1To George Washington from Major General Philemon Dickinson, 19 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
An Intelligent Person, who left New York last Wednesday, say’s, that he saw many hundred Houses in that City, cleaning out, for the reception, of the Troops from Philadelphia, which were expected there, in a very short time—and that the general talk of the Town, was their evacuating Philadelphia. A Militia Officer, who this moment returned from Gloucester County, informs me, that the...
2To George Washington from Major General Philemon Dickinson, 15 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
I received your Excellency’s Letter last Night, & you may be assured of my utmost exertions to check the Enemy’s progress in this State—It will not be in my Power, to give them much Opposition for several Days, as our Troops had just before this alarm, received Orders to march for Philadelphia, not a single moment shall be lost; after giving the necessary Orders, I shall instantly go on...
3To George Washington from Major General Philemon Dickinson, 12 January 1781 (Washington Papers)
As I came thro’ Trenton, I saw the Commissioners, who were just going to begin the happy work —The Cloathing promised by the Council of Pennsylvania is arrived —An account was received at Trenton this Morng by a Gentleman from Philada, that the Enemy had captured seven fine Vessels off the Coast. I have the honor to be, Your Excellency’s Most Obt Servt ALS , DLC:GW . Dickinson refers to the...
4To George Washington from Major General Philemon Dickinson, 14 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
A very Intelligent young Man, who left Philadelphia yesterday afternoon at 3, OClock, gave me the following intelligence—that the Enemy for several Nights past, had been crossing over to the Jerseys, the greater part of their Army, supposed to be on this side, the River —more officers than Soldiers, walking the Streets, those in the City uneasy at their situation—many Artillery Waggons had...
5To George Washington from Major General Philemon Dickinson, 11 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
This morning came to this Place, Mr. Anthony Taylor an Inhabitant of Jersey, & gave me the following account that on Wednesday Eveng last (having the liberty of the City, & by bribing two Sailors) he made his escape from New York, in a Boat; that a Frigate came up to N. York, the day before he left it, the Captain of which said, that he had left the whole Fleet much to the Eastward of N. York,...
6To George Washington from Brigadier General Philemon Dickinson, 20 February 1777 (Washington Papers)
Immediately upon the Receipt of your Excellency’s Letter, I sent an Express to Genl Putnam, & shall agreable to your request, give the earliest Intelligence of the Situation & movements of the Enemy, to Genl Green—I shall send into Brunswick on Saturday next, & hope to receive some interesting Intelligence; by the return of the Person sent. I have added a second Picket, they both stand 1¼...
7To George Washington from Major General Philemon Dickinson, 22 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
The Enemy are advancing very fast upon the Bordentown road—they are so superior in Horse, that they push our few, where ever they see them—from every present Appearance, they will pass by Trenton, they will meet great opposition at this Bridge, as I am determined to defend it, as long as tis possible. I have the honor to be, Your Excellency’s Most Obt ALS , DLC:GW .
8To George Washington from Brigadier General Philemon Dickinson, 9 February 1777 (Washington Papers)
Your Excellency’s of the 5th Inst. did not come to hand till last Evening, I reced the Money for your Excellency’s mare by the Express; Capt. Morrison says, his Company was raised by the State of Pennsylvania, for the particular defense of that State, but that he was order’d into Jersey, by the Council of Safety —I mentioned several Days ago to your Excellency, that I had order’d four chests...
9To George Washington from Major General Philemon Dickinson, 16 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
Since I wrote your Excellency last, I have received Information, that I think may be depended upon, that Generals Clinton, Campbell, & Skinner came over into Jersey, with the Detachments from York, & Staten Islands. The Person who gives this account, was at the Ferry on Staten Island, when those three Generals were crossing, & heard General Clinton say, he had orderd two regiments from...
10To George Washington from Major General Philemon Dickinson, 2 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
The Ships that came from N. York with the Troops, came to the Watering Place Yesterday, where they were busily engaged taking in Water all Day—they have on board the following Regiments, the 52d, 36th, 7th & the Light Dragoons—from this account, they intend round by Water—they have landed on Staten Island, two small Regiments one Hessians, the other Anspachers, their whole force there, amounts...
11To George Washington from Major General Philemon Dickinson, 15 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
The inclosed just came to hand, from Genl Maxwell —the same Intelligence, was brought me a few hours before, which I believe may be relied upon—a Person whom I sent down the River, saw the Vessells on the Stocks, at both the upper, & lower parts of the City, in flames. A Gentleman of Reputation who lives near Philada sent me word last Evening, that the Enemy were very industrious, in...
12To George Washington from Brigadier General Philemon Dickinson, 13 March 1777 (Washington Papers)
Agreable to your Excellency’s Orders, I shall this Day send down to Boundbrook, 300 men. The Person I mentioned to your Excellency, is just returned from Brunswick, & brings the following Intelligence. Genl Howe, went to New York, 10 Days ago, the Troops much in the same Situation they were, no Boats building; the Hessians very sickly, & die fast; many English Troops begin to sicken, Skinners...
13To George Washington from Major General Philemon Dickinson, 2 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
I wrote your Excellency yesterday, since which, I have recieved the inclosed from Genl Maxwell, & now forward by Express. I have the honor to be, Your Excellency’s Most Obt Servt ALS , DLC:GW . The enclosed letter from Col. Israel Shreve to Dickinson, dated “fostertown,” N.J., 30 May 1778, reads: “this moment I Got the Intillegence I Expected yesterday, by the person I Sent in to the City. he...
14To George Washington from Major General Philemon Dickinson, 29 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
I am under the disagreable necessity of informing your Excellency, that on my return to this place, I found the number of my Militia greatly reduced, & lessening hourly—there is a universal murmur amongst them, on account their Grass, corn, &c., &c., which they say, will be ruined in a few days, as no Persons can be employed to secure them—as those People, will frequently take it into their...
15To George Washington from Major General Philemon Dickinson, 20 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
I wrote your Excellency this morning, since which have had the honor of receiving your Favor of Yesterday’s date —Your Excellency will be much surprized to hear, there are not more than one thousand of our Militia now embodied, all of which are at this Post—since the receipt of your Excellency’s Letter, I have been considering in what way I could most speedily reinforce the Army under your...
16To George Washington from Major General Philemon Dickinson, 17 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
Your Excellency’s favor of the 13th instant I have recieved—when I mentioned the Establishment of a Post, in such Part of this State, as your Excellency should judge most proper, I meant a Post supplied by our militia; from your Excellency’s letter, I imagine you must have misunderstood me. By the latest accounts recieved from Philadelphia, Sir Harry, either intends to leave the City, or pay...
17To George Washington from Major General Philemon Dickinson, 26 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
I this moment met with the Bearer Mr Hindman, who is just returned from viewing the Enemy; he saw them land, & can give your Excellency a very particular account, for which reason, I have desired him to wait upon you immediately. Mr Hindman thinks, they finished their debarkation last Evening, he saw both Horse & Infantry paraded. Mr Hindman is an Inhabitant of Maryland, which he left...
18To George Washington from Major General Philemon Dickinson, 6 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
I this moment, recieved the inclosed from General Maxwell —in consequence of which, the Troops at this Post, are prepareing to march down the River. An Express, from the other side of the River informs me, there is a large Detachment of the Enemy, advancing towards Newtown—a plundering Party I suppose. I have the honor to be, Your Excellency’s most Ob. St P.S. The Tories in Bucks County, are...
19To George Washington from Major General Philemon Dickinson, 23 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
From every present appearance, I believe the Enemy intend their rout thro’ allentown—Their Lt Horse with a party of Infantry appeared at the Bridge, by Lewis’s Mill—but have retired—a second party of Horse, came up to the Drawbridge, just after we had destroy’d it, & gone off—they have allso retired. I have about six hundred Militia now upon their left flank, the remainder that march’d this...
20To George Washington from Philemon Dickinson, 27 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
Letter not found : from Maj. Gen. Philemon Dickinson, 27 June 1778. In another letter to GW of this date, Dickinson writes that “I wrote your Excellency a few hours ago by Express.”
21To George Washington from Philemon Dickinson, 25 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
Letter not found : from Philemon Dickinson, 25 June 1778. In his other letter of this date to GW, written at 8:00 p.m., Dickinson indicates that “I wrote your Excellency to day at one OClock”; see also GW to Dickinson , this date.
22To George Washington from Major General Philemon Dickinson, 29 January 1781 (Washington Papers)
Your Excellency’s favor of the 23d inst. I have received. The Governor being at Borden Town, I sealed, & forwarded his letter to him. Our Assembly, has adjourned untill May next. I am enabled, by the Powers vested in me, to call into actual Service, the whole force of this State, on any emergency—but cannot march the Troops into a Neighbouring State, without an Order from the Assembly, or the...
23To George Washington from Maj. Gen. Philemon Dickinson, 21 September 1777 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Maj. Gen. Philemon Dickinson, 21 Sept. 1777. GW wrote Dickinson on 22 Sept. : “I am favd with yours of the 21st.”
24To George Washington from Major General Philemon Dickinson, 20 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
I am this moment returned from the lines, the main body of the Enemy lay at Mountholly, their Picket is advanced about one Mile on this side, I was within three hundred yards of it—but could get no intelligence from the Inhabitants, as all those who remain at home, are disaffected—General Clinton is at Holly—their Waggons extend above two Miles—they march now in one Column—were delay’d many...
25To George Washington from Major General Philemon Dickinson, 6 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
This moment I received an Express from an Officer stationed on the South Amboy Shore, informing me, that a Fleet consisting of thirty six Sail, left the Narrows Yesterday Morning, at 10. OClock with a fair Wind—some of them appear’d to [be] very large, & deeply laden’d. I have a Person now on Staten Island, who will return about Midnight, expect to be more particularly informed by him—anything...
26To George Washington from Major General Philemon Dickinson, 24 October 1777 (Washington Papers)
Your favor of Yesterday, was handed me by Col: Fitzgerald; having detached Genl Winds with 1,000 Men to New Windsor, by order of Govr Livingston, this Post was reduced very low; I have endeavour’d by every possible means to bring in the Militia, & have only collected 700 men—hope in a few Days, to increase the Number to 1000. Immediately on reciept of your Excellency’s letter, I sent an...
27To George Washington from Philemon Dickinson, 2 May 1781 (Washington Papers)
Doctor Jones, a Relation, & very particular Friend of mine, who has the honor of being known to you, & whose Principles in the present controversy, have been uniformly in favor of the Liberties of America—has a Brother Mr Evan Jones, who made a very considerable Settlement at Pensacola, before the commencement of this Dispute—the whole of which, he has lately sacrificed to the American cause....
28To George Washington from Brigadier General Philemon Dickinson, 21 December 1776 (Washington Papers)
Two Persons returned Yesterday from the Jerseys, who inform me, that there is a very great body of the Enemy in, & around Brunswick, but they could not ascertain the Number—one of them say’s, they were sending off Provisions &c., towards N. York. They made strict enquiry about Boats, but could not hear, of any preparations of the kind. Another Person from Crosswicks informs me, that he saw a...
29To George Washington from Major General Philemon Dickinson, 30 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
I wrote your Excellency this morning, that I had with difficulty, prevailed on three hundred Men to march agreable to your request—I am extremely sorry to inform you, that half that number did not reach this Place—the remainder are going off hourly, being determined they say, to return home—therefore have no prospect of executing your Excellency’s Orders, which gives me great concern. The only...
30To George Washington from Major General Philemon Dickinson, 28 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
A Major who was on Duty on the Lines last Night, this moment informs me, that the Enemy are in Motion—marching off—my Picket at the Mill drove the Enemy of[f] last Eveng & kept the Ground. I have the honor to be Your Excellency’s Most Ob. St I am moving down two or three hundred Men to amuse & detain them—& have parties out to gain Intelligence—shall take down the whole of my troops, as soon,...
31To George Washington from Major General Philemon Dickinson, 28 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
Having obtained the fullest Information, respecting the Strength & Situation, of the Enemy upon Staten Island, & made the necessary Preparations, I called in many Volunteers, whose Numbers, in addition to those who were on Duty at this Post, amounted to about 1400 Men, with this Detachment, I landed Yesterday Morning before Day, upon the Island, from Halsteads Point—The whole Strength of the...
32To George Washington from Major General Philemon Dickinson, 18 June 1777 (Washington Papers)
In consequence of a Commission which I r[e]cieved a few Days ago from the honble Council & Assembly of this State, (being at that Time in Maryland) I am now on my Way to join Genl Sullivans Division, where I am informed the greatest Number of the Jersey Militia are collected. I should have done myself the honor of waiting upon your Excellency, but have been much indisposed; I expect to be at...
33To George Washington from Major General Philemon Dickinson, 24 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
I am this moment returned from the Drawbridge, & saw the rear of the Enemy march of[f], from their encampment—a few Videts still continue on the Hill. I believe they have filed off towards Allentown, & Crosswicks, & suppose they will continue their march for Cranberry—Col: Morgan marches in the Afternoon, for Allentown, as tis most agreable to him, to fall on their rear—I shall order about...
34To George Washington from Major General Philemon Dickinson, 3 October 1777 (Washington Papers)
I had order’d a Major with One hundred Men, as a Guard to the Stores at Trenton, before the receipt of your favor of the 1st Inst:—from the Number of Waggons that I am informed, are employ’d in the removal of those Stores, I imagine the quantity now remaining, cannot be very great. Should your Excellency think the Guard insufficient, it shall be immediately increased—The following is the...
35To George Washington from Major General Philemon Dickinson, 17 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
The inclosed Letter, I this moment received from Govr Livingston —I pressed him in the strongest manner, to call out the whole of our Militia, but to no purpose—your Excellency will see his determination by the inclosed. Genl Maxwell informs me, in a letter of yesterdays date, that the Enemy are still busily engaged, in crossing over to the Jersey shore, Troops, Artillery, Horses, Cattle &c....
36To George Washington from Major General Philemon Dickinson, 28 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
By Intelligence this moment received, from a Person, who was within three miles of the Court House, the Enemy had not advanced upon the Middle town road, further than two Miles—& that no Baggage, has been sent down that road. I have the honor to be, Your Excellency’s Most Ob. St ALS , DLC:GW .
37To George Washington from Major General Philemon Dickinson, 11 June 1780 (Washington Papers)
I am just returned from Philadelphia, & should immediately have waited upon your Excellency, but was desired by the Governor, to attend the Council this day—The Governor assured me, he had recieved no authentic accounts of the Enemys movements, since their excursion into the State, untill the reciept of Lord Sterlings letter, which came to hand this Morng. I am now directed by the Governor &...
38To George Washington from Major General Philemon Dickinson, 21 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
I am just returned from General Maxwells Quarters—have sent down three Detachments of Militia, upon different roads, to throw every possible obstruction in the Enemy’s way, & to skirmish with them, when they advance—no movement to Day, except bringing up their rear, which I believe, was the cause of so long a halt, at Holly—The Continental Troops are all drawn from the lines, except one...
39To George Washington from Major General Philemon Dickinson, 1 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
Your Excellency’s favor of the 27th October, I receivd the 30th & should be happy, if I had it my Power to inform you, that I was prepareing for my March to the Delaware. I mentioned to the Governor & Council, the urgent Necessity for the immediate compliance with your Excellency’s request, but have yet received no Answer—nor do I believe, the Order will be given in time, to be of any...
40To George Washington from Major General Philemon Dickinson, 15 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
Nothing material has happen’d since I wrote your Excellency last—by Intillegence from New York, General Clinton (who remains there) has order’d out the Militia—I received a Letter from Genl Putnam Yesterday, he is advancing towards Kingsbridge, which has caused a great alarm in the City—a large Party of the Militia, are sent over to Long Island every Morning to erect some Works, they return...
41To George Washington from Major General Philemon Dickinson, 24 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have sent under Guard to your Excellency, a British Sergeant, who was some time ago a Prisoner, & now pretends to be a Deserter—he appears very suspicious, his Companion has made his escape—I believe from circumstances he is a Spy—two British Grenadiers just came in, the main body of the Enemy, lay at Allentown this day—they deserted at 3, OClock P.M. —they say, the direction of the flying...
42To George Washington from Brigadier General Philemon Dickinson, 26 February 1777 (Washington Papers)
I shall take care in future, to communicate to your Excellency by Letter certain Intelligence that may be received; my Reason for sending him up, was to give your Excellency an Opporty of asking many Questions, which perhaps I had omitted. I am much obliged by your Excellency’s Permission to purchase the Horse, I shall have him valued, & pay the Money, as proposed—shall observe your...
43To George Washington from Major General Philemon Dickinson, 25 October 1777 (Washington Papers)
By a Person just returned from Bergen, who has been stationed there for several Days; I am informed, that the Enemy’s Fleet with all their flat bottomed Boats, that went up the North River, returned last Evening to N. York. The report is confirmed, of their having burnt Kingston at Æsopus—& by a woman who left N. York two Days ago, I can inform your Excellency, that the report of General...
44To George Washington from Major General Philemon Dickinson, 9 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
Your favors of the 5th & 7th instant, I receivd last Evening, your Excellency’s Orders, respecting the disposition of the Militia, upon the Enemy’s expected march thro’ the Jerseys, shall be strictly complied with. I shall endeavour to be prepared for them, but it will take some time, to assemble a very large Body of Militia, I have no doubt they will turn out, with Spirit, upon such an...
45To George Washington from Major General Philemon Dickinson, 22 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
At one oClock this morning, I received information, that the Enemy were endeavouring to surround us, with a strong detachment which marched last Evening from Holly, the Informant said, they intended to take possession, of Crosswicks, & the Drawbridge, whilst their main body moved on, in our rear—I thought our situation very precarious, therefore am now preparing to cross, the Creek...
46To George Washington from Major General Philemon Dickinson, 20 June 1780 (Washington Papers)
This moment an officer (Major Edgar ) who lives near Woodbridge came to my Quarters, & gives the followg Intelligence—That Genl Clinton had landed 4,000 Men upon Staten Island, the main body were marching towards Amboy, & a large Column to the Blazing-star —a report prevails, that a number of Boats were come round into Princes Bay—In consequence of the above, I have order’d Major Edgar with...
47To George Washington from Philemon Dickinson, 14 March 1781 (Washington Papers)
On receipt of your Excellency’s favor of the 1st inst: I immediately returned to Jersey and have given the necessary direction, agreable to your Orders—I shall remain here some Days longer, when I shall return to my Family in Town, for a short time; should anything happen during my absence, I shall instantly be informed by Express, & your Excellency may be assured, of my immediate attendance....
48To George Washington from Major General Philemon Dickinson, 4 October 1777 (Washington Papers)
By intelligence just received, which I am of opinion may be depended on, there is some great & uncommon movement of the Enemy; what their real intentions are, cannot determine—the prevailing opinion is, that they intend to push thro’ this State, perhaps it may be to assist Burgoyne, a few days will determine the matter; when your Excellency shall be further informed. I have given orders for a...
49To George Washington from Major General Philemon Dickinson, 12 January 1781 (Washington Papers)
I did myself the honor of forwarding to your Excellency, two Packets from the Committee of Congress; which contained every occurrence worth communicating, & prevented my addressing your Excellency sooner. Upon receiving, the disagreable Intelligence respecting the Pennsylvania Line, I imagined the Enemy would have taken the advantage of those disturbances, & have thrown a body of Troops into...
50To George Washington from Major General Philemon Dickinson, 27 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
Two deserters from Philadelphia, whch they left yesterday morning, bring the following Intelligence; that all the Cannon, except twelve brass field pieces, were actually embarked, with their baggage, The wood-cutter had left this State, that the party which cover’d them, consistg of four Regiments, under the Command of Genl Lesly, were striking their Tents, & puting them, on board the Shiping,...