51To George Washington from Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 27 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
The Circumstances situation & Numbers of this Army, as well as that of the Enemy—which your Excellency was pleased to lay before the Council of General Officers last evening —I have fully Considered, & am of Opinion that something ought to be attempted in order to draw Genl Clinton’s attention towards Kings Ferry, which will not only give great Security to the Adjacent States—but leave it in...
52To George Washington from Brig. Gen. Anthony Wayne, 30 July 1779 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found : from Brig. Gen. Anthony Wayne, 30 July 1779. GW wrote Wayne on this day: “Your favor of this date came duly to hand.”
53To George Washington from Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 31 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
It was not until 10. OClock this morning that I was honored with your favor of yesterday, (& not as Commanding Officer of the Light Corps, but as your Excellency desires ) I now give my Opinion on the point you require. The Enemy will certainly profit so far by their late misfortune at Stoney point, as to provide for, or guard against a Surprize, & to find out, & Strengthen the most Vulnerable...
54To George Washington from Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 18 August 1779 (Washington Papers)
A deserter from the 64t British who left Stoney point last night Informs that it was reported, that a Large fleet of Shipping with troops on board had arrived at Sandy Hook, that Sixty Transports was said to be proceeding up the River—but knows nothing of the Intentions of the Enemy, they continue hard at work on their fortifications & have enclosed them in the Rear with Pickets—& Surrounded...
55To George Washington from Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 30 August 1779 (Washington Papers)
I believe every man has his Volarnarable part—& if ever a poor fellow was more sorely tro[u]bled to find it out than me, I sin[c]erely pity him. When you can have a Leisure Moment I wish you to ⟨peruse⟩ the Enclosed as Numbered—I believe the cause of Complaint is removed & harmony again taken place. I do not think it Originated in this Corps—at le[a]st I have some ground to apprehend the...
56To George Washington from Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 7 September 1779 (Washington Papers)
I returned late last evening from Reconnoitring the Enemy at Stoney point, & find that they have nearly Completed their works —which Consist of One Advanced Redoubt on the Hill Commanding the ferry, way enclosed & finished, with a good Abbatis & Block House to fire over the parapet in barbet. The large work is also Enclosed the parapet raised much higher than usual & fraised in the most...
57To George Washington from Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 14 September 1779 (Washington Papers)
Enclosed is a Letter from Mr Measam proposing the Clothing of the Light Corps in a Complete Uniform of Blue & Red —as many of them are very Ragged—especially the Virginia Line whose coats are so worn out that they are Obliged to Substitute Linnen hunting Shi[r]ts—and as the Corps is made up of Officers & men from each Line—it can’t be deemed partiallity to any One State when a proportion of...
58To George Washington from Anthony Wayne, 20 Sept. 1779 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found : from Anthony Wayne, 20 Sept. 1779. On 21 Sept., GW wrote Wayne: “Your letter of yesterday evening came to hand late last night.”
59To George Washington from Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 23 September 1779 (Washington Papers)
I was honored with yours of the 21st Instant on my return from the Enemies Lines last evening, containing a Complaint of a Young Gecock concerning some violences said to be committed against him in my Corps. I shall agreeable to your Excellency’s Orders give you the Circumstances & Cause of that treatment as far as came within my knowledge. a Constant & Disorderly practice of fireing in the...
60To George Washington from Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 24 September 1779 (Washington Papers)
I intended to do myself the honor of waiting on you this morning, but my foot being a little painful, & the appearance of the Sixteen Gun Sloop of War, with a Galley & a few boats round the Dunderberg point, determined me to remain in my Quarters, shou’d anything further turn up your Excellency may depend upon the earliest Intelligence. I wished to have spoke to you on Major McCormicks affair...
61To George Washington from Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 28 September 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have in Company with Sevl field officers reconnoitred the Ground in the vicinity of Haverstraw Forge and the roads & avenues leading to it & find a very strong & advantegious position about a mile in the rear or Westward of the forge each flank covered by Strong ground and roads to retire either by the left to June’s or under the foot of the Mountain to Sufferan’s—this position will at once...
62To George Washington from Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 30 September 1779 (Washington Papers)
I took the Liberty to mention to you yesterday the expediency of having two more pieces of artillery added to the Light Corps—I could wish for two Light [field pieces] or Grass Hoppers which with the two we now have under Capt. Pendleton —will be sufficient to give Confidence to our own people & some degree of Apprehension to our Enemy—for altho’ I have but Little Opinion of the Execution done...
63To George Washington from Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 5 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
The moment I recd your favor of the 3rd Instant which was not u[n]til 11 OClock yesterday—I orderd out a Covering party & took with me some field Officers, under an Escort of a few Dragoons—& proceeded to the place where Genl Du Portail was to be—but he had gone away about a half an hour before we arrived. I immediately detached a Light Horse who returned without coming up with him after he...
64To George Washington from Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 9 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
Enclosed is a plan of the Enemies works at Stoney point—taken by Colo. Putnam with the points of attack in case of an Investure. They have neither Bomb proofs—nor a Magazine, their Amunition is kept on Board a Sloop in the rear of the point except a few Rounds for their Artillery which are Covered by two tents—they have one 32 pounder mounted on their Right or North part of the works, one 18...
65To George Washington from Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 13 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
In Obedience to your Orders of the Instant I directed Colonels Putnam & Butler to Reconnoitre the Ground from this Camp by Spring Steels to the point of the Dunderberg opposite picks Kill —who Report that a very good road may be made with little trouble from Spring Stells to a Landing about two Miles & a half in a Direct Line above Stoney Point where a Battery may be Immediately Errect[ed] so...
66To George Washington from Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 14 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
The appearance of the number of Vessels in Haverstraw Bay was a little exaggerated —there is not the least sign of an alteration in the Garrison except that they are employed in erecting a Magazine. had not your Excellency given a hint that you wished to lull, rathar than alarm the Enemy, I should have been tempted (since the arrival of the Virginia Line) to have asked for the Artillery I...
67To George Washington from Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 19 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
I was honored with your favor of the 17th last Evening & had a Similar acct out from Stoney Point the day preceeding & took measures accordingly—but have not as yet been able to discover any Alteration in the Garrison or Shiping. Yours of the 18th this moment came to hand—I shall set the troops to work at the Gabions & facines the moment the bill Hooks arrive, & in the Interim will be...
68To George Washington from Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 21 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
about 10 OClock last evening I recd Intelligence that a number of flat Bottomed boats & Several vessels were moving up Haverstraw bay—the troops were Ordered to lay on their arms & Several patroles detatched towards the Enemies Lines to Observe thier Motions, the whole Concuring that some Capital move was in agitation—but could not discover whether it was an Embarkation or a Debarkation. at 12...
69To George Washington from Anthony Wayne, 21 Oct. 1779 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found : from Anthony Wayne, 21 Oct. 1779. On 22 Oct., Wayne wrote to GW: “I did myself the honor to Inform your Excellency of the Evacuation of Stoney & verplanks points, in mine of yesterday, dated ½ after 3 OClock P.M. ” ( PHi ).
70To George Washington from Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 22 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
I recd your two favors of the 21st by Doctr Johnston—& the express—the first at 4. in the afternoon the latter at 11. OClock last Evening. I did myself the honor to Inform your Excellency of the Evacuation of Stoney & Verplanks points, in mine of yesterday, dated ½ after 3 OClock P.M. in which I met your Idea of caution in taking possession of that post, as I apprehended more danger from the...
71To George Washington from Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 27 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
Inclosed are two letters this moment Recd in consequence of which Genl Woodford & myself will take up our line of March in the Morning, towards Paramus—so as to be in a Situation to afford every possible cover to the Country & if practicable strike the Enemy on their Return, or follow them should they have our Stores or any other Objects in view. You may depend on the earliest notice of any...
72To George Washington from Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 28 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
The only direct Intelligence I have been able to obtain of the motions of the Enemy is Contained in the Enclosed Copy of a letter from Colo. Seely. we have a Number of Patrols out—which have not yet Returned—rumour says that General Clinton is Committing Devestation in Monmouth—but not authenticated—a Report also prevailed that a Large body were landed yesterday at Fort Lee—this is without...
73To George Washington from Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 4 November 1779 (Washington Papers)
We marched in force to the English Neighbourhood on tuesday morning, for the purpose of making a grand forage, between that place & Be[r]gen, which we have effected without Opposition, the troops will return to their Camp near Paramus this Evening. We found & brought off from Wihoak & Be[r]gen upwards of One hundred head of fat Cattle & a Considerable Quantity of Grain, for which I have...
74To George Washington from Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 5 November 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have been favored with yours of yesterday within this half hour—& shall keep a watchful eye on the Enemy—altho’ I am Confident that no move whatever had taken place—unless in the Night—the night before last as my Guards were posted at every look out from Wihoaks opposite New York, as far up the River as Tapon with constant partrole’s from one post to an other, so that a Single person could...
75To George Washington from Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 9 November 1779 (Washington Papers)
I was honored with your two favors of the 5th Instant & in Obedience thereto marched & took post here, but could wish to be a few miles lower down towards Newark. I am fully of Opinion with your Excellency that Govr Levingstons Information was nothing more than that which Colo. Seeley Communicated to me, but in place of two Regiments, I believe that all the troops from Rhode Island were landed...
76To George Washington from Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 10 November 1779 (Washington Papers)
If not Inconsistant, I should esteem it as a particular favor if your Excellency would permit Major Moore to join my family during the remainder of the Campaign—or until Mr Archer recovers from his late accident. I also beg leave to mention that Lieut. Colo. Fleury’s absence has made a Vacency in Colo. Febigers Regt a Lieut. Colo. is also wanting in Colo. Meigs’s—& should Major Hull proceed to...
77To George Washington from Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 15 November 1779 (Washington Papers)
Being informed that a Considerable number of fat Cattle were Collected on Secokus Island or neck of land (say 300 head) for the use of the Enemy, Colonel Putnam & myself formed a plan for bringing them off, he was accordingly Detatched with three Hundred men for that purpose yesterday Evening, at 10 OClock last night & Six this morning he sent me the Inclosed Notes, in answer to the first I...
78To George Washington from Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 18 November 1779 (Washington Papers)
The false alarm the Other day prevented Colo. Putnam from executing the business upon which he went —& the Rascally Inhabitants have since drove in their own Cattle to Paulus Hook e[x]cept about forty Head which were brought Off yesterday—by Capt. Bowman—whilst Part of the Field Officers & myself were Reconnoitring the Enemy—in the Vicinity of Fort Washington, We had an Idea of striking those...
79To George Washington from Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 19 November 1779 (Washington Papers)
I send you a Sacradotal Villain who came from new York the day before yesterday he effects a total Ignorance of every matter or thing Concerning the Enemy—but acknowledges that after being dismissed our Service—and Discarded by his flock —he in a fit of Desperation went Voluntarily into New York—with an Intention to go to England—(a place where Religion is so predominant, that any Clergyman...
80To George Washington from Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 25 November 1779 (Washington Papers)
I was honored with your favor of the 20th Instant the day before yesterday on the banks of the North River opposite Fort Washington, & must Conclude that I omitted a word or two in my letter of the 18th, but your Excellency has done me justice in supposing that I wou’d not attempt anything Capital without giving you previous notice & obtaining your permission, Indeed in this Instance we could...
81To George Washington from Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 2 December 1779 (Washington Papers)
From the best Intelligence I have be[en] able to procure no Embarkation had taken place at New York the day before Yesterday—altho’ all accounts agree that the Shiping are in perfect readiness for the purpose —We have had among many others ten british Granadiers Deserters belong[ing] to the 44th Regiment within three Weeks—besides two that were Captured a few days since—by the Militia—upon...
82To George Washington from Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 9 December 1779 (Washington Papers)
In Obedience to your’s of yesterday Colo. Febeger with the Virginia Light Infantry will March tomorrow morning at 8 OClock, but for want of shoes must carry a great many of his People in Waggons. there are a Considerable Number of our men totally barefoot, & many more will soon be in the same predicament, unless the Line sends a speedy Supply of this Necessary article, It’s true that some of...
83To George Washington from Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 9 December 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have this moment recd the Inclosed—it has been unaccountably delayed—but so nearly Corroborates that which I sent you this morning, that I thought it my duty to Communicate it. I shall send a trusty Person to New York in the Morning & expect the earliest Intelligence of any movement of the Enemy—which shall be Immediately forwarded to your Excellency. Interim I am yours Most Sincerely ALS ,...
84To George Washington from Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 14 December 1779 (Washington Papers)
No part of the Enemies fleet had sail’d yesterday morning—nor do I think had any Considerable Embarkation taken place altho’ everything is undoubtedly ready for the purpose. the Inclosed written Intelligence is to be depended up[on] —the person is again gone in & has it in his power to procure the most authentick Information. You’l find a few very artful Insidious pieces in some of the...
85To George Washington from Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 18 December 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have nothing new from the Enemy but hourly expect my Mercury, Was I to hazard an Opinion it would be that no Embarkation takes place until the Sun has paid his visit to, & on his return from the tropic of Capricorn, for Seamen Always dread the tropical, more than the Equinoctial storms, and shou’d Sr Harry Clinton possess those talents necessary to Constitute a Genl of so powerful an Army as...
86To George Washington from Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 21 December 1779 (Washington Papers)
Last Saturday a Considerable Number of transports fell down to red hook—& on Sunday Morning about 10. OClock they weighed anchor & fell lower —but whether there were any troops on board, or whether they went farther than the Narrows, the Informant can’t tell as he could not possibly pass to New York on acct of the Ice in by Bergen point. he is since gone over & an Other to Staten Island, from...
87To George Washington from Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 21 December 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have this moment returned from Paulus Hook, Eighty sail of transports (said to be full of men) fell down to Sandy Hook between the hours of 10 OClock this Morning & three in the afternoon —none had as yet sailed out of the Hook—but seemed to be assembling for the purpose. I have not been able to Determine what troops or Corps are on board but expect further Intelligence every moment which I...
88To George Washington from Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 23 December 1779 (Washington Papers)
The intelligence that Colo. Butler brings from Amboy which place he left at 12 OClock this day is, that 137 sail of shipping lay at Anchor in sandy Hook Bay at 8 OClock this morning. That between that and the hour he left it 102 sail had weighed Anchor and gone out to sea—among which was a large Man of War with a Flag at her fore topmast head, thought to be Admiral Arbuthnot—that 35 sail of...
89To George Washington from Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 26 December 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have just returned from a Position where I had a fine view, & Distinctly counted 110 Sail of Shiping standing out to Sea, One Hundred & odd of which were large Ships. The first view I had was about One OClock, when I could only discover Six Vessels which were a great way out & soon disappeared—(they probably might be the rear of a larger Number)—at ½ after one the Van of the Other Ships...
90To George Washington from Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 7 January 1780 (Washington Papers)
I was honored with your favor of the 28th Ultimo, & on the 2nd Instant the Light Corps was Dessolved & took up the Line of march to join their Respective Regiments, after reading the Inclosed Order at the head of each Battalion. the Distinguished & honorable manner in which your Excellency has more than once mentioned my name to Congress, & your very polite approbation of my Conduct thro’ the...
91To George Washington from Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 4 February 1780 (Washington Papers)
I was so unfortunate as not to be acquainted with the Intended attempt upon Staten Island, otherwise I certainly would not wish to be Absent, but the misfortune I most regret is —that Nature had not formed her bridge previous to the Dessolution of the Light Corps —for be assured we remained some days (wishing & anxiously waiting for that event) after the State of our Magazines, together with...
92To George Washington from Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 11 May 1780 (Washington Papers)
many Gentlemen in this place affect to be very Sanguine in the Defence of Charles town, & remain in the most unworthy state of torpidity, waiting the Issue—whilst others are depressed or elevated (like the ebbing & flowing of the tide) upon the rect of every piece of Intelligence, either of a gloomy or pleasing complexion —but an equal supiness pervades the Whole, & when they are calling upon...
93To George Washington from Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 25 May 1780 (Washington Papers)
I was favored with yours of the 18th last evening—& will in consequence render myself in Camp the latter end of next week —when I shall esteem myself honored by any commands you may please to favor me with. We have nothing new from Charles town—the Investiture was compleated on the 28th Ultimo —all rank’s of people are anxiously waiting the event, may it be favorable, & may your Excellency put...
94VII. To George Washington from Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 23 June 1780 (Washington Papers)
You have heard that the Enemy—after burning Spring-field—are retired to their former post on Elizabeth town point—their Number (from every Judicial Observation) did not exceed four thousand, they brought out three days provision & upwards of twenty pieces of Artillery. I have not yet seen Genl Greene—but from very good Intelligence two Batts. of Grenadrs—& two of Light Infantry together with...
95To George Washington from Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 10 July 1780 (Washington Papers)
It was but the evening before last that I had the honor of first seeing the General state of facts your Excellency was pleased to lay before the Council of War on the 6th Ultimo which I have given as mature a Consideration as time & Circumstances would permit. I find by a comparitive view of our present force with that of the Enemy after making proper allowances, for the change of Affairs by...
96To George Washington from Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 18 July 1780 (Washington Papers)
In obedience to your Excellency’s Orders I proceeded with Mr Erskine to reconnoitre the Landing places from Closter to Dobbs’s Ferry, & found the following viz. Closter landing situate about Six or seven miles above Fort Lee—& a little south of Phillips’s was formerly made use of by the Inhabitants in its vicinity, and rendered practicable for two horse Sleds , from the Declivity of the...
97To George Washington from Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 21 July 1780 (Washington Papers)
being convinced that our field pieces were too light to make the wished Impression on the Block house by Bulls ferry, from an experience of more than an hour (at no greater Distance than from 50 to 70 Yards)—during which time both Officers & men evinced a Degree of bravery seldom equalled—but never excelled —and seeing the Enemy in motion On york Island & their shipping under way—together with...
98To George Washington from Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 22 July 1780 (Washington Papers)
In pursuance of the plan which your Excellency was pleased to adopt —the first & Second Pennsa Brigades with four pieces of Artillery belonging to Colo. Procters Regiment and Colo. Moylans Dragoons, took up their line of march on the 20th at 3. OClock P.M. & arrived a little in the rear of New Bridge at 9. in the Evening, moved again at One in the morning in order to Occupy the Ground in the...
99To George Washington from Brigadier Generals Anthony Wayne and William Irvine, 10 August 1780 (Washington Papers)
It was not until some time after your Excellency was made acquainted with the very great dissatisfaction which the Majors of the Pennsa line experienced, on the appointment of Major McPherson to a Command in the Corps of Light troops drawn from that State, that we were Informed of the address they presented to you. the moment we discovered the effect that appointment had upon them—every means...
100To George Washington from Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 3 September 1780 (Washington Papers)
When I was first informed of the discontent that pervaded the whole of the Field Officers of the Pennsa line on acct of the appointment of Major Macpherson to a Command in the Light Infantry—it gave me much pain, but when I found the effect it had on their minds was such as would probably produce a General resignation, I felt every sensation that could possibly take place in a breast,...