1From George Washington to Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 12 April 1777 (Washington Papers)
As you are appointed in the Arrangement of the Army to command a Brigade of Pensylvania Troops, I desire, that you will hold yourself in readiness and repair to my Head Quarters, as soon, as a General Officer arrives at the post where you now command. Your presence here, will be materially wanted, and I persuade myself, you will lose no time in complying with my requisition, when the...
2From George Washington to Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 7 May 1777 (Washington Papers)
I wrote to you the 12th Ultimo, desiring, that so soon as any other General Officer should arrive at Tionderoga, you would immediately leave it and repair to my Head Quarters. I must now repeat that desire, as your presence here is very much wanted; and I shall expect, that after the receipt of this, you will hasten to join me with all the expedition you can. The Troops from Pennsylvania are...
3From George Washington to Major General Benjamin Lincoln and Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 16 June 1777 (Washington Papers)
Major Campbell advises by Letter just now received that the Enemy are advancing toward Van Vacter’s Bridge. I wish you to send out fresh scouts immediately, and to make the earliest reports. If this report is confirmed by your scouts you will order your Tents to be struck, and put into the Waggons, and have everything in readiness to move. I am Sir yr mt hume servt LS , addressed to Wayne, in...
4From George Washington to Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 24 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
The Fleet have gone out of the Hook and as Delaware appears to be the most probable destination, I desire you will leave your Brigade under the next in command and proceed yourself immediately to Chester in Pennsylvania where your presence will be necessary to arrange the Militia who are to rendezvous there. Genl Mifflin is just gone off to Philada. I am Sir Yr most obt Servt LS , in Tench...
5From George Washington to Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 19 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
I wish thro’ you, Sir, to return my thanks to the Pennsylvania Officers, who subscribed the Memorial you delivered me a few days since, for the obliging sentiments they are pleased to entertain of me—At the same time, you will inform them, that I am fully sensible of the justice, in which their Complaint respecting the exorbitant price of Goods & Necessaries is founded, and that I painfully...
6From George Washington to Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 18 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
As I have receiv’d Information that the Enemy have turn’d down that Road from the White Horse which leads to Swedes Ford on Schuylkill I have to desire that you will Halt your Troops wherever this Meets you if coming this way & set them to Cleaning their Arms drawing Ammunition & Cooking Provision. I must call your utmost Exertion in fitting yourselves in the best manner you can for following...
7From George Washington to Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 18 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have this Instt recd yours of ½ after 3 Oclock —having wrote twice to you already to move forward upon the Enemy, I have but little to add—Genl Maxwell & Potter are order’d to do the same (being at Pottss Forge)—I could wish you & those Genl would act in conjunction, to make your advances more formidable but I would not have too much time delayed on this Acct. I shall follow as speedily as...
8From George Washington to Brig. Gen. Anthony Wayne, 20 September 1777 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Brig. Gen. Anthony Wayne, 20 Sept. 1777. Wayne wrote GW on 21 Sept. : “Whilst I am writing I received yours of the 20th.”
9From George Washington to Brig. Gen. Anthony Wayne, 21 September 1777 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Brig. Gen. Anthony Wayne, 21 Sept. 1777. GW wrote Wayne on 23 Sept. : “I received Your favor of Yesterday morning, and am apprehensive, as you have not acknowledged the receipt of a Letter, I wrote you the Night before, that It has fallen into the Enemy’s hands.”
10From George Washington to Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 23 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
I received Your favor of Yesterday morning, and am apprehensive, as you have not acknowledged the receipt of a Letter, I wrote you the Night before, that It has fallen into the Enemy’s hands. By that, I directed Genl Smallwood & Yourself to march immediately with your Respective Corps by the way of Pots Grove to join me. You will both pursue the Line thereby marked out & which I have mentioned...
11From George Washington to Brig. Gen. Anthony Wayne, 22 November 1777 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Brig. Gen. Anthony Wayne, 22 Nov. 1777. A two-page letter in the writing of GW’s aide-de-camp Tench Tilghman and signed by GW was sold in 1935. It reads in part: “Altho’ it is not probable that the Enemy would give us notice of their intentions, I do not think it will be amiss to be in readiness. I would therefore have you put your Division under Arms by day Break and I...
12From George Washington to Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 27 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
I receiv’d your favor of Yesterday, & immediately sent one of my Aids to represent the Subject of it to the Commissary of Forage & Quartermaster Genl as far as it related to them—they declare that nothing of the Kind has happen’d within their knowledge, but say, they cannot be answerable for the conduct of many of their Deputies as they are not to be depended on, & it is out of their power to...
13Lieutenant Colonel John Fitzgerald to Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 2 January 1778 (Washington Papers)
The Inclosed Letter is just come to hand which his Excellency orders to be forwarded to you, that you make proper Enquiry into the truth of the Facts mention’d therin; & Issue such orders as you find necessary for the Reformation of those or any other Abuses or irregulariti⟨es⟩ you find to be committ’d in Lancaster, York, or other such places as you go to whilst absent from Camp. One Step the...
14From George Washington to Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 9–12 February 1778 (Washington Papers)
The good People of the State of Pennsa Living in the Vicinity of Philadelphia and near the Delaware River—having suffered much by the Enemy Carrying off their Property without allowing them any Compensation —thereby Destressing the Inhabitants—Supplying their own Army and Enabling them to protract the Cruel and unjust War that they are now Wageing against these States. And Whereas by Recent...
15From George Washington to Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 28 February 1778 (Washington Papers)
I was yesterday favd with yours of the 25th from Haddenfeild. The Cattle that you collect should cross the Delaware at Coryells Ferry, and then keep higher up the Country before they strike across. They should fall in with Schuylkill at Pottsgrove and cross the River there. A considerable escort should attend them. We lost a fine drove of 130 Head that were coming from New England a few days...
16From George Washington to Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 2 March 1778 (Washington Papers)
Yours of the 26th from Mount Holly came to hand last evening. I am pleased to hear that you had so good intelligence of the designs and motions of the Enemy that you were enabled to withdraw your detatchment from Haddonfeild before they invested it. Considering the disproportion of your strength to that of the Enemy all that can be expected of you is to wait upon and circumscribe them as much...
17From George Washington to Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 12 March 1778 (Washington Papers)
You will see by the inclosed Letter that your presence in Camp is essential to settling matters of importa⟨n⟩ce. you will therefore leave pr⟨oper⟩ instructions with the next in com⟨mand⟩ and return as speedily as p⟨ossible⟩ to Camp. I am Sir Your most obedt Servt LS , in John Laurens’s writing, anonymous donor. Where the document has been mutilated, the conjectured characters are supplied in...
18From George Washington to Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 15 March 1778 (Washington Papers)
I am favd with yours of the 14th: This will be delivered to you by Lieut. Peyton of Capt. Lees Troop who takes 12 Horse with him, which are all that are not upon command. I wrote to you a few days ago ⅌ Express desiring you to give the proper orders to the eldest Officer of your detatchment and to repair to Camp yourself as quick as possible as the Gentlemen of Congress want to see you much on...
19From George Washington to Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 18 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
You are to proceed with the first and second Pennsilvania and the brigade late Conways —by the direct route to Coryells Ferry—leaving a proper interval between your division and General Lees, so as to prevent their interfering with each other—the instructions given to General Lee, are to halt on the first strong ground after passing the Delaware at the said ferry—until farther orders—unless he...
20From George Washington to Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 2 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
You will send a proper fatigue party from your division, on the road leading from Bull’s Iron works to Litchfield to be employed in repairing the road, in case it should become necessary to march that way—The party will continue out ’till the purpose be completed; and measures must therefore be taken to supply them with provisions—Other similar parties are ordered on the other roads. You will...
21From George Washington to Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 25 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
You will be pleased to detach a Captain two Subs. and Fifty Men who are to lay at Robinsons Mills near Mahopack Pond till the Rear of the Pennsylvania Troops are about passing the North River, they are then to follow and join their respective Corps. The intention of this party is to prevent any of the Convention Troops, under pretence of desertion, from passing that way to New York. The...
22From George Washington to Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 28 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
I recd yours of Yesterday late last Evening. Genl Muhlenberg had directions not to move from his Ground untill the 2d division of the Convention Troops had passed the North River. This I imagine was effected on the 26th and that the Virginia Troops would march Yesterday Morning: If so, they will have passed you before this reaches you. If they should not, be pleased to send to Genl Muhlenberg...
23From George Washington to Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 4 December 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have just recd intelligence that the Enemy moved up the North River yesterday with 52 sail of Transports, and had proceeded this morning as far up as Closter which is above Fort Lee. What is their intent I do not know—I desire you will halt wherever this may find you—collect all your effective Men, and send your Baggage and Convalescents on towards Middle Brook. If you receive certain...
24From George Washington to Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 16 February 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have received your favor of the 10th inst. expressing your desire to have a command in the light Corps—My opinion of your merit will lead me chearfully to comply with your request, as soon as the Arrangement of the army, and other circumstances permit the formation of that Corps. The pennsilvania Barracks appear to be well constructed for the accommodation of the troops, and judiciously...
25From George Washington to Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 7 March 1779 (Washington Papers)
I was favd a few days ago with a letter from you by Mrs Yorke. I wish it had been in my power to have complied with your request, and that of several other Gentlemen, in her behalf, without infringing a Rule which I myself had just proposed to the executive powers of the several States, which was, not to permit any inhabitants of the States to go within the enemy’s lines without a...
26From George Washington to Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 16 March 1779 (Washington Papers)
I, a few days ago, recd the inclosed extract of a letter and Affidavits from Governor Livingston, which is all I know of the matter to which they relate. As the Governor has called upon me in so pointed a manner to support the Civil authority, I am obliged to request you and Capt. Fish-bourne to attend any time between this and the 1st of April agreeable to his requisition. I am exceedingly...
27From George Washington to Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 8 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
I had the pleasure to receive your favor of the 16th Ulto some days ago, and should have acknowledged it before, if I had not been prevented by a multiplicity of business. From my desire to promote matters of your recommendation—and from the very favourable sentiments, which I entertain of Mr Mcpherson and Mr Archer, I should be happy it were in my power to return you such an Answer as you...
28From George Washington to Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 21 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
I request that you will join the Army as soon as you can. I wrote you upon this subject before we marched from Middle Brook, but as you have not arrived—It is probable my Letter has miscarried or that it did not come to hand till very lately. I am Dr Sir with great regard Yr Most Obedt servant LS , in Robert Hanson Harrison’s writing, PHi : Wayne Papers; Df , DLC:GW ; Varick transcript ,...
29From George Washington to Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 1 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
Herewith you will be pleased to receive general instructions for your conduct—This you will consider as private & confidential. The importance of the two posts of Verplanks & Stoney points to the enemy is too obvious to need explanation. We ought if possible to dispossess them. I recommend it to your particular attention, without delay to gain as exact a knowledge as you can of the number of...
30Enclosure: Instructions to Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 1 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
Having appointed you to the command of the Light infantry of the line, you will immediately repair to that part of it (consisting of four battalions now commanded by Colo. Butler) which is in the vicinity of Fort Montgomery, and take the command. The infantry of the other divisions is not yet organized; but it will be done as soon as possi⟨ble⟩ and the whole drawn together as far as the...
31From George Washington to Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 5 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have received your letter of this day and have issued a General order for regulating the manner in which Cloathing is to be drawn for the Infantry—I have also directed a Briga⟨de⟩ Qr Master Forage Master & Conductor to be appointed. though I have not assigned the duty of Clothier to the first. If it should be found necessary it may be done hereafter. I have appointed the regimental Qr...
32From George Washington to Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 9 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
While the enemy are making excursions to distress the country it has a very disagreeable aspect to remain in a state of inactivity on our part—The reputation of the army and the good of the service seem to exact some attempt from it—The importance of Stoney Point to the enemy makes it infinitely desireable that could be the object—The works are formidable; but perhaps on a fuller examination...
33From George Washington to Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 10 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
Immediately upon receipt of your letter of this date I ordered the Q.M. Genl to furnish the Espontoons you wrote for, and presume you will get them in a day or two. My ideas of the enterprise in contemplation are these. That it should be attempted by the light Infantry only, which should march under cover of night and with the utmost secrecy to the enemys lines, securing every person they find...
34From George Washington to Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 14 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have reflected on the advantages and disadvantages of delaying the proposed attempt, and I do not know but the latter preponderate. You will therefore carry it into execution tomorrow night as you desire, unless some new motive or better information should induce you to think it best to defer it. You are at liberty to choose between the different plans on which we have conversed. But as it...
35From George Washington to Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 19 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
I request that you will transmit me as soon as possible—Returns of our killed and wounded in the attack on the night of the 15—also of the Enemys loss in killed—wounded & prisoners. Congress will be impatient to receive the particulars. I am Dr Sir with great regard Yr Most Obedt sert P.S. It will be necessary for you to transmit a formal report of your proceedings from the time of your march...
36From George Washington to Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 20 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
I observe in your Letter of the 16th of July by Mr Archer that you make particular mention of his intrepidity and firmness in the Assault on Stony point. Is it your wish that he should be the Bearer of my dispatches to Congress? His circumstances are peculiar—he has no appointment in the Army. It will be impossible to provide for him in any particular line; but perhaps he might obtain a Brevet...
37From George Washington to Brigadier General Anthony Wayne or Officer Commanding the Light Corps, 20 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
Col. Butlers favor of last evening I have received—The opinion he has of the enemys designs renders it unnecessary for me to caution you on the score of keeping out the necessary Guards & patroles; The look out boats I have desired Genl McDougal to order down to be under yr command that you may officer & man them, with such persons as you can fully confide in —this will enable you to obtain...
38From George Washington to Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 30 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
Your favor of this date came duly to hand —I shall certainly not undertake any thing (capital) without your knowledge—I wish for your opinion as a friend—not as commanding Officer of the light Troops—whether another attempt upon Stoney point by way of surprize, is eligible—(In any other manner under present appearances, and information, no good, I am sure, can result from it). Lord Cornwallis...
39From George Washington to Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 15 August 1779 (Washington Papers)
I inclose you a Warrant on the Deputy pay Master General for Fifteen hundred Dollars to pay the rewards promised to the first five Men who should enter the Enemy’s works in the attack upon Stony point: Also f⟨or⟩ One Hundred & forty thousand Nine hundred & Twenty Eight Dollars & Eighty two ninetieths of a Dollar, being part of the value of the Stores taken there, the whole value of which the...
40From George Washington to Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 8 September 1779 (Washington Papers)
Your letter of yesterday reached me last night—I am obliged to you for the particular account you give me of Stoney Point. Col. Butler will be tried by a Court Martial of the line. Its decision whatever it may be will be less liable to exception than that of a Court composed wholly of the Officers of the Corps to which he belongs. His objection to being tried by the same Court which acquitted...
41From George Washington to Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 14 September 1779 (Washington Papers)
Your letter of this day is this moment received—I shall take pleasure in paying every attention to the comfort & convenience of the Light Infantry, which the nature of the service they perform may require and the establishment of the army permit, so far as may be consistent with propriety and the general good of the troops—But I do not think a compliance with Mr Measoms proposal would be...
42From George Washington to Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 20 September 1779 (Washington Papers)
I am this moment favored with your letter. Accounts received by deserters from Ver-planks-point and the report of a patrole this morning give me reason to believe that the enemy are at least about evacuating this post. You will not fail to give me the earliest information of what further movements you may discover. I am Dr Sir Your most hble svt LS , in James McHenry’s writing, PHi : Wayne...
43From George Washington to Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 21 September 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have recievd the inclos⟨ed repre⟩sentation of some violences said to be commited in your corps against Young Gecock an inhabitant and a child of the Widow Garrison —By a verbal state of the affair more intelligible than the written one, I understand that some men of the light Infantry had made a practice of plundering the farms of the complainants—that a party of these marauders was...
44From George Washington to Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 24 September 1779 (Washington Papers)
I am very sorry that the painfulness of your leg prevented my having the pleasure of seeing you this morning; and I hope it will soon be so far abated as to put it in your power to favour me with the visit you intended. I should not think myself justified in countermanding the trial of Major McCormick, as in the execution of orders ever so proper, there could be no necessity for violence to a...
45From George Washington to Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 26 September 1779 (Washington Papers)
General Knox and Genl du Portail are to go down to night, or early to-morrow to reconnoitre the enemy’s post at Stoney point. I have directed them to call upon you. You will be pleased to take proper measures by such a party as you may think necessary to cover them during the execution of their object. The less there is said about this matter the better. I am Dr Sir your most obt hble servt LS...
46From George Washington to Major General Anthony Wayne, 28 September 1779 (Washington Papers)
I do not at present see any objection to your taking the position you mention in yours of this morning, but I cannot undertake to determine fully, untill I have received a Report from Generals Knox and Du portail of their reconnoitering yesterday. If you are not engaged tomorrow I shall expect the pleasure of your Company at dinner when we will settle the above. I am with great Regard Dear Sir...
47From George Washington to Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 29 September 1779 (Washington Papers)
It is agreeable to me that you should move with the light corps to the vicinity of Stoney-point on the principles proposed in your letter of yesterday. But as I should not be entirely without apprehensions for your security, the enemy having it in their power secretely to reinforce their garrison, and make an attempt upon you—I shall write to Lord Stirling, directing him in some measure to...
48From George Washington to Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 30 September 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have just received your letter requesting the addition of two more light field pieces —I have not the least objection to it, and will give Genl Knox directions to have them sent to you. The guard boats that are under your direction you will be pleased to mention to Genl Putnam, who will keep them employed in the same service —The Whale Boats & others, you will have delivered to the Quartr...
49From George Washington to Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 2 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
There is one observation which I must make to you that I omitted in my last —it is, that the position of your corps and the disposition of your guards and patroles ought as much as possible to have referrence to the security of the camp: otherwise we shall be oblig’d greatly to multiply our guards below and diminish the number of men for carrying on the works proportionably, an inconvenience I...
50From George Washington to Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 3 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
General Du Portail proposes tomorrow to reconnoitre a second time the post of Stony point and to ascertain the distances from the En[e]mys works to the places proper for establishing batteries —He will arive there precisely by eleven oClock—You will therefore please to have a reconnoitring party consisting of a Regiment ready at the second place to which you went the other day, not the high...