21From George Washington to Major General Stirling, 26 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
Yours of the 24th overtook me at this place. Genl Green’s division will reach Morris Town this Evening. Genl Stephen’s and Genl Lincoln’s march thro’ Chester by an upper Road. I have no objection to your Lordship’s taking the Rout you mention, and as it will bring you near New Ark and Elizabeth Town, I have sent orders to Colo. Dayton to endeavour to procure certain intelligence of the Number...
22From George Washington to Major General Stirling, 27 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
I was this morning favoured with yours of the 26th. I am surprized to hear Colo. Morgans Corps was at Heckensack when you mention. I should suppose your information premature, having sent Orders to him to march the moment I had intelligence of the Fleet’s sailing and having written to him since. Your going to Baskenridge must depend on the information you receive from Colo. Dayton respecting...
23From George Washington to Major General Stirling, 29 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
Upon your Arrival at Trenton you are to halt till you receive further orders. I do not think it prudent to advance the Army beyond Delaware before the Enemy enter the Capes, which they have not yet done. Should the Fleet come into the Bay we can be down below Philada before they can make any disposition for an attack either by land or Water, or should they return we shall be so far upon our...
24From George Washington to Major General Stirling, 30 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
Yours of the 28th from Elizabeth Town, did not reach me untill this morning. From the conclusion of it, I am apprehensive that you intend to halt at Bound Brook for further orders, but I hope that will not be the case, as it was my intention that you shou’d march immediately by the nearest rout to Delaware, provided the expedition to Staten Island did not take place. The part of the River to...
25From George Washington to Major General Stirling, 30 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have desired Genl Gates to give you immediate information of the arrival of the Enemy’s Fleet in Delaware, upon which you are to move down to Philada with all the Troops at Trenton. My former directions were to wait orders of march from me, but you are now to attend to those of Genl Gates. Be pleased to communicate this to the Officers commanding the different Corps and desire them always to...
26From George Washington to Maj. Gen. Stirling, 25 August 1777 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Maj. Gen. Stirling, 25 Aug. 1777. The 13th Antiquarian Booksellers Association catalog, 1970, item 586, includes the following excerpt from this letter signed, which was written at Wilmington, Del.: “The Enemy are landing, as you will be informed by the enclosed Copy of a Letter, which came this afternoon by Express to Brigad’r Gen’l McKinlay. I request . . . you march...
27From George Washington to Major General Stirling, 27 August 1777 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Major General Stirling, 27 Aug. 1777. Stirling wrote GW on 30 Aug. : “I thank you kindly for your letter of the 27th.”
28From George Washington to Major General Stirling, 24 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
The principal reason for halting the Army here to Night, is, that the Enemy from every Information I have receivd this day, have not advancd towards Phila. it follows I think, evidently (especially if it be true that part of them are at Bonners House where we dind) that this Army, and not the City, is their object; & of course that we should not be too far advanced towds them till our strength...
29From George Washington to Major General Stirling, 24 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
Since I have seen Captn Faulkner, and by him learnt the situation of Genl McDougal, I am really uneasy to find how low he is down & near to the Enemy (if they continue in the same position they were this morning). Captn Faulkner says your Lordship proposed to send an officer to conduct him by some upper Road, but lest any other business should have withdrawn your attention from this matter, I...
30From George Washington to Major General Stirling, 25 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have your favor of 8 Oclock now before me, & am surprized to find the Enemy in the same situation after the movement which they appear’d to be making, according to the Information given by Genl Reed. I am sorry the Piquets March’d from hence yesterday, & I am still more concern’d that Genl Armstrong with the Militia moved to the Trap as it was owing to a mistake they were not halted along...
31From George Washington to Major General Stirling, 1 November 1777 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Major General Stirling, 1 Nov. 1777. Stirling wrote to GW on 3 Nov. that “Your Excellency’s letter of the first Instant, I received yesterday.”
32From George Washington to Major General Stirling, 26 December 1777 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Major General Stirling, 26 Dec. 1777. In his second letter to GW of 26 Dec. , Stirling wrote that “I have Just received your Excellencys letter of this date.”
33From George Washington to Major General Stirling, 27 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
Your Lordships Letter of yesterday arrived late last night —with respect to the proposed Attack upon the detached body of the Enemy, it appears from Major Clarks account of their Situation whom I sent for to consult upon the Subject—that they can be so easily and readily reinforced from the main body as to render any attempt upon them abortive —The business of your inclosed Letter has been in...
34From George Washington to Major General Stirling, 28 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have received your Letter dated this day at noon and the pieces of Intelligence inclosed in it—your Lordship will act according to circumstances—I altogether approve of what you propose to be done with respect to those persons who have been detected in traiterously furnishing the Enemy with Provisions—the Punishment falling upon one or two Individuals of note will probably strike a Terror...
35From George Washington to Major General Stirling, 28 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
When you shall have received certain intelligence of the Enemys retiring to Philadelphia—it will be expedient to march your Division and the different parties that were detached to join you with all convenient speed back to Camp—that they may as soon as possible be refreshed and provide for their Winter Shelter—this was intended to have been mentioned in this mornings Letter—but was omitted —I...
36From George Washington to Major General Stirling, 30 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
The bearer presents the horse to you, which I offered in exchange for your black —In the Summer, when I first got him, he had the appearance of a fine, and handsome horse—at present (by neglect at Bethleham) his appearance is altered. He was purchased for me by Colo. Moylan as a horse of Six yrs old, & I believe him to be sound, knowing nothing to the contrary. he goes rough, equal I believe...
37From George Washington to Major General Stirling, 21 March 1778 (Washington Papers)
In answer to your favor of this date give me leave to say that I am well pleased at the termination of your corrispondance with Colo. Wilkinson—I sent for that Gentn after the conversation had with your Lordship, & showed him the Letters wch Mr Harrison furnished you with a sight of. he seemed a good deal surprized at G——s’s Letters & was not at all sparing in his abuse of him & C——y. The...
38From George Washington to Major General Stirling, 13 April 1778 (Washington Papers)
You will be pleased to assemble the Brigadiers and commanding Officers of Brigades, to take into consideration the inclosed Letter from Mr Blaine and determine on the most effectu⟨al⟩ Remedy for the evil which he complains of —While you are together there is another matter of importance which I would have you employ your thoughts upon—from the present facility of procuring passes to cross the...
39From George Washington to Major General Stirling, 21 April 1778 (Washington Papers)
When your Lordship proposed meeting at General Knox’s Quarters to deliberate on the Subject of my propositions, I readily assented, without attending closely to the matter, or considering how far it accorded with my ideas & views; I therefore, as it is by no means my intention to have the collective opinion of the Officers upon the points mentioned would wish the meeting might be avoided, and...
40From George Washington to Major General Stirling, 1 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
I do not conceive my self authorized to direct payment of such Acct as your Lordship inclosed me, however just and reasonable they may be, referring the Claimants to Congress, always; If your Lordship chooses it, I will transmit your Acct & Letter to that body; but should think the chance of payment, or a knowledge of the decision upon it, would be greater, were you to inclose it to some...
41From George Washington to Major General Stirling, 11 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have received your Letter of yesterdays date. I had no particular person in view when I issued the order respecting the slow progress of the works, at the same time, I acknowledge, that I am exceedingly mortified at seeing, & beholding the delay of them—whether unavoidable, or not, I do not undertake to determine. Colos. Brealey & Barber informs me that the Officers of their Regiments are...
42From George Washington to Major General Stirling, 27 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
Altho Col. Meade has already signified to you my desire that our present Camp should be minutely reconnoitred—it is a matter of such serious importance that I cannot forbear repeating to you my wish that yourself aided by General du Portail and some other officers would critically examine the position, all it’s avenues, and the adjacent ground—that in case we should have occasion to make use...
43From George Washington to Major General Stirling, 25 July 1778 (Washington Papers)
I desire that you and the General Officers upon the Court Martial would meet here at five OClock this Afternoon, when the other General Officers will be assembled, to consider of some measures that respect the Army at large. I would submit it to the Court, whether it would not be more convenient to adjourn to the plains, where the Witnesses may be attending their respective duties, and be at...
44From George Washington to Major General Stirling, 15 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
You are tomorrow morning at the hour appointed for marching; with the second Line, to take the route by Doctor Daytons at North Castle—Elijah Hunters at Bedford—second Bridge over Croton River—Lt Samuel Haits—Capt. Browns —and Wilsons Tavern to Fredericksburg—if any better road can be pointed out, that will not be liable to the objection of interfering with the Columns commanded by Generals De...
45From George Washington to Major General Stirling, 24 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have just received intelligence of the enemy having thrown a body of about 5,000 men over to Paules Hook, and of their advancing about five miles towards the English neighbourhood —I have also intelligence (from Gen. Scott) that about 3,000 men with artillery &ca were advancing from Kingsbridge —The design of these movements is probably a forage, and the gathering of Stock—&ca. It may also...
46From George Washington to Major General Stirling, 28 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have just received letters from Generals Maxwell and Winds, that the Militia of Jersey are ordered out in very considerable force. A part has already collected. Besides the Militia, there will be two Continental brigades under Generals Maxwell and Woodford. This makes it necessary there should be some officer of higher rank than any now there to take the direction of the whole. Your knowlege...
47Instructions to Major General Stirling, 28 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
You will proceed forthwith into the State of New Jersey and take the command of the Troops there. These will consist of two continental Brigades under Brigadier Generals Maxwell and Woodford, and such of the Militia of the State as shall be collected on the occasion. General Maxwell has been directed to move and take post on the heights west of Acquaquenunk Bridge—General Woodford is to...
48From George Washington to Major General Stirling, 2 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have been favd with yours of the 30th Sepr and 1st instant from Kakeate. You will make such a disposition of the troops as shall seem to you most eligible for your own security and for checking the excursions of the enemy. The inclosed for General Maxwell directs him to obey your orders. You will therefore draw up such part of his Brigade as you shall think proper. He and all the people...
49From George Washington to Major General Stirling, 4 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
It is now three days since I have received any Intelligence from Your Lordship —this makes me the more uneasy as my movements depend altogether upon the indications of those of the enemy—it is of so much importance to me to be regularly informed—that I must request you will send expresses daily—acquainting me precisely with the enemys position, and communicating such intelligence as you may...
50From George Washington to Major General Stirling, 5 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have this morning received a letter from Gen. Gates which has the following paragraph. “Two sailors belonging to Cape Cod who made their escape from the prison ship last monday night arrived here; they declare that the British fleet of men of war sailed ten days ago in quest of the french fleet.” Altho’ there is a certain want of probability in the relation, yet as it may be true, you will...