51From George Washington to John Hancock, 17 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with your two favours of yesterday and their inclosures; to which due attention shall be paid. The enemy seem now to be straining every nerve to accomplish their purpose; but I trust, whatever present success they may have, they will ere long experience a reverse of fortune. If they have four thousand men in the Jersies, it is probable, they have something more serious in...
52From George Washington to John Hancock, 16 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
I arrived here last night with the Army and am now so far advanced, as to be in a position to meet the Enemy on the Route to Swedes Ford, if they should direct their course that way. Their situation, I believe, from the best information I have been able to obtain, is nearly the same it was Yesterday Evening when I wrote you. I have ordered All the Troops to be refreshed this Morning, as they...
53From George Washington to John Hancock, 15 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
Your favor of Yesterday with its several Inclosures came to hand last night. Though I would willingly pay every attention to the Resolutions of Congress, Yet in the late instance, respecting the recall of Genl Sullivan I must beg leave to defer giving any order about It, till I hear further from that Honble Body. Our situation at this time is critical and delicate, and nothing should be done...
54George Washington to John Hancock, 14 September 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Near Germantown [ Pennsylvania ] September 14, 1777. Is directing Major General Israel Putnam to send a second detachment of one thousand men to camp. LS , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
55From George Washington to John Hancock, 14 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor of your’s of this morning, inclosing the copy of a letter from General Dickinson. In consequence of the interesting information contained in it, I have written to General Putnam, directing him to send forward a second detachment of a thousand men in addition to the former, as you will perceive by perusing the inclosed duplicate of my letter to him; which you will be pleased to...
56From George Washington to John Hancock, 13 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have been honoured with your favor of this date. I heartily wish the Works on Delaware were compleated, but I think, and in this Opinion my Officers concur, that the service will be injured, if any part of the Continental Troops were now to be employed about ’em. If we should be able to oppose Genl Howe with success in the Feild, the Works will be unnecessary; If not, and he should force us...
57VIII: To John Hancock, 11 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
I am sorry to inform you that in this days engagement we have been obliged to leave the enemy masters of the field. Unfortunately the intelligence received of the enemy’s advancing up the Brandywine, & crossing at a ford about six miles above us, was uncertain & contradictory, notwithstanding all my pains to get the best. This prevented my making a disposition adequate to the force with which...
58From George Washington to John Hancock, 9 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
The Enemy advanced Yesterday with a seeming intention of attacking us upon our post near Newport. We waited for them the whole day, but they halted in the Evening at a place called Mill Town about two Miles from us. Upon reconnoitering their Situation, it appeared probable that they only meant to amuse us in front, while their real intent was to march by our Right and by suddenly passing the...
59From George Washington to John Hancock, 5 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
Since I did myself the honor of writing to you the Night before last, the Enemy have remained intirely quiet. A person who came express from Genl Rodney informs me that the Enemys shipping fell down from Cecil Court House on Tuesday last, but how low he does not know. I have desired Genl Rodney to inquire into this matter, and if it be true, to send persons along the Bay shore to see where...
60From George Washington to John Hancock, 3 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
I this minute returned to Head Qrs, where I found your favor of this date with the Resolves respecting Genl Sullivan and Colo. Richardson’s Battallion. I had conversed with Genl Sullivan upon the Subject and observed to him, that it was necessary an inquiry should be had relative to the Affair of Staten Island, as his conduct was censured & much dissatisfaction prevailed. He was sensible of...
61From George Washington to John Hancock, 1 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
The latest and most material intelligence, which I have obtained respecting the Enemy, you will find in the inclosed papers, which I do myself the Honor of transmitting to you. How far the Enemy have it in view to extend themselves in a Line from Bay to Bay, I cannot determine; But the idea has taken place with Many, and it is said to be founded on their hints to some persons, who from...
62From George Washington to John Hancock, 1 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
At half after Twelve OClock, I was honored with Your’s of this Morning, with Its several Inclosures. I shall make inquiry, respecting the Workmen in the Militia and will order All to be detached, that can be spared. The Intelligence from the Northward is very interesting, and, I hope, will be succeeded by Other fortunate Events. I am sorry Genl Arnold did not arrive sooner; If he had, it is...
63From George Washington to John Hancock, 30 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
Since I had the Honor of addressing you Yesterday, Nothing of Importance has occurred and the Enemy remain, as they then were. I was reconnoitring the Country and different Roads all Yesterday, and am now setting out on the same business again. Sensible of the advantages of Light Troops, I have formed a Corps under the command of a Brigadier, by drafting a Hundred from each Brigade, which is...
64George Washington to John Hancock, 29 August 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Wilmington [ Delaware ] August 29, 1777. Discusses movements of enemy. Asks Hancock to send commissions for Brigadier Generals John Glover, Enoch Poor, and John Paterson. LS , in writing of H, Papers of the Continental Congress, National Archives.
65From George Washington to John Hancock, 29 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
On my return to this place last evening from White Clay creek, I was honored with yours of the 27th, with sundry resolves of Congress, to which I shall pay due attention. The enemy advanced a part of their army yesterday to Gray’s hill about two miles on this side of Elk, whether with intent to take post there, or to cover while they remove what stores they found in the town, I cannot yet...
66George Washington to John Hancock, 28 August 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Wilmington [ Delaware ] August 28, 1777. Recommends Count Casimir Pulaski to command cavalry. LS , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Pulaski was a Polish officer recommended to Washington by Benjamin Franklin and Arthur Lee. He later commanded an independent corps of cavalry known as Pulaski’s Legion.
67From George Washington to John Hancock, 28 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
Having endeavoured, at the solicitation of the Count De Pulaski, to think of some mode for employing him in our service, there is none occurs to me, liable to so few inconveniences and exceptions, as the giving him the command of the horse. This department is still without a head, as I have not, in the present deficiency of Brigadiers with the army, thought it adviseable to take one from the...
68From George Washington to John Hancock, 27 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
I this morning returned from the Head of Elk, which I left last night. In respect to the Enemy, I have nothing new to communicate. they remain where they debarked first. I could not find out from inquiry what number is landed—nor form an estimate of It, from the distant view i had of their Encampment, But few Tents were to be seen from Iron Hill and Greys Hill, which are the only eminences...
69From George Washington to John Hancock, 25 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
I last night had the Honor of your favor of the 24th with Its inclosures. No Letters came for you from Genl Schuyler, and therefore, agreable to your request, I transmit you a Copy of the One I received from him, and of the material papers, which it covered. Among the Copies, you will find Genl Burgoyn’s instructions at large to Lt Colo. Baum, pointing out the Objects of his Command, when he...
70From George Washington to John Hancock, 25 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
The inclosed intelligence has just come to my hands. Genl Green’s and Genl Stephen’s divisions are within a few Miles of this place, I shall order them to march immediately here. The two other divisions halted this day at Derby to refresh themselves, but they will come on as expeditiously as possible. There are about five hundred pennsylvania Militia at Chester and Marcus Hook that are armed,...
71From George Washington to John Hancock, 23 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
I beg leave to inform you, that the Army marched early this Morning, & will encamp, I expect, this Evening within Five or Six Miles of Philadelphia. To Morrow morning it will move again, and I think to march it through the City, but without halting. I am induced to do this, from the Opinion of Several of my Officers & Many Friends in Philadelphia, that it may have some influence on the minds...
72George Washington to John Hancock, 22 August 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Camp at Cross Roads [ Pennsylvania ] August 22, 1777. Acknowledges receipt of news that enemy is in Chesapeake Bay. Informs Hancock of orders given to Colonel Thomas Proctor, Brigadier General Francis Nash, Major General John Sullivan, and the Army at Headquarters. Approves of removal of stores from Lancaster and York.
73From George Washington to John Hancock, 22 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
I am honord with your favor, containing the intelligence of the Enemy’s arrival in Chesapeak Bay and the resolution of Congress thereupon. I have, in consequence of this account, sent orders to General Nash immediately to embark his Brigade and Colo. Proctor’s Corps of Artillery, if Vessels can be procured for the purpose, and to proceed to Chester; or if Vessels cannot be provided, to hasten...
74From George Washington to John Hancock, 21 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
From the Time, which has elapsed, since Genl Howe departed from the Capes of Delaware, there is the strongest reason to conclude, that he is gone either far to the Eastward or Southward, and with a design, to execute some determined plan. The danger of the Sea, the injury his Troops & Horses must sustain from being so long confined, the loss of time, so late in the Campaign, will scarcely...
75From George Washington to John Hancock, 21 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
Since I wrote to you on the 12th instant on the subject of the Militia under the command of Genl Newcomb, I have recd another letter from him which you have enclosed. By this it appears that the Men were not employed in any way while they were at Red Bank, and that they are now anxious to get home to their farms as they see no immediate occasion of their Services—As I had in some measure put...
76From George Washington to John Hancock, 21 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
I am this moment honored with yours of this morning containing several peices of intelligence of the Fleet’s having been seen off the Capes of Virginia on the 15th instant. I shall in Consequence of this information halt upon my present ground till I hear something further. Colo. Pinkney of South Carolina paid me a Visit two days ago, he informed me that the Military Stores in Charles Town and...
77From George Washington to John Hancock, 21 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
I do myself the Honor to inclose you a Copy of Doctr Franklin’s Letter in favor of Count Pulawski of Poland, by whom this will be handed to you. I some time ago had a Letter from Mr Deane, couch’d in terms equally favorable to the Character & Military Abilities of this Gentleman. How he can with propriety be provided for you will be best able to determine—he takes this from me, as an...
78From George Washington to John Hancock, 20 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
I do myself the honor to forward you a packet which just came to my hands from Genl Schuyler. In his letter to me he communicates an agreeable account of the face of Affairs at Fort Schuyler, I therefore do myself the pleasure of inclosing you an extract. I have the Honor to be Sir Your obt Servt LS , in Tench Tilghman’s writing, DNA:PCC , item 152; copy, DNA:PCC , item 169. This letter and...
79From George Washington to John Hancock, 18 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
I last night had the Honor of your Favor of the 17th with Its Inclosure. You will perceive by my Letter of yesterday, transmitted by favor of the Marquis De la Fayette, that I had been so happy, as to anticipate the views of Congress by ordering Colo. Morgan to march with his Corps to the Northern Army. I have the Honor to be with great respect Sir Yr Most Obedt servant LS , in Robert Hanson...
80George Washington to John Hancock, 17 August 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Camp at Cross Roads [ Pennsylvania ] August 17, 1777. Seeks information concerning Du Portail’s request to Congress for horses and servants at public expense. LS , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Colonel Louis Le Bèque (Le Begue) Du Portail was sent to America in July, 1777. Congress appointed him chief engineer with the rank of colonel. He was given the rank of...
81From George Washington to John Hancock, 17 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
The unfavourable situation of our Affairs in the Northern department and the pressing applications of Genl Schuyler for aid, induced me to write some time ago to Genl Putnam to hold Vancortlandt & Livingston’s Regiments in readiness to embark for Albany, in case I should find it necessary, and the Succours he received of Militia would justifie the measure. I have the honor to acquaint you,...
82From George Washington to John Hancock, 17 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
Col. Portail for himself and in behalf of the Gentlemen with him has made different applications to me for horses and servants; and I have been in a manner under the necessity of furnishing them by way of loan till they can be otherwise provided. They expect these things to be found them at the public expence, and informs me that the matter is now before congress, whose determination they look...
83From George Washington to John Hancock, 16 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
I do myself the Honor of addressing a few Lines to Congress on a Subject, which appears to me of infinite importance, and to have a claim to their serious attention. The Matter, I allude to, is the Exorbitant price exacted by Merchants & Venders of Goods for every Necessary they dispose of. I am sensible, the trouble and risk in importing, give the Adventurers a right to a generous price, and...
84George Washington to John Hancock, 15 August 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Camp at Cross Roads [ Pennsylvania ] August 15, 1777. Suggests plan of defence for Fort Island based on Major General Tronson du Coudray’s maps. LS , in writing of H, Papers of the Continental Congress, National Archives.
85From George Washington to John Hancock, 15 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
Mr Du Coudray has lain before me a plan of the river, by which it appears, that, for a considerable space between the two sand banks on the East side of Fort-Island, there is from four to four and a half fathom’s depth of water. According to this representation, there would be room for three frigates to lie between those banks, in such a position, as to enfilade the works at Fort-Island, and...
86George Washington to John Hancock, 12 August 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Camp at Cross Roads [ Pennsylvania ] August 12, 1777. Has instructed Brigadier General Silas Newcomb to maintain New Jersey militia at Woodbury. Asks if Major General Tronson du Coudray may call on Newcomb for aid. LS , in writing of H, Papers of the Continental Congress, National Archives. Also known as Neshaminy Camp. This later became Hartsville, Pennsylvania.
87From George Washington to John Hancock, 12 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
General Newcomb having informed me, that he had collected a body of about five hundred Jersey Militia at Woodberry, I have desired him to endeavour to keep them together while matters remain in their present uncertainty and suspense, and to employ them in whatever works may be carrying on at Bilingsport, or Redbank, for the defence of the river. I mention this, that if it shall be thought...
88George Washington to John Hancock, 10 August 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Camp near Germantown [ Pennsylvania ] August 10, 1777. Reports that Army has been moved to Coryells Ferry. Discusses desirability of defending Fort Island rather than Billingsport. Asks permission to have Major General Tronson du Coudray survey region between Marcus Hook and Philadelphia. LS , in writing of H, Papers of the Continental Congress, National Archives.
89From George Washington to John Hancock, 10 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
The disappearance of the enemy’s fleet for so many days rendering it rather improbable, that they will again return, I have thought it adviseable to remove the army back to Coryel’s, where it will be near enough to succour Philadelphia, should the enemy contrary to appearances still make that the object of their next operations, and will be so much the more conveniently situated to proceed to...
90From George Washington to John Hancock, 10 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
I this Minute received your favor of this Afternoon transmitting intelligence that a Fleet was seen off Sinapuxon on the 7th Inst.—I was about three Miles Eastward of the Billet Tavern, on the Road leading to Coriels ferry when the Express arrived. The Troops are encamped near the Road, where they will remain till I have further Accounts respecting the Fleet, which you will be pleased to...
91From George Washington to John Hancock, 9 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
Inclosed you will be pleased to receive Copies of Two Letters & Other papers which just now came to hand by different Expresses. Genl Heath’s Letter of the 2d Instant seems to make the intelligence respecting the Fleet, which he had obtained before, vague —if not entirely ill founded. I have the Honor to be Sir Yr Most Obedt Servant LS , in Robert Hanson Harrison’s writing, DNA:PCC , item 152;...
92From George Washington to John Hancock, 9 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have been duly honored with your Letter of Yesterday and with its Inclosures. I shall pay attention to the Resolves transmitted, and as soon as circumstances admit, shall propose to Genl Howe an Exchange between Lt Colo. Campbell and the Hessian Feild Officers, and a like Number of Our’s of equal rank in his Hands. I would beg leave to lay before Congress, a Copy of a Report made by a Board...
93From George Washington to John Hancock, 7 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
Yesterday Evening, I received a Letter from Genl Schuyler of the 1st Inst., a Copy of which and of its Inclosures, I do myself the Honor of transmitting you. By these you will perceive, that Our affairs, at the Northward, have experienced no change for the better; On the contrary, that they are in a more unpromising train. I have the Honor to be with great respect Sir Your Most Obedt servant...
94From George Washington to John Hancock, 6 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
I beg leave to be informed, whether Congress have written, or mean to write themselves to Generals Schuyler & St Clair to repair to Head Quarters, or whether they expect me to do it. My reason for this is, the Resolves for their recall, transmitted in your Favor of the 2d Instant do not mention how the same should be communicated. I have the Honor to be with great respect Sir Your Most Hble...
95From George Washington to John Hancock, 3 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
Your Favor of this date with its inclosures is now before me. At the same time that I express my thanks for the high mark of confidence which Congress have been pleased to repose in me by their Resolve authorizing me to send an Officer to command the northern Army, I should wish to be excused from making the appointment. For this, many Reasons might be mentioned, and which, I am persuaded will...
96From George Washington to John Hancock, 31 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
I am this Moment Honor’d with yours of 5 OClock this morning, & have accordingly sett the Army in Motion One Division had Cross’d the Deleware the day before Yesterday, & I am in hopes the whole of the Troops now here will be able to reach Philada tomorrow Evening Lord stirlings Division lies just in my rear & will move on with us I propose setting off for your City as soon as I can get the...
97From George Washington to John Hancock, 30 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
I do myself the Honor to inform you, that I arrived here on the 28th at Night with Genl Green’s Division, One Brigade of which passed the River that Evening, that the Whole might encamp more commodiously. Genl Stephen with his own and Lincoln’s Division also arrived, a little time after, at Howel’s Ferry—four Miles above this. I have thought proper to halt the whole Army at these Two places &...
98From George Washington to John Hancock, 27 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
I do myself the Honor to transmit you, the inclosed Memorandum of Warlike stores wanted for an Expedition to the River St John’s, which I received in a Letter from Genl Heath of the 16th Inst. The Memorandum was sent, that I might order the Stores to be supplied. Not knowing, that Congress have such an Expedition in view at this Time, I do not conceive myself authorized to comply with the...
99George Washington to John Hancock, 25 July 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Ramapo [ New Jersey ] July 25, 1777. Introduces Monsieur D’Avout. LS , in writing of H, Papers of Continental Congress, National Archives.
100From George Washington to John Hancock, 25 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
I do myself the Honor to transmit you the Inclosed Letter from Govr Franklin which came this Minute by Express. As Mr Franklin was confined by order of Congress, I could not think myself at liberty to answer him on the subject of his request and therefore have referred it to their consideration. At the same time I would observe his situation is distressing and must interest All our feelings,...