 10 January 1776 (Washington Papers)
In looking over the list of Officers in your Brigade, I find the whole compleated, except in one Instance, without paying the least regard to the order wch directed, that no Person should be Inserted that was not in the first arrangement, otherwise than by recommendation. I also find, in the Regimental returns of our Strength, in your Brigade, several matters that need explanation—to wit—a...
4From George Washington to Brigadier General John Sullivan, 20 January 1776 (Washington Papers)
I agree to Adjutant Peabody’s discharge; & Colo. Otis’s Son taking his place —I do not know of any objection to the last arrangement given in by you, & shall, when my present hurry of business is a little over Issue the Commissions—My Order extended to all persons whatsoever, but from the Nature of the Office of Clerk of the Market, as you describe it, he must come in under⟨r⟩ the...
5From George Washington to Brigadier General John Sullivan, 28 January 1776 (Washington Papers)
I quite forgot to enquire last night (when you were shewing me the Militia Pay Rolls) at what rates the Officers pay was charged—I am willing to allow them the same pay as the Troops here had, and have—that is, to the first of Jany agreeable to the old Establishment—(more I cannot)—& For the Month of Jany according to the present pay. this is putting of them in all respects upon a footing with...
6From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 19 February 1776 (Washington Papers)
I am a little surprizd, and concern’d to hear of your moving to Colo. Royals House —I thought you knew, that I had made a point of bringing Genel Lee from thence on Acct of the distance from his Line of Command—at least that he should not Sleep there—The same reasons holding good with respect to yourself, I should be glad if you could get some place nearer, as I think it too hazardous to trust...
7From George Washington to Brigadier General John Sullivan, 1 April 1776 (Washington Papers)
inclosd you have Copy of a Letter I recd from Governor Cooke to the Contents of which I reffer you; General Green will march with his Brigade this day for Providence; & if I find that the Enemy are at Rhode Island I will Soon join him—Governor Cooke will forward this to you, & will inform you whether this alarm is well founded or not; if it is, you must repair to Providence with the troops...
8From George Washington to Brigadier General John Sullivan, 17 May 1776 (Washington Papers)
Your favor of the 14 Instant I received this morning and am exceedingly sorry for the sad reverse of fortune in our Affairs in Canada—they are rather alarming, But I still hope our vigorous exertions will be attended with success, Notwithstanding the present unpromising appearances, & that we shall yet acquire & maintain possession of that Country, so important to us in the present contest. I...
9From George Washington to Brigadier General John Sullivan, 13 June 1776 (Washington Papers)
Having received Intelligence of the unfortunate death of Genl Thomas, occasioned by the smallpox he had taken, the command of the Army in Canada devolves on you—I am therefore to request your most strenuous exertions to retreive our circumstances in that Quarter from the melancholy situation they are now in and for performing the arduous Task, of bringing order out of confusion. I confess...
10From George Washington to Brigadier General John Sullivan, 16 June 1776 (Washington Papers)
I was favoured with yours of the 5th & 6th Instt by Express yesterday evening from Genl Schuyler, and am exceedingly happy on account of the agreable and Interesting Intelligence It contains. Before It came to hand, I almost dreaded to hear from Canada, as my advices seemed to promise nothing favourable, but rather our farther misfortunes—But I am now hopefull that our Affairs from the...
11From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 15 December 1776 (Washington Papers)
About One OClock to day, I received your Letter of the 13th and sincerely regret with you, the unhappy fate of Genl Lee. I know his feelings upon the occasion, and I know the loss our Country must sustain in his Captivity. The Event has happened & I refer you to the several Letters which I had wrote him, & to one which now goes to Lord Stirling, & to my Lord himself who, I presume, is with you...
12From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 28 January 1777 (Washington Papers)
As the Information which gave rise to your Remove to the Scotch plains seems to have been void of foundation, and as no great good can result from yr laying in an exposed situation, but much Evil flow from a Surprize (which by the bye I hope never will happen) I can not help expressing my doubts of the propriety of yr removing where the Troops now are (if at the Scotch plains)—Our Affairs at...
13From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 28 January 1777 (Washington Papers)
The Express delivered me Yr favr this Evening. Ignorant as I am of the ground which you occupy at the Scotch plains, I can not possitively determine whether it is tenable or not. However let me recommend to you to consider maturely whether the Advantages that may accrue from yr neighbourhood to the Enemy, can balance the Consequences that must result from yr being driven from it. ’Tis true yr...
14From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 3 February 1777 (Washington Papers)
Upon considering the best Mode of distressing the Enemy and rendering their situation still more disagreeable, as well as retarding their early Operations in the Field; I have determined to remove out of their reach all the Horses Waggons & fat Cattle, for which purpose I have appointed Thursday Morning next early for you, Genls Putnam, Warner, & Dickinson to do it. In the mean time you will,...
15From George Washington to Major Generals Benjamin Lincoln and John Sullivan and Brigadier General Philemon Dickinson, 22 … (Washington Papers)
An Inconvenience of considerable Magnitude arising from the Practice of carrying Household furniture &C. in Waggons & Carts to the Enemy has determined me to direct that in future nothing shall be transported that way—I do not mean to prevent such of the Inhabitants as choose to withdraw within the Enemy’s lines from taking with them all their Apparel & Household furniture as usual if they can...
16George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 15 March 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Morristown [ New Jersey ] March 15, 1777. Exhorts Sullivan not to imagine slights. Discusses separate commands. States that the only separate command is that of the Northern Department. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
17From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 15 March 1777 (Washington Papers)
Do not my dear General Sullivan, torment yourself any longer with imaginary slights, and involve others in the perplexities you feel on that score—No other officer of rank, in the whole army has so often conceived himself neglected—slighted, and ill-treated, as you have done—and none I am sure has had less cause than Yourself to entertain such ideas—mere accidents—things which have occurred in...
18Instructions to Major General John Sullivan, 15 May 1777 (Washington Papers)
You are to repair to Princeton and take upon you the Command of the Troops at that Post. The Troops from Maryland, the lower Counties (on Delaware) and Hazen’s Regiment, together with the Artillery Company, and light Horse now at that place, are to remain there till further orders; all others now there, or that shall hereafter come to that Post (except the Marylanders and such detachments as...
19From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 23 May 1777 (Washington Papers)
Your favour of Yesterday I have received this morning. As Genl Greene is gone down, with an intention to collect his Division and I dont know what advances he may have made in it, I could not with propriety agree to the change you mention without his approbation; I have wrote to him signifying my assent and desiring him to give you his sentiments upon the occasion. If I have made a mistake in...
20George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 29 May 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Morristown [ New Jersey ] May 29, 1777. Orders Sullivan to send intelligence concerning the enemy as rapidly as possible. Repeats orders for rerouting men and wagons. States that John Parke Custis is not to come by the usual road. LS , in writing of H, postscript in the writing of George Washington, George Washington Photostats, Library of Congress. Custis was Martha Washington’s son by her...
21From George Washington to Maj. Gen. John Sullivan, 29 May 1777 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Maj. Gen. John Sullivan, 29 May 1777. GW wrote Sullivan on this date : “I wrote to you this morning.”
22From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 29 May 1777 (Washington Papers)
I received your favour of this date. It is of the greatest moment that the motions of the enemy on the quarter you mention, should be narrowly watched; and every step they take known by me as early as possible. I am strongly apprehensive they will shortly push for Philadelphia by water, and the counteracting their scheme will intirely depend upon my having instant intelligence of every thing...
23From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 1 June 1777 (Washington Papers)
In consequence of your representation I yesterday detatched Lt Colo. Barber with 150 Men and some Horse to Sommerset Court House. I wish you would use your endeavours to encourage the Militia between Brunswic and the Delaware to be ready to assemble and give their Assistance provided the Enemy attempt to march thro’ the Country, which they intend to do from all our late Accounts. The inclosed...
24From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 7 June 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have yours of the 5th: I agree with you that Colo. Blands Men being natives are more to be depended upon than Colo. Moylans, but the Virginia Regiment of Horse has been so detatched the whole Winter, that I could not deny Colo. Bland his request to draw them together that they may be properly equipped, which they have never yet been. In point of opportunities of deserting there is full as...
25From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 11 June 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have yours of yesterday with Colonel Formans letter inclosed. If the Ships that went out are intended for Delaware Bay, the Troops at Brunswic and Amboy will either follow immediately by Sea or wait till they hear of their arrival in the Bay and then make a sudden march to meet them. The Flag upon the Tree was seen yesterday, but if you will hoist it about half way up the Body, it will be...
26From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 12 June 1777 (Washington Papers)
Yours of yesterday evening was delivered to me early this Morning. Every account confirms the certainty of the Enemy’s intention to move by land, and I think it will from appearances take place in a very short time. Govr Livingston, in a letter of the 9th instant, informs me that he had ordered the Militia of Gloucester, Salem and Cumberland to assemble at Mount Holly and that Colo. Bowes Reed...
27From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 14 June 1777 (Washington Papers)
I am uneasy at hearing nothing from you. The Enemy have advanced a party, said to be two thousand, as far as Van Ests Mill upon Millstone River. They have been skirmishing with Colo. Morgans Rifle Men, but have halted on a peice of high Ground. Some Accounts say that their main Body has marched by the Brunswic Road towards princetown but by neither seeing your Signals nor hearing from you I am...
28From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 14 June 1777 (Washington Papers)
I am favd with yours of this morning. Upon considering your Situation, the General Officers are of opinion, that while you remain upon their left Flank of the Enemy it is always in their Power by pushing briskly towards the Delaware to cut you off from joining this Army or perhaps of crossing the River. But if you cross their Front and get upon their right Flank you can always form a junction...
29From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 15 June 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have both your favs. of this day, by the last of which I find that you had arrived at Fleming town, and am happy to hear that the Militia join you in such Numbers, and are in so good Spirits. I would have you leave your Artillery and Baggage upon some secure and strong Ground under a proper Guard, and move with the remainder of your force to some place between Verbrykes Mill on Neshanack and...
30From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 17 June 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have both your favs. of this Morning. The Enemy last night sent off all their spare Baggage and Women to Brunswic, and the deserters say are preparing for some move, none more probable than an attempt upon this post. Considering the extent of the Ground we have to defend, we want force to make a proper resistance. You will therefore immediately upon the Rect of this detatch one thousand...
31From George Washington to Maj. Gen. John Sullivan, 19 June 1777 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Maj. Gen. John Sullivan, 19 June 1777. In his letter to GW of 19 June , Sullivan says that “I am honoured with your Excys favor of this Day.”
32From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 21 June 1777 (Washington Papers)
From every information lately received, there is reason to believe the Enemy are evacuating Brunswick by sending One Brigade after Another. It is said they are transporting their baggage both by Land & Water to Amboy with the greatest Industry. If this fact be true, I should suppose it highly expedient that you should detach a Number of Militia well acquainted with the Country South of Amboy,...
33From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 23 June 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have yours of this Morning with one from Genl Maxwell to Genl Green inclosed. The Weather is still so unfavourable that I have no thoughts of putting the Army in Motion till tomorrow Morning at 4 OClock provided it is fair. Except some very considerable advantage will be gained by your marching this Evening, I would not have you turn out the Men, for without Tents, they, their Arms and...
34From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 4 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
Upon your arrival at Pompton you are to halt your division till the intentions of the Enemy are more clearly and fully known. To come at a knowledge of this, you must endeavour, by all the means in your power, to obtain intelligence from the side of the North River, up which, I have every Reason to think they intend to move, as most of their shipping have removed from Staten Island up to New...
35From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 6 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
Since I had the pleasure of seeing you some of the Officers have been Suggesting a Plan for cutting off the Enemy’s Post at Bergen, which they seem to think could be easily effected—As it may be in your power to collect certain information of the strength &Ca of that Guard which I understand consists of new Levies I would refer the matter intirely to your consideration & Discretion, wishing...
36From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 7 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have yours of the 5th and 6th I am sorry that any misunderstanding between you and Doctor Cochran should have gone to such disagreeable lengths. When your first letter of complaint was put into my hands, Doctr Shippen the director General was standing by me, I delivered it immediately to him as it belonged to his department and never heard more of the matter till I received your last. As I...
37From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 8 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
In consequence of advices this day recd from Albany, tho’ not directly from Genl Schuyler, I find the Enemy had approached Ticonderoga and had taken post at Mount Hope. This Account comes by express from Colo. Trumbulls Brother and therefore cannot be doubted. I expect every Moment to have the particulars from Genl. Schuyler. If the North River is Genl Howes next attempt he will be sudden and...
38From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 9 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
Upon reconsidering the propriety of your crossing the River immediately, it has been determined by a great majority of the General Officers, that as the Enemy have not yet embarked any of their Light Troops and do not seem prepared to move suddenly, you should halt in the Clove, take possession of the most advantagious Grounds and there wait till we see, more clearly the Enemy’s intentions. If...
39From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 12 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
The army marched yesterday from Morris Town to this place, about eighteen miles from thence, and will proceed towards Peeks-Kill as soon as the weather permits—You will also, at the same time, march through the Clove and cross the River at the most convenient and safe place; for which purpose I would recommend it to you to consult with General Clinton. Our heavy baggage is advancing to fall...
40From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 16 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
I imagine you have, in consequence of former orders, crossed the North River; but if it should not be totally effected when this reaches you, I beg it may be done as soon as possible, for from some advices in the Course of this day, it seems as if the Enemy were moving their Shipping from the watering place up towards New York, some have already gone up as far as Dob’s Ferry. From my present...
41From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 22 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
The greatest part of the Fleet have fallen down from the Narrows, but we have not been able to discover whether they have gone out to Sea. As your remaining upon the East Side of the River will depend upon the Course the Fleet steers should they go out, you will hold your division ready to move at a Moments warning. I am Dear Sir Yr most obt Servt LS , in John Fitzgerald’s writing, NhHi :...
42From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 22 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have just received Major Morris’s letter covering the proceedings of a General Court Martial which I approve off and direct that one of the Criminals the greatest Offender may be executed pursuant thereto. This should be done in the most public manner your Situation will admit as it may serve to convince the rest of the Division that Crimes of this dye will meet the most rigorous punishment....
43From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 25 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
It is with no small concern, I am constrained to inform you, that I am constantly receiving Complaints from the People living contiguous to the Road of great abuses committed by the Division under your Command in their march through the Country. From their accounts, they have experienced the most wanton and insufferable injuries—Fences destroyed without the least apparent necessity, and a...
44From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 29 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
Notwithstanding it will be a Week tomorrow since the Fleet left the Hook, none of the Ships had, by the latest accounts, made their appearance in Delaware Bay; About Seventy Sail were seen a few days ago, off little Egg Harbour. This delay makes me suspicious that their real intentions are yet a secret to us, and therefore that we may not draw too much of our Force Southward, I desire that you...
45From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 31 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
I am this moment advised by Express that the Enemy’s Fleet is arrived at Delaware; I request that you will proceed immediately to Philadelphia with the Division under your command, in the most expeditious manner you can, observing a good order of March & conducting it so as not to injure the Troops. The Rout by Coryels will be best, as there is a sufficient number of boats to transport the...
46From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 1 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
By an Express this Moment received from Cape May, The Enemy’s Fleet put to Sea yesterday Morning at Eight OClock and were out of sight Three Hours when the Express came away. From this Event, it appears, Genl Howe has been practising a deep feint merely to draw our attention and whole force to this point. I am to request, that you will countermarch the Division under your command and proceed...
47From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 3 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
By Express last Night from Cape May, we are informed that the Enemy’s Fleet were seen again after they first dis-appeared, from whence some people conclude that their going off, was to gain more sea Room to weather the Shoals of Cape-May; and that they will still come up Delaware: Under this uncertainty (as it is terrible to march and counter-march the Troops at this season) you are desired to...
48From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 10 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
I am this day favor’d with your letter of 7th Instant—I am happy to hear that you are so far recover’d as to be able to Join your Division, & expect the Regimen you propose to follow will effectually remove all your Complaints. I have repeatedly wrote to the Clothier Genl respecting the Articles of his Department, particularly shoes, & have order’d him to search the Continent rather than let...
49From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 14 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
I this Morning recd yours of the 12th at the same time one from Genl Borre, by which I find Major Mullen’s Behaviour has been so exceptionable that no concessions can make any amends. I am therefore obliged to confirm the Sentence of the Court Martial. Upon a supposition that the Enemy had gone to the Eastward, I was upon my march further Northward, but an Express overtook me at this place,...
50From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 22 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
By an Express this Minute come to hand from Congress, We are informed, General How’s Fleet is arrived in Chesepeak Bay and are high up in the North East part of It. I have inclosed a Copy of the dispatches upon the Subject, to which I refer you. You will immediately march with your Division and join this Army, proceeding with all convenient expedition, but not in such a manner, as to injure...