1971From George Washington to Colonel Israel Shreve, 16 January 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have recd your favr of the 14th I am in hopes you will execute the whole of your Business without being under the necessity of making a collection by military force. You may make up any deficiency in Flour by Indian Corn or Meal. I am Sir Your most obt Servt LS , in Tench Tilghman’s writing, TxHU . GW signed the cover. The letter is addressed to Shreve in Burlington County, New Jersey.
1972From George Washington to Col. Henry Emanuel Lutterloh, 11 March 1778 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Col. Henry Emanuel Lutterloh, 11 Mar. 1778. Lutterloh wrote GW c.16 Mar ., “I had allso the honour to receive Your Excellencys Letter of the 11 instt,” and Lutterloh’s letter to GW of 10 Mar. is docketed, “Answd 11th Mar.”
1973From George Washington to the Pennsylvania Supreme Executive Council, 20 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
A few days since I was honored with your favour of the 8th instant. It is my constant endeavour to cultivate the confidence of the governments of the several states by an equal and uniform attention to their respective interests, so far as falls within the line of my duty and the compass of the means with which I am intrusted. With a consciousness of this, it is natural that my sensibility...
1974From George Washington to Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 31 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
I was just now honored with your Letter of the 25th inst. The evacuation of Ticonderoga and Mount Independence is an event so interesting and so unexpected that I do not wonder it should produce in the minds of the people—at least—the well attached—the effects you mention—I am fully in sentiment with you, that the cause leading to this unhappy measure should be fully and minutely...
1975George Washington to Major General John Armstrong, 8 October 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Pawlins Mill, Pennsylvania ] October 8, 1777 . Instructs Armstrong to send Brigadier General James Potter and six hundred men to intercept British communications between Philadelphia and Chester. Expects to be informed of Potter’s actions. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Armstrong was a major general, Pennsylvania Militia.
1976From George Washington to Lieutenant Colonel Samuel Smith, 23 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
You will proceed with the detachment under your command to Dunks’s ferry on Delaware, if you find in your progress the way clear & safe. When arrived there, you will take the safest & most expeditious method of conducting the detachment to fort Mifflin; by water would be easiest & least fatiguing to your men; and if practicable & safe, will certainly be most eligible: otherwise you will cross...
1977[Diary entry: 26 May 1780] (Washington Papers)
26th. Wind fresh from the Westwd. Very warm—dusty & dry—Also hazy with appearances of Rain but none fell.
1978From George Washington to Brigadier General Nathaniel Heard, 12 June 1780 (Washington Papers)
As there is a large number of horses and Cattle in the vicinity of the enemy which they will no doubt convert to their own benefit—and without making compensation to the owners, the good of the service and a regard to the individuals to whom they belong require that they should be immediately removed. The rules of war justify this precaution and good policy forbids us to leave so valuable a...
1979General Orders, 4 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
The sixth Virginia Regiment being ordered to join the Tenth in the Arrangement of the Brigades was a Mistake—it is to continue with the second as usual. All Officers commanding Regiments having men who from their state of health will not be fit for active service in a short time are desired to make a return of them to the Orderly-Office that those proper for the Purpose may be draughted to...
1980From George Washington to Robert Morris, 12 September 1776 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with your favr of the 7th Inst. upon the Subject of Tents for this Army. That you might receive proper Information of the Number wanted, I directed the Quarter Master General to return you an Estimate, whose Office it is to provide them. His Report you will find in the inclosed Letter which I beg leave to refer you, and requesting that the greatest Dispatch may be used in...
1981General Orders, 16 December 1779 (Washington Papers)
Varick transcript , DLC:GW . Adj. Gen. Alexander Scammell’s orderly book entry for this date includes a general order: “A Corporal & six Men from the Maryland Line to be sent to the Forage Master Generals this afternoon with their Blankets & two Days provision—They are to drive a Number of horses to Lancaster in Pennsylvania” (orderly book, 17 Oct. 1779–22 March 1780, DNA : RG 93, Orderly...
1982From George Washington to Stockbridge Indians, 2 September 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have received your letter by your Captain with your kind Tenders of a Months Service if needed—In Answer I inform you that the Circumstances of the Campaign are such, that at present I have no Ocassion for your Aid—but should Genl Heath find Need of your Assistance, I will be glad you will do him the like Service as you have offered to me, if he shall write to you for that Purpose. In Answer...
1983From George Washington to the Board of War, 6 February 1780 (Washington Papers)
In a letter which I wrote to Congress a few days ago, I took the liberty to recommend uniting the remains of the late Count Pulaski’s legion—Colo. Armands Corps—and a small troop of Horse under the command of Capt. Bedkin. The whole to be under the command of Colo. Armand. Should Congress determine upon the measure—Colo. Armand wishes the Resolve, for the incorporation of the Corps, should be...
1984From George Washington to John Penn, 22 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have received Your favor of the 12th Instant. I was exceedingly sorry for Major Taylor’s resignation—and used my interest to dissuade him from it, as I deemed him a valuable Officer—capable of rendering his Count⟨ry⟩ good Service. But The Major having resigned, I do not see how he can be reintroduced, more especially after so long an absence. Attempts of this sort when they have succeeded,...
1985From George Washington to Lieutenant Colonel Robert Hanson Harrison, 9 January 1781 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found : to Lt. Col. Robert Hanson Harrison, 9 Jan. 1781. On 26 Feb., Harrison wrote GW : “On the 26th of last month, I had the Honor to receive Your Excellency’s Obliging Favor of the 9th.”
1986General Orders, 17 February 1777 (Washington Papers)
Varick transcript , DLC:GW .
1987General Orders, 14 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
At a Brigade General Court Martial held at Elizabeth-Town the 10th instant, Lieutenant Colonel Brearly President. Lieutenant Snowden of the Jersey Brigade was tried for “Disobedience of orders and neglect of duty on the 4th instant.” The Court after mature consideration are of opinion that from the General’s expressions mentioned in Captn Van Voorhees testimony Lieutenant Snowden had reason to...
1988From George Washington to John Mathews, 22 May 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have been hond with your Excelly two Favors of the 15th of March & 11th of April. I am happy to Observe the good Disposition of the State over which you preside—their Exertions seem to me in proportion to the Distresses in which they have been involved—The Act for Recruitg your Line I hope may be attended with happy Consequences. Our Affairs at this moment are placed in a most critical...
1989General Orders, 18 February 1779 (Washington Papers)
Lieutenant Colin Coke is appointed Pay-Master of the 2nd Virginia regiment, vice Lieutt Erasmus Gill from the 16th instant. Varick transcript , DLC:GW . Adj. Gen. Alexander Scammell’s orderly book entry for this date closes with the following additional general order: “The Court Martial whereof Colo. Hall is President will sit Tomorrrow 10 oClock A.M. at the usual place, for the Trial of...
1990From George Washington to Major General Joseph Spencer, 21 April 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have yours of the 14th Instant. When I wrote to Genl Varnum expressing my surprise that my Orders for innoculation had not been sooner carried into execution, I was not acquainted with the Circumstances that necessarily retarded it. I do not apprehend that there is any immediate danger from the Enemy at Newport, their sending away their Vessels is a plain indication that they mean either to...
1991George Washington to Chevalier de la Luzerne, 27 July 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Bergen County, New Jersey ] July 27, 1780 . Repeats rumors concerning British plans to attack French fleet and army. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
1992From George Washington to Robert Morris, 2 February 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with yours of the 26th ulto preparing a plan of providing the Officers with Cloathing—I approve of it generally, and think it will have a happy effect. I will only beg leave to make this remark, that the amount of two Months pay of subalterns will be scarcely sufficient to enable them to purchase a sufficiency of the Articles necessary for the genteel equipment of an...
1993General Orders, 23 March 1783 (Washington Papers)
For the day tomorrow Major Porter B. Q. M. 2d Massa. Brigade For duty the 8th Massachusetts Regt The Light Infantry Companies, to be compleated to the Establishment viz to 5 Serjts 2 Dr. & f. & 68 Rank & File each. DLC : Papers of George Washington.
1994From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 1 May 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with your Excellency’s favors of the 20th and 23d ulto. I shall take as early measures as circumstances will admit for having an enquiry into the conduct of Colo. Brodhead and the Deputy Quarter Master at Fort pitt. Mr Fowlers Charges are so very diffuse, that I shall be obliged to call upon him to specify them more particularly, and I apprehend there will then be a...
1995From George Washington to Major Henry Lee, Jr., 25 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have your favr of the 21st: No occurrence has happened since I wrote to you last, except the evacuation of Stoney and Verplanks Points, which took place on the 22d. I have not heard from Rhode Island since the 15th when Genl Gates wrote me that the enemy were seemingly making every preparation for evacuating that place also —Should Count D’Estaing reach the Hook without touching at the...
1996From George Washington to Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 6 March 1777 (Washington Papers)
I flattered myself that I should never again be under the necessity of trespassing upon the public spirit of your State by calling for another supply of Militia; but such has been the unaccountable delay in the recruiting of the Continental Battalions, chiefly owing to the long time that unhappily elapsed before the Officers were appointed, that I see no prospect of keeping the Field, till the...
1997[Diary entry: 29 May 1775] (Washington Papers)
29. Warm with some appearances of Rain but none fell.
1998From George Washington to Colonel Oliver Spencer, 29 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
I am informed by Colonel Malcom in a letter of the 25th in[s]tant of your arrival and that you were to take the command of the new corps. He has declined the service. It appears from his letter that the officers and men are dissatisfied in their present situation—the latter in particular have expressed a desire to be distributed among the regiments belonging to the States where they have been...
1999From George Washington to Goose Van Schaick, 12 June 1782 (Washington Papers)
Your Letter to me of April last was transmitted to the War Office to be laid before Congress for their Order. Inclosed is the Report of the Secretary at War thereon, from whence it appears that no promotion has taken place, nor Liberty granted for your retiring. It not being in my power to permit your Absence any longer, I have to request that you immediately return to your Duty in the Army, &...
2000From 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...
2001George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 20 November 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Passaic Falls [ New Jersey ] November 20, 1780 . Discusses problems involved in exchanging prisoners with Great Britain. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
2002From George Washington to James Bowdoin, 15 May 1780 (Washington Papers)
I take the liberty to transmit to your care a Letter for Major General Heath under a flying Seal. From an apprehension that he might have left Boston before it arrived and the importance of the objects to which it extends I am induced to use this freedom. If the General has not returned to the Army, I would request the favor of You to have the Letter sealed after perusing it, and delivered to...
2003[August 1781] (Washington Papers)
1st. By this date all my Boats were ready—viz.—One hundred New ones at Albany (constructed under the direction of Genel. Schuyler) and the like number at Wappings Creek by the Qr. Mr. Genl.; besides old ones which have been repaired. My heavy ordnance & Stores from the Eastward had also come on to the North Rivr. and every thing would have been in perfect readiness to commense the operation...
2004From George Washington to Philemon Dickinson, 15 May 1781 (Washington Papers)
You may be assured that nothing would give me greater pleasure than to interest myself in a matter which concerned you or your friend, could I do it with propriety, but, unfortunately, the request which you make cannot, from the present circumstances of Affairs, be complied with by me. As I have never had the least correspondence with Don Galvez or any of the spanish Commanders, except a...
2005General Orders, 12 November 1779 (Washington Papers)
Varick transcript , DLC:GW .
2006General Orders, 26 September 1782 (Washington Papers)
For the Day tomorrow Colonel Vose Lieutenant Colonel Grosvenor Brigade Major Smith Brigade Quarter Master Tuckerman, For duty tomorrow the 4th Connecticut & 1st Massa. Regiment. Ezra Pasco a Soldier of the 2d Massa. Regiment tried by the General Court martial of which Col. Cortlandt is president for Deserting from Guard is found guilty of breach of Article 1st Section 6th of the rules and...
2007From George Washington to Thomas Sim Lee, 22 March 1781 (Washington Papers)
Your Excellency’s favor of the 18th ulto came to Head Quarters during my visit to Count de Rochambeau at Newport from whence I only returned two days ago. You may be assured that every attention shall be paid to the Exchange of Colo. Marbury in his due turn, more than that I cannot promise without deviating from a Rule of conduct which I myself had ever observed and which has lately been...
2008From George Washington to the Board of War, 14 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have been honoured with Your Letters of the 7th & 10th Instant. With respect to the matters submitted by the first—The Commissary General of Military Stores has certainly a right to direct in every thing relative to the execution of the public works, under his care—and every Officer stationed at the Laboratories is bound so far, to follow his directions. The rank of Lieut. Colonel which he...
2009From George Washington to Brig. Gen. Hugh Mercer, 18 August 1776 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Brig. Gen. Hugh Mercer, 18 Aug. 1776. In a letter to GW of 19 Aug. , Mercer refers to “your Excellencys Letter of yesterday.”
2010General Orders, 23 February 1776 (Washington Papers)
Lieut. Thos Cummings tried at a Genl Court Martial for “behaving in a scandalous and infamous manner, unbecoming the Character of an Officer and Gentleman”—is sentenced to be cashiered—The General approves the sentence and orders it to take place immediately. The General also confirms the sentence upon James McCormick of Capt. Farrington’s Company, in Col. sergeants Regiment, and commands the...
2011From George Washington to David Forman, 14 August 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have safely received your favor of yesterday Morning, about an hour ago. Before the arrival of your Letter, I had not received any particulars of the fleet lately arrived at N. York, but expect minute Accts every instant; I shall comply with your request; as it is my most earnest desire by comparing all the different intelligences to ascertain the state of Matters among the Enemy, with the...
2012From George Washington to Jeremiah Wadsworth, 9 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
Should a co-operation with the French fleet take place, it will be indispensible to our measures to have in stock a considerable quantity of good ship-bread, and a much larger quantity of rum than usual. You will however, and at all events, turn your immediate attention to these two objects; so as to have in readiness, and as soon as possible, such quantities of these articles, as from your...
2013From George Washington to Marinus Willett, 13 February 1783 (Washington Papers)
Your favor of the 8th Instant reached me last Evening and I sincerely hope this will meet you returning successfull from your Expedition. Inclosed is the Warrant you desired, empowering you to impress the Horses & Sleighs necessary for your purpose. with esteem I am Dear Sir Your very Obedt Servt NNPM .
2014General Orders, 20 October 1782 (Washington Papers)
For duty tomorrow Brigadier Genl Patterson Colonel Ogden Lt Colonel Olney Brigade Major Cox Qr Master from 2d Connectt. brigade For duty tomrrow 5th Connecticut & 9th Massa. regiments. The 1st York regiment to relieve the men on duty at Stoney point and Kakiat from the 2d Massa. regiment tomorrow. All Warrants or Certificates for Commissions from their respective States, of which officers are...
2015General Orders, 25 January 1779 (Washington Papers)
Varick transcript , DLC:GW .
2016From George Washington to William Livingston, 8 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
Intelligence has been sent me by a Gentleman living near the enemy’s lines, and who has an opportunity of knowing what passes among them, that four parties had been sent out with orders to take or assasinate Your Excellency—Governor Clinton—Me and a fourth person, name not known. I cannot say that I am under apprehension on account of the latter, but I have no doubt they would execute the...
2017[Diary entry: 30 May 1780] (Washington Papers)
30th. Warm with appearances of Rain but none fell here but little wind & that at So. or So. West.
2018From George Washington to Abraham Yates, Jr., 12 September 1776 (Washington Papers)
I yesterday received the favor of your Letter of the 9th with Its several Inclosures and am extremely happy that your Honbe Body had anticipated my recommendation by resolving on an Augmentation of Six hundred men to the Garrisons in the Highlands—the Importance of those posts demands the utmost attention, and every exertion to maintain them. The Vessels for the removal of the Sick are not yet...
2019[Diary entry: 19 June 1775] (Washington Papers)
19. Dined at Colo. Rieds. Spent the Evening at Mr. Lynch’s. Thomas Lynch, Sr. (1727–1776), a South Carolina planter, was a member of the Continental Congress 1774–76. He had served for many years in the South Carolina legislature and was a member of the Stamp Act Congress in 1765. Silas Deane, a Massachusetts delegate for Congress, wrote that Lynch was “plain, sensible, above ceremony, and...
2020From George Washington to Jean-Baptiste de Gouvion, 2 September 1781 (Washington Papers)
You will proceed with all convenient dispatch to the Camp of the Marqs de la Fayette in Virginia, and receive further orders from Genl Duportail or the Marquis. You will let your rout be by Christiana bridge—the head of Elk—the lower ferry on Susquehanna—Baltimore—Elk ridge landing—Bladensburg—& George Town—From George Town you will go by the best waggon Road to Fredericksburg by Falmouth...