51From George Washington to Lund Washington, 6 May 1783 (Washington Papers)
By the last Post I informed you of my intended meeting with Sir Guy Carleton for settling, among other things, a plan for restoring the Negros and other property belonging to the Citizens of the United States. This meeting I have held; & tho it has been interrupted by the indisposition of Sir Guy, which has, this morning, carried him back to New York; yet, I have collected enough to convince...
52To George Washington from Philip Schuyler, 5 April 1780 (Washington Papers)
On the 3d Instant I was favored with Your Excellency’s letter of the 30th ult. I have for ten days Successively deferred writing In hopes that I should have been able At last to have advised you that public business was closely attended to In this quarter, and that we had adopted Measures to disencumber us from that Variety of embarrasment we experience, but alas! we have made little or no...
53[Diary entry: 25 December 1773] (Washington Papers)
25. Raining more or less all day with the Wind fresh from the Southward. Snow intirely dissolv’d.
54General Orders, 28 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
The extreme importance of having the works and defences at and about West-Point on both sides the river completed with all possible dispatch is so obvious that the General conceives it totally unnecessary to use arguments in proof of it—In the present unfinished state of them they are a restraint upon every operation and movement of an Army and must continue to be so until they are put in such...
55From George Washington to John Hancock, 18 October 1777 (Washington Papers)
I do myself the honour to transmit you the inclosed most interesting and agreeable intelligence which I have this moment recd from Genl Putnam. I can scarce doubt but Genl Gates has sent you an Express, but lest he, from the important Business in which he was engaged, should not have done it, I have immediately forwarded it, that you might not be debarred from so great a pleasure an instant...
56[Diary entry: 29 February 1796] (Washington Papers)
29th. A good deal of Rain fell in the Night. Fine Rain all day with the Wind at East.
57To George Washington from David Ford, 5 September 1795 (Washington Papers)
Having been Inform’d some time since that Mr DeSaussure’s Acceptance of the Office of Director of the mint, was Conditional & depended on the Concurrence of his friends in Carolina, I took measures to procure the documents necessary to Support an application to be brought forward as soon as possible after his determination should be made. Understanding that he has resolved to resign, I do...
58To George Washington from Major General Horatio Gates, 24 September 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have the Honour to inclose for Your Excellency’s Determination, a petition I have just received from the Canadian Soldiers in Col: James Livingston’s Regiment. Baron Stuben assured me, he would make such Report of that Regiment to your Excellency, as would induce some orders to be taken thereupon, the most Beneficial to the public Service; at present they are a very unprofitable Corps to the...
59From George Washington to Major General Philip Schuyler, 26 February 1779 (Washington Papers)
Upon a presumption that a part of the intended operations against the Indians will be carried on by a Body of Men from the Waters of the Susquehannah it will be necessary to be well informed of the Situation of the principal Villages of the hostile tribes and the number of fighting Men that each may contain. We will suppose Chemung on the Cayuga Branch the first post to be attacked and...
60[Diary entry: 19 January 1772] (Washington Papers)
19. At home all day. In the Afternoon Majr. Wagener and Mr. John Barnes with Doctr. Craik came here. John Barnes, eldest son of Abraham Barnes (d. 1777) of St. Mary’s County, Md., had recently gone bankrupt as a tobacco merchant in Port Tobacco, Md. After settling his firm’s affairs, he moved to western Maryland, where he eventually developed a prosperous plantation called Montpelier (...
61From George Washington to John Hancock, 28 April 1777 (Washington Papers)
I last night received the favor of your Letter of the 26th with the Resolves to which it alludes. The views of Congress in sending General Officers to the Eastward, to hasten on the Troops, have been long anticipated. Genl Poor is in New Hampshire for the purpose; General Heath in Massachusets Bay, with Brigadrs Nixon, Glover and Patterson; General Varnum in Rhode Island, and Genl Parsons in...
62[Diary entry: 8 August 1770] (Washington Papers)
8. Dined at Colo. Lewis’s. GW apparently clubbed at Weedon’s again this evening and played cards, winning 5s. ( General Ledger A General Ledger A, 1750–1772. Library of Congress, George Washington Papers, Series 5, Financial Papers. , folio 320).
63From George Washington to Robert Dinwiddie, 29 May 1754 (Washington Papers)
To answer your Honour’s Letter of the 25th by Mr Birney —I shall begin with assuring you, that nothing was farther from my intention than to recede, thô I then pressd and still desire that my Services may be voluntary rather than on the present Pay—I am much concernd that your Honour should seem to charge me with ingratitude for your generous, and my undeserved favours, for I assure you Honble...
64[Diary entry: 1 October 1768] (Washington Papers)
Octr. 1. Clear and pleasant. Still forenoon but brisk Southwestwardly Wind afterwds.
65Memorandum of Campaign Plans, 1 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
Scotts light Infantry 1000—A Detachment of the same Number under Wayne & the whole Commanded by Genl McDougal to Imbark at and land opposite to Morriss House at Hærlem—A Detachment of Men from this body to Land in the Cove under Fort Washington & endeavour to surprize it—some Germans to be with this party to answer if hailed in that language & signify that it is a party from Spiting devil by...
66To George Washington from William Pearce, 19 October 1793 (Washington Papers)
I Recevd you Letter with a Coppy of our Agreement —you Inform me that I am to Live this winter at your mansion House which I shall Like Very well as it will be giving me an oppertunity of Giting acquainted with the Business there—But after that If it should be agreeable to you I had Rather Live in the house you intended for me as I have Several small Children and I should Like to keep them at...
67From George Washington to John Hancock, 23 October 1789 (Washington Papers)
I have this moment received your Excellen[c]y’s polite letter of today—and have the honor to inform you that in consequence of suggestions made by the Gentlemen from Boston and the Depy Adjut. Genl (whom I met at Worcester this morning) that it would make it more convenient for the troops, many of which lived at a distance from the place of parade, if I should pass through Cambridge at an...
68From George Washington to Clement Biddle, 28 October 1786 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Clement Biddle, 28 Oct. 1786. On 5 Nov. Biddle wrote GW : “I have your Esteemed favour of 28th ulto.”
69[Diary entry: 2 August 1786] (Washington Papers)
Wednesday 2d. Mercury at 65 in the Morning—70 at Noon and 70 at N. Much rain had fallen in the Night. The day was variable, but generally cloudy with fine rain about 10 or 11 Oclock which lasted more than an hour—after which the Sun came out but for a short duration. Rid to Muddy hole, but proceeded no further as, at the time I was there the appearances of a wet day were greatest.
70To George Washington from the Georgia Delegates in Congress, 2 August 1780 (Washington Papers)
We do ourselves the pleasure to enclose to your Excellency, a letter from Governor Burt, of Antigua, respecting Mr Thomas Morris, an officer of the Continental artillery in the Georgia line, to General Prevost, who was supposed to be Commanding Officer in the Southern Department. (You will perceive that its object is to liberate Mr John Burke, a citizen of that Island, who is your prisoner,...
71General Orders, 9 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
Particular Brigade returns to be made to the orderly Office on Monday next agreeable to a form which will be given by the Adjutant General. Regimental Returns to be delivered in the same day by the Brigade Majors containing every Article of Cloathing in Possession of the non commissioned Officers and soldiers discriminating the good and serviceable from the bad and unserviceable; These returns...
72From George Washington to William White, 1 January 1794 (Washington Papers)
I have been favoured with two notes from yo⟨u⟩ of this date—the last, in time to prevent the mistake which the first would have led me into. The mode which you have suggested for imparting the small pittance my resources will enable me to contribute towards the comfort of the needy in this City appears to be a very eligable one, and as you have been so obliging as to offer to place it in...
73To George Washington from Henry Knox, 8 September 1790 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to transmit to you, a letter from Governor Telfair of the 20th of July, containing enclosures relative to the murder of a Creek Indian. The measures which he has taken to discover the murderer and his abettor and bring them to punishment, seem to be satisfactory and to preclude the necessity of any thing further being done on the part of the general government. As to the...
74Orders to Brigadier General William Maxwell, 21 December 1776 (Washington Papers)
Having countermanded the March of the three Eastern Regiments under the Command of Lieutt Colo. Vose and directed them to Halt at Morris Town in the Jerseys where I am informd that Colo. Ford at the head of a body of Militia has taken Post. You are to repair immediately to that place & take upon you the Command, not only of the above Regiments, but of the Militia also, and therewith to give...
75To George Washington from Edward Moyston, 4 April 1787 (Washington Papers)
As the Convention of the States is expected to meet in this City in the next Month, I make bold to request your influence with such Gentlemen of your acquaintance as may want Accommodations. I have fitted up Chambers in the most convenient manner, and am certain that they will find it more agreeable than any private Lodging House in Town, as they will always have more Attendants, should their...
76Alexander Hamilton to Tobias Lear, 4 January 1793 (Washington Papers)
[Philadelphia] 4 Jan. 1793. Presents his compliments and writes that “The Statements went in yesterday, and are copying for the President.” LB , DLC:GW . Hamilton is referring to the four statements that comprised his “Report on Foreign Loans” of 3 Jan. to the U.S. House of Representatives. For the text of Hamilton’s report, see Syrett, Hamilton Papers, Harold C. Syrett et al., eds. The Papers...
77[Diary entry: 27 January 1786] (Washington Papers)
Friday 27th. Thermometer at 30 in the Morning— at Noon and at Night. Clear and pleasant all day; Wind at No. West in the forenoon and Eastwardly afterwards, but not much of it. Mrs. Washington set out after breakfast for Abingdon—to see Mrs. Stuart who is ill. I rid to my Mill and to the Plantation at Dogue run—also to the places where the Muddy hole & ferry people were at Work. Mr. Shaw...
78To George Washington from Henry Knox, 27 March 1789 (Washington Papers)
The house of Representatives want Yet four members and the Senate two. The first will not be formed until Monday, and the senate probably not untill Wednesday next the first of April. Colo. Hanson of Alexandria is so good as to take charge of the cloth sent you from the Hartford manufactory, and also of some federal buttons manufactored in this City, both of which will I hope safely reach you....
79From George Washington to William Heath, 3 August 1782 (Washington Papers)
By the Contents of Sir Guy Carletons Letter which came inclosed in yours of this Day, I find it is unnecessary for you to proceed to Phillips’s House—Sir Guy being disappointed in not obtaing Passports for M. Chief Justice Smyth to come out, he will not, he says, trouble an Officer of your Rank to be the Bearer of a Bundle of papers only—but adds that they shall be sent out in the ordinary...
80From George Washington to William Duke Moore, 3 December 1783 (Washington Papers)
Mrs Bingham has done me the honor to deliver me your Letter of the 15 March with the Seal you have been so polite as to present to me—and for which you will please to accept my thanks I could only wish the object had been more worthy the great talents shewn in the invention and execution of the Seal. You will however believe that I feel my self extremely flattered by this mark of attention and...
81To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 8–12 March 1780 (Washington Papers)
Remarks on the Resolution of Congress of the 25th February 1780—requiring each State to furnish certain species of supplies for the support of the Army. The measure seems to be calculated, more for the convenience of each state, than for the accommodation of the service. The aggregate quantity ordered, tho’ far short of the demands of the army, is proportioned on the states, in such a manner,...
82To George Washington from Elias Boudinot, 22 April 1778 (Washington Papers)
Being just returned from German Town, I beg leave to inform your Excellency that I was happy enough to perfect the Exchange of the following Officers, for those of equal Rank due to us from the Enemy, which I hope will meet with your Excellency’s Approbation. I have the Honor to be Your Excellency’s Most Obedt Hble Servt ALS , DNA:PCC , item 152; copy, DNA:PCC , item 169. The accompanying...
83To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 5 March 1793 (Washington Papers)
The only additional inquiry, which I have been able to make, concerning Mr S——l, was from Mr Brown; who thinks that the inclinations of that gentleman are strong towards peace; but that he would not hesitate to contend with zeal for any boundary, which his instructions might prescribe. Indeed, if a doubt of his tendency on this head should be considered as the only objection to him, I suspect,...
84From George Washington to Henry Peyton, 4 June 1756 (Washington Papers)
I was pleased to hear of your alertness in marching to Pattersons Creek upon the last alarm; and doubt not but you will continue to be vigilant and active in the service of your Country; as that is the most certain road to merit applause. I am informed that Mr Parker continues on his place, and has a quantity of Grain: If this be true, I would advise that a party of about twenty or twenty-five...
85[Diary entry: 13 June 1797] (Washington Papers)
13. Very Warm with a brisk Southerly wind—a slight Shower of Rain. Mercury 83.
86[Diary entry: 30 March 1791] (Washington Papers)
Wednesday 30th. The parties to whom I addressed myself yesterday evening, having taken the matter into consideration saw the propriety of my observations; and that whilst they were contending for the shadow they might loose the substance; and therefore mutually agreed, and entered into articles to surrender for public purposes, one half of the land they severally possessed with in bounds which...
87To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 7 June 1783 (Washington Papers)
The commanding officers are applying for arms for the Musick—The donation of Arms to the Troops was in consequence of your Excellency’s recommendation should you be of opinion, all circumstances considered, they have a right to arms, I think no difficulty will arrise in Congress from the measure. I have requested General Knox to commence as soon as possible the build ing a Magazine on...
88[Diary entry: 3 February 1773] (Washington Papers)
3. Ground very hard froze which thawd but little being Cloudy & like for falling weather all day—with the wind what little there was of it Southerly.
89From George Washington to William Thornton, 16 June 1799 (Washington Papers)
Your favor of the 5th instant came duly to hand. Mr Blagdens last call for $1000 is, I must acknowledge, sooner than I had contemplated; but I will make arrangements with the Bank of Alexandria to meet it by the first of next month. If his progress in the buildings, & faithful execution of the work, keep pace with his demands (and this is all I require) he shall have no cause to complain of my...
90From George Washington to Robert Stewart, 17 December 1756 (Washington Papers)
Ensign Crawford has referred a dispute to me concerning his rank in the Army. I must determine in his favour: and allow their officers to rank by the dates and dignity of their Commissions. For these reasons—vizt That Companies, tho’ esteemed and called Scouts, are raised and supported upon the same funds as those of the Regiment; have the same pay—entitled to the same priviledges and...
91To George Washington from Thomas Burke and Henry Laurens, 15 March 1779 (Washington Papers)
The inclosed papers are referred to us by Congress, and we wish for the assistance of your Ideas to enable us to make a more perfect report. we request you therefore to take the trouble of committing to paper your Opinion on the proposed terms for the exchange of Prisoners in the Southern department, and also any thing which you think will conduce to that End without Contravening your general...
92From George Washington to William Pearce, 30 November 1794 (Washington Papers)
As the experiment of grinding a hundred bushels of Wheat into flour, is found more profitable than to sell the like quantity in grain; I would have you proceed in the manufactury of what little I have made. and I desire the particulars of the experiment may be sent to me. and the Miller must be careful that he keeps up to it. or I may be deceived thereby. Caution Sally Green against dealing...
93[Diary entry: 28 February 1770] (Washington Papers)
28. Clear and pleasant with but little Wind & that Southwardly.
94To George Washington from James Mease, 18 May 1777 (Washington Papers)
I had the pleasure of writing your Excellency, the 12th Inst., which missing the post, was delayed some days, Since which, your Excellencys favors of 9 & 12, are come to hand, The former of which surprized, & paind me very much, The paragraph from Mr Youngs letter to Mr Kemper, respecting the sending forward some Shirts & stockings, which seems to have given your Excellency cause of offence, I...
95From George Washington to Philip Schuyler, 13 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
I received last night your favour of the 8th Instant. I hope General Clinton is now moving by the Routes and according to the Orders he has received from General Sullivan, under whose command he has been entirely placed for some time past—and of which I advised him by Two different conveyances, besides writing to him through the hands of General Sullivan: As it was conceived best, that the...
96From George Washington to Edward Rutledge, 16 January 1791 (Washington Papers)
I can but love & thank you, and I do it sincerely, for your polite & friendly letter of the 11th of November, which came to my hands only the day before yesterday. The sentiments contained in it are such as have uniformly flowed from your pen and are not more pleasing than they are flattering to me. The present Congress can sit no longer than the 3d of March; and should it not be found...
97To George Washington from Colonel Armand, 2 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
The Complaints made to you against my Corps, are the more personal as I derive the Command of it from Your Excellency, as I love and respect this Corps in the light of a Gift which comes to me from you, and as it is my constant Attention to render it as well as myself worthy of your Favour; if Your Excellency previous to casting Reproaches upon me, with respect to which from my Ignorance of...
98Clement Biddle to GW, 30 August 1797 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: Clement Biddle to GW, 30 Aug. 1797. On 6 Sept. GW wrote Biddle : “Your favor of the 30th Ult. was received.”
99Enclosure: La Luzerne to the Continental Congress, 16 May 1780 (Washington Papers)
The underwritten Minister of France has the Honor to inform Congress, that the King in pursuance of his affection and friendship for the United States, and the desire he has to put an end by effectual measures to the calamities of the present War, has resolved to send to this Continent a supply of Troops to Act against the Common Enemy and a Fleet to second the Operations of the Land forces....
100To George Washington from William Goddard, 16 December 1793 (Washington Papers)
Removed to the humble Vale of rural Life, it was but recently that the “Memoirs of the Life of Charles Lee, Esquire,” &c. &c. fell under my observation—and as I once announced a Design of publishing a Work nearly similar in Title, though far different in Contents, I am impelled by the most unfeigned Respect to your Character, as well as Justice to myself, to address you on the Subject,...