1From George Washington to Brigadier General William Smallwood, 8 March 1777 (Washington Papers)
The present weak state of our army, and the appearance of a speedy movement being intended by the ennemy make it necessary that I should use every resource to augment our numbers in the most expeditious manner possible. You will therefore immediately call upon the commanding officers of all the regiments of yr state, and order them without delay to repair to camp, with such men as they have...
2From George Washington to Brigadier General William Smallwood, 3 May 1777 (Washington Papers)
Your favour of 24th of April I received Yesterday, with the arrangements &ca inclosed. It is with concern I understand, that the recruiting Service has been so materially injured by the ineffectual Measures fallen upon by your Legislature and the removal and resignation of Officers. Until the Regiments, or at least a Majority of them join us, it will not be in my power to fix the Rank referred...
3From George Washington to Brigadier General William Smallwood, 18 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
A long time since, you wrote to me, asking my directions whether you should come on to join the army, with second division of the troops of your state; or should stay behind to forward the remaining recruits—in answer to which I recommended to you to accompany the second division. I expected ere this to have had the pleasure of seeing you at Camp, and I am intirely at a loss to conceive what...
4From George Washington to Brigadier General William Smallwood, 20 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
I was yesterday favd with yours of the 15th by Capt. Cosden. I am sorry to hear that you did not find your Brigade in that order, as to discipline &ca that you could have wished, but I hope your attention to it in person will soon work the necessary reform. I most sincerely wish that the success of the recruiting Service had been such, that all our Brigades would have made a more respectable...
5From George Washington to Brigadier General William Smallwood, 23 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
On the march to day I was honored with a Letter from Congress transmitting Sundry Resolutions for calling out reinforcements of Militia to repel the threatned invasion by the Enemy, who have arrived high up in the North East part of Chesepeak Bay. Such as respect the Militia of Maryland and which make the Subject of this Letter, you will find inclosed. I request, that immediately after receipt...
6From George Washington to Brigadier General William Smallwood, 30 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
In consequence of the directions of Congress, I wrote you on the 23d Instant by Express, requesting you & Colol M. Gist to repair immediately to Maryland to arrange—march & conduct the Militia of that State which Congress had called for, Twelve Hundred & Fifty of which were to assemble at Baltimore [and] at Hartford Towns, and Seven hundred & fifty more at George Town on the Eastern Shore...
7From George Washington to Brigadier General William Smallwood, 9 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
I received your favor of the 4th Inst. and hope by this Time, that you have arrived at Nottingham. The Enemy advanced towards us Yesterday with a seeming intention of attacking our post near New port. We waited for them all day, but upon reconnoitring their situation in the Evening, we judged they only meant to amuse us in Front, while they marched by our right flank and gained the Heights of...
8From George Washington to Brigadier General William Smallwood, 12 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
Having more maturely considered ⟨the⟩ situation and circumstances of the Enemy, since Colo. Hamilton wrote you this Morning, It appears to me, that the Forces under your command, can not be employed to so much advantage in anyway, as by falling on the Enemy’s Rear and attacking & harrassing them, as Often as possible. I am persuaded many advantages will result from this measure. It will...
9From George Washington to Brigadier General William Smallwood, 17 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
As it may be dangerous for the Troops under your command to act alone, and the service may be more advanced by drawing Our Whole Force together, I earnestly request, that you will form a junction with the Main Army as soon, as you possibly can. We shall be at Warwick Furnace, on French Creek to Morrow Evening. The Enemy are now posted near the White Horse Tavern on the Road leading from...
10From George Washington to Brigadier General William Smallwood, 19 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
With the Division lately commanded by Genl Sullivan, you are to March immediately for Wilmington, and take Post there. you are not to delay a moment in putting the place in the best posture of defence, to do which, and for the security of it afterwards, I have written in urgent terms to the President of the Delaware State to give every aid he possibly can of Militia —I have also directed an...
11From George Washington to Brigadier General William Smallwood, 22 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
The Enemy marched out of Philada this morning early with a considerable Body. Their intent is said to be to forage, but lest they may have something further in view, I think it proper to put you upon your guard. They incamp this Evening near Derby. I have this day recd information that the Troops which were embarked some days ago, and were said to be destined for New York are designed to land...
12From George Washington to Brigadier General William Smallwood, 29 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
I was yesterday favd with yours of the 27th as I was with those of the 22d and 25th: I imagine the Ships you saw going down were only empty transports and Victuallers for which having no use, they think it safer to send them aw⟨ay tha⟩n let them lay crouded in the docks of Phila⟨da⟩ where a single Vessel taking fire might prove destructive of the whole. The Enemy, who were only out upon a...
13From George Washington to Brigadier General William Smallwood, 3 January 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have been regularly favd with yours of the 28th and 30th of December and of the 1st instant. I congratulate you upon the prize that has fallen into your hands, and the more so as she turns out more valuable than you at first expected. That her Cargo may be removed and secured with all possible expedition, I have sent Colo. Biddle to assist you, he will take down with him all the Waggons that...
14From George Washington to Brigadier General William Smallwood, 7 January 1778 (Washington Papers)
Learning that the Captured Brig contains a great quantity and variety, of officers baggage; and necessaries proper for them; many articles of which from the length of time I have been in the service and difficulty of procuring them at first, I stand much in need of, I shall be obliged to you for sending me, if to be had, the things contained in the Inclosed memm. I will pay the appraised...
15From George Washington to Brigadier General William Smallwood, 7 January 1778 (Washington Papers)
The inclosed to Govr Johnston, on the subject of compleating and Cloathing the Troops of Maryland, is left open for your inspection. After reading, be pleased to seal and transmit it to the Governor with the Returns for which I have referred him to you. The Officers in this Camp are anxious to come in for a share of the Baggage taken in the prize Brig. That justice may be done to all, I...
16From George Washington to Brigadier General William Smallwood, 12 January 1778 (Washington Papers)
I am favd with yours of the 10th: My order to you to have the Baggage removed to this place was founded upon information that there was a much greater quantity than there turns out, but as it proves otherwise you were right in detaining it, till you represented the matter to me—I wish the Gentlemen who drew up and signed the representation had attended more closely to my letter. They would...
17From George Washington to Brigadier General William Smallwood, 13 January 1778 (Washington Papers)
Since writing to you this morning on the subject of the prize Brig Symetry, the Regulations of the Feild Officers of the division for conducting the Sale and disposing of the Cargo was laid before me with a letter from the Regimental Surgeons and Mates to Docr Cochran. These Gentlemen feel themselves so much hurt by the discrimination made by these Regulations between them and the Officers of...
18From George Washington to Brigadier General William Smallwood, 23 January 1778 (Washington Papers)
As I have not recd any answer to mine of the 13th instant, I am at a loss how to give you further directions respecting the Sale or distribution of the Symetry’s Cargo. My reason for putting a stop to it was upon seeing what was certainly a very inequitable mode, upon several accounts, of conducting the Business as appeared by a plan drawn up by the Feild Officers. In the first place, the...
19From George Washington to Brigadier General William Smallwood, 28 January 1778 (Washington Papers)
I recd your favr of the 26th ⅌ Express, inclosing Returns of the Maryland Companies of Artillery and the law of that State for recruiting their Battalions. Their Bounties are generous but I very much fear that nothing short of drafting will have the desired effect—The Congress having ordered Hazens Regt to the Northward for a particular purpose I have directed Major Taylor to march...
20From George Washington to Brigadier General William Smallwood, 16 February 1778 (Washington Papers)
The distress of this army for want of provisions is perhaps beyond any thing you can conceive; and unless we strain every nerve to procure immediate relief, a general mutiny and dispersion is to be dreaded. Our nearest Magazines are at Dover and the Hd of Elk; and it is absolutely necessary, by a vigorous effort, to push on all the provisions at those places, for the present subsistence of the...
21From George Washington to Brigadier General William Smallwood, 21 February 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have been duly favoured with yours of the 10th instant. You intirely misconceived my intention, with respect to the mode proposed of furnishing your division with shoes. I did not mean, that a shoe manufactory should be established for the purpose; but only, that you should contract with private persons, in the way of barter, to furnish you with such a number of shoes, and to be paid for...
22From George Washington to Brigadier General William Smallwood, 25 February 1778 (Washington Papers)
I yesterday received your Two favors of the 15th and 21st Instant. I thank you much for the trouble you took in procuring the several Articles, which came by Serjeant Sprigg. The Caledonian pistols and both Swords I return—The latter are too small. I wish to be informed by the earliest opportunity of the prices of the other Articles, that I may transmit you the Money. I will order the...
23From George Washington to Brigadier General William Smallwood, 1 March 1778 (Washington Papers)
Yours of the 27th ulto was delivered to me by Express and that of the 28th by Colo. proctor, who saw the British Ships and Craft on their return, they had passed Marcus Hook. He says it was reported that they had burnt Salem, he does not know the truth of this, but he saw a great smoke in that quarter. When I heard last from Genl Wayne he was at Haddenfield, and I hope will return safe with...
24From George Washington to Brigadier General William Smallwood, 6 March 1778 (Washington Papers)
I am favd with yours of the 3d instant and am sorry to find that what I meant merely as a joke has been taken by you in a serious point of light. I can assure you I never had the least suspicion that any part of your time was sacrificed or your duty neglected on account of the Ladies who fell into your hands. As it has been thought expedient to detain them a considerable time for the security...
25From George Washington to Brigadier General William Smallwood, 21 March 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have your favr of the 20th: I think the Steps you are taking in regard to removing what Forage can be carried off and destroying what cannot, are very proper—As it is more than probable that the Enemy will attempt a stroke at you with a superior Force, nothing more ought to be kept at the post than is absolutely necessary. I would therefore have you immediately send four pieces of your...
26From George Washington to Brigadier General William Smallwood, 28 March 1778 (Washington Papers)
I was yesterday favd with yours without a date, inclosing the proceedings of a Court Martial held upon Colo. Hall of Maryland. Inclosed you have Copy of my opinion which is published in the General Orders of this day. I am informed that there still remains a considerable quantity of Hay between Chester and Wilmington upon the River side, particularly at one John Smiths near Marcus Hook. I...
27From George Washington to Brigadier General William Smallwood, 12 April 1778 (Washington Papers)
I recd yours by Mr Burrell, who I believe has found his son in more agreeable circumstances than he expected. Upon a full consideration of all circumstances I have determined to withdraw the main Body of your division from Wilmington, and to leave a Feild officer and two good Captains with about 150 Men who can be depended upon, to act as patrols from Wilmington to Duck Creek, and, in...
28From George Washington to Brigadier General William Smallwood, 13 April 1778 (Washington Papers)
Since writing to you yesterday I have been conversing with the Commy General of purchases who informs me that there are considerable quantities of provision at the Head of Elk and Charles town which will lay very much exposed if you are suddenly withdrawn from Wilmington. I would therefore only have you send off what Baggage and Stores you conveniently can, and wait my farther orders for...
29From George Washington to Brigadier General William Smallwood, 18 April 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have this moment recd yours of yesterday by Capt. patton. Suffering so audacious an insurrection as that you mention, to go unpunished or to gain any head, will be of so dangerous a tendency, that I desire you will immediately take the most effectual means to suppress it. As you have scarce any Baggage to incumber you, you may, if the Case requires it, send what little you have, somewhere...
30From George Washington to Brigadier General William Smallwood, 30 April 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have been favord with yours of the 27th Inst. I had received the Resolution of Congress of the 23d extending my former powers. From your representation of the character of John Derrick, he seems a proper object to make an example of. You will be pleased to transmit me the proceedings of the Court Martial against him, that I may determine upon them. This I do not desire from the smallest...
31From George Washington to Brigadier General William Smallwood, 1 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
A Plan has been formed for establishing uniformity of discipline and manoeuvres throughout the army by instituting an inspectorship— and the troops in camp have already derived evident advantage from the execution—Baron de Steuben a Prussian Officer of high rank and great experience acts as Inspector General and has under him two ranks of inspectors; the first superintend several divisions of...
32From George Washington to Brigadier General William Smallwood, 1 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
Mr Francis Wade who has been lately appointed Deputy Qr Mr General for the State of Delaware and three Counties in Maryland, has applied to me for a letter of introduction to you. As his Business will lay among a number of disaffected and refractory people he will probably sometimes want your advice and assistance to enable him to execute his duty. Mr Wade is represented to me as an honest Man...
33From George Washington to Brigadier General William Smallwood, 17 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
From a variety of accounts, all concurring, I am fully of opinion that the Enemy are making preparations to evacuate Philada. It is my wish to draw all the continental force together, that I may be able to act immediately as circumstances may require. Was it not for the safety of the Stores at the Head of Elk, I should order your division to join directly, but as the Stores now there and...
34From George Washington to Brigadier General William Smallwood, 19 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have received your favour of the 17th instant, inclosing the proceedings of a General Court Martial held by your order. The character you give of Jetson, makes him so atrocious, that I regret his trial and sentence are not more clear and regular. There could be no more proper object for an example; if it could be made with propriety, than the circumstances you mention designate this man to...
35From George Washington to Brigadier General William Smallwood, 23 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
I am favoured with your’s of the 19th and beg a continuance of your exertions, for the removal of the stores as fast as possible, as I wish to have it in my power to draw your detachment to this army, which cannot be conveniently done, while there is any quantity of stores at Elk &c. I have no objection to your complying with Col: Chalmer’s request; provided the woman and child remain in...
36From George Washington to Brigadier General William Smallwood, 25 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
I am to request that you will immediately detach the first Brigade of the Troops under your command, with all their Baggage Artillery &c. to join this Army. With the second and their baggage &c. you will move to some strong grounds in the neighbourhood of Chad’s ford and take a position, from whence you will have it in your power either to cover the stores at the Head of Elk in case an attempt...
37From George Washington to Brigadier General William Smallwood, 30 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
I recd your favr of yesterday by Colo. Fleu⟨ry.⟩ After sending off the prisoners of War to Lancast⟨er,⟩ I think you had better endeavour to disencumber yourself of the Tories by examining them, and if any of them appear insignificant in themselves or confined for trifling crimes, dismiss them. I have no objection to your permitting Cap⟨t.⟩ Walbe and the purser to go to Philada upon Parole⟨.⟩...
38From George Washington to Brigadier General William Smallwood, 1 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
I recd yours of the 30th May. A person, who I sent down to Chester to observe the Movement of the Fleet, left that place on Sunday at dusk, he informs me that upwards of one hundred sail had come down from Philada and that they had not stopped near Wilmington, but proceeded towards the Capes. If this is so, it is a plain proof that they have no design to land any body of Men to molest our...
39From George Washington to Brigadier General William Smallwood, 5 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
In your last of the 2d Inst., with which I w⟨as⟩ favoured, you advised me that the motions of the enemies ships were closely watched: That 40 sail had passed Wilmington and anchored two miles below New-Castle. As it is of much consideration t⟨ mutilated ⟩ the number that have passed thro’ the Chiveax de frize, and their present position , I would therefore wish to have the matter attended to...
40From George Washington to Brigadier General William Smallwood, 5 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have been favoured with your’s of this date and approve of your coming on. With respect to the Stores taken in the prize, I wish you to give direction to Mr Wade to have them brought on to the Army. The Salt, and Tea will be particularly useful. The party, who took them will be paid for such Articles as the public get. I am Dr Sir Yr Most Obedt sert P.S. On reflection the Sloop & Cargo must...
41From George Washington to Brigadier General William Smallwood, 1 January 1779 (Washington Papers)
The inclosed was addressed to me by the Board of War at the request of Mr Rutherford. As it appears from the State of the Case that an Officer is necessary to keep the Men employed in the shoe Factory at Newark in order, I think it will be best for you to appoint one for that purpose. You may perhaps know more of the matter than I do, and therefore should there be any misrepresentation, you...
42From George Washington to Brigadier General William Smallwood, 12 February 1779 (Washington Papers)
Upon considering the contents of your letter of yesterdays date—it appears to me proper that they shd be communicated to Baron de Kalb. I give you notice of this in compliance with your request that you may have an opportunity of transmitting him a Copy—I will only remark that there are some general Reflections at the close of the letter which were perhaps better omitted—if you agree with me...
43From George Washington to Brigadier General William Smallwood and the Officers of the Maryland Line, 16 February 1779 (Washington Papers)
The Business, upon which I have called you together, is, to request you to scrutinize the terms upon which the old Soldiers of the Maryland line were inlisted, in order that justice may be done to the public and to those individuals who are really intitled to the Bounty of Congress upon reinlisting for the War. I always understood, and reported accordingly to Congress, that a much greater...
44From George Washington to Brigadier General William Smallwood and the Field Officers of the Maryland Line, 2 March 1779 (Washington Papers)
Inclosed you have the settlement of rank in the Maryland line by a board of General-Officers, after a full representation and investigation of the different claims. You have also an explanation of the former powers of the State of Maryland to the Commander in Chief, respecting the disputes existing in your line. You will be pleased to compare the abovementioned settlement with the resolve of...
45From George Washington to Brigadier General William Smallwood, 9 March 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have recd yours of this morning. I do not conceive that the 4th Article of the Resolve of Congress for regulating Rank meant to extend the right of filling vacancies, at the time they happened, beyond the 16th day of Sepr 1776, because it would interfere with the arrangements made by the States for the formation of the new Army About that time the different States or Commissioners appointed...
46From George Washington to Brigadier General William Smallwood, 23 March 1779 (Washington Papers)
For the more speedy assemblage of the Militia upon an emergency an agreement with the Feild Officers of this and the next County to erect Beacons upon the most conspicuous Hills, the firing of which is to be the signals for them to repair to their different alarm posts. You will be pleased therefore to direct three parties, from the Maryland line, consisting of 24 Men each with Axes to repair...
47From George Washington to Brigadier General William Smallwood, 8 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
I received yours of the 6th with a return of such officers as you thought might be preferably employed in the recruiting service in Maryland. I find however that you have in some instances mentioned several as equally qualified—you will be pleased to make the discrimination, and give them orders to proceed to Governor Johnston at Annapolis, to receive his instructions. As I shall have letters...
48From George Washington to Brigadier General William Smallwood, 15 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
I herewith transmit you a copy of the arrangement of the field officers and captains, in the Maryland line, as settled by the board of General officers, ordered the 8th instant for that purpose. You will also receive their report containing the reasons on which it is founded. The inconveniences and confusion we have felt from the undecided state of rank, makes it necessary to conclude on...
49From George Washington to Brigadier General William Smallwood, 12 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
Captain Spyker has this morning sent in his resignation, accompanied with your certificate of his merits. I am sorry to find by this, that there are a number of officers in your brigade whose situation you suppose may lead to a similar conduct. I had conceived hopes that an evil so destructive to the service, would have been stoped, by the half-pay establishment which Maryland has given, and...
50From George Washington to Brigadier General William Smallwood et al., 21 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have the Honor of transmitting you a Copy of the Arrangement of the Field Officers in your line by the Board of General Officers—and of the Captains Lieutenants &c. &c. by the Committee appointed for the purpose—both of which are confirm’d; and I have to request that you will digest the whole regimentally as soon as possible and return the arrangement to me that it may be sent to the Board...