13701Memorandum of Campaign Plans, 1 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
Scotts light Infantry 1000—A Detachment of the same Number under Wayne & the whole Commanded by Genl McDougal to Imbark at and land opposite to Morriss House at Hærlem—A Detachment of Men from this body to Land in the Cove under Fort Washington & endeavour to surprize it—some Germans to be with this party to answer if hailed in that language & signify that it is a party from Spiting devil by...
13702From George Washington to George Clinton, 1 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
I am extremely sorry that it is in my power to inform you, that a Captain Colson of the 5th Virginia Regiment a few days ago, violently wounded a Mr Vantassel of this State, of which he died in a little time after —The moment I was apprised of it, I directed a Letter to be written & sent to Genl Muhlenburg, to whose Brigade he belonged, to have him secured, in order that he might be delivered...
13703From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 1 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have had the pleasure of receiving your several letters, the last of which was of the 22d Augt. I have not now time to take notice of the several arguments that were made use of, for and against the Counts quitting the Harbour of Newport and sailing for Boston. Right or wrong, it will probably disappoint our sanguine expectations of success, and what I esteem a still worse consequence, I...
13704From George Washington to Major General Lafayette, 1 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with your favor of the 25th Ulto by Monsr Pontgebaud and wish my time, which at present is taken up by a Comee of Congress, would permit me to go fully into the contents of it—this, however is not in my power to do. But in one word, let me say, I feel every thing that hurts the sensibility of a Gentleman; and, consequently, upon the present occasion, feel for you & for our...
13705From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 1 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
I do myself the honor of transmitting you a Copy of a Letter I this minute received from General Sullivan. I congratulate Congress on the repulse of the Enemy—and only wish our Troops may be able to effect a retreat, which seems the most eligible measure they can pursue, in the present situation of things. I have the Honor to be with the greatest respect & esteem sir Yr Most Obedt servt LS ,...
13706From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 1 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have not received any letter from you since the 23d Ulto which I attribute to some mishap of the messengers with whom they were sent. I was anxious to learn the determination and designs of the council of officers, that so I might be prepared for eventual measures—The success or misfortune of your army will have great influence in directing the movements and fortune of this. The disagreement...
13707George Washington to Comte d’Estaing, 2 September 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
White Plains [ New York ] September 2, 1778 . Regrets effects of a storm on French fleet, but assures D’Estaing of every assistance possible to repair damages. Sends news of movements of British fleet. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
13708George Washington to Jean Baptiste de Ternant, 2 September 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
[ White Plains, New York ] September 2, 1778 . Discusses Ternant’s rank. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Ternant was a subinspector. On September 25, 1778, he was commissioned lieutenant colonel and inspector in the Continental Army.
13709General Orders, 2 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
The Court of Enquiry whereof Coll Marshal is President will assemble at ten ôClock tomorrow morning at the Presidents quarters and take into consideration a Complaint exhibited by Mr Kean Assistant Commissary of Issues against Lieutt Seldon of the 4th Virginia Regt both Parties to attend. A return of Colours in the several Regiments to be made tomorrow at Orderly time. Varick transcript ,...
13710From George Washington to Silas Deane, 2 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
I received your favor of the 22d Ulto by Mr Webb. The regard I have for Colo. Webb—and my wish to oblige you, would urge me most strongly to effect his release, if it were practicable; but our circumstances will not admit of it. The only rule of exchange, now existing between the two armies, is equality of rank; and unhappily, we have not a Colonel, a prisoner, in our hands. Indeed, if we had,...
13711From George Washington to Vice Admiral d’Estaing, 2 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
The importance of the fleet under your command to the common cause, and the interest I take in your personal concerns would not permit me, but to be deeply affected with the information of the disappointment and injuries, you sustaind in the late unfortunate storm. I flatter myself, and I most ardently hope, my countrymen will exert themselves to give you every aid in their power, that you may...
13712From George Washington to Colonel William Malcom, 2 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
I recd your letter of the 31st Ult. with its inclosure. The troops are intitled by a general order of the 6th August to one gill of rum or whiskey per day when to be had —but it was not my intention that they should be allowed tickets for deficiencies. In case the gally is of service or can be an additional security to your command, Captn Lewis may engage seamen, but upon no other...
13713From George Washington to Jean-Baptiste Ternant, 2 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
I received your letter of the 29th of August, which hurry of business has prevented my answering before. You express an opinion that rank is essential to a proper and effectual discharge of the duties of your station from the respect and authority it commands, which you seem to think are unattainable without it—The abuses formerly existing from a lavish distribution of rank in the departments...
13714George Washington to Comte d’Estaing, 3 September 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
White Plains [ New York ] September 3, 1778 . Sends news of arrival of four British ships of war at “the Hook” and encloses a New York newspaper stating arrival of Admiral Hyde Parker with six ships of the line. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
13715General Orders, 3 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
The troop to beat at 7 ôClock and the Guards to be on the Grand Parade at 8 in the morning ’till further orders—All the Drums and Fifes of the Right Wing, Second Line and Left Wing to attend the Parade in Rotation; Those of the Right Wing tomorrow. The Inspector of Music will daily attend the Parade. Varick transcript , DLC:GW . On this date GW’s aide-de-camp Tench Tilghman wrote to Assistant...
13716From George Washington to Vice Admiral d’Estaing, 3 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
I had the honor of writing to you yesterday communicating the intelligence I had received of the arrival of four large ships of war at the Hook —I have just received a New York paper of the 1st instant announcing the arrival of Admiral Parker with six ships of the line. I send it you inclosed. With every sentiment of respect & esteem, I have the honor to be Sir Your most Obedt servant LS , in...
13717From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 4–5 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have been duly honored with your favors of the 28th, and that of the 30th Ulto with the several Inclosures, to which they refer. Congress may rely, that I will use every possible means in my power to conciliate any differences that may have arisen, in consequence of the Count D’Estaings going to Boston—and to prevent a publication of the protest upon the occasion. Several days before the...
13718General Orders, 4 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
At a General Court Martial of the Line of which Coll Hazen was President—Captain Norwood of the 4th Maryland Regiment appeared before the Court charg’d with—1st—Publickly declaring and implying that he did not regard the Censure of the Commander in Chief, because the Facts set forth on his trial, to Him, were mis-stated—2ndly—With Conduct unbecoming an Officer and Gentleman in suggesting...
13719From George Washington to Colonel Lambert Cadwalader, 4 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
I am pressed by a number of causes to beg your determination on a point which is likely to give rise to much disquietude in the Pennsylvania line. The officers consider the retention of your commission as an obstacle to their rise, while it is urged that you are not viewed by the enemy as a prisoner of war. It appears to me that the workings of a delicate sentiment should never be discouraged,...
13720From George Washington to Colonel James Hogun, 4 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
Since the orders sent to you last Evening, I have seen the surgeon General, who wishes to have the innoculation of your Regiment put off at present, especially as there is not the least danger of infection. You will therefore march to Fort Arnold at West point and there put yourself under the command of Colo. Malcom and assist in carrying on the Works at that post, untill Arms and...
13721From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 4 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
I had the pleasure to hear this morning by a Letter from General Sullivan of the 31st Ulto, that he had effected a retreat to the main, the preceding night, without any loss, either of men or Stores. As he has written to Congress fully upon the subject, and I feel their anxiety to hear it, I shall not detain Major Morris longer than to observe, that I think the retreat a most fortunate—lucky...
13722From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 4 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
I am your debtor for two Letters bearing date the 28th & 29th Ulto —The contents shall be the subject of a future address. Feeling myself interested in every occurrance that tends to the honor of your worthy Son; and sensible of the pleasure it must give you to hear his Just plaudit, I take the liberty of transcribing a paragraph of General Greens Letter to me (giving some Acct of the conduct...
13723From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 5–6 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have recd yours of the 31st ulto by Major Morris and of the 2d and 3d instants by Express. At the same time that the former relieved us from infinite anxiety upon your account, it served to convince—that the enemy felt the weight of their repulse, by their permitting you to pass the River without the least interruption. I sincerely congratulate you not only upon your safe retreat, but upon...
13724General Orders, 5 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
The General expects agreeable to former orders that the whole Army is now prepared to move at the shortest notice —Circumstances may, very soon make it necessary. Coll Chambers is appointed to relieve Colonel Craige who is now Superintending the hospitals in Pennsylvania. Varick transcript , DLC:GW . See General Orders, 28 August .
13725From George Washington to Gouverneur Morris, 5 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
I was yesterday favoured with your Letter of the 31st Ulto—The one you allude to, came to hand about five days before. I thank you for your very polite and friendly appeal, upon the Subject of half bounty in solid Coin. The measure, I have no doubt, would produce an Instant benefit, so far as the engaging drafts &ca might be concerned; but I am certain, many mischievous and pernicious...
13726General Orders, 6 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
The General Court-Martial whereof Majr Genl Lincoln is President stands adjourned to the New-Din[in]g room. The Court whereof Coll Humpton is President will meet at the President’s quarters. Varick transcript , DLC:GW . In the artillery brigade orderly book, these appear as “Genl After Orders,” along with an additional sentence: “The Auditors office is kept at Mr. Treddels in purchase Street,...
13727From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 6 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have been favd with yours of the 26th and 30th August, and 1st and 2d instants. I am glad to find that your sentiments, respecting the reception that ought to be given to the Count D’Estaing and his Officers, corresponded with mine, and that you had taken proper Steps to prepare for refitting his fleet, previous to the receipt of my letter —As the Rhode Island expedition is now at an end, I...
13728From George Washington to Major General Jabez Huntington, 6 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
I had the pleasure of your letter of the 4th Instant. It is probable the Fleet you mention is part of the one which passed through the Sound some time ago, for the relief of Rhode Island, now on its return to new York. But if any thing serious is designed in your quarter, it must soon be determined. I thank you for the early information—and am Sir Yr Most Obet Servt LS , in Richard Kidder...
13729From George Washington to Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 6 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
I had the satisfaction of your two favors, both of the 27th ulto. The Battalions of Colo. Enos [&] McClellan, I am informed by Colonel Malcom, who commands where they were stationed, were to be discharged, and I suppose they are now on their way home. The violent gale which dissipated the two Fleets when on the point of engaging, and the withdrawing of the Count D’Estaing to Boston, may appear...
13730From George Washington to Nicholas Way, 6 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
In the Brig. Symmetry, taken in the course of the last Winter at Wilmington, there were several Medical manuscripts, belonging to a Mr Boyce, Surgeon of the 15th British Regiment—For these Mr Boyce applied to me and obtained my promise that they should be returned. I am now much concerned to find, that after so much time has elapsed—and after his politeness, in consenting that they might be...
13731George Washington to Colonel William Malcom, [7–8] September 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
[ White Plains, New York ] September [7–8] 1778 . Instructs Malcom and Colonel Thaddeus Kosciuszko to cooperate with Brigadier General Du Portail in examination of fortifications of Highlands. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
13732General Orders, 7 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
For the present and until the Circumstances of the Army will admit of a more perfect Arrangement it is to be divided and commanded as follows, viz. Woodford’s, Muhlenberg’s and Scott’s Brigades by Major General Putnam—Poor’s, Late Larned’s & Paterson’s by Major General Gates; Wayne’s, 2nd Pennsylvania and Clintons by Major General Lord Stirling. Parsons’s and Huntington’s Brigades by Major...
13733From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 7 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
I take the liberty of laying before Congress the inclosed Copies of a paragraph and Schedule, contained in a Letter from General Heath, which I lately received. These will apprize Congress, if they are not already informed, of the supplies of provision and wood wanted by the Count D’Estaing; and will naturally lead to a consideration of the ways and means to be pursued for furnishing them, as...
13734From George Washington to Colonel William Malcom, 7 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
Brigadier General Du Portail Chief Engineer is by my orders on a visit to the posts in the Highlands, to examine into the state of the fortifications carrying on there. It is my wish that Col: Koshiosko may comminicate every thing to this Gentleman, who is at the Head of the department, which he may find requisite for the purpose he is sent upon. I am persuaded you will show him every proper...
13735From George Washington to Captain Edward Norwood, 7 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
Your favor of this date has been duly received. I have already given my reasons in General Orders, for disapproving the proceedings of the Court Martial in your case, and therefore I need not repeat them. I will only observe that they appeared to me, to be contrary to precedent and common usage—and totally irregular and incompleat. Under this persuasion I could not but continue your arrest....
13736From George Washington to Officers of the Second Maryland Brigade, 7 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
I was just now favd with your letter of yesterday. Tho’ I would willingly grant a request coming from so respectable a number of Officers, yet in the instance of your present application, I cannot do it, without incurring a charge of impropriety, and staying the course of Justice. Captain Norwood has been arrested by General Smallwood for an injury done his character—He has pursued the...
13737From George Washington to Charles Pettit, 7 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
I imagine you must stand in need of assistance in your Office at this time, by reason of Genl Greens absence, and Mr Ternant and Maj: Forsyth’s having left the department. I therefore think it adviseable and expedient that Colo. Hay should be immediately called down from the Highlands, more especially as it is probable that the Army may be under the necessity of changing its present position...
13738General Orders, 8 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
The Colonels and Commanding Officers of Corps are to cause Company rolls to be made out with all possible expedition, comprehending the names of their men actually in the Field, on Command and in hospitals and particularly noting the time for which they are engaged to serve—These rolls are to be regimentally bound up and delivered to the Brigadiers or officers commanding Brigades who are to...
13739General Orders, 9 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
The following resolutions of the Committee of Arrangement respecting rank in the Army are published at their Request. The Committee of Arrangement after mature Consideration of the many disputes of rank, subsisting in the Army of the United-States have agreed to the following resolutions founded upon a report made by a board of General Officers of the whole line (vizt). 1st—That the relative...
13740From George Washington to the Officer Commanding Militia at Hackensack New Bridge, 9 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
Major Clough, who commands at Hackinsack, is under the necessity of sometimes allowing persons to carry small matters into New York, and to bring a few goods out, that he may the better obtain intelligence. The persons employed in that way are sometimes stopped by your guards, under suspicion that they are carrying on a contraband trade. You will therefore be pleased to give orders to your...
13741From George Washington to Charles Pettit, 9 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have more reason for thinking that the Army will have occasion to remove from its present position shortly, than when I wrote to you two days ago. I therefore desire you will immediately send off all the supernumerary Stores of your department. I think it would save land carriage if they were transported by water above the posts in the Highlands, and removed from thence more inland, at...
13742From George Washington to William Shippen, Jr., 9 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
It is more than probable, from some late maneuvres of the Enemy, that the Army will have occasion to move from its present position to the Eastward. I therefore desire that the most immediate measures may be fallen upon to remove the sick of the Army at least as far as Danbury. The Hospital established at Bedford will for the above Reasons be too much exposed and should therefore be...
13743From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 9 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
I am favd with yours of the 5th and 6th I hope the loss of the enemy mentioned in the former may prove true. I cannot at present account for the intent of the landing at Bedford, if they mean to act seriously to the Eastward, I think it will occasion a removal of their whole force from New York. Many accounts from thence say that an evacuation is intended, but I cannot learn that they have yet...
13744George Washington to Major General Horatio Gates, 10 September 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
White Plains [ New York ] September 10, 1778 . Instructs Gates to march to Danbury. LS , in writing of H, New-York Historical Society, New York City.
13745General Orders, 10 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
The Committee of Arrangement having requested that a board of Officers may sit not connected with the Artillery to settle the rank and Precedence of the Colonels and the Seniority of the Regiments in that Line; All the General Officers in Camp except Brigadier General Knox are to meet at 4 oClock tomorrow afternoon at the New-Dining Room for these Purposes where the Parties interested will...
13746From George Washington to Major General Horatio Gates, 10 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
The superiority of naval force, which the enemy at present possess over our allies, rendering it not improbable, that they may be tempted to undertake a co-operation, by sea and land, for the capture or destruction of the French fleet, in the Port of Boston, it appears expedient, that our dispositions, so far as is consistent with the other important objects of our attention, should be...
13747From George Washington to Vice Admiral d’Estaing, 11–12 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have had the honor of receiving Your Excellencys Letter of the 5th inst: accompanied by a copy of two letters to Congress and General Sullivan—The confidence which you have been pleased to shew me in communicating these papers, engage my sincere thanks—if the deepest regret, that the best concerted enterprises and bravest exertions should have been rendered fruitless by a disaster which...
13748General Orders, 11 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
The General Court-Martial whereof Coll Humpton is President is to sit tomorrow nine ôClock at the new Dining Room—Lieutt Coll Regnier is appointed a Member, vice Lieutt Colonel Mellin—Nixon’s and the 1st Pennsylvania Brigades each give a Captain in the room of those who have marched. The Drum and Fife Majors of the Regiments on the Ground are to attend at the Inspector of Musick’s tent in the...
13749From George Washington to Brigadier General Jacob Bayley, 11 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
I am to request that you immediately employ Proper Persons to gain the most Authentic Intelligence from Canada of the several matters hereinafter mentioned vizt First—What Force is now in Arms in that Country. Secondly—If any Reinforcement has arrived in Canada the Summer past, & if any are expected to arrive this Season. Third—In what State of Defence are the Garrisons, and how are the Troops...
13750From George Washington to a Board of General Officers, 11 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
The Book you will herewith receive contains the Journals and proceedings of Congress for the year 1776. Among these—and agreable to the pages marked below, you will find all the Resolutions that I am possessed of, respecting the Regiments and Officers of Artillery now in Camp—and also the establishment of the Army for 1777. I have the Honor to be with great respect and esteem Genn Yr Most...