51From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 27 January 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have been honoured with your Excellency’s favor of the 21st inclosing a Report from the Board of War, upon the application of Colonel Armand for promotion to the Rank of Brigadier in the service of the United States, on which, Congress have been pleased to request my opinion. I am ready to acknowledge the Grounds, on which, Colo. Armand founds his pretensions to higher Rank, so far as they...
52From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 30 January 1780 (Washington Papers)
I herewith transmit Your Excellency the proceedings & sentence of the General Court Martial in the case of Major General Arnold for the approbation or disapprobation of Congress. The proceedings will be found in two packets committed to the care of Major Gibbs. I also think it my duty to inclose Your Excellency the Copy of a Letter of the [ ] Instant, from the Quarter Master General on the...
53From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 5 February 1780 (Washington Papers)
In the Letter which I had the honor of writing to You on the 27th of January, I mentioned that Colo. Armand was young in the service of France; by the Inclosed Letter from him it appears that I had been misinformd. as the Colonel is apprehensive this idea may operate in future to His prejudice, I take the liberty to transmit what he has said upon the subject. I have the Honor to be with the...
54George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 6 February 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Morristown [ New Jersey ] February 6, 1780 . Informs Huntington that Colonel Armand is not going to France. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
55From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 8 February 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have now the honor to acknowledge that Your Excellency’s several Letters of the 25th & 27th of last month and of the 1st Instant have been duly received with the acts to which they refer. The matters to which they respectively relate will have my attention in the best manner that their nature and circumstances will admit of. Cols. Mathews & Ely & Lt Colo. Ramsay returned to New York on the...
56From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 14 February 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have been honoured with Your Excellency’s Favor of the 7th and am much obliged by the transmission of the Letter from Major General Lincoln—and for Major Lane’s state of the prisoners at the Southward. The General is not precise in his information on this subject, as to the number or rank of Our Officers still in captivity, but from what he says, I conclude it is nearly as Major Lane has...
57From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 17 February 1780 (Washington Papers)
On monday night I had the Honor to receive Your Excellency’s dispatches of the 10th —I shall in compliance with the direction of Congress, take the earliest occasion that circumstances will allow, to transmit the States the Returns required. I think it my duty however to inform Congress, that from the remote and dispersed situation of many Corps not originally raised as part of the State...
58From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 23 February 1780 (Washington Papers)
I do myself the honor to inclose your Excellency a New York paper of the 21st—which contains his British Majesty’s speech and several other Articles of European intelligence. Your Excellency’s favor of the 12th inclosing Copies of sundry matters respecting the State of Georgia and the exchange of Brigr Genl Elbert, only reached me last Evening. I have the honor to be with the greatest Respect...
59From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 6–8 March 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with your Excellency’s Letters of the 21st & 22d Ulto—I thank you for the communication you have been pleased to give me, with respect to the Fleet and embarkation at the Havannah—and I am in hopes we shall hear of the Spaniards having made a successful stroke against one or both of the places you have mentioned. as to the Enemy’s Fleet supposed to be bound to the...
60From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 17 March 1780 (Washington Papers)
I am sorry to inform Congress that I am again under great apprehensions on the score of our provision supplies. There is not now in camp and within it’s vicinity, more meal & Grain than will furnish the Troops with Five days bread, notwithstanding the exertions that have been made to lay in a supply; and I fear from the badness of the Roads and the difficulty of procuring Teams, that it will...
61From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 20 March 1780 (Washington Papers)
On Saturday Evening I was honoured with Your Excellency’s Letters of the 9th & 11th Instant, with the papers to which they refer. The several subjects they respect will have my attention and consideration as far as circumstances and when opportunity will permit. I can only trouble Your Excellency upon the present occasion with a request, that the whole of the proceedings in the case of Major...
62From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 23 March 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have the Honor to acknowledge the receipt of Your Excellency’s Favors of the 14th & 19th Instant the latter covering the latest accounts you had received from the Southward. I have just received authentic advice from the Enemy, by which their whole Army under General Clinton was said to be at James Island the 4th of this month and about to take possession of Stono-ferry. The account comes...
63From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 26 March 1780 (Washington Papers)
I beg leave to inform Congress, that from the importance of the subject and the difficulties we have experienced in our provision and Forage supplies, I have been induced in the course of a few days past, with the assistance of the Quarter Master General and the Commissary Generals of Provision & forage to make an Estimate of the quantity of each of these Articles, which would be necessary...
64George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 27 March 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Morristown [ New Jersey ] March 27, 1780 . Asks that Congress send Brigadier General Du Portail to the South where a good engineer is needed. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
65From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 27 March 1780 (Washington Papers)
In the present situation of Southern affairs much will no doubt depend on the having an able Engineer in that Quarter. I have a very good opinion of the Gentleman now there in this line, but the confidence I have in General Du Portails abilities makes me think his presence would be of the greatest utility. Though we may sensibly feel the want of him here should any active operation commence;...
66From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 28 March 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have the Honor to transmit Your Excellency the Extract of a Letter of the 23d Instant, which I received to day from Colo. Vanschaick. This will inform Your Excellency, that the Indians have lately made Two incursions on our Frontiers & taken Five of the Inhabitants of Tryon County & killed one & captured a Guard of Thirteen Militia posted at Skeensborough. I wish I had no other intelligence...
67George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 31 March 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Morristown [ New Jersey ] March 31, 1780 . Encloses and discusses a report of the commissioners for prisoner exchange who met at Amboy. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
68From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 31 March 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to inclose the Report of the proceedings of the Commissioners appointed to meet at Amboy the 9th instant, for the purpose of settling a General Cartel, by which, Congress will perceive that the present attempt has been as unsuccessful as all the former, and from the same cause. In January, I was honored with a letter from the Minister of France, informing me of his having...
69From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 2 April 1780 (Washington Papers)
Since I had the Honor of addressing Your Excellency on the 28th Ulto, I have received intelligence, which seems to place it beyond doubt, that the Enemy are about to make a further imbarkation of Troops from New York, and the common opinion is, that they are going to reinforce Sir Henry Clinton. Lord Rawdon’s brigade, said to consist of his own Regiment & of Brown’s, Fanning’s & Another corps:...
70George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 3 April 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Morristown [ New Jersey ] April 3, 1780 . Pleads cause of officers of additional regiments. Discusses dissatisfaction in Army. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
71From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 3 April 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have frequently had the honor to address Congress on the subject of those Corps; which are unconnected with the lines of particular States. Satisfied of the numerous perplexities, under which they labour; it is with pain and reluctance I trouble them with repeated representations of the same nature; but in the present case it is so indispensible something should be done, that I cannot...
72From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 7 April 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have the Honor to acquaint Your Excellency, that I have just been advised of the sailing of the Detachment from New York, which I mentioned in my Letter of the 2d as being about to embark. The intelligence I have received upon the subject, is contained in the following Extract of a Letter from Colo. Dayton; dated the 6th at Elizabeth Town. “I have just received certain intelligence of the...
73From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 10 April 1780 (Washington Papers)
I do myself the honor of inclosing a New York paper of the 8th which gives a more particular account of Admiral Rodney’s success than any we have yet seen. I cannot but hope that the enemy have dressed it in the most unfavorable Colours for us. I have the honor to be with very great Respect Your Excellency’s Most obt Servt P.S. since my last I have recd information from New York that another...
74George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 17 April 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Morristown [ New Jersey ] April 17, 1780 . Reports that the Maryland Division has marched to relief of Charleston. Discusses advisability of expedition against the enemy at Penobscot. Describes British attack on Paramus. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
75From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 17 April 1780 (Washington Papers)
In consequence of the Detachments of Infantry already made from hence to the Southward & the One now on the march —and from the probability there is, that the Enemy mean to prosecute their measures in that quarter with vigor, I have thought it expedient to send a respectable reinforcement of Artillery—Officers & Matrosses there likewise. I would however beg leave to suggest that I find it may...
76From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 17 April 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have duly received your Excellencys dispatches of the 6th and 9th of April. The Maryland division marched this morning—with the first regiment of Artillery and eight field pieces besides those attached to the Brigades which will be useful at any rate essential if an accident should happen to Charles Town—The want of Waggons has unavoidably retarded the march of the Troops till this time. I...
77From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 28 April 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have the Honor to acknowledge Your Excellency’s dispatches of the 15th, which have been duly received. Colo. Ward, whose appointment to the Office of Commissary of prisoners they communicate, went to the Eastward soon after he returned from philadelphia. It is probable Your Excellency was acquainted with this circumstance; however I have thought it material to mention it, that you might know...
78From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 5–6 May 1780 (Washington Papers)
On the 28th Ulto I received the honor of Your Excellency’s several Letters of the 18th 20th & 22d with their Inclosures. The Act of the 10th containing assurances for making up the depreciation of pay to the Army has been published in general Orders—and will no doubt give great satisfaction. I am much obliged by the communications in Your Excellency’s Letter of the 20th. The arrival of the...
79From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 13 May 1780 (Washington Papers)
The Marquis de la Fayette will have the honor to deliver you this. I am perswaded Congress will participate in the joy I feel at the return of a Gentleman who has distinguished himself in the service of this Country so signally—who has given so many & so decisive proofs of his attachments to its interests—and who ought to be dear to it by every motive —The warm friendship I have for him...
80From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 13 May 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with your Excellency’s favor of the 9th instant. I yesterday received the inclosed intelligence, which corresponds with other accounts from different quarters. Whether their fears in New York are well grounded a little time must discover. I have the honor to be with great Respect Sir Yr Excellency’s most obt and humble Servt LS , in Tench Tilghman’s writing, DNA:PCC , item...
81George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 17 May 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Morristown [ New Jersey ] May 17, 1780 . Forwards from Lieutenant Colonel Fleury a request for an extension of furlough. LS , in writing of H, Papers of the Continental Congress, National Archives.
82From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 17 May 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to transmit your Excellency a letter inclosed to me by Lt Col. Fleury which he informs me is to solicit from Congress a prolongation of his furlough —I have no doubt they will chearfully grant this indulgence to an officer whose services intitle him to every mark of consideration and I beg leave to add that their complianc⟨e⟩ will give me the greatest pleasure. I presume an...
83From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 19–20 May 1780 (Washington Papers)
I take the liberty of transmitting to your Excellency’s care the inclosed Letters for Governor Rutledge. They are both—on the same subject—and also contain Letters for Major General Lincoln. As they respect matters of an interesting nature, I wish them to go by Two Conveyances that there may be the greater chance of their getting to the Governor’s hands—and the sooner this could take place the...
84From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 27–28 May 1780 (Washington Papers)
It is with infinite pain I inform Congress, that we are reduced again to a situation of extremity for want of meat. On several days of late, the Troops have been entirely destitute of any, and for a considerable time past they have been at best—at half—a quarter—an Eighth allowance of this essential article of provision. The men have borne their distress in general with a firmness and patience...
85From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 31 May 1780 (Washington Papers)
Colo. Sherburne I expect will have the honor of presenting this Letter to your Excellency. This Gentleman entered into the Army at the beginning of the War and from that time to this has served his Country as a brave & good Officer. His conduct in attempting to relieve the post at the Cedars in 1776 was distinguished, and will be recollected by Congress. In the beginning of 1777 from the...
86From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 31 May 1780 (Washington Papers)
I am sorry that I am under the necessity of transmitting the inclosed Gazette extraordinary to your Excellency, by which it appears that Charles town surrendered to the Enemy on the 12th Instant —You probably will, by the time this reaches you, have received a confirmation of this unfortunate event, directly from Carolina. I have the honor to be with the greatest Respect Yr Excellency’s Most...
87From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 10 June 1780 (Washington Papers)
I beg leave to inform Your Excellency, that on Tuesday night the Enemy landed at Elizabeth Town point, with the principal part of their force, under the command of General Knyphausen—and proceeded the next morning into the Country till they were within half a mile of Springfield. In their march they were most spiritedly opposed by the Jersey Troops which formed the advanced Corps of the Army,...
88George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 18 June 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Springfield [ New Jersey ] June 18, 1780 . Reports that British are still at “Elizabeth Town point,” and that Sir Henry Clinton has arrived from the South. Asks Congress to urge Pennsylvania to send “forward the drafts, they have already made.” States a need for wagons. States that “not a single draft has yet joined the Army … and here we are in the middle of June.” Emphasizes urgent need for...
89From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 18 June 1780 (Washington Papers)
Since I had the honor of writing to Congress last, the enemy have preserved their position at Elizabeth Town point, without enterprising any thing against us. They have erected three little Works, and have been, for some days past, employed in building a Bridge of Boats across the Sound to Staten Island. Our weakness—their extreme caution and the compact situation in which they have kept...
90From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 20 June 1780 (Washington Papers)
The Honorable the Committee will have informed Congress from time to time of the measures which have been judged essential to be adopted for co-operating with the armament expected from France, and of their requisitions to the States in consequence. What the result of these has been, I cannot determine to my great anxiety, as no answers on the subjects of them have been yet received. The...
91George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 25 June 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Whippany [ New Jersey ] June 25, 1780 . Describes movements of the two Armies. States doubt concerning enemy’s objective, but believes that it is probably West Point. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
92From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 25 June 1780 (Washington Papers)
Since I had the honor of addressing Congress on the 20th the following movements have taken place on the part of the Enemy and on our part. The conduct of the Enemy and our intelligence giving us reason to suspect a design against West Point, on the 21st—the army, except two Brigades & the Horse (left under the command of General Greene to cover the Country and our stores) was put in motion to...
93From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 6 July 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor by this morning’s Post, to acknowledge the receipt of your Excellency’s dispatches of the 25th Ulto which have been presented to me by General Lincoln. The several objects to which they extend, will have my consideration, and I shall do myself the honor of informing Congress of the result. Since the Enemy left Jerseys, their main body has proceeded into the County of West...
94From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 10 July 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have, with great pleasure, seen the very laudable association of the Merchants of Philadelphia, for procuring a quantity of provisions and Rum for the Army. I am well persuaded, that the same spirit exists in those of the other considerable trading Towns, who, perhaps, only want being made acquainted with the distresses of the Army, in Articles almost as essential as those of provision, to...
95From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 10 July 1780 (Washington Papers)
I now beg leave to inform Congress that since my Letter of the 4th, I have attended to their dispatches of the 25th Ulto by General Lincoln. At this time I do not think that the circumstances of the Campaign would admit, at any rate, an enquiry to be gone into respecting the loss of Charles Town, but if it were otherwise, I do not see that it could be made, so as to be completely satisfactory...
96George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 14 July 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Bergen County [ New Jersey ] July 14, 1780 . Informs Congress of arrival of the French fleet off Newport. Encloses plan for inspector general’s department. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. A draft of this plan in H’s writing dated July, 1780, is found in the Washington Papers, Library of Congress. According to Fitzpatrick ( GW John C. Fitzpatrick, ed., The...
97From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 14 July 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to inform Congress that I have this moment received a letter from Major General Heath dated Providence the 11th informing that the afternoon of the 10th the French fleet arrived off Newport—that the signals of recognizance had been made and the fleet was standing in to the harbour when the express came away. I congratulate Congress on this important event, and entreat them to...
98From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 15 July 1780 (Washington Papers)
The New York paper of the 14th announces the arrival of Admiral Greaves on the 13th with, as they say, “a formidable Squadron of Capital Ships to reinforce Vice Admiral Arbuthnot.” My private information makes this Squadron to consist of the six following Ships. London 90 Guns Resolution 74 Bedford 74 Royal Oak 74 Prudent 64 America 60. The arrival of this naval Armament has not induced us to...
99From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 15 July 1780 (Washington Papers)
Doctor Cochran, Physician and Surgeon General of the Army in the Middle Department, will have the honor of presenting this to Your Excellency, and of explaining to you the distressed situation of the Hospitals for necessary Stores, even at this time, when the number of sick are exceedingly few. From present prospects of the operations of this Campaign, we must expect to have a considerable...
100From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 15 July 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to transmit your Excellency, in Two packets, the proceedings of the Court Martial in the case of Doctr Shippen, Director General of the Hospitals, for the approbation or disapprobation of Congress. The trial having taken place in consequence of their order, this circumstance and the Doctor’s station in the Army have induced me to think it most proper to refer the matter to...