13651From George Washington to John Beatty, 21 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
Lewis Johnson Costagan a Lieut. in the 1st Jersey Regt was taken prisoner early in 1777. I would wish that the speediest means may be used for the obtaining his Exchange, at the same time you will observe such caution in conducting the affair as not to alarm the enemy or induce them to detain him. You will not seem over anxious, and yet take such measures as cannot fail to procure his liberty....
13652From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 21 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
On Wednesday afternoon I re⟨ce⟩ived your favor of the 12th & 13th Inst. by Mr Hulet the Pilot, who did not arrive in Camp till then. I am much obliged by your particular relation of matters, and request that you will continue it from time to time whenever oppertunity will permit. There was one circumstance in your relation, of which I was exceedingly sorry to hear. You will readily know which...
13653From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 21 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
Your Favor of the 16th, with the several papers to which it referred, came duly to hand on Wednesday Afternoon. I this minute received from General Sullivan the Letter I have now the honor of forwarding you, with One addressed to myself. A copy of the latter is also inclosed. The General seems to have been very near the Enemy’s lines—& on the point of opening all his Batteries. Things appear...
13654From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 21 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
I do myself the honor of transmitting to Congress the inclosed Memorial of Colo. Rawlings, presented in behalf of himself and the Maryland Officers, who were under his command in the year 1776. The facts which are stated in it, are generally true—and I can not but feel myself exceedingly interested in favor of these Gentlemen. The conduct of this whole Corps, when Fort Washington was attacked...
13655From George Washington to William Smith, 21 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
I received your letter of the 15th Inst. by Lieut. Colonel Burr. It gives me pleasure to find that the conduct of the flag was such as contributed to your ease; and I am much obliged to you for the attention shewn to the convenience of my officers. It was really altogether out of my power to take any concern, (without interfering with the civil authority) in the matter of your request, but I...
13656George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 22 August 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
White Plains [ New York ] August 22, 1778 . Sends information concerning position of enemy fleet in the Sound. LS , in the writing of H, New-York Historical Society, New York City. The letter is endorsed as follows in writing of H: The expresses are positively ordered to ride day & night without fail. Head Quarters Alex Hamilton Augt. 22d. 78 Aide De Camp
13657General Orders, 22 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
Varick transcript, DLC:GW. Maj. Gen. Benjamin Lincoln’s orderly book for this date records the following orders: “Major Holdridge for two days guard, furnished with two days provision ready cooked & 40 rounds ⅌ Man—Twenty two light Dragoons to attend parade at guard mounting tomorrow Morning with a like quantity of Provisions—Southern, Northern & Eastern posts to set out on Monday” (MHi:...
13658From George Washington to James Caldwell, 22 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
A few days ago I recd yours inclosing sundry papers relating to Capt. Randolph. I think him justly intitled to the pay of a Captain (in which rank he acted when taken) from the time Genl Sullivan took him into employ, untill he was released. When he returns, I will, upon application, give him a Warrant for the Amount of his pay. I would not have you employ the stationary Expresses upon common...
13659From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 22 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have received information, which has the appearance of authenticity, that the enemy have from an hundred to an hundred and fifty vessels in the sound near Frog’s point. This intelligence, I think it necessary to communicate to you that you may be upon your guard. What may be the purpose of these vessels can only be matter of conjecture. On the supposition, that the enemy have reason to...
13660General Orders, 23 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
A General Court-Martial whereof Majr General Lincoln is appointed President will sit tomorrow morning nine ôClock at the new dining Room near Baron De Kalb’s quarters for the trial of Major General St Clair—Brigadiers General Nixon, Clinton, Wayne and Muhlenberg—Colonels Grayson, Russell, M. Gist, Greaton, Putnam, Meigs, Stewart and Cortlandt are to attend as Members—All Evidences and Persons...
13661From George Washington to Lieutenant General Wilhelm von Knyphausen, 23 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
I had the honor to receive your letter of the 16th Instant. Altho’ it is not my business to inquire into those private motives which may induce officers to leave your service, yet I cannot but be sensible of the consideration that could give me notice of their characters. The officers I can assure you brought no horses to this army, or any of its posts that I know of. I am Sir, with great...
13662General Orders, 24 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
Brigade returns of all the horses in each Regiment and by whom kept to be made out immediately and delivered in to the orderly Office by 12 ôClock tomorrow. The honorable the Congress have been pleased to agree to the following Report of their Committee and to pass the resolution annexed to it. In Congress August 17th 1778. The Committee to whom was referred a letter from General Washington of...
13663From George Washington to Lieutenant Colonel William Butler, 24 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
I recd yours of the 13th instant dated at Schohary, giving me an account of events in that quarter since your arrival there. I am very glad to hear of the success of your two scouting parties, and I hope that these checks, tho’ small, and the appearance of a force upon the Frontier, will give spirit to our friends, discourage the disaffected, and establish the confidence and friendship of...
13664From George Washington to John Laurance, 24 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
On the 13 Instant I wrote to Wm Patterson and Jonathan D. Sargeant Esquires, Attorney Generals for Jersey & pensylvania by Express & transmitted a Copy of the Resolution, which you mention; notifying them at the same time, that Genl St Clair’s trial would come on to day. I have received an Answer from Mr Patterson, by which he declines attending. From Mr Sergeant I have not heard. The Letter...
13665From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 24 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
I had yesterday the honor to receive your favor of the 20th Instant. I take the liberty of transmitting you a Copy of a Letter, which this minute came to hand from Genl Sullivan, advising of the Count D’Estaing’s arrival. He omitted to inclose the Admirals Letter to which he refers and therefore, I can give no further intelligence than what the Copy contains. From the suffering of the fleet...
13666From George Washington to Colonel William Malcom, 24 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
I recd yours of the 19th inclosing the weekly Return of the Garrison. If you cannot spare workmen to assist Capt. Stephens in the construction of his Machine it must be laid aside for the present. I will not undertake to say how far the Gentlemen, who have given their opinions of the Machine, may be right, but some others who have seen and considered the plan, view it in a different light from...
13667General Orders, 25 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
The whole Army to have their tents struck & loaded into Waggons, their Packs slung and to be in every respect ready for marching tomorrow morning at six ôClock —The Quarter Master General, Commissaries Clothier &c. will in like manner be ready to move with the affairs of their respective departments. At a General Court Martial August 15th 1778—Coll Hazen President Lieutt Lewis of the 9th...
13668From George Washington to Major Alexander Clough, 25 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
I recd yours of yesterday late last Night. I am very anxious to obtain a true account of what is passing in New York, and am therefore endeavouring to send in a variety of persons from different quarters who have no connexion or communication with each other. By comparing their accounts, I shall be able to form a pretty good judgment. I have desired them to attend particularly to some matters...
13669From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 25 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
If it be practicable, and convenient for Congress to furnish me with some Specie (gold, as more portable, would be most convenient) valuable purposes I think would result from it. I have always found a difficulty in procuring Intelligence by the mean of Paper money. and I perceive that it increases. The period is critical & interesting, and the early knowledge of an Enemys intention, and...
13670From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 25 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
Inclosed you will be pleased to receive a Copy of a Letter of the 23d Instant from General Sullivan, which came to hand about half after three OClock this morning, with the several papers to which it refers, Copies of which are also transmitted. By these Congress will perceive, our prospects are much changed with respect to the operations against Rhode Island, and that the issue, as things are...
13671From George Washington to Major Benjamin Tallmadge, 25 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
I shall be glad to see you upon the business mentioned in yours of this date. If Colo. Sheldon is acquainted with W—— and the circumstances as you have related them to me, let him come also—You should be perfectly convinced of the Integrety of W—— previous to his imbarking in the business proposed—this being done I shall be happy in employing him—but there will be an impropriety in his coming...
13672General Orders, 26 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
Guards are to be placed at proper distances in front and Rear of the Brigades to see that the soldiers make use of the Vaults prepared for them; The Purity of the Air and Wholesomness of the Camp depend so much upon the observance of this order that it is expected it will be strictly attended to and every soldier severely punished who is found guilty of a breach of it. The Brigade Quarter...
13673George Washington to Brigadier General Louis Le Beque Du Portail, 27 August 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
White Plains [ New York ] August 27, 1778 . Instructs Du Portail to examine fortifications of Highlands and to execute instructions given him relative to the plan for defense of Delaware River and Philadelphia. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
13674General Orders, 27 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
As the late Order respecting Brigade Inspectors of the day renders their duty very unequal, the Commander in Chief directs, that they be daily appointed in orders in regular rotation. Captn John Alexander is appointed Pay-Master Lieutenant John McCullan Adjutant and Lieut. John Hughes Quarter-Master to 7th Pennsylvania Regiment These appointments to bear date from the 1st day of June last when...
13675From George Washington to Brigadier General Duportail, 27 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
You will proceed as speedily as convenient to the Highlands and examine the several fortifications carrying on there for the defence of the North River. When you have done this you will make me a full report of their state and progress, with your opinion of any alterations or additions which may appear to you necessary in improvement of the present plan. In doing this, you will of course...
13676From George Washington to Brigadier General Gold Selleck Silliman, 27 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
Letter not found : to Brig. Gen. Gold Selleck Silliman, 27 Aug. 1778. On 14 Sept., Silliman wrote GW : “Your Favour of the 27th Ult. respecting a Guard at the Commissary’s Stores at the Landing in this Town I received the 2d Instant.”
13677George Washington to George Clinton, 28 August 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
[ White Plains, New York ] August 28, 1778 . Asks Clinton to call out militia and states that French fleet has departed for Boston. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
13678George Washington to Major General William Heath, 28 August 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
White Plains [ New York ] August 28, 1778 . Advises, for reasons of policy, that removal of French fleet from Rhode Island be attributed to damages caused by a storm. Asks Heath to use his influence to obtain assistance for fleet. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
13679General Orders, 28 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
The General observed on the 26th instant that there were several deficiencies towards a general movement of the Army—He expects every Exertion will be made to supply them without a Moment’s loss of time, that the Troops may in all respects be in a perfect State of readiness for marching at the shortest notice: The several departments of the Army will make their Arrangements accordingly—The...
13680From George Washington to the Board of War, 28 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
Your favor of the 14th Instant has been duly received. The object which the Board have in view is desireable—and I wish it may be accomplished; however I cannot entertain a hope that accurate returns can be obtained here of the Officers who have served in the Army from the beginning of 1777 to the present time, and I am certain it will be impossible to ascertain the dates of their Commissions....
13681From George Washington to George Clinton, 28 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
By a letter received this day from Colonel Malcom I learn that the time of service for which the militia in the Highlands is engaged is very near expiring. I am to request you will be pleased to order out a relief of from 500 to 1000 as expeditiously as possible. Besides the call for them to carry on the defences of the river, there is at this juncture an additional necessity for their...
13682From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 28 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
I had the pleasure of your several favors of the 12th & 13th Instant. The packet for the president of Congress, was sent forward by express. I inclose you a letter from General Patterson respecting silk for a set of colors: You will be pleased to give directions to the clothier to have it transmitted to camp. I am Sir your most Obt and very hble Servt LS , in James McHenry’s writing, MHi :...
13683From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 28 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
The unfortunate circumstance of the French Fleet having left Rhode Island at so critical a moment, I am apprehensive, if not very prudently managed, will have many injurious consequences, besides merely the loss of the advantages we should have reaped from succeeding in the Expedition. It will not only tend to discourage the people, and weaken their confidence in our new alliance, but may...
13684From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 28 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
I am exceedingly anxious to hear the determination of yourself and the General Officers upon the great reverse of your prospects, since the French Fleet left you. I however think it incumbent upon me to inform you, that from a variety of intelligence, Lord Howe put to sea again on Tuesday, his design no doubt to attempt the relief of New port, which will be easily effected, either by throwing...
13685George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 29 August 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
[ White Plains, New York ] August 29, 1778 . Sends information concerning maneuvers of British fleet in the Sound. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. This was probably the news sent in Elisha Boudinot to H, August 29, 1778 .
13686General Orders, 29 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
The board of Field-Officers appointed in orders of the 27th instant in the Virginia Line are to take into Consideration and settle Lieutt Colls Brent & Ellison’s claims of rank. Colonels Wyllys, Bradley, Swift and Meigs are appointed to settle the relative rank of the Lieutt Colonels, Majors and Captains in the Connecticutt line—They are desired to meet at Colonel Wyllys’s Marquee three ôClock...
13687From George Washington to Colonel Peter Gansevoort, 29 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have just received your favor of the 18th Instant. Inclosed is a copy of a letter sent you some time ago respecting the court martial you transmitted. The spirit of desertion which possessed your soldiers was certainly very alarming and required a serious check. I hope the intention of the example you have made will be fully answered; and altho’ the proceeding was not strictly in the...
13688From George Washington to Thomas Johnson, 29 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
I am honored with yours of the 12th inst. I very highly approve of the determination of your Council to reinlist the nine months Men at this period; if it is left undone, untill the time of their service is near expiring, it will be almost impossible to re-engage them. I, some time ago, pointed out to Congress the expediency of adopting this measure but as yet have not received their Answer....
13689From George Washington to Colonel William Malcom, 29 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have recd yours of the 27th inclosing a weekly return of the Garrison. I observe that ten men of your small Regiment are upon furlough, I desire that they may be recalled as soon as the terms expire and that no more may be granted, during the active part of the Campaign. I have wrote to Govr Clinton and have desired him to call in from 500 to 1000 Militia to the Highlands, and I have no...
13690From George Washington to Brigadier General John Stark, 29 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have duly recd yours of the 13th 18th 19th and 21st instants to which I shall reply in course. I have desired the pay Master General to appoint a deputy at Albany and to supply him with the proper Sums to pay the troops to the Northward. I have it not in my power to make you any extra allowance for your expences, an application upon that head must be made to Congress. If Capt. McKeens...
13691From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 29 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
I wrote to you yesterday, informing you, that a number of transports were in the sound. Last night they got under way and proceeded Eastward as far as opposite to Oyster bay; where they seem to have been stopped by the wind being contrary. There were from sixty to seventy sail. From every intelligence it appears certain, that a considerable number of troops have crossed over to Long Island;...
13692General Orders, 30 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
The General Court Martial of the Line whereof Coll Hazen is President is dissolved and another is ordered to sit tomorrow nine oClock at the usual place to try all such Persons as shall be brought before them. Colonel Humpton is appointed President, Lieutt Coll Miller, Major Thompson and a Captain from each Brigade except Nixon’s Late Larned’s & Waynes are to attend as Members. Varick...
13693From George Washington to Joseph de Valnais, 30 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
I recd yours of the 18th and was not a little surprised to find it contain a request for a certificate of your services in the American Army. You must be sensible that Colo. la Balme, to whom you were appointed Aid, never entered upon the duties of his Office of Inspector of Cavalry, and that consequently you could never have given any proof of your Abilities. I shall ever be ready to give...
13694General Orders, 31 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
A board of Field-Officers to sit this afternoon in General Poor’s Brigade to settle the relative Rank of the Majors and Captains in said Brigade; Colonels Hazen, Scammell & Cilley will compose the Court; One Officer at least from each Regiment to attend the board. General Poor will appoint a Captain from each Regiment and a Field Officer as President to settle the relative rank of the...
13695From George Washington to Ezekiel Cheever, 31 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have information that there were a considerable number of Troops, on board the transports that went to the Eastward a few days ago, under the command of Genl Clinton and Lord Cornwallis. I have no doubt but the intent of this expedition was to have relieved Rhode Island, but when they find that, by the French Fleet being obliged to bear away to Boston to refit, the seige is raised, they may...
13696From George Washington to Major Alexander Clough, 31 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
It is of the utmost importance that we should ascertain whether General Clinton and Lord Cornwallis are both gone to the Eastward and what Corps embarked in the sound and at the Hook. I would have you make use of every endeavour to gain intelligence upon the above points, and also of what the enemy are doing since they sent off their detatchment. If there is any person upon whom you think you...
13697From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 31 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
I would take the liberty to inform Congress, that Colo. Armand is come to camp with his Corps and has applied to me for Commissions for his Officers. By the Resolution for establishing the Corps it was to be officered out of the Foreigners then commissioned in our service, who were not, nor could be provided for in any of the Regiments. Instead of this, there are only three Officers in his...
13698From George Washington to Colonel William Malcom, 31 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have recd yours of Yesterday. I would have you inquire whether Moseley’s and Enos’s Regiments, who are going home, have not some public Arms among them, if they have, let them be delivered to Poors. If they have not, a return must be made of Poors deficiency. Receipts must be taken from the Officers when the Arms are delivered to them, and a strict re-delivery of them demanded when the...
13699From George Washington to Brigadier General William Maxwell, 31 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
It is at this present crisis extremely interesting to our conduct to learn with exactness and certainty the force that is reported to have sailed for New Port by way of the Sound, & that from the Hook, and whose command they are under. It will be necessary to discover what particular corps have been embarked—what baggage—what heavy cannon and artillery and how the transports (those especially...
13700General Orders, 1 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
A board of Officers will sit this day at Major Allen’s Marqui to settle the rank of Captns Fenner and Read of the North Carolina Brigade —Major Allen, two Captains from Nixon’s and a like number from Paterson’s Brigade will compose the board. Lieutt John Bartley of the 5th Pennsylvania Regt is appointed Adjutant to the same. Thomas Dungan Ensign in the 6th Pennsylvania Regt—is appointed...