24751Instructions to Colonel John Glover and Stephen Moylan, 4 October 1775 (Washington Papers)
His Excelly having resolved to equip two armed Vessels has impowired you to negotiate this Business in which the followg Directions are to be observed. Copy in Joseph Reed’s writing, DLC:GW ; Varick transcript , DLC:GW . Although Reed’s copy has no dateline, it is endorsed “Octr 4th 1775.” The Varick transcript includes the closing, “I am, Gentn Your Most Obt Servt G. Washington.” GW left much...
24752From George Washington to John Baker, 11 April 1783 (Washington Papers)
I shall be obliged to you for some of the Plaister of Paris, or that white powder with which you take (in wax) the Model of the Mouth for your false teeth—and directions how to mix, & make use of it—When you have done this, I can then give you such a Model as will enable you to furnish me with what I want. Mr Pierce, Pay master Genl who is the bearer of this, & will return immediately back to...
24753To George Washington from William Heath, 25 March 1783 (Washington Papers)
A number of very respectable merchants in the town of Boston have lately been imposed upon and defrauded of property to a very large amount, by two persons whose names are William Campbell, and William Huntington, who after geting the property into their hands have abscounded, and as is Supposed gone to New York, such practices being detested by all civilized nations, and persons whose breasts...
24754From George Washington to Brigadier General William Smallwood, 1 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
A Plan has been formed for establishing uniformity of discipline and manoeuvres throughout the army by instituting an inspectorship— and the troops in camp have already derived evident advantage from the execution—Baron de Steuben a Prussian Officer of high rank and great experience acts as Inspector General and has under him two ranks of inspectors; the first superintend several divisions of...
24755From George Washington to Brigadier General Samuel Holden Parsons, 13 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
I received yours of the 11th last night, and I beg you will present my particular thanks to Capt. Betts and such others of the Officers and men, as well of the Militia as of the Continental troops, who distinguished themselves upon the present occasion—I shall be obliged to you to take the speediest measures to procure me an exact detail of the mischief done by the enemy at the different...
24756To George Washington from General Frederick Haldimand, 29 August 1779 (Washington Papers)
Amongst the various Evils that are the certain Attendants of a Civil War, I did not expect to find the unmeritted Misery of Individuals, one of the Objects to occupy the Virginian Assembly, because I thought the liberal Education many of its Inhabitants have received, joined to their private Virtues, however they might be changed by Party, would at least have prevented their Assembly from...
24757To George Washington from Andrew Billings, 27 December 1782 (Washington Papers)
We the Master, Wardens and Brethern of Solomon’s Lodge, are highly sensible of the honour done to Masonry in general, by the countenance shewn it by the most dignified Characters. We esteem it a peculiar honour to us in particular that at this Time we may with one Heart, congratulate your Excellency on your arrival here, by the appellation of Brother. Gratitude on this, as well as on all other...
24758Sonnet from Domenico Bertini, of Florence, 12 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
A Sua Eccellenza il Signor Washinton Generale delle Colonie Americane Sonetto ADS (in Italian), DLC:GW ; translation, DLC:GW . The sonnet and translation both are undated. GW docketed the translation “Letter & Sonnet from Dominec Bertini, 12th Novr 1777.” Bertini enclosed this sonnet in a letter to James Lovell written in Italian at Florence, Italy, on 12 Nov., and Lovell apparently forwarded...
24759To George Washington from Ebenezer Huntington, 10 September 1782 (Washington Papers)
In adverting to the Resolution of his Excellency Governor Trumbull & Council of Safety, I observe the reason they give for Colo. Grey’s being intitled to the Rank of me is principally on account of Lt Colo. Livingstons being continued on the Muster & Pay Rolls of the late 9th Connt Regt after the 10th of October 1778, the time on which my Commission stands dated, which rolls were signed by me...
24760General Orders, 26 June 1776 (Washington Papers)
Agreeable to a Resolve of the Honorable the Continental Congress, no Certificates of Expences are to be given in future by any but Brigadiers, Quarter Masters and their Deputies, or a Field Officer on a march, or officer commanding at a detached post. The remainder of Col. Waynes Regiment under Command of Lieut. Col. Johnston are to embark for Albany on Saturday next —The Quarter Master...
24761To George Washington from Seth Warner, 16 June 1782 (Washington Papers)
After a long Confinement With Sickness and Lameness Which hath followed me Ever since I Left the Sarviss I Would present you With a line prehaps not Worthy your observation though With the leatest intelligence from Canaday—Liut Dunning an officer from my Regiment Who Was taken presner on the 14 Mile island in Lake georeg july the 13th 1778 hath got his Redemtion By the Way of Varmont and Maid...
24762To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 28 August 1780 (Washington Papers)
Yesterday morning I was informed by a Credible Coaster from Martha’s Vineyard that the British Fleet were the day before in the Vineyard Sound and to the Westward of the Island, to the number of twenty Sail & upwards. their object probably is to plunder the Stock &c. I think it is not unlikely that the Small embarkation of Troops lately mentioned to be taking place at New York are on this...
24763To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel John Laurens, 14 February 1780 (Washington Papers)
I should have done myself the honor of writing to you earlier, but postponed my intention in hopes of obtaining satisfactory intelligence of the force and designs of the enemy in this quarter—Altho’ my expectations are far from being answered, I must entreat your Excellencys acceptance of what I have been able to collect on those subjects, lest the expected siege prolong my silence beyond the...
24764From George Washington to David Ross, Jr., 24 October 1781 (Washington Papers)
In Answer to your Queries of Yesterday, The Negroes that have been retaken, from whatever State, whose Owners do not appear, should all be treated in the same Manner, & sent into the County to work for their Victuals & Cloathes, & advertised in the States they came from—Those from N. York, are most probably the property of Inhabitants of that State & N. Jersey—and should be there Advertised—If...
24765To George Washington from Major General Stirling, 4 Oct. 1779 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found : from Major General Stirling, 4 Oct. 1779. On 7 Oct., GW wrote Stirling: “I am this moment favored with yours of the 4th.”
24766From George Washington to Guy Carleton, 6 May 1783 (Washington Papers)
In my Letter of the 21st of April I enclosed to your Excellency a Copy of a resolution of Congress of the 15th instructg me in three points which appear necessary for carrying into Effect the Terms of the provisional Treaty between Great Britain & the United States of America; and informed you, that such part as rested on my decision, and which regarded the Release of Prisoners, had been...
24767To George Washington from Burwell Bassett, 5 April 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have waited thus long without writeing to you in hopes that I should been able to inclosd you and Accot of the settlement of your affairs below but Posey has not yet finishd the business he has paid to Mr Washington £1009 as soon as it settle’d I will send you the best Accot that I can get made out but what I can learn from Posey Hill has kept his Accot in such a manner that will be very...
24768From George Washington to Major Benjamin Tallmadge, 27 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
Your Letter of the 25th came safe—the Ink I sent a day or two ago by Colo: Saml Webb who I hope has delivered it safe e’re this. I shall examine your dictionary the moment I am at leizure thanking you in the mean while for the trouble you have had in preparing it. I am Dr Sir Yr Most Obedt ALS , in private hands. GW signed the cover of this letter and addressed it to “Majr Talmadge Light...
24769General Orders, 18 October 1777 (Washington Papers)
The General has his happiness completed relative to the successes of our northern Army. On the 14th instant, General Burgoyne, and his whole Army, surrendered themselves prisoners of war—Let every face brighten, and every heart expand with grateful Joy and praise to the supreme disposer of all events, who has granted us this signal success—The Chaplains of the army are to prepare short...
24770From George Washington to La Luzerne, 23 September 1779 (Washington Papers)
Colo. Fleury this moment presented to me the letter your Excellency did me the honor to write from Trenton. & by his communication of your arrival at that place without accident, & meeting Monsr Gerard in good health, made me perfectly happy. Monsr Fleury has obtained my consent to be absent from this Army—He carries with him a certificate expressive of his great merit as an Officer—and a...
24771From George Washington to Lt. Col. Robert Hanson Harrison, 12 January 1777 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Lt. Col. Robert Hanson Harrison, 12 Jan. 1777. In his letter of 20 Feb. 1777 to the Maryland council of safety, Samuel Chase asked the council “to consider the following Extract of a Letter from Genl. Washington to his Friend Colo. Harrison, of 12 [ultimo]. ‘With great Truth I can add, that Heaven alone knows upon what principle they (the Enemy) act, or by what Means, they...
24772From George Washington to James Duane, 30 September 1782 (Washington Papers)
I shall be obliged to you, or some friend in Congress, to inform me what has been, or is like to be done, with respect to my reference of the case of Captn Huddy? I cannot forbear complaining of the cruel situation I now am, & oftentimes have been placed in, by the silence of Congress in matters of high importance—and which the good of Service, & my official duty, has obliged me to call upon...
24773From George Washington to Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 1 August 1780 (Washington Papers)
I am assembling our whole Continental Force at this place with an intent to move down towards New York, in hopes, that an opportunity may offer in the absence of Sir Henry Clinton of striking the Enemy to advantage or at least of gaining possession of some posts which will be of very great advantage in carrying on our future operations. I have taken the liberty to order the two State Regiments...
24774From George Washington to William Heath, 16 April 1782 (Washington Papers)
The Fish mention’d by the Secretary of War, are doubtless meant to be those of the Season, as Shad or Herring—whether Salted or fresh I cannot determine, perhaps both. On the subject of your request for leave of absence, Major General McDugal has so early as the first of this month entered his caveat against your obtaining it—his reasons are assign’d in the inclosed copy of his Letter to...
24775To George Washington from Col. Stephen Moylan, 21 April 1778 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Col. Stephen Moylan, 21 April 1778. GW wrote Moylan on 29 April , “I recd yours of the 21st instant.”
24776Proclamation to the Friends of America in the State of New Jersey, 31 December 1776 (Washington Papers)
The Army of the American States, under my Command being lately greatly reinforced, and having again Enter’d the State of New Jersey, I most warmly request the Militia of Said State at this Important Crisis to Evince their love to their Country, by boldly stepping forth and defending the Cause of Freedom, The Inhabitants may be Assured that by a Manly & Spirited Conduct they may now releive...
24777From George Washington to François-Jean de Beauvoir, marquis de Chastellux, 10 August 1782 (Washington Papers)
I love & thank you for the Sentiments contained in your letter of the 5th—I look forward with pleasure, to the Epocha which will place us as conveniently in one camp, as we are congenial in our sentiments—I shall embrace you when it happens with the warmth of perfect friendship. My time, during my Winter residence in Philadelphia, was unusually (for me) divide between parties of pleasure, &...
24778To George Washington from Lieutenant General Rochambeau, 20 August 1780 (Washington Papers)
It is with a great pleasure, that I inform Your Excellency, of the arrival of the Frigate The Alliance , at Boston. You will see in the Newspaper herein included, the news that she brings. they are all very good; All I fear, is Least the Departure of the 2d Division should not have taken place, until the Junction of the Spanish fleet, that was not effectuated, when the Frigate set sail. She...
24779From George Washington to Thomas Bradford, 7 May 1782 (Washington Papers)
I am much obliged by the information contained in your Letter of the 30th Ulto—The Negros taken in the Monk do not belong to me, but to Mr Lund Washington, who lives at my Seat of Mount Vernon. on whose behalf I shall be thankful for any services you may render in recovering the Negros Robt Phoenix and—Phoenix—& on whose Acct I will see any expences paid. Instead of giving me any further...
24780General Orders, 21 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
Lieutt Samuel Richards is appointed Pay-Master to the 3rd Connecticutt Regiment—Lieutt William Adams to the 4th—Lieutt John Shearman to the 6th and Lieutt Richard Sill to the 8th from the 7th of September last. Purity of Morals being the only sure foundation of publick happiness in any Country and highly conducive to order, subordination and success in an Army, it will be well worthy the...
24781To George Washington from George Clinton, 12 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
The Friends of Major Hatfield (who last year belonged to General Scott’s Brigade in our Army and was taken by the Enemy on Montresure’s Island, and is now a Prisoner with them) inform me that when your Excellency was in the Clove Mrs Hatfield (the Majors Wife) obtained your Permission to visit her Husband at Newyork and was conducted by a Flag from Elizabeth Town to Staten Island for that...
24782From George Washington to the New York Provincial Congress, 8 August 1775 (Washington Papers)
It mus⟨t give great Concern to any⟩ considerate Mind that when ⟨this whole Continent at⟩ a vast Expence of Blood & Treasure ⟨is endeavouring to⟩ establish its Liberties on the most se⟨cure and Solid Founda⟩tions not only by a laudable Oppositi⟨on of Force to Force⟩ but denying itself the usual Advantages ⟨of Trade, there⟩ are Men among us so basely sordid as to ⟨Counteract⟩ all our Exertions...
24783From George Washington to Colonel Thomas Nixon, 7 August 1779 (Washington Papers)
There is a quantity of money of the two emissions called in, lying at Hartford in the hands of a Mr John Lawrence Treasurer at that place. It is to be forwarded to Philadelphia—You will be pleased therefore to give orders to one of the Officers coming on with the levies to take charge of it, and on his arrival at Fish kill to give me notice—An attentive Officer should be appointed for the...
24784From George Washington to George Weedon, 23 September 1781 (Washington Papers)
Your Letter of the 18th instt came to Hand while I was absent on a Visit to the Count de Grasse at Cape Henry—from whence I am just returned—I am very sensible of your Attention—& am sorry for the Embarrassments you met with—I hope they will soon be removed. The Legion of the Duke Lauzun is ordered to join the Troops now under your Comand—& you may soon Expect to see them—I wish you to be...
24785From George Washington to Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de Rochambeau, 5 December 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with your Excellency’s favor of the 30th ulto. I sincerely regret the disappointment of the Allies before Gibralter—more especially as it will serve to keep alive the spirits of the English. I enclose you the Copy of a letter which I recd last Night from the president of Congress—By this it appears that the evacuation of Charles town would take place as soon as the...
24786From George Washington to Lieutenant Colonel John Green, 28 October 1777 (Washington Papers)
Colonel Arendt writes me, that the state of his health will make it absolutely necessary for him, to withdraw himself awhile from the Garrison. I am apprehensive, that during his absence, there may arise some difficulty about the command between you and Lt Col. Smith; as it is uncertain which of your Commissions is oldest, and cannot now be easily determined. The good of the service however...