1Observations Extracted from the Private Papers of Congress, 14 April 1783 to 22 July 1783 (Washington Papers)
Observations Extracted from the private papers of Congress. Commercial Treaty with G. Britain of great importance J ohn A dams 14th Apl 1783. Interior disorders in Holland Alarmg Do. No prospect of a Commercial Treaty—Ministry affraid to venture upon one—Schemes to exclude our trade with Ireland—J.A. June 23d—An American Minister a formidable being in London—The French see with pleasure the...
2[Diary entry: 29 April 1767] (Washington Papers)
29. Sowed more flax seed behind the quarter.
3From George Washington to Horatio Sharpe, 20 July 1757 (Washington Papers)
I have undoubted intelligence that many Deserters from the Virginia Regiment are gone to, and are harboured and protected in several counties of your province, especially Baltimore-county, under the specious pretext of their unjust detention, after the expiration of the time, which, the Deserters (I learn) pretend was limited when they enlisted. And some in authority, either from an ill-placed...
4To George Washington from Thomas Seymour, 18 September 1775 (Washington Papers)
As Major French proposes troubling your Excely upon the Subject of his not being allowed to wear his Sword while a Prisoner here, am directed by the Comtee to give a full State of the Case. Soon after he came to hand by Mr Webb, the Comtee let him know your Excellys order and that an exact Compliance with it was expected —he soon began to raise Objections against conforming to the same...
5To George Washington from Edward Newenham, 8 March 1794 (Washington Papers)
The enclosed was left behind by the Captain of Ship, who promised to take it along with the papers & Magazines, which I had the Honor to send you last February. This goes by my Worthy Friend Mr Noble, who says he will have the Honor to deliver it personaly to you; he is a Neighbour of mine, & of a most respectable Character. God forbid that there should be a War between your Country & this; it...
6To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, 3 May 1790 (Washington Papers)
a letter is received from Mr Dumas, begun Dec. 4 & ending Jan. 26. the only interesting passage is the following “I have the satisfaction to be able to testify that the American funds are in great favor with the monied men of this country. I have seen them sell from one to another the obligations of the Congress of the first loan at 100.¾ per cent; those of the last of 1788. at 99 to 100....
7To George Washington from Walter Stewart, 26 August 1782 (Washington Papers)
I find by this days Orders your Excellency has directed a Board to meet in Order to Examine the Shoes in Store, as the Clothier General Concieves Himself Injur’d by the report of Inspection. The Cause for such a reports being made; was from the Almost Universal Complaints of the Officers respecting the Shoes they have receiv’d for this Year, And the bad Appearance, & Short last of those then...
8[Diary entry: 15 August 1767] (Washington Papers)
15. Finishd sowing the 39 Inch Cut of Corn in the Neck with 44½ Bushl. Wheat. Finishd sowing that half of Muddy hole Corn field with Wheat round the Barn Bushel.
9To George Washington from Moses Gill, 15 May 1793 (Washington Papers)
The Barer, Capt: John Whitney, is a Gentleman who Served in the late Continental Army with Good Reputation; is now out of Business, and wishes to be imploy’d in Some Service under your Excellency Control—He is a Gentleman with Whom I have an Acquantence, and is a Person of Good Sence; the utmost Confidence may with Safety be Placed in his Conduct and engagements. I am with the highest...
10[Diary entry: 23 May 1797] (Washington Papers)
23. Wind Easterly & rather Cool.
11To George Washington from Alexander Addison, 11 July 1798 (Washington Papers)
I have this day paid to Col. Pickering (Mr Wolcott being absent) Seventeen hundred dollars to be given to you as part of the instalment due on Matthew Ritchie’s bond. I had reason to expect to be able to pay the whole while here and as Mrs Addison wrote me that since I left home your letter requiring the payment had been received I was peculiarly anxious for a compleat compliance. I have...
12To George Washington from Robert Cary & Co., 10 August 1762 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Robert Cary & Co., 10 Aug. 1762. On 26 April 1763 GW wrote to Robert Cary & Co. : “I have your favours of the 10th and 24th of August . . . now lying before me.”
13[Diary entry: 13 February 1773] (Washington Papers)
13. Still at home. Mr. Dulany & Mr. Custis went to Mrs. Frenchs after Breakfast. The two young men undoubtedly went to visit young Daniel Dulany’s brother Ben and his new bride.
14From George Washington to Colonel Moses Hazen, 24 January 1780 (Washington Papers)
Your letter of yesterday came duly to hand. I am aware of the difficulties there would be in the way of surprising the enemy, and I approve the caution you discover. Nothing (as I before intimated ) will at present warrant the attempt, but a moral certainty that they are much off their guard, whic⟨h⟩ by your information does not appear to be the case. If there is only a subalterns party at...
15To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel John Fitzgerald, 17 March 1778 (Washington Papers)
I am honor’d with your kind Favor of 28th Ulto, which I only receiv’d by last sundays Post —it gives me the most pleasing satisfaction to find, that those who were endeavoring to Injure you in the Public Esteem, are become sensible of their own insignificance & earnestly hope they may feel the contempt & Scorn of all good men in proportion to the Iniquitous Scheme which they expected to...
16General Orders, 3 May 1776 (Washington Papers)
A General Court Martial of the Line, consisting of one Colonel, one Lieut. Colonel, one Major, and ten Captains, to sit to morrow morning at Ten O’Clock, to try all such Prisoners as shall be brought before them—All Evidences, and Persons concerned, to attend the court. Frederick Roach, a Matross in the Regiment of Artillery, tried at a late General Court Martial, whereof Col. Baldwin was...
17From George Washington to Ebenezer Huntington, 12 April 1783 (Washington Papers)
In Consequence of a Recommendation from the Governor & Council of the State of Connecticut—Permission is hereby granted to Miss Marian Moore to proceed by the port of Dobbs Ferry to N. York, to visit her parents in that City. Lieut. Colo. Huntington is permitted to attend Miss Moore, and to return immediately. Given at Head Quarters in Newburgh 12th April 1783. DLC .
18To George Washington from Major General Johann Kalb, 14 March 1780 (Washington Papers)
I received the honor of your Excellency’s letter of 11th inst: Mr Caldwell being at Philadelphia I confered with Colo. Jaques of the Militia of Essex County on the Subject of the Signals established for allarming the Country: I here inclose a Copy of them in all the parts of this State, I understand that those hereabout though neglected are not much impaired, I will take care to See them...
19[Diary entry: 10 June 1773] (Washington Papers)
10. At home all day alone.
20To George Washington from Major General John Sullivan, 1 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
I Should have Long Since wrote your Excellencey was there any thing in this Quarter worth Ingaging your attention. I found upon my Journey Home that there was not the Least probability of the Enemys attempting to Rescue Genl Burgoine & Army: I therefore went to New Hampshire where I tarried about twelve Days upon my Arrival here I found no Troops worth mentioning & by the Inclosed Return your...
21General Orders, 14 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
Congress have been pleased to pass the following resolve. Resolved—That in consideration of their extra-duties and service, the officers in the Army of these States, serving as Sub and Brigade Inspectors be allowed, the former three rations a day and forage for three horses and the latter two rations a day and forage for two horses, in lieu of all former rations and forage both as officers in...
22From George Washington to Colonel Lewis Nicola, 29 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
I am favd with yours of the 25th instant from Fort Mifflin. Before this reaches you Lt Colo. Smith will have thrown himself into the Fort with two hundred Continental Troops which are all that I could possibly spare. I very much approve of your calling upon Govr Livingston for a Reinforcement of Jersey Militia and I think you had better call in the few Men that are at Billingsport and if there...
23From George Washington to Colonel Benedict Arnold, 14 September 1775 (Washington Papers)
You are intrusted with a Command of the utmost Consequence to the Interest & Liberties of America: Upon your Conduct & Courage & that of the Officers and ⟨Soldiers⟩ detached on this Expedition, not only the Success of the present Enterprize & your own Honour, but the Safety and Welfare of the whole Continent may depend. I ⟨charge⟩ you therefore and the Officers & Soldiers ⟨under⟩ your Command...
24From George Washington to John Sinclair, 10 July 1795 (Washington Papers)
I could not omit so favorable an opportunity, as the departure of Mr Strickland affords me, of presenting my best respects to you; and my sincere thanks for the views of Agriculture in the different counties of Great Britain, which you have had the goodness to send me. and for the Diploma (received by the hands of Mr Jay) admitting me a foreign honorary member of the board of Agriculture. For...
25From George Washington to the Officer Commanding Major Henry Lee’s Corps, 29 August 1779 (Washington Papers)
As from Major Lees present situation, the command of his Corps will devolve on you, I am to desire you will pay the strictest attention to the movements of the enemy down the river It is peculiarly necessary at this juncture as I am well informed the Arrival of Admiral Arburthnot has increased Sr Harry Clintons strength —from this circumstance it will be necessary for us to double our...
26To George Washington from A. Hammond, 8 July 1791 (Washington Papers)
The knowledge of the benevolence of your heart has prompted me to trespass a little on your time; for which I can plead no other excuse than my hope that your Excellencys indulgence will extend to the Gratification of not only my wish but the wish of many who justly entertain a great veneration for your virtues. Could your Excellency be prevail’d on to honor the Theatre with your presence on...
27From David Humphreys to William Stephens Smith, 27 December 1782 (Washington Papers)
The Commander in Chief who has just gone to Poughkeepsie, has left it in charge with me to acknowledge the receipt of your Letter of the 25th and to inform you that he has no objections to your coming to the Army for the purposes you Mention; at which time your friends will be very happy to see you at Head Quarters—Mrs Washington (who desires me to present her Complts to you) has often...
28From George Washington to the Continental Navy Board, 12 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have your favr of the 10th and am only sorry that I did not sooner know my request of sinking the Frigates had been complied with. The delay of the Resolve of Congress, from the time you first applied for their advice, was what led me into a mistake, and I am obliged to you for the genteel manner in which you excuse me. I am perfectly satisfied with the measures which you have taken to...
29From George Washington to John Hancock, 9 April 1777 (Washington Papers)
I am honoured with yours of the 4th inclosing sundry Resolves of Congress from the 29th March to the 5th instant. I am extremely glad to see the Resolve for the immediate removal of Military Stores from Baltimore and Annapolis, for altho’ I do not imagine that the Enemy intend an expedition of any great Consequence in Chesapeak Bay, yet while the Stores lay at the above places, they were...
30[Diary entry: 14 February 1760] (Washington Papers)
14. Ditto Ditto Do. Do. but cloudy.
31[Diary entry: 10 April 1748] (Washington Papers)
Sunday 10th. We took our farewell of the Branch & travelld over Hills and Mountains to 1 Coddys on Great Cacapehon about 40 Miles. James Caudy (Coddy) owned some 98 acres of land in Frederick County. On 19 Mar. 1752 GW noted that “Pursuant to a Warrant from the Proprietors Office I have Surveyed for James Caudy of Great Cacapehon a certain tract of waste & ungranted Land on the So. Fork of...
32To George Washington from James McHenry, 10 April 1794 (Washington Papers)
I am extremely obliged to you for your letter of the 8th and received the exposition of your motives as a fresh mark of that confidence with which you have so often favored me. I should indeed, if I know myself, be the last person in the United States, who on a public account would wish you to feel any other; and as it respects your personal fame, I beleive the first to regret their being...
33General Orders, 24 September 1776 (Washington Papers)
The Qr Mr Genl, and the Chief Engineer, are to mark the grounds, to morrow, on which the Barracks, and Huts, are to be built this side Kingsbridge—They are to call upon the General, previous to their setting out upon this business, for directions. When the ground is marked out, the Quarter Master General is to cause the materials for building to be laid thereon as quick as possible. The...
34To George Washington from Jeremiah Olney, 10 September 1782 (Washington Papers)
The Field officer Commanding the advance post at Dobbs Ferry on the Hudson from 24th Augt to 8th Septr 1782, begs leave to Report, that he has (from time to time) Communicated to your Excellency every occurrence that has Come within the Sphere of his Observations—that he has nothing Further to Report that the State of the Garrison &c. &c., agreeable to the Inclos’d Reports—Save only that the...
35From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 20 July 1780 (Washington Papers)
Since I had the honor of addressing Congress this Morning by post, I received a Letter from Brigadier General Maxwell, requesting me to accept his resignation and assigning his reasons for the same. Having never acted on an application of this sort from an Officer of his rank, I beg leave to lay the matter before Congress & to transmit them a Copy of his Letter, by which they will be more...
36From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 27 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
I am favd with yours of the 22d 23d and 24th instants. I cannot conceive what transports those can be that have come into Newport Harbour, except they are those from Hallifax. None have lately gone from New york—It will be very material to know with certainty from whence they came and whether they had any troops on board. If they are those from Hallifax, and empty, it gives weight to an...
37To George Washington from John Hancock, 21 November 1776 (Washington Papers)
I have the Honour to transmit the enclosed Resolves, in Obedience to the Commands of Congress. They are so explicit, that I shall only request your Attention to them. You will percieve from the Vote of Congress, the Sense of that Body with Regard to the Necessity of furnishing the Troops for the new Army, as soon as possible; a Copy of which, I have forwarded to the respective States agreeably...
38To George Washington from David Stuart, 5 November 1792 (Washington Papers)
I recieved your letter of the 21st ulmo a few days ago, but deferred answering it, ‘till I could again see Mr Bayly, & Mr [Daniel] Carroll of Duddington, my informants respecting Coll Mercer’s speech —Inclosed, I send you Mr Bayly’s certificate of what passed—Mr Carroll tho’ he agrees with Mr Bayly, that Coll Mercer expressed himself as stated, has I know not for what reasons declined sending...
39To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 4 January 1789 (Washington Papers)
I mentioned in my last that our Senators were chosen—This common wealth has been divided into Eight districts each having a right to chuse one representative to the general Government. Each town was directed to return the name of two persons for electors of President & vice President from the two highest in each district the General court are to chuse one this will make Eight and two are to be...
40[Diary entry: 28 August 1773] (Washington Papers)
28. Warm again, with very little Wind and that Southerly.
41From George Washington to the Massachusetts Council, 28 August 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have been duly honored with your letter of the 16th. I am much obliged to the Council for the loan of the Arms, and am persuaded they have spared all that were in their power. I believe they have been misinformed about the number of Arms at Springfield—By the last return there were two thousand muskets capable of repair, and about sixteen thousand Gun barrels, which being mounted would be...
42Enclosure: Contingency Orders, 12 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
The alarm Guns or other Signals for calling in the Militia suddenly, are to be fired, or given the instant the enemys designs are discoverd. The Garrison is to attend principally to the defence of the Post—at the same time they are to spare all the Men they can with safety to that object to harrass & dispute with the enemy; every inch of ground leading to the Works; or to the heights above...
43To George Washington from the Board of Admiralty, 15 February 1780 (Washington Papers)
The recent complaints made to this Board by Prisoners from New york on Parole of neglect in the Commissary Generals department we flatter ourselves will apologize for our requesting your Excellencys interference. We have this day wrote Colo. Beatty fully on the Subject directing him to furnish this Board monthly with an Accurate return of all Marine Prisoners within his Department, and as we...
44From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 1 April 1778 (Washington Papers)
Since I had the honor of addressing you upon the 29th ulto I have not been able to learn, with any precision, whether the transports that arrived brought any considerable number of Troops. A Hessian Deserter says there were only a few German convalescents on board. If so, the Fleet, with 2500 mentioned in my last, is not arrived; supposing they were bound to Philada. General Sinclair arrived...
45To George Washington from Anthony Whitting, 25 January 1793 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Anthony Whitting, 25 Jan. 1793. GW wrote Whitting on 3 Feb. , acknowledging that “Your letter of the 25th of Jany came duly to hand.”
46To George Washington from Major General Israel Putnam, 1 June 1776 (Washington Papers)
I have this moment (by Express) received the enclosed letters from Generals Schuyler and Sullivan which I think of such great Importance I shall immediately forward you, together with my answer to General Schuyler, I wrote you yesterday but was too late for the post, shall forward it on wt. this—since which five Ships arrived Att the Hook three of which I suppose to be Men of War, I am truly...
47To George Washington from John Dandridge, 2 April 1789 (Washington Papers)
I received your letter of the 26th Ultmo, yesterday, with the inclosures—I assure you, that I am sensible of the indulgence you have continually afforded to my Father’s Estate and of your present offer to extend it: But so sensible, also, am I, of the great difficulty in raising cash at present, and so anxious am I to adjust the claims against the Estate, that I shall take the price fixed on...
48From George Washington to Lafayette, 8 December 1784 (Washington Papers)
The peregrination of the day in which I parted with you, ended at Marlbro’: the next day, bad as it was, I got home before dinner. In the moment of our separation upon the road as I travelled, & every hour since—I felt all that love, respect & attachment for you, with which length of years, close connexion & your merits, have inspired me. I often asked myself, as our Carriages distended,...
49[Diary entry: 18 October 1788] (Washington Papers)
Saturday 18th. Thermometer at 60 in the Morning—70 at Noon and 70 at Night. Cloudy morning with great appearances of Rain all the forenoon and a little sprinkle of it—but clear warm and pleasant in the Afternoon. Went up to Alexandria agreeably to a summons to give evide. in the Suit between the Estate of Mr. Custis & Robt. Alexander, but the latter not appearing nothing was done & I returned...
50To George Washington from Peter Muhlenberg, 6 Oct. 1779 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found : from Peter Muhlenberg, 6 Oct. 1779. On 12 Oct., GW wrote Muhlenberg: “I have received your Letter of the 6th Instant.”