51George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 27 August 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Wilmington [ Delaware ] August 27, 1777. Discusses failure of Staten Island expedition. Advises Sullivan to spare health of men on march to Headquarters. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
52From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 27 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have received your two favours both of the 24th informing me of the particulars of an expedition you have lately made to Staten Island. It is unfortunate that an affair which had so prosperous a beginning should have terminated so disagreeably, as in a great measure to defeat the good consequences that might have attended it. I am however glad to hear that the officers and men distinguished...
53From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 20 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
In answer to your favr, and request of yesterday, I wish it was in my power to give you the compleat satisfaction you desire—but how is it possible? I saw nothing of the disposition you had made, not getting up till the action was, in a manner over; & then, employed in hurrying on a reinforcement; and looking out fresh ground to form the Troops on, which, by this time, were beginning to give...
54From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 20 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
As it seems most probable to me that the Enemy will ford the River upon our Right, I desire you will immediately send parties to break up and throw Obstructions in the landing places of all the Fords from Richardsons at least as high as parkers where we crossed Yesterday. Advise the Officers who superintend, not to neglect such as the Country people tell them are difficult, because at such...
55From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 23 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have just receiv’d your Letter requesting a Court of Enquiry to morrow or next day which I most readily agree to provided the Situation of the Army renders it practicable, but this I much doubt as I think it highly probable we shall March some distance to morrow. I am Dr sir your mo. Obed. servt LS , in John Fitzgerald’s writing, NhHi : Sullivan Papers. The letter is addressed: “The...
56George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 24 October 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Whitpain Township, Pennsylvania ] October 24, 1777 . Answers questions concerning Sullivan’s conduct at Brandywine. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
57From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 24 October 1777 (Washington Papers)
It ever has been, and I hope ever will be, a ruling principle with me, to endeavour to do impartial justice to every officer, over whom, I have the honor to preside. I shall therefore, in answer to the quæries, contained in your letter of this date, readily declare— That although, I ascribed the misfortune which happened to us on the 11th of September, principally to the information of Major...
58From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 17 January 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have received your favor of this morning containing an extract of a Letter written by Colonel Ramsey on behalf of the Field Officers at Wilmington—their Apology Sir is sufficient to do away every thing disagreeable that has past on the subject, and to induce me to attribute their incautious expressions to the causes which they mention. You will communicate this to the Gentlemen by the first...
59From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 14 February 1778 (Washington Papers)
I am favd with yours of this date. It has ever been my wish and desire to allow Officers every indulgence, either intended for relaxation after the fatigues of a Campaign, or to pay that attention which is more or less due to every man in private Affairs, could I do it consistent with the public good and that trust which is reposed in me. I am convinced that you are solely influenced by the...
60George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 26 February 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Valley Forge, February 26, 1778 . Instructs Sullivan on methods, sources, and routes to be used in procuring clothing. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
61From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 26 February 1778 (Washington Papers)
In answer to yours of this morning, I think it adviseable, that a couple of Officers, one from the New Hampshire and one from the Massachusetts troops should be immediately sent on by different routs, in quest of the Clothing; with directions to proceed on towards fish Kill ’till they meet it. As from other information, besides what you now communicate, I have reason to believe there is a...
62From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 6 March 1778 (Washington Papers)
I defered replying to your favor of the 2d inst. on the Subject of Capt. Sullivan, ’till I should have an opportunity of assisting my memory relative to the Resolve of Congress of the 19th Jany, by consulting some papers in which the Substance of it is recited I find it in the following words, so far as concerns the particular question before us—“All Continental Officers prisoners with the...
63From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 10 March 1778 (Washington Papers)
In pursuance of a Resolve of Congress dated the 21st February last, by which I am directed to order a Major General to take the Command of the Troops in the State of Rhode Island in the place of Maj. General Spencer who has resigned —I have appointed you to that Duty and you are to proceed with all convenient dispatch to enter upon it. Congress have not communicated any thing to me on the...
64From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 20 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
I received your two favors both of the 1st Instant with a general return of the troops under your command. I am sorry to find the States so backward in reinforcing you, and considering your weakness in forces, and the enemies strength on Rhode Island, their indolence is somewhat remarkable. If Gen. Stark has accepted of the appointment of Congress I can have no objection to the complying with...
65From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 26 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
In my last to you of the 20th Inst. in answer to yours of the 1st I inclosed my directions to Gen. Stark for his joining your command, not knowing at that time the sentiments of Congress on this head. But since that I have received their resolve of the 20th Inst. by which I find General Stark is ordered to the Northern department. I have inclosed him a letter signifying this which you will be...
66From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 10 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have to acknowledge your favor of the 26th Ulto. Considering the weak condition of your command I am not surprised at the enemies incursion. It was what you had reason to expect, tho’ without force sufficient to prevent the stroke. You are informed, you tell me, that the superior bounty and privileges for serving in the continental army, is the great reason why you experience so much...
67From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 17 July 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have the pleasure to inform you, of what you have probably heard before this time, that the Admiral Count D’Estaing has arrived upon the Coast, and now lays off Sandy Hook, with a fleet of twelve Ships of the Line and four Frigates belonging to his most Christian Majesty. The design of this fleet is to co-operate with the American Armies, in the execution of any plans, which shall be deemed...
68From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 22 July 1778 (Washington Papers)
When I had the pleasure of writing to you on the 17th Inst.—I mentioned the probability of an enterprize being meditated against Rhode Island, as the next capital object, in case the shallow entrance at Sandy Hook, should frustrate admiral d’Estaings first design of an attack, upon the Enemys Fleet, in new York Harbour, The most experienced Pilots have been employed in sounding, and after the...
69From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 27 July 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have thought it expedient to permit General Greene to go to Rhode Island, to take a part in the Enterprize, intended against the Enemy in that Quarter. You know his merit and his services, as well as I do, and therefore I need not add on that head. When the Marquiss Fayette set out, I put Varnums & Glover’s Brigades under his command, and, according to his instructions, they were to act in...
70From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 28 July 1778 (Washington Papers)
I was this morning favoured with your Two Letters of the 24 & 26th Instant with the papers to which they referred. I am exceedingly happy to find, that your efforts to prepare for the intended enterprize ag⟨ai⟩nst the Enemy, had succeeded so well—and that ⟨things in⟩ general were in so promising a train. With respect to the Enemy’s force in y⟨our⟩ Quarter, I think your Estimate must be far too...
71From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 31 July 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have been favd with yours of the 27th 10 Oclock A. M. Upon opening of it, I was much disappointed at not hearing of the Count D’Estaing’s arrival, who I hope will have made his appearance off the Harbour of Newport before this time, as a Reinforcement passed Maroneck the day before Yesterday Morning. I wish it had been in my power to have spared a larger detatchment of Continental Troops,...
72From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 4 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
I was, last Evening, favd with yours of the 1st instant, which releived me from the greatest anxiety, as so much longer than the usual time of passage had elapsed, since the Count D’Estaing left the Hook. I am very happy to hear your presages of a good understanding between the Count and yourself in respect to command. I wish you had mentioned how many of the Enemy’s ships of War were in the...
73George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 8 August 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
White Plains [ New York ] August 8, 1778 . Asks Sullivan to deliver enclosed letter to D’Estaing. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
74George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 10 August 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
White Plains [ New York ] August 10, 1778 . Regrets “the tardiness of the militia.” Informs Sullivan of foraging movements of enemy on Long Island. LS , in writing of H, George Washington Photostats, Library of Congress.
75From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 10 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have been duly favoured with yours of the 6th. I regret much the tardiness of the militia, as every moment is infinitely precious, and the delay, it produces, may not only frustrate the expedition, which is a matter of the greatest importance in itself; but may expose the French fleet to some fatal disaster. I have no doubt of your utmost exertions to forward the business with all dispatch....
76From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 16 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
On Thursday I received your favor of the 10th Instant, advising of your descent on Rhode-Island—of the arrival of the British fleet & of Count D’Estaing’s pursuing them. Since this I have not had a single tittle of intelligence on the subject of your operations—and of course I have been in a disagreable state of suspence and anxiety. I must earnestly request that you will be more frequent in...
77George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 19 August 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
White Plains [ New York ] August 19, 1778 . Acknowledges receipt of Sullivan’s news concerning Rhode Island. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
78George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 19 August 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
[ White Plains, New York ] August 19, 1778 . Introduces the Chevalier de la Neuville who wishes to serve with Sullivan in proposed expedition. Has been serving as inspector general with northern army. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Louis Pierre Penot Lombard, Chevalier de la Neuville .
79George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 19 August 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
White Plains [ New York ] August 19, 1778 . Introduces Colonel Lewis de la Radière of the Corps of Engineers. LS , in writing of H, George Washington Photostats, Library of Congress.
80From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 19 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
Your favour of the 17th came to hand an hour and a half ago; and at the same time, that I regret extremely the Count not being arrived, for whose fate, I feel the greatest anxiety, I am happy to learn, that you had been able to extricate yourself from the difficulties you laboured under, and that you had so favourable a prospect before you—I shall wait the issue with the most anxious...
81George 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
82From 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...
83From 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...
84George 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 .
85From 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;...
86From 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...
87From 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...
88From 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...
89To George Washington from Major General John Sullivan, 11 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
I was honored with your Excellenceys favor of the 5th Instant yesterday 12 of Clock. also That of the 9th Last night at Eleven. It gives me & the officers here Infinite Satisfaction that your Excellencey has approved our Conduct—I am at a Loss to guess the Designs of the Enemy in this Quarter General Gray with his Fleet are Standing off & on before Bedford Harbor The Day before yesterday a...
90From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 12 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
Yours of the 10th came to hand late last night. The intentions of the Enemy are yet very mysterious. From the expression of your letter, I take it for granted that General Gray had embarked again after destroying Bedford; and by his hovering about the Coast, and Lord Howe’s coming round again to New port, I cannot but think, that they mean something more than a diversion or deception. The...
91From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 13 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
I duly received your favor of the 11th Inst. Repeated accounts from different quarters, announce some great and general movement on the part of the enemy—And tho’ the facts with which I have been hitherto furnished are not sufficiently pointed to determine clearly whether the result may be an attack on this army, an enterprise against the french Squadron—or finally a simple evacuation of N....
92From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 19 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
I had the pleasure of your letter of the 15 Inst. last night and another of the 14 the day before. By a resolve of Congress lately passed all horses killed in action are to be paid for by the Quarter Master General on the oath of the party, a sum not exceeding 500 Dollars. We have pretty authentic intelligence of Lord Howes return with his squadron to New york—and a large fleet of transports...
93From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 20 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
I this Morning received your favor of the 17 Instant with the Letters to which it refers. your last favor was misdated as you suppose—and will be altered agreable to your request. By a New York paper of the 17th, it appears that Admiral Biron arrived the preceding day, with the princess Royal of 90 Guns & the Colloden of 74 —His whole fleet has now got in except the ship that put back to...
94From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 22 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have recd your favs. of the 18th and 19th: I have recd no accounts from the enemy since I wrote to you last, except that the troops under Genl Gray landed at White Stone upon Long Island—Another considerable embarkation is much talked of in N. york, but whether it is really to take place, or what is the destination I cannot learn with precision. I am &c. Df , in Tench Tilghman’s writing,...
95From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 22 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
Your letter of the 20th Inst. came to hand last night. The different divisions of the army have mostly fixed on their relative positions, where we shall wait the unfoldings of the enemys measures. When you receive intelligence which may throw light on this subject, or information of their motions in your quarter, or of importance enough for a special communication I shall be glad of its speedy...
96From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 24 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
I had the pleasure of your letter of the 21st Inst. containing the account of Admiral Byrons arrival at New-port in a ninety gun ship, accompanied by a seventy four. I have nothing of a particular nature for your consideration—and am D. Sir your most obt servt p.s. Since writing the above there is accounts from deserters of two brigades being under imbarking orders for the West Indies, and...
97From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 27 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
I am favd with yours of the 22d 23d and 24th instants. I cannot conceive what transports those can be that have come into Newport Harbour, except they are those from Hallifax. None have lately gone from New york—It will be very material to know with certainty from whence they came and whether they had any troops on board. If they are those from Hallifax, and empty, it gives weight to an...
98From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 1 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
I recd yours of the 29th at this place, to which I have removed for the convenience of gaining intelligence of the Motions of the Enemy who are out in considerable force on this side of Kingsbridge, and in Bergen County in Jersey. They seem to be foraging, in which they are busily employed. A few nights ago the party in Jersey made an unlucky stroke at Colo. Baylors Regt of Horse laying at...
99From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 4 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
This will accompany a letter from the Board of War to you and two others to the Clothiers at Boston and Providence. You will perceive there is one point in particular, which is referred to my decision—whether the Continental troops with you shall be cloathed in the articles of Coats Jackets and breeches out of the imported ready made cloathing which has been ordered on to Springfield and...
100George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 5 October 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Fishkill [ New York ] October 5, 1778 . Discusses procuring clothing for Sullivan’s men. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.