15101From George Washington to Charles Pettit, 9 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have more reason for thinking that the Army will have occasion to remove from its present position shortly, than when I wrote to you two days ago. I therefore desire you will immediately send off all the supernumerary Stores of your department. I think it would save land carriage if they were transported by water above the posts in the Highlands, and removed from thence more inland, at...
15102[Diary entry: 20 August 1799] (Washington Papers)
20. Mer. at 69 in the morning. About ½ after 5, it began a fine, rain, with the wind at No. Et. & continued to do so until near 11 oclock when it ceased, but recommenced about ½ after 3 & contd. raining slow & fine until 9 oclock when I went to bed. Mer. 65 at Night. The rain this day must have been welcome to GW, who wrote to Robert Lewis 17 Aug. that the drought had caused his oat crop to...
15103To George Washington from Harriot Washington, 16 November 1793 (Washington Papers)
I receiv’d My Honor’d Uncle’s letter, of the 25 of September and am now seated, to return him a thousand thanks, for the money he was so obleiging as to send me. Aunt Lewis informed me, that you mentioned in your last letter to her, if the fever in Philadelphia did not abate, that Aunt Washington would spend the winter at Mt Vernon, and if she did, you would send for me. I shall be very much...
15104From George Washington to Thomas Barclay, 31 August 1788 (Washington Papers)
I have received a letter from a Doctr Thomas, of Westmoreland in this State, requesting me to make enquiries respecting Dr Spence and his Lady, who were supposed to be lost at sea, several years ago, and who are now reported to be in slavery among the piratical States of Barbary. As I knew of no person more likely to give information on the subject than yourself, I have taken the liberty of...
15105From George Washington to James McHenry, 30 November 1789 (Washington Papers)
(Confidential) Dear Sir, New York Novr 30th 1789. I have received your letter of the 14th instt—and in consequence of the suggestions contained therein, added to other considerations which occurred to me, I have thought it best to return Judge Harrison his Commission, and I sincerely hope that upon a further consideration of the Subject he may be induced to revoke his former determination &...
15106To George Washington from Johann Georg Christian Fick, 27 January 1794 (Washington Papers)
From another part of the globe I find myself induced, by reverence to You and Your great merits to Your Country, whose freedom and happiness You have been the founder of, to tell You an history, which I believe, shall be worthy of Your and Your country’s notice. A quarter of a year past there arrived, three hours from hence, at Nuremberg, a Gentleman who pretended to be an Englishman, and who...
15107To George Washington from the Executive Committee of the Continental Congress, 5 January 1777 (Washington Papers)
We embrace the opportunity of Mr Leman & Mr Penrose two Gentn of the Light Horse to forward Seven Packets that came to our hands from Congress last Night, these Packets contain sundry resolves of Congress & a Number of blank Commissions. The uncertain rumours of your Excellency’s success between Trenton & Prince Town and at the latter place, leave us in a most anxious State of suspence, hoping...
15108Orderly Book, 2 November 1758 (Washington Papers)
Camp at Loyal Hannon, Thursday Novr 2d 1758 Parole Philadelphia Field Officer for to Morrow Majr Waddell. Adjutant for to morrow the Royal Americans. The Adjutants to bring in returns of their different Corps at Orderly time to Morrow. The Commissarys to make returns of Stores of every kind at the Same time. D , DLC:GW . See “ Orderly Book, 21 September–24 November 1758. ” The term “corps”...
15109From George Washington to John Mix, 11 August 1782 (Washington Papers)
You will proceed forthwith to establish a Line of communication between Kings Ferry & Boston: you will wait upon Colo. Sheldon with the inclosed Order for 12 Dragoons to form the Chain from King’s Ferry to Hartford inclusive; these you will post at or in the neighbourhood of the Places mentioned in the Margen, * (two at each) and will make effectual provision for their accomodation &...
15110[Diary entry: 27 November 1768] (Washington Papers)
27. Wind at No. West & cold, with flying Clouds.
15111Tobias Lear to Henry Knox, 25 March 1793 (Washington Papers)
By the Presdent’s command T. Lear has the honor to transmit to the Secy of War a lettr from O. Pollock & Jno. Nicholson Esqs. requesting to be furnished with copies of certain parts of the treaty lately made by Genl Putnam with the Illonois & Wabash Indians —to wh. the President requests the Secretary will give an Answer to the effect of the enclosed sketch, wh. was intended to have been...
15112To George Washington from James Wilkinson, 9 November 1779 (Washington Papers)
I was last Evening honored with your Letter of the 2nd Inst: & shall pay every practicable attention to the Mandate therein contained; in the mean time the justice I owe my Character obliges me to assure your Excellency, that no Moment of my time since my Arrival in this place has been otherwise employed than in direct pursuit of the Interests of the Army & of the Public; and I am confident I...
15113From George Washington to the United States Senate and House of Representatives, 20 December 1791 (Washington Papers)
I lay before you the copy of a letter which I have received from the Governor of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and of sundry documents which accompanied it, relative to a contract for the purchase of a certain tract of land bounding on Lake Erie; together with a copy of a report of the Secretary of State on the same subject. DS , DNA : RG 46, Second Congress, 1791–1793, Records of...
15114From George Washington to Benjamin Rush, 12 January 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have been favd with yours of the 26th December. Soon after the Rect I had an opportunity of communicating the substance of it, and one from Govr Livingston on the same subject, to the Director General. It is to be regretted, that a department for which such ample provision has been made, and on which so much depends, should yet be inadequate to the ends proposed. If the present medical...
15115From George Washington to Major General William Howe, 30 January 1776 (Washington Papers)
I have a Command from the Honble Continental Congress to propose an Exchange of Governor Skene for Mr James Lovel & Family —If the Proposition is agreeable, you will please to signifie as much to me, & Mr Lovel that he may prepare for his Removal, whilst I cause Mr Skene to be brought to this place. I am Sir Your mo[st] humble s[ervan]t Copy, P.R.O. 30/55, Carleton Papers, document 116 (1);...
15116From George Washington to Adam Stephen, 4 August 1756 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Adam Stephen, 4 Aug. 1756. On 5 Aug. 1756 GW wrote to Stephen: “Yesterday I wrote you.”
15117III: Memorandum of John B. Ashe Comparing Distances from Petersburg, Va., to Charleston, S.C., via Edenton and Halifax … (Washington Papers)
From Petersburg in Virginia to Charleston S.C. Via Edenton is 504 Miles. To wit. From Petersburg to Suffolk 84 Miles to Edenton 58 to Washington 60 to New bern 40 242 to New river 60 to Wilmington 41 to Bound[ar]y house 40 to George town
15118From George Washington to John Hancock, 3 August 1781 (Washington Papers)
I this day receiv’d a Letter from the Count Rochambeau, a copy of which is inclos’d, respecting the Militia from the State of Massachusetts, that were some time since requested for the Rhode Island Department; as they have not arrived agreeable to my expectations, I have to request your Excellency to forward them with the utmost dispatch, as it is of the greatest importance that that post is...
15119[Diary entry: 8 September 1784] (Washington Papers)
8th. Set out about 7 oclock with the Doctr. (Craik) his Son William, and my Nephew Bushrod Washington; who were to make the tour with us. About ten I parted with them at 15 Miles Creek, & recrossed the Potomack (having passed it abt. 3 Miles from the Springs before) to a tract of mine on the Virginia side which I find exceedingly rich, & must be very valuable. The lower end of the Land is rich...
15120Circular to the Brigade Commanders, 6 January 1780 (Washington Papers)
As it will contribute in some degree to relieve our distress on the subject of provision, I am to desire that you will discharge all the men in the Brigade under your command whose enlistments and terms of service will clearly expire by the last of this month. In conducting the matter you will be pleased to call upon the commanding officers of Regiments, to prevent the discharge of any not...
15121To George Washington from Elias Boudinot, 2 March 1778 (Washington Papers)
Having been detained in New York on the business committed to me by your Excellency, much longer than could have been expected, think it my Duty to take the earliest opportunity of Communicating a Report of my Proceedings and the Reasons of my Conduct. On my Arrival in Jersey I wrote to Sir Henry Clinton for permission to pass to New York, for the purpose of visiting our Prisoners &ca as per...
15122From George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 12 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
Your favor of the 8th instant was handed me yesterday evening. Should any of the New-York levies arrive at your post, you will be pleased to order them immediately up to Gen. Clinton at Albany. The two remaining regiments of Poors brigade are to be put in readiness to march at a moments notice. I have omitted giving any directions relative to resignations, till I could ascertain, fully, all...
15123To George Washington from William Baynham, 10 August 1799 (Washington Papers)
I returned last evening from a visit to Gloucester, and found your servant, Tom, who had arrived on the day after I left home, waiting with your letter of the 30th July. I have this morning operated on both Eyes, although, I must confess, with no very sanguine expectations of the boy’s deriving essential relief by the operations: but I have thereby given him the only chance, which the case...
15124To George Washington from Brigadier General George Clinton, 24 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
I this Moment received your Excelllency’s Order of the Day for sending 30,000 Wt of Hard-Bread from this Post to King’s Ferry to be transported from thence to Head Quarters. The Hard Bread was sent here in Bulk and by the Time it was Stored so much broken as to render it almost unfit to be used as I have no empty Casks at this Place to put it in I fear it would be impossible to convey it to...
15125To George Washington from Thomas Burke, 24 March 1779 (Washington Papers)
The Governor of South Carolina has pressed the Governor of Virginia for an aid of Cavalry, and the latter has recommended to the Several Counties of his State which lie contiguous to Carolina to raise Corps of Volunteer Cavalry in order to march to the aid of the Southern army and has transmitted his proceedings to Congress. the affair is Comprehended in a Business referred to A Committee of...
15126To George Washington from Stephen Sayre, 3 January 1795 (Washington Papers)
May I be permitted to bring myself, once more, to your recollection, without offence —Presuming you are uninfluenced, by any recommendation to offices, beyond the merit of the person, to be appointed; I come before you, without friends to sollicit, and without fears, from my enemies, if opportunity is offer’d, to vindicate my character, & conduct. It is not my conjecture, alone, but it is the...
15127To George Washington from Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, Baron [von] Steuben, 23 May 1781 (Washington Papers)
Being called by General Greene to the Southern Army, I have the honor to Report to your Excellency my proceedings whilst in this State. The unfortunate Affair of Camden having intirely broke up the remains of the Virginia Line, a few Officers only remaining uncaptured—the State passed a Law to raise 3000 Men, some for 8 Months and others for 18, not more than one half of this number ever came...
15128From George Washington to Major General Thomas Mifflin, 29 May 1777 (Washington Papers)
I observe, by the late regulation of the Quarter Master General’s department, that the appointment of the Deputies and Assistants is left to you, subject to my approbation. As I must suppose, that you will appoint none, but such as are sufficiently qualified for their respective offices, I hope I shall not be under the disagreeable necessity of putting a negative upon any of your nominations....
15129General Orders, 28 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
Varick transcript , DLC:GW .
15130To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, 19 February 1791 (Washington Papers)
The Secretary of State having recieved from the Commissioners for the State of Vermont a letter proposing these Questions 1. Whether, as that state will not be a distinct member of the union till the 4th day of March next, the President can, before that day, nominate officers for it? and 2. if he cannot, whether he can nominate them after the recess of the Senate? makes thereon to the...
15131[Diary entry: 25 April 1771] (Washington Papers)
25. Mr. Alexander & I rid to my Mill & then to the Fishg. Landing at Posey and came home to dinner after wch. he went away.
15132General Orders, 14 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
The army is to march to morrow morning as soon as it is well light. Varick transcript , DLC:GW . Muhlenberg’s orderly book includes the following general orders from “German Town” on this date: “The Troops are to march to Sweeds Ford in the follg Order by subdivisions from the right, the first two Thirds of the light Dragoons from which the Comm[andin]g Officers will detach small parties to...
15133To George Washington from Bushrod Washington, 27 October 1797 (Washington Papers)
Your letter of the 23d I yesterday recieved. I waited upon Mr Brook today to make the necessary enquiries respecting Mrs Forbes. The Character he gives her, assures me that she will fully answer the purposes for which my Aunt wants her. She is honest, industrious, & well acquainted with nice as well as common Cooking, and other subjects of domestic employment necessary in her profession. But...
15134[Diary entry: 14 October 1769] (Washington Papers)
14. Wind Eastwardly & very Cloudy in the Afternoon, it set in to raining & continued to do so most part of the Night. Warmer than yesterday.
15135To George Washington from Hugh Stephenson, 12 September 1772 (Washington Papers)
I Receved yours of 2d of June and am veary Sorrey I Mist Seing of you as I Went to Colo. Samuell Washington in order to waight upon to talke about this Matter on Thirsday Morning and Mist of you I should have Came to Mr Wornar Washington to you but Meeting with Mr John Aris Who told Me you wase Left the County and as I had Not the Money it wase usless to folow you and thrugh the bad management...
15136[Diary entry: 15 January 1787] (Washington Papers)
Monday 15th. Mercury at 42 in the Morning—52 at Noon and 50 at Night. Rain last Night with the wind fresh from the So. Wt. which continued so through the day. Very lowering all day & now and then a sprinkling with rain but not enough to drive people from work. The Sun set clear and the Western horison indicated fair weather. Rid to all the Plantations & to the Ditchers. In the Neck set the...
15137[Diary entry: 23 September 1765] (Washington Papers)
23. Began to sow Wheat from Colo. Colvils in Peach Orchard, & finishd 24th.—4 Bushls. Began to cut my Meadows at Hell hole & Creek. Col. Thomas Colvill (d. 1766), of Cecil County, Md., had inherited Cleesh, on the south side of Great Hunting Creek, from his brother John (d. 1756).
15138[Diary entry: 22 July 1771] (Washington Papers)
22. Left Colo. Bassetts before Sunrise. Breakfasted at King Wm. Ct. House—dined at Todds bridge & lodgd at Hubbards.
15139[Diary entry: 8 February 1768] (Washington Papers)
8. Rid to Muddy hole—Doeg Run & Mill and in returng. met Mr. Alexander Mr. Stoddard and Captn. Posey, who had just catchd 2 foxes. Returnd w. them to Dinner. Stoddard is possibly a member of the Stoddert family of Prince George’s and Charles counties, Md. Thomas Stoddert, who served with the Maryland troops in the French and Indian War, was the father of Benjamin Stoddert (1751–1813) by his...
15140To George Washington from Major General Robert Howe, 31 May 1780 (Washington Papers)
The inclos’d Copy of a Letter from Governor Trumbull received last Night, I transmit your Excellency without Delay, & should wish to receive your Directions thereupon —The Incursions of the Enemy into this State, & that of Connecticut, the Injuries the[y] do the Inhabitants, & the Benefits the[y] derive from the Supplies they obtain thereby must excite an earnest Desire in every Bosom to...
15141To George Washington from Louis-Pierre Penot Lombart, Chevalier de La Neuville, 23 July 1778 (Washington Papers)
the reunion of the both armÿ in one depriving me of the place of inspector Général of the northern armÿ, being verÿ Sensible that the good of the service requires that a man onlÿ maÿ have the care of the discipline, I résign mÿ commission as inspector, and will continüe to Serve the allÿ’s of mÿ King as a Volunteer, mÿ rank in france, the Senioritÿ of mÿ Services allowing not me to be...
15142From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 30 August 1776 (Washington Papers)
New York, 30 August 1776 . “As Numbers of the Militia are going off without Licence, I desire you will stop all such at Kings bridge, as are not furnished with regular Discharges.” LS , in Tench Tilghman’s writing, MHi : Heath Papers. Heath wrote the captain of the main guard at King’s Bridge later on this date, instructing him “to Stop all Soldiers Coming from the City Except Such as have...
15143From George Washington to Robert Cary & Company, 24 October 1760 (Washington Papers)
I forbore in my Letter of the 28th Ulto to mention what quantity of Tobo you might probably receive from myself and Ward from our Plantation’s on York River till I came down here, and now I am almost as much at a loss as I was then, to guess; so bad is the Tobacco, and so short are the Crops (where proper care is taken to cull it, and that I have strictly chargd all my Overseers to do, being...
15144To George Washington from the Massachusetts Council, 13 December 1775 (Washington Papers)
[Watertown, Mass.] 13 December 1775 . Corrects several mistakes made in its letter to GW of 31 Oct. recommending officers in Col. Ephraim Doolittle’s regiment for commissions. LS signed by William Sever, DLC:GW ; LB (photocopy), DNA : RG 93, Photocopies of State Records.
15145From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 6 July 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor by this morning’s Post, to acknowledge the receipt of your Excellency’s dispatches of the 25th Ulto which have been presented to me by General Lincoln. The several objects to which they extend, will have my consideration, and I shall do myself the honor of informing Congress of the result. Since the Enemy left Jerseys, their main body has proceeded into the County of West...
15146From George Washington to Thomas Pinckney, 20 February 1796 (Washington Papers)
Your letter of the 10th of October from Madrid, has been duly received. With regret, I read the request which is contained in it; but the footing on which you have placed the matter, forbids opposition, or even persuasion on my part that you would recede from it; altho’ the difficulty of supplying your place to my satisfaction; to the satisfaction of your country; or of the Court you will...
15147Enclosure II: Israel Chapin to Henry Knox, 17 September 1794 (Washington Papers)
Since my last I have endeavored to obtain every information from the Westward in my power Mr Wm Ewing having been employed in that quarter returned last evening and the minutes he has made are enclosed, and also the Copy of a letter from Captain Brant. I have had the accounts respecting Genl Waynes Action with the hostile Indians several ways, the particulars are mentioned in Mr Ewings...
15148[Diary entry: 12 April 1768] (Washington Papers)
12. Sewed remainder of Flax Ground at Home. Also sewed Flax Seed at Muddy hole. White fish began to Run. Catching 60 or 70 at a Haul with some Her[rin]g.
15149To George Washington from Major Henry Lee, Jr., 30 November 1779 (Washington Papers)
Since my last I have received no material intelligence from New York. I transmit herewith an accurate memorandum of the enemys navy on this station. The troops are billeted on the inhabitants: it seems as if Gen. Clinton was waiting for the arrival of a packet before he takes any measures for the ensuing campaign or some obstructions are in the way, of which we are unadvised. Two Fleets of...
15150To George Washington from Henry Knox, 27 February 1792 (Washington Papers)
Philadelphia, 27 Feb. 1792. Sends a letter and enclosures received from Lt. Col. James Wilkinson and indicates that other letters “worthy your perusal” will also soon be submitted to the president. ALS , DLC:GW ; LB , DLC:GW . The enclosures have not been identified, but Tobias Lear returned them to Henry Knox on 28 Feb. 1792 ( DLC:GW ).