51From George Washington to John Jay, 29 January 1779 (Washington Papers)
I do myself the honor to inclose you the Extract of a letter which I recd a few days ago from His Excellency Governor Clinton, and which I am to request you to lay before Congress agreeable to his desire. I have only to add that the settlement and payment of such Accounts as are referred to in the letter, is highly beneficial to our public Credit, and satisfactory to those individuals, who...
52From George Washington to John Jay, 29 January 1779 (Washington Papers)
My long and unexpected stay in this city being attended with many inconveniences to the common business of the army, and in other respects—I feel myself under a necessity of requesting the permission of Congress to return; and if consistent with their views, I should be glad to set out for the camp at Middle-Brook, on monday next. There are several matters, which have been the subjects of...
53From George Washington to John Jay, 30 January 1779 (Washington Papers)
In consequence of the authority vested in me by Congress of “directing and superintending the military operations in these States,” I was led to make inquiry into the State of the Magazines to the Westward. From a late letter of Genl McIntosh’s to myself, and several to the Board of War, I find that he has been so much distressed for provision, that he has been obliged suddenly to disband all...
54From George Washington to John Jay, 8 February 1779 (Washington Papers)
I am honored with yours of the 3d and 5th instants with the Resolves of the 2d and 4th inclosed. I have dispatched orders to the Infantry of Count Pulaski’s Legion to march immediately from Minisink to Lancaster, at which place they will expect a Route and further orders for proceeding. The Horse of the Legion not being in this Quarter will receive orders from the Count himself. In obedience...
55From George Washington to John Jay, 19 February 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have been successively honored with your two favours of the 8th and 15th instant, with their several inclosures; to all which due attention shall be paid —The Court Martial in the case of the officers conducting the public works at Springfield, shall be immediately directed. A letter of the 11th Ultimo from General McDougall contains the following paragraph, “If Congress will order me one...
56From George Washington to John Jay, 23 February 1779 (Washington Papers)
Letter not found : to John Jay, 23 Feb. 1779 . Jay wrote GW on 2 March (first letter): “accept my thanks for your obliging Favor of the 23 Ult.”
57From George Washington to John Jay, 24 February 1779 (Washington Papers)
I transmit you herewith two letters the applications of General Glover and Colo. Wigglesworth for the acceptance of their respective resignations. Colonel Wigglesworth is particularly desirous to obtain a speedy answer that he may have it in his power to make some arrangements before his proposed departure for France. Congress will also be pleased to attend to General Glovers request for his...
58From George Washington to John Jay, 26 February 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have received the honor of your two favours of the 22d and 23d, with the several papers accompanying them. The measures necessary in consequence shall be immediately taken—I am much obliged by the communication of the intelligence from Martinico. Yesterday morning a detachment of the enemy from Staten Island made an attempt to surprise the post at Elizabeth town. On receiving information of...
59From George Washington to John Jay, 1 March 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have been a little surprised, that the several important pieces of intelligence lately received from Europe (such parts of it I mean as are circulated without reserve in Conversn) have not yet been given to the public in a manner calculated to attract the attention & impress the Minds of the people. As they are now propagated, they run through the Country in a variety of forms, are...
60From George Washington to John Jay, 1 March 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor herewith to transmit you, copy of a letter from General Maxwell, containing such particulars of information, as he omitted in his last, respecting the attempt of the enemy on the post at Elizabeth Town. I also inclose your Excellency a New-York paper of the 24th Ultimo. I am sir Your Excellency’s most obt and humble servt LS , in James McHenry’s writing, DNA:PCC , item 152; Df...
61From George Washington to John Jay, 3 March 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have received the letter which Your Excellency did me the honor to write of the 26th of last Month, together with the two resolves of Congress and the other inclosures referred to in it. A plan of offensive operations for the effectual relief of the Western frontier has been some time since determined upon and preparations are making in consequence. I endeavour to observe as much secrecy as...
62From George Washington to John Jay, 6 March 1779 (Washington Papers)
I herewith transmit your Excellency the last news papers, which I have obtained from New-York. I also inclose you an extract of intelligence, respecting a fleet of victuallers, with some troops, said to be preparing to sail for Georgia. The fidelity of the writer is hitherto unquestionable. The report of the 1500 troops from Rhode Island, I am induced to suppose without foundation. Some time...
63From George Washington to John Jay, 10 March 1779 (Washington Papers)
I had the honor of your Excellency’s letter of the 2d Inst. with its several inclosures. I have only at present to request the attention of Congress to the inclosed letter from James Reed, signing himself Brigadier General. Congress will be pleased to inform me, if he holds the rank of Brigadier General, that some measures may be taken in his case. I have the honor to be your Excellency’s most...
64From George Washington to John Jay, 11 March 1779 (Washington Papers)
I am to acknowlege the honor of your Excellencys favors of the 4th and 5th, and shall apply the Inclosures to their several intentions. The Baron Steuben transmitted me his proposed plan of regulations for the Infantry of the American army. I have returned it to the Baron, with such observations as occurred on different objects of the work, and my general approbation of the whole. If the plan...
65From George Washington to John Jay, 15 March 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have waited with anxious expectation, for some plan to be adopted by Congress which would have a general operation throughout the States for compleating their respective Battalions. No plan for this purpose has yet come to my knowledge, nor do I find that the several Governments are pursuing any measures to accomplish the end by particular arrangements of their own legislatures. I therefore...
66From George Washington to John Jay, 20 March 1779 (Washington Papers)
I am honored by yours of the 12th and 14th insts. with their inclosures. Colonel Wigglesworths certificate is transmitted to him; and I have published such parts of the resolve of the 5th, for payment of certificates given to the inhabitants for supplies, as relate to the future conduct to be observed by the officers of the line and staff. I take the liberty of laying before congress a...
67From George Washington to John Jay, 24 March 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have been honoured, in due order, with Your Excellency’s several Favors of the 15. 17 & 19 Instant with the Papers to which they refer. I shall direct the earliest Returns to be made, that circumstances will admit, of the Officers—Soldiers &c., who are the Objects of the Act of the 15th—and will transmit them to the Board of War. Captain Greene’s case shall also have my attention—and his...
68From George Washington to John Jay, 26 March 1779 (Washington Papers)
When I had the Honor of addressing Your Excellency on the 11th Instant, I transmitted some intelligence I had just received from General Maxwell, respecting Admiral Gambier’s preparing to sail from New York—and suggesting New London to be the Object of the expedition. How far events may justify this suggestion, I cannot determine; however, by advices which came to hand this Evening, from a...
69From George Washington to John Jay, 28 March 1779 (Washington Papers)
I do myself the Honor of transmitting to Your Excellency—Two of Rivington’s papers of the 24th and 25th, which I received last night. I fear from the accounts contained in the last of them, though I doubt not but that they are highly coloured, that our people have suffered in the affair, mentioned to have happened in the Southern quarter on the 4th Instant. Since my Letter of the 26th I have...
70From George Washington to John Jay, 29 March 1779 (Washington Papers)
I do myself the honor to transmit the inclosed extract of a letter which I have just received from General Maxwell. Whether the Report that the expedition from the East End of Long Island is laid aside, is true or false, I will not undertake to determine. I also inclose the latest New York paper. I have the honor to be with the greatest Esteem Your Excellency’s Most obt Servt. L , in Tench...
71From George Washington to John Jay, 2 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have had the Honor to receive Your Excellency’s two Favors of the 24th Ulto, with their Inclosures. I am much obliged by Your Excellency’s attention, in communicating the Act for supplying the Oneidas and Other friendly Indians with provision. Matters, in consequence, I flatter myself, will be so conducted, as not to disorder or injure our other arrangements in this Article. The Act...
72From George Washington to John Jay, 12 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with yours of the 4th and 7th instants. Inclosed you have the proceedings of the Court Martial held, by order of Congress, upon the Officers of the Elaboratory and Deputy Qr Mr at Springfield, upon a representation from the Council of Massachusetts. I also inclose a letter which I received two days ago from Majr Harnage in behalf of himself and Capt. Hawke both of the 62d...
73From George Washington to John Jay, 14 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have received your several favors of the 2d 3d and 28th of March, & 6th of April. I thank you for them all—but especially for the last, which I consider as a distinguishing mark of your confidence & friendship. Conscious that it is the aim of my actions to promote the public good, and that no part of my conduct is influenced by personal enmity to individuals, I cannot be insensible to the...
74From George Washington to John Jay, 15 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have only to acknowledge your Excellency’s favr of the 8th instant and to inclose you three New York papers of the 10th 12th and 13th instant. In that of the 10th you will find a political peice of a very singular complexion. I have the honor to be with great Regard and Respect Your Excellency’s Most obt Servt LS , in Tench Tilghman’s writing, DNA:PCC , item 152; Df , DLC:GW ; copy, DNA:PCC...
75From George Washington to John Jay, 20 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
I am honored with yours of the 12th Instant with the several Resolves of Congress referred to, inclosed—to which I shall pay due attention and obedience. I have appointed the 1st of May for the Court Martial to sit for the trial of Major General Arnold, of which I have given notice to the President and Council of the State of Pennsylvania and to the General. I have the honor to be With great...
76From 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...
77From 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...
78From 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...
79From 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...
80From 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...
81From 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...
82From 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...
83From 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...
84From 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...
85From 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...
86From 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...
87From 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...
88From 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...
89From 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...
90From 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...
91From 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...
92From 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...
93From 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;...
94From 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...
95From 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...
96From 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 .
97From 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...
98From 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...
99From 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...
100From 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...