51George Washington to John Jay, [22–23] April 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Middlebrook [ New Jersey ] April [ 22–23 ] 1779 . States that unless the quartermaster general immediately receives the money necessary for proposed Indian expedition, the expedition will have to be abandoned. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. The draft was originally dated April 22. This date was then crossed out and April 23 substituted.
52George Washington to John Jay, 23 April 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Middlebrook [ New Jersey ] April 23, 1779 . Asks why Continental frigates are kept in port. Asks if Conrad Alexandre Gérard is returning to France. Questions wisdom of supplying Bermudian ships with flour. Asks if “any thing … can be done to restore the credit of our currency.” Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
53From George Washington to John Jay, 23 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
In one of your former letters; you intimate, that a free communication of Sentiments will not be displeasing to you. If under this sanction, I should step beyond the line you would wish to draw—and suggest ideas or ask questions which are improper to be answered—you have only to pass them by, in silence. I wish you to be convinced, that I do not desire to pry into measures the knowledge of...
54From George Washington to John Jay, 23 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
I was, yesterday Afternoon, informed by General Maxwell, that he had received intelligence of a considerable movement of the Enemy upon New York and Staten Islands, and that it was reported General Leslie was to embark with nine Regiments and to sail in a few days either for the West Indies or Georgia. The actual embarkation of Nine Regiments, with their Stores and Baggage, was confirmed late...
55From George Washington to John Jay, 23 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
The Qr Mr General has represented to me that unless he can receive an immediate and ample supply of money the preparations for the Indian expedition in particular and for other operations with which we must open the campaign, will not be completed, in the time appointed in my orders to him, and required by the exigency of our affairs. The article of horses, for which he will be obliged to pay...
56From George Washington to John Jay, 24 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have received your Excellency’s favors of the 14th 18th and 20th instants with the Resolves inclosed to which they refer. I shall acquaint Major Harnage and Capt. Hawker with the determination of Congress, and shall pay the proper attention to the other Resolves. I take the liberty to inclose the Copy of a representation of the Captain Lieutenants of Artillery on account of the reduction of...
57From George Washington to John Jay, 28 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have been duly honored with your Excellency’s favor of the 25th and its inclosures. You will perceive by the within resolution of the assembly of the State of Massachusetts, that there are several pieces of cannon (18 pounders) the property of the Continent, now in that state. General McDougall informs me that only two pieces out of the seven have been received. The defenceless situation of...
58To John Jay from George Washington, 28 April 1779 (Jay Papers)
I have been duly honord with your Excellency’s favor of the 25th and its inclosures. You will percieve by the within Resolution of the Assembly of the State of Massachusetts, that there are several pieces of cannon (18 pounders) the property of the Continent, now in that state. General M c Dougall informs me that only two pieces out of the seven have been recieved. The defenceless situation of...
59George Washington to John Jay, 29 April 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Middlebrook [ New Jersey ] April 29, 1779 . Describes British troop movements in Monmouth County, New Jersey. Df , in writings of James McHenry and H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
60From George Washington to John Jay, 29 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to inform your Excellency, that by a letter from Capt. Burrows dated the 26th at Middle Town, it appears, that the body of the Enemy mentioned in my last, as having made an incursion into Monmouth County reimbarked the afternoon of the same day and returned to New York. A small party of fifteen Continental Troops under Capt. Burrows had kept up a desultory fire upon them for a...
61From George Washington to John Jay, 30 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to inclose you an extract of a letter from Major General Gates relative to the complaints among the troops in the Eastern department for want of their pay —It will naturally claim the notice of Congress should not the nec[e]ssary supply of money have been ordered before this time. I have the honor to be with great regard and esteem Your most hble sevt. Df , in James McHenry’s...
62George Washington to John Jay, 3 May 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Middlebrook [ New Jersey ] May 3, 1779 . Advises that peace be made with only a part of the Indians. Thinks that Indians should be severely punished for past behavior. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
63From George Washington to John Jay, 3 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
I was duly honored with your Excellency’s letter of the 28th of last month, with its inclosures, to which proper attention shall be paid. I inclose you extracts from some letters lately received from General Schuyler, which are interesting in their nature, and require immediate direction. They are rather of a remote date, having been long in coming to hand. Congress will perceive, that some of...
64George Washington to John Jay, 5 May 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Middlebrook [ New Jersey ] May 5, 1779 . Reports that news from Great Britain “seems to breathe a vigorous prosecution of the war.” Asks that states be urged to complete their battalions. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
65From George Washington to John Jay, 5 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
Inclosed I have the honor to transmit your Excellency three New York papers of the 28th & 29th of April and 1st of May—which I think are interesting. The last contains extracts from Lord Norths speech at opening the budget which seems to breathe a vigorous prosecution of the war: I have thought appearances for some time past wore this complexion. The English papers have frequently announced...
66From George Washington to John Jay, 7–9 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
I do myself the honor of transmitting to Your Excellency the following Extract of a Letter from General Maxwell of the 5 Instt which I received last night. “My intelligence from the Enemy is, that 4000 Troops chiefly British are embarked for the West Indies or Georgia, though the latter is the most suspected. Generals Vaughan & Leslie are supposed to take the command—they were to embark this...
67George Washington to John Jay, [10 May 1779] (Hamilton Papers)
[ Middlebrook, New Jersey, May 10, 1779 .] Agrees with Jay’s “summary of the causes of the national evils we feel.” Fears results of a strong British campaign during summer. Df , in writings of George Washington and H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
68From George Washington to John Jay, 10 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
I sieze a moment of leizure to thank you my dear Sir for your obliging favours of the 21st & 26th of April—My friendship for you will always make me take pleasure in cultivating the esteem and confidence of which you so politely assure me. You give an affecting summary of the causes of the national evil we feel, and the still greater we have reason to apprehend—To me it appears that our...
69George Washington to John Jay, 11 May 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Middlebrook [ New Jersey ] May 11, 1779 . Recommends that Brigadier General Lachlan McIntosh be allowed to serve with the Army in Georgia. LS , in writing of H, Papers of the Continental Congress, National Archives.
70George Washington to John Jay, 11 May 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Middlebrook [ New Jersey ] May 11, 1779 . Discusses New Jersey remonstrance. Concludes that reported lack of cattle “will sensibly affect our Western expedition.” LS , in writing of H, Papers of the Continental Congress, National Archives.
71From George Washington to John Jay, 11 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
Brigadier General McIntosh will have the honor to deliver you this. The war in Georgia, being in the State, to which he belongs, makes him desirous of serving in the Southern army. I know not whether the arrangements Congress have in contemplation may make it convenient to employ him there; but I take the liberty to recommend him as a Gentleman, whose knowledge of service and of the country...
72From George Washington to John Jay, 11 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to inclose Your Excellency copies of letters and papers, which have passed on the subject of a late remonstrance from the officers of the 1st Jersey Regiment, to the Assembly of their state. This is an affair which Congress will no doubt view in a very serious light. To me it appears truly alarming. It shows what is to be apprehended, if some adequate provision is not...
73George Washington to John Jay, 14 May 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Middlebrook [ New Jersey ] May 14, 1779 . Reports that deputies from Delaware Nation have arrived in Camp and have been referred to Congress. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
74From George Washington to John Jay, 14 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have received the honor of your Excellency’s favor of the 10th with its several inclosures. When the order was given to General Glovers Brigade to be held in readiness to march, the comparitive state of the Enemy’s force and ours, allowing for the troops to be detached on the Western expedition made it indispensible, without risking more important misfortunes in this quarter than could...
75From George Washington to John Jay, 16 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have been duly honored with your Excellencys favor of the 10th instant; and the two resolutions of Congress which shall be properly attended to. I herewith take the liberty to transmit several papers of a serious nature, which have passed between General McIntosh and myself. I thought it my duty to submit them to the consideration of Congress, that it might decide whether the reasons given...
76George Washington to John Jay, 17 May 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Middlebrook [ New Jersey ] May 17, 1779 . Speculates on destination of the British detachment that sailed from New York. Estimates number of British troops that sailed and number that remains. Mentions possibility of surprise attack on New York. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
77From George Washington to John Jay, 17 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
I was yesterday honored with your favour of the 15th with the inclosed papers. The fleet mentioned in Governor Johnson’s letter may contain the detachment, which lately sailed from New York, and the object may be, if not to rescue, at least to facilitate the desertion of The Convention troops—This is the prevailing opinion in New York ⟨counte⟩nanced among other circumstances by the Goodrich’s...
78From George Washington to John Jay, 17 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
Since I had the honor of addressing Your Excellency this morning, I received a Letter from General Gates, a Copy of which with the packet he mentions I transmit by this express. From Genl Gates’s account it appears indispensably necessary that a supply of money should be sent as soon as possible, if it has not been already done to pay the Troops. I have the Honor to be with the greatest...
79From George Washington to John Jay, 24 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
I received the inclosed news papers to day—and as they contain intelligence of an interesting nature I take the earliest opportunity of transmitting them to Your Excellency by Express. I have the Honor to be with sentiments of the highest esteem & respect Yr Excellency’s Most Obedt servt LS , in Robert Hanson Harrison’s writing, DNA:PCC , item 152; Df , DLC:GW ; copy, DNA:PCC , item 169;...
80George Washington to John Jay, 25 May 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Middlebrook [ New Jersey ] May 25, 1779 . Is concerned about the “predatory” fighting of British. Encloses instructions to Brigadier General Charles Scott concerning reinforcements in the South. Discusses British preparations in New York. LS , in writing of H, Papers of the Continental Congress, National Archives.
81From George Washington to John Jay, 25 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
I am honored with Your Excellencys favours one of the 12th two of the 19th and one of the 22d—with their inclosures, to all which due attention shall be paid. The predatory war which the enemy now seem resolved to carry on will be very distressing—little aid can be afforded from the army in its present situation and the militia appear to be too ill provided with arms to defend themselves. How...
82From George Washington to John Jay, 26 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
Mr Wadsworth who is just now returned from the Eastward, informs me, that a vessel had arrived there from Charlestown S. Carolina, the captain of which told him, that he slipped out of the harbour, the night of the 5th instant (a fresh embargo being laid that evening on all the shipping, and the sailors ordered on shore for the defence of the Town). The report was that the enemy were on this...
83From George Washington to John Jay, 27 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
I was last night honoured with your Excellency’s favor of the 25th—and with the papers to which it referred—which shall have my attention. You will be pleased to receive Two New York Gazettes. I have the Honor to be with the greatest respect & esteem Yr Excellency’s Most Obedt sert Df , in Robert Hanson Harrison’s writing, DLC:GW ; Varick transcript , DLC:GW .
84George Washington to John Jay, 3 June 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Middlebrook [ New Jersey ] June 3, 1779 . Encloses information concerning British troop movements and present position of American troops. Is about “to set out this day towards the Highlands, by way of Morris Town.” LS , in writing of H, Papers of the Continental Congress, National Archives.
85From George Washington to John Jay, 3 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
In the letter which I did myself the honor to write to Your Excellency the 25th of May, I mentioned the appearances which indicated that the enemy had some important enterprise in contemplation. These appearances have since increased ’till they seem to have arrived at a very interesting crisis. The inclosed extracts from the intelligence I have successively received will show their progress...
86From George Washington to John Jay, 3 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
I do myself the Honor of transmitting to Your Excellency a Copy of a Report of a Board of General Officers in a dispute between the Captains in the pensilvania line and Captain prowell, who has been appointed to the majority in the 11th Regiment. If Congress approve the Report, they will be pleased to revoke Captain prowells Commission. They will see a Copy of the Memorial against his...
87From George Washington to John Jay, 3 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
Since I had the Honor of addressing Your Excellency this morning, I received the inclosed papers, by which You will perceive that the Troops & fleet lately employed in Chesepeak bay have returned to New York. I have not received any advices respecting the Enemy since those transmitted in the morning. I have the Honor to be with sentiments of the most perfect respect & esteem Yr Excellency’s...
88From George Washington to John Jay, 6 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
On the 3d I had the Honor to address Your Excellency from Middle Brook and Morris Town—and to transmit you all the intelligence I had then received, respecting the movements of the Enemy on the North River; and of the measures I had taken and was about to pursue in consequence. I am now to inform you, according to the advices I have obtained since, that on the 2d in the morning the Enemy...
89George Washington to John Jay, 11 June 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Smiths Clove [ New York ] June 11, 1779 . Gives information on position of British and American forces. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
90From George Washington to John Jay, 11 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
I am honored with your Excellency’s favours of the 4th & 5th, to which due attention shall be paid. The enemy’s situation remains much the same as mentioned in mine of the 6th—One body of about 5000 Men is on Verplanks point and another of about 1000 on stoney point—They continue fortifying & no doubt mean to keep possession of those posts—The natural strength of the ground with very little...
91From George Washington to John Jay, 14 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
On Saturday Evening I was honoured with Your Excellency’s favor of the 7th Instant and with the papers to which it refers. The intelligence from Carolina is very interesting as related, and I should hope from it’s coming through so many channels & from its being told so circumstantially, that it is not destitute of foundation. I have nothing to communicate to your Excellency respecting the...
92George Washington to John Jay, 23 June 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
New Windsor [ New York ] June 23, 1779 . Sends latest information concerning British in New York and the South. LS , in writing of H, Papers of the Continental Congress, National Archives.
93From George Washington to John Jay, 23 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
Two days since I removed my quarters to this place where I am more contiguous to the forts and best situated to attend to the different parts of the army. By my last advices the enemy at Kings ferry were embarking their baggage and some heavy cannon and preparing for a movement either up or down the river. Your Excellency will find in the inclosed New York Gazette of the 19th two or three...
94George Washington to John Jay, 27 June 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
New Windsor [ New York ] June 27, 1779 . Complains about incompetence of clothing department and “disagreeable” treatment of Sixteen Additional Continental Regiments. Requests an allowance to provide liquor for the officers. Asks Congress to send another copy of resolve concerning brigade majors. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
95From George Washington to John Jay, 27 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
It gives me infinite pain, that the circumstances of the service oblige me to trouble Congress with a frequent repetition of the same subjects—But every hour distracts my attention with fresh instances of the inconveniencies, that result from the want of system in a department which I have frequently mentioned. These compel me again to intreat that Congress will be pleased to take decisive...
96George Washington to John Jay, 30 June 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
New Windsor [ New York ] June 30, 1779 . States that Colonel Daniel Morgan “waits upon Congress with his resignation.” Commends Morgan. LS , in writing of H, Papers of the Continental Congress, National Archives.
97From George Washington to John Jay, 30 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
Col. Morgan of the Virginia troops, who waits on Congress with his resignation will have the honor of delivering you this—I cannot in justice avoid mentioning him as a very valuable officer who has rendered a series of important services and distinguished himself upon several occasions. I have the honor to be With the greatest respect & esteem Yr Excellency’s Most Obedt ser. LS , in Alexander...
98From George Washington to John Jay, 1 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
I had the Honor Yesterday to receive Your Excellency’s Letter of the 24th Ulto. I have ever taken all the pains in my power to prevent plundering, and the practice has been constantly reprobated and prohibited by my Orders. I will continue to use my best endeavours to suppress it. I transmit a Copy of a Letter of the 25th and of Two Reports which I received Yesterday from General Gates,...
99From George Washington to John Jay, 9 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
On the 1st Instant I transmitted Your Excellency a copy of a Letter I had received from General Gates, advising that a number of Vessels with Troops, had left Newport and directed their course up the Sound. I had previously on the 27th from the intelligence obtained through different Channels that the Enemy intended to draw a part or the whole of their Troops from Rhode Island, requested him...
100From George Washington to John Jay, 13 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
In my Letter of the 9th which I had the honor of addressing to Your Excellency, I informed you of the proceedings and ravages of the Enemy on the Sound till that time, as far as I had been advised. I now take the liberty to transmit an Extract of a Letter of the 10th (No. 1) from Governor Trumbull—and of the same date (No. 2) from General parsons, by which Your Excellency will find, that they...