1From George Washington to Abraham Ackerman, 9 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have received Your Letter of the 5th Instant—and am much obliged to the Court for their attention in the case of John Springer Junior, and for committing him to the custody of the Sheriff. In a few days I shall give such orders about him—as will be consistent with justice and my duty to the public. In the mean time he will remain in custody of the Sheriff. His conduct in deserting to the...
2From George Washington to John Adam, 15 October 1780 (Washington Papers)
I understand Mr Skinner is gone to Philadelphia. You will keep the inclosed Letter for him till he returns, when You will take the earliest opportunity of delivering it to him. I desire to see him as soon as he arrives & have written to him for the purpose. You will inform the Officer who came with a flag to Elizabeth Town Yesterday—that he is not to wait for an Answer to the Letters he...
3From George Washington to John Adam, 26 February 1783 (Washington Papers)
I have received your favor of the 10th of Febry & must take the liberty to tell you candidly there would not be a propriety in my writing to the President of Congress respecting your extra-expences while acting as Depy Comy of Prisoners; because it would open a door to innumerable applications, because I do not conceive it is proper for me to interfere in the pecuniary Arrangements of...
4From George Washington to Robert Adam, 27 January 1783 (Washington Papers)
I embrace this first oppertunity to acknowledge the receipt of your favor of the 20th from Philadelphia. Your meeting with the smallest delay in receiving payment for the Land purchased of Messrs Dow & Co. gives me pain—I receive no Earthly advantage from it—I have been paying interest for the Money near two Months & one of these I have had it on my desk. Had Mr Lund Washington, in explicit...
5From George Washington to Robert Adam, 8 January 1783 (Washington Papers)
The Honble Robt Morris Esqr. will pay Mr Lund Washingtons Bills upon me for £680 in your favor—£600 in favor of Mr Peter Dow—and £600 in favor of Mr Collin McIver. I am—Sir Yr Most Hble Servt DLC : Papers of George Washington.
6From George Washington to John Adams, 15 January 1776 (Washington Papers)
I am exceedingly sorry I did not know that you were in this place today—our want of Men & Arms is such, as to render it necessary for me to get the best advice possible of the most eligeble mode of obtaining of them. I adjourn’d the Council of Officers today, untill I could be favourd with your opinion (together with that of others of the Genl Court) on these heads—they meet again tomorrow at...
7From George Washington to John Adams, 15 April 1776 (Washington Papers)
This Morning your polite Letter of the 1st Instt, was delivered to me by Mr Dana. I am much obliged to you for your introduction of that Gentleman and you may rely on my shewing him every Civility in my power. I have ever thought, and am still of opinion that no terms of accomodation will be offer’d by the British Ministry, but such as cannot be accepted by America. We have nothing my Dear Sir...
8From George Washington to John Adams, 22 October 1781 (Washington Papers)
As the Transmission of the inclosed paper through the usual Channel of the Department of foreign Affairs would, on the present Occasion, probably be attended with great Delay—and recent Intelligence of Military Transactions must be important to our Ministers in Europe at the present period of Affairs—I have thought it would be agreeable both to Congress & your Excellency, that the Matter...
9From George Washington to John Adams, 7 January 1776 (Washington Papers)
You will excuse me for reminding you of our conversation the other evening, when I inform’d you that General Lee’s departure for New York is advisable upon the Plan of his Letter, & under the Circumstance I thene mention’d, ought not to be delayed. In giving me your opinion of this matter I have no doubt of your takeing a comprehensive view of it. That is you will not only consider the...
10Orders to Lieutenant Colonel Peter Adams, 7 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
The approaching season, and the distresses of the Army in the Articles of Blankets & Cloathing make it necessary, that every practicable measure should be pursued to procure supplies. Therefore to releive, if possible, the wants of the Troops, raised by the State of Maryland, in these essential Articles, you are to proceed immediately to Govr Johnson with the Letters you have in charge for...
11From George Washington to Samuel Adams, 22 March 1776 (Washington Papers)
Amidst a multiplicity of Business smaller matters are apt to be overlook’d—this I conceive to be the case with respect to the proposition of a Colo. Baillie, for opening a Road from Connecticut River to Montreal, and which I laid before Congress for their direction some Months ago—The matter again occurs upon a Second application, from Mr Weatherspoon (the bearer, at, as I understand, the...
12From George Washington to Samuel Adams, Sr., 10 August 1783 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your favor of the 11 of July inclosing to me the Address of the Senate and House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts—and to assure you that the pleasure I experienced on that occasion was much enhanced by the polite manner in which you have been pleased to convey it to me. The inclosed reply I beg leave to commend to your...
13From George Washington to Samuel Adams, Sr., 29 March 1783 (Washington Papers)
I have the Honor to acknowlege the Receipt of your joint Letter of the 18th instant. Happy, inexpressibly happy, in the certain Intelligence, of a general Peace, which was concluded on the 20th Jnry—I feel an additional pleasure in reflecting that this glorious Event will prove a sure means to dispel the Fears expressed by your Commonwealth for their North Eastern Boundary, that Territory...
14XV. George Washington to Captain Judah Alden, 23 November 1780 (Washington Papers)
I impart to you in confidence that I intend to execute an enterprise against Staten Island to morrow night, for which reason I am desirous of cutting off all intercourse with the Enemy on the East side of the River. You will therefore tomorrow at Retreat beating set a guard upon any Boats which may be at the slot or Niack, and not suffer any to go out on any pretence whatever, till next...
15From George Washington to Robert Alexander, 20 March 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have waited, as I think you must do me the justice to acknowledge, with a good deal of patience, to see if you were disposed to fulfil your agreement with me, respecting the Land I purchased of you in Maryland. As I hear nothing of your intentions of carrying this matter into execution, and see no greater prospect of its being done now, than when the bargain was first made, I cannot help...
16From George Washington to Sarah Livingston Alexander, 20 January 1783 (Washington Papers)
Having been informed by a Letter of the 14th Instt from Captn Sill of the unspeakable loss Your Ladiship has experienced, I feel the sincerest dispositions to alleviate by sympathy or participation those sorrows which I am sensible cannot be removed or effaced. for this purpose, I would also have suggested every rational topic of consolation, was I not fully perswaded that the principles of...
17From George Washington to William Lord Stirling Alexander, 9 October 1782 (Washington Papers)
I am favored with your Lordships Letter of the 6th inclosing a Copy of General Sullivans to you. I have never tho’t it well to despise Information of an Enemy’s Designs——but I must freely confess to your Lordship, that I have but little apprehensions of Danger, from the Quarter of Canada—the advanced season of the Year, were no other Obstacles in the Way, I should judge sufficient to deter the...
18From George Washington to William Lord Stirling Alexander, 25 December 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have the pleasure of Your Lordships favor of the 13th. If the accounts which General Schuyler transmits be true, the Enemy have no occasion to boast of their Northern Campaign. Should Your business call you to Prince town and you can make it convenient to extend your ride to Philadelphia, I shall be happy in seeing you. Mrs Washington is better than I could have expected after the heavy loss...
19From George Washington to William Lord Stirling Alexander, 18 September 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have received your Favours of the 7th and 14th instant. However desirable the Plan you mention may be, there are insuperable Obstacles to our undertaking it at present, or any other which would require a Transportation of a Magazine of provisions. Mr Duer has no Doubt informed you upon how precarious a Footing our Subsistence stands, even in a Country full of Supplies. We are as quiet here...
20From George Washington to William Lord Stirling Alexander, 30 October 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with your Lordships Letters of the 23d & 26th instant with their Enclosures—and am much pleased to hear that every thing is quiet in your Quarter. The Army having seperated for its Winter Quarters, the principal part of the Troops have removed to their hutting Ground in the Neighbourhood of N. Windsor—In makg the general Disposition for the Winter, I have judged best, as...
21From George Washington to William Lord Stirling Alexander, 14 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
While I am with the detachment of the Army below, you will remain in command here. Your principal attention will be paid to the good order of the Camp and the security of the Baggage and Stores left in it. There will be no need of advanced pickets, as you will be fully covered in front. The Camp Guards should be vigilant and the officers commanding them see that the men are not permitted to...
22From David Cobb to William Lord Stirling Alexander, 28 July 1782 (Washington Papers)
I am directed by the Commander in Chief, who returned last evening from Philadelphia, to present his Compliments to your Lordship, with a tender of any thing which Head Quarters can afford, that may in the least, contribute to the restoration of your Lordships health, being happy in hearing that your Lordship has so far recovered from a dangerous illness, and that he will do himself the...
23From George Washington to William Lord Stirling Alexander, 30 November 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have had the pleasure to receive your Lordships Favor of the 20th inclosing your Correspondence with Colo. St Ledger. I thank you my Lord most sincerely for your Congratulations on the late Success in Virginia—an Event which, if properly improved by the States, I should hope might be attended with the happy Consequences you are pleased to enumerate. My Fear is that from an Over-rating this...
24From George Washington to William Lord Stirling Alexander, 13 November 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have been favd with yours of the 2d and 8th instants—Colo. Dearborns Regiment have all arrived and Colo. Reids may be hourly expected. I have lately given orders for a delivery of Arms Accoutrements and Quarter Masters stores for the New York state troops, I must request your Lordship to direct that they be only applied to the three years Men and not to the levies for the Campaign. I am with...
25From George Washington to William Lord Stirling Alexander, 25 September 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have had the pleasure to receive your favors of the 18th & 21st Inst. with the several Enclosures—your Lordship may rest assured, I am highly satisfied with the measures which have been taken for reducing the number of Posts on the frontier, removing the superfluous public Buildings & Stores, establishing discipline, & holding the Troops in perfect readiness for marching. With sentiments of...
26From George Washington to William Lord Stirling Alexander, 24 August 1782 (Washington Papers)
I thank you for naming a Gentleman for the office of Comy of Prisoners, but would not wish to have Captn Sill sent to me on that business—Many others have been mentioned, & before I fix on any, I would chuse to take a comparitive view of the whole (and such others as may occur) and then appoint the one, whom under the Circumstances of Rank, Talents, & Integrity, appear to be best qualified for...
27From George Washington to William Lord Stirling Alexander, 29 August 1782 (Washington Papers)
Agreeably to the Orders of this day, your Lordship will be pleased to repair to Albany, as soon as is convenient, and take the Command of all the Troops in that Department; after which Colonel Reid will join his Regiment on the Mohawk River. In case of any dispute, respecting command, between Lt Colo. Commandt Reid & Colo. Willet, you will, My Lord, enquire into the matter, ascertain their...
28From George Washington to William Heath, 17 April 1783 (Washington Papers)
To the General Officers of the Army. assembled in Council at the New Building April 17th 1783 Gentlemen It is well known to you that the first intimations of a general Peace have been given to us some time past by a casual conveyance, and published accordingly to the Army, and that the same intelligence has since been received by Sir Guy Carleton from the British Court, in consequence of...
29From George Washington to William Heath, 15 April 1782 (Washington Papers)
The Commander in Chief States to the General Officers— That—From the best Information he has been able to obtain, the regular force of the Enemy in N. York, at this Time , including their established provincial Corps, amounts at least to 9,000 Men. That—The City Militia, volunteer Companies, Rangers and some other small Corps in the Town, amounted by a Report made to the Secretary of State in...
30From George Washington to William Lord Stirling Alexander, 25 December 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have recd your favor of the 18th—and take the liberty to trouble you with a Line for Col. Olney, it is not of importance it should be forwarded before some casual opportunity presents. I am with very great esteem Your Lordships &c. DLC : Papers of George Washington.
31From George Washington to William Lord Stirling Alexander, 4 April 1782 (Washington Papers)
Having been informed that the Court Martial for the tryal of Major General McDougall, whereof your Lordship was appointed President has been hitherto prevented from sitting, by Challenges having been made to the President & some of the Members of the Court; and finding no Rule established in our service for the determination of the matter, I shall be constrained to submit the decision of the...
32From George Washington to William Heath, 23 June 1783 (Washington Papers)
To the General Officers of the Army Assembled at Head Quarters, Newburgh, 24th June 1783. Gentlemen I am to request your opinions of the three following Questions. viz. 1st—Whether all the measures which were proper for giving satisfaction to Brigadr General Hazen and a number of the Officers of his Corps, respecting Major Reid, have been persued, or not? 2dly—In case they have not, what...
33From George Washington to William Lord Stirling Alexander, 17 December 1782 (Washington Papers)
I was yesterday favored with the receipt of your Letter of the 11th by Colonel Weisenfels—I entirely approve of the Orders your Lordship has given for furnishing the Levies with provisions to the first of Janry as I think it will be necessary for the reason suggested to keep them in service untill that time. I am My Lord, with great regd & esteem &c. DLC : Papers of George Washington.
34From George Washington to William Lord Stirling Alexander, 12 June 1781 (Washington Papers)
At a Board of General Officers convened at New Windsor N.Y. the 12th day of June 1781. Present His Excellency the Commander in Chief M. General Lord Stirling Brigadiers Generals Knox Genl Howe Paterson Genl Parsons Hand Genl McDougall Huntington Du Portail
35From George Washington to William Lord Stirling Alexander, 9 December 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have been duly favored with your two Letters of the 12th and 23 of Novr. By a Resolution of Congress of the 27th Ulto I am directed "to take immediate measures for apprehending and securing Lake Knolton of Newfane & Samuel Mills of Brattleborough both of the District commonly called the New Hampshire Grants west of Connecticut River;" Whereupon, I have thought proper to commit the execution...
36From George Washington to Samuel Allinson, 10 April 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have received your letter of the 31st of March representing the ill treatment you had experienced from Lt Carnes. I assure you I have the utmost abhorrence of any violence offered to the inhabitants, and shall be always ready to attend to their complaints and grant all the redress ⟨in my power.⟩ In the presen⟨t case it is at your option to⟩ obtain satisfaction eit⟨her from the civil or...
37From George Washington to Captain Ephraim Anderson, 15 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
You are directed to proceed from hence to Pluckemin and enquire of Colo. McDaniel by what authority he lately went to Staten Island with a Flag. I am told he produced the Copy of a permit, the original of which he said he obtained from me. As I never granted any such to him it must be a forgery When I was at Colo. Mehelm’s I granted a liberty to send a Flag to an old Gentleman of the Name of...
38From George Washington to Colonel Israel Angell, 1 February 1778 (Washington Papers)
I am favoured with yours of yesterday. As it is my wish to cut off the intercourse with Phila. as effectually as possible, I desire that no passes may be granted by you to any persons upon any pretence whatsoever; and that you will do all in your power to apprehend those who attempt to go into the City with marketting. There is no way so likely to put a total stop to this practice as making an...
39From George Washington to Colonel Israel Angell, 16 October 1777 (Washington Papers)
With the Regiment you command & what Baggage you think is absolutely necessary, you are immediately to proceed to Bristol Cross the Deleware at that place & continue your Route to Red Bank, this March should be perform’d with the utmost Secrecy & under pretence of Covering the Stores at Bristol untill you arrive at that place as the Enemy might endeaver to Intercept you should your Route be...
40From George Washington to d’Annemours, 19 June 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have received your favour of the 6th instant, transmitting me your observations on the state of American affairs, and the part that France is interested by the motives of good Policy to act in consequence of it. Your reflections appear to me extremely judicious and well founded; and prove that you have made a good use of your time, in collecting the information necessary to regulate your...
41From John Laurens to Anonymous, 24 September 1781 (Washington Papers)
The Commander in chief instructs me to inform you that the troops now arrived are to be debarked at the usual place—he wishes that the greatest possible assistance may be given to the Commanding Officers of the french troops on landing their men, by your flat bottomed boats and every other means in your power—it is of the utmost importance to facilitate & hasten the reunion of our forces at...
42From Tench Tilghman to Anonymous, 24 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have this morning received your Favor of the 22d which Immediately laid before his Excellency. He says before he can order a Court of Enquiry he must have somewhat to ground it upon, which can be Nothing but Charges regularly exhibited by Mr Sleight , or whoever else have been your Accusors, because a Court cannot proceed upon what Mr Sleight may or may not have said, and which he may refuse...
43From George Washington to Anonymous, 28 August 1783 (Washington Papers)
Mrs Washington informs me that you have been kind enough to offer her a recipe for the Colic—She has had a very distressing Night with it, which must be my apology for the trouble I now give you in applying for it. I have the honor to be with great respect Madam Yr Most Obedt Servt DLC : Papers of George Washington.
44From George Washington to an Anonymous Officer, 21 October 1776 (Washington Papers)
My Lord Sterling Complains, & so justly, of the want of Tents, & the Baggage belonging to his Brigade that I would have you enquire particularly into the matter and endeavour to have it sent on to the sevl Regiments now suffering at the White Plains for want of it. Tell Genl Mifflin & Colo: Reed (in short let the Genl Officers below know) that some expedient must be fallen upon to bring off...
45From Edward Hand to Edward Antill, 3 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have it in Command from his Excelly to inform you it is his pleasure that the Non Commission’d Officiers and private men of Capt. Antoine Selin’s Company be incorporated with Colo. Hazen’s Regiment—before the incorporation takes place I think you will do well to have a State of the Accots of the Company signed by Capt. Selin and the men themselves. I am Sir with Regard & Esteem Yr Obedt Hble...
46From George Washington to Lieutenant Colonel Edward Antill, 8 January 1777 (Washington Papers)
I recd yours of the 2d Inst. from Baltimore. In Answer to which I have only to desire you to call upon all your Officers who are upon recruiting Service, to exert themselves as much as possible in filling their Companies, and sending their Recruits forward to some general place of Rendezvous that they may be armed equipped and got into service with as much Expedition as possible. As you and...
47From David Humphreys to Edward Antill, 25 January 1783 (Washington Papers)
The several Papers you honored me with this Morng, have been duly laid before the Commander in Chief, and I have it in command from him to inform you, that as the Arrangement ofor Issues to the Canadian Refugees has originated from & been immediately established by the Secry at War, any Alterations or innovations, in it, he thinks aught necessarily to come from the same quarter; and Gen....
48From George Washington to Edward Antill, 6 June 1781 (Washington Papers)
You will proceed immediately with Col. Hazen’s Regt to Albany, and put yourself under the Orders of Brigadr Genl Clinton. I am Sir Your Most Obedt Servt. P.S. Be pleased to deliver to Genl Clinton, the Letter forwarded herewith. DLC : Papers of George Washington.
49From George Washington to Edward Antill, 24 January 1783 (Washington Papers)
After your having been so long absent (by permission) while the Regt was at a distance, I cannot but express my surprize that you have not joined the Corps since it has arrived so near to you as its present Cantonment; and at the same time I find myself under the necessity of directing that you forthwith repair to, & remain with the Regt to which You belong. I am Sir Your Most Obedt Servt. DLC...
50From George Washington to Marriot Arbuthnot, 21 August 1781 (Washington Papers)
The almost daily complaints of the severities exercised towards the American Marine prisoners in New York, have induced the Honble the Congress of the United States to direct me to remonstrate to the Commanding Officer of his Britannic Majesty’s Ships of War in that Harbour, upon the subject, and to report to them his answer—The principal Complaint now is, the inadequacy of the room in the...