3551General Orders, 19 June 1783 (Washington Papers)
For the day tomorrow Major Trescot Adjt from the 2d regt For duty the 2d Massachusetts regt. DLC : Papers of George Washington.
3552To George Washington from Elias Boudinot, 18 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
I am this Moment returned from the Point opposite to Gloucester—As soon as the City was a little reconnoitered, and prudent precautions taken, I went down with two or three chosen Persons to the Point from whence the Enemy had just gone over—We plainly discovered their rear & indeed the direction of the whole Party from the Dust—Two Deserters came over to us while we were there, one swam the...
3553To George Washington from Major General Robert Howe, 16 June 1780 (Washington Papers)
your Excellency’s Favor of the 10th Instant has come to Hand—previous to which I had taken Methods to learn what the Enemy meant, & the Intelligence I got led me to think that this Post was ultimately their Aim. I was inform’d that they set out with a View to drive you if possible, & from the diminutive Idea they had of your Force they made no Doubt of effecting it, & that as they made...
3554General Orders, 2 March 1783 (Washington Papers)
For the day tomorrow Major Gibbs. For duty the Hampshire regiment. The Commander in Chief approves the subsequent regulations proposed by the General and other officers who assembled with the Quarter Master General yesterday in consequence of the orders of the 28th of February, and directs them to be carried into execution. 1st That there shall be but one Sutler to a Brigade. 2d That a Licence...
3555Plan to Attack Philadelphia, 25 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
Jameison with the light Horse on the other side Schuylkill to guard the Avenues to the City, & even to form a Chain across from Kensington to Schuylkill; and stop, & secure every Person going in, and coming out. obtaing from them all the Intelligence he can. A Small Party of Horse under a careful Officer to waylay the road from the middle & upper Ferry, & do the same. A Party of foot at each...
3556To George Washington from Lewis Nicola, 26 June 1781 (Washington Papers)
I had the honour of your Excellencies letter of the 21 June 1781 yesterday about noon & immediately communicated it to the Board of War from which I obtained an order for shoes for the men that were to march & an application was immediately made for money to Congress, I was also informed that a demand had been made to the Executive Council for some militia to supply our place, having great...
3557From George Washington to Brigadier General William Smallwood, 20 December 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have reconsidered the point, with respect to placing General Gist on the Court Martial for the trial of Genl Arnold, in your room—and as there are reasons to induce me to wish, that the Court first appointd should suffer no change but such as very pressing circumstances require—it is my desire that you should continue, if it can be done without an essential injury to You. The Trial I hope...
3558From George Washington to John Dickinson, 5 November 1782 (Washington Papers)
I must request your Excellency to make it a Rule in future, when persons apply for Liberty to go to or within the Enemy’s Lines, to insert in your passports that they shall repair to Dobbs’s Ferry, which is the only Post from whence Flags are sent or at which they are received. This is absolutely necessary to prevent that illegal Intercourse & Traffic which are now carried to so great a...
3559From George Washington to Nathanael Greene, 18 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
Your private letter of the 18th Ulto came safe to hand—although the honors of the field did not fall to your lot, I am convinced you deserved them. The chances of War are various—and the best concerted measures, and the most flattering prospects may, & often do deceive us, especially while we are in the power of Militia. The motives which induced you to seek an Action with Lord Cornwallis are...
3560To George Washington from Joseph Reed, 7 December 1778 (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Joseph Reed, 7 Dec. 1778. On 12 Dec., GW wrote Reed : “Your favor of the 7th Instt by Mr Laurens came to my hands a day or two ago.”
3561To George Washington from Nathanael Greene, 8 August 1783 (Washington Papers)
When I wrote you last I did not expect to address you from this place again; but Col. Carrington has detained me upwards of a week to complete the business of his department. On Thursday next we set off by land for the Northward. The Assembly of this State have rejected the impost Act recommended by Congress. Had your circular letter been printed a fortnight earlier I am persuaded it would...
3562To George Washington from Colonel Stephen Moylan, 28 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
at twelve ô clock the enemy were halted, at Polhemos hill which is on, what is calld, the fifteen hundred acres, they are now again in motion & seem to bend their course towards Midletown, thro’ bye roads which were not suspected to be passable, but there are So many intersections in the roads, that it is impossible to judge whether they will go to Midleton or go on to the falls. I have them...
3563To George Washington from George Weedon, 3 October 1781 (Washington Papers)
I had the honor to communicate to your Excellency last Night our intention of advancing this Morning, & taking a position in the Neighbourhood of Abington Church; for the want of Waggons, only the first division could be forwarded today, the rest of the Army move in the Morning. I had Intelligence last Night at 11 oClock of the Enemies being out, & communicated my information to the Duke &...
3564Circular to the General Officers, 5 October 1775 (Washington Papers)
In a Letter from the General Congress dated 26th Sept., Information on the following Points is required. What Number of Men are sufficient for a Winters Campaign. Can the Pay of the Privates be reduced, & how much. What Rations should be allow’d The Men. What Regulations are further necessary for the Government of The Forces. To the above Queries of The Congress, I have to Add several of my...
3565From George Washington to Benjamin Tallmadge, 25 March 1783 (Washington Papers)
It is more than probable that the Orders to Sir Guy Carleton by the last Packet, are decisive as to the Evacuation or holding N. York. As it is important to our Operations to have as early knowledge of this Determination as possible—and having great Dipendance on your Channel of Intelligence, I am anxious to have you exert your most diligint Endeavours, to obtain all the Information you can,...
3566From George Washington to Robert Morris, 10 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
In consequence of a request from me to Mr Lowrey, that he would continue to purchase and forward Flour to the utmost extent of his Commission, he informs me that he has compleated the purchase of 2000 Barrels and that he has began upon that of 1000 more; but of this he desires me to give you notice; meaning I suppose that you may put a stop to it, if it should not meet your approbation. I have...
3567From George Washington to Lieutenant General Rochambeau, 20 January 1781 (Washington Papers)
I should have done myself the honor of writing sooner to your Excellency on the late disturbance in the Pennsylvania Line, had I not relied, that General Knox first, and afterwards Count Des Deux ponts would give you the most accurate account of this affair —and had I not been waiting to hear the event of it and collect the particulars to enable me to give you a more perfect idea of it. The...
3568From George Washington to John Hancock, 28 February 1777 (Washington Papers)
No military Operation of any consequence has occurred since I had the honor of writing to you last, except, that on Sunday, I recd information that the Enemy were advancing in a manner, and in numbers so much greater than usual, that it look’d like a prelude to an Attack upon our posts, which were immediately put in the best preparation to receive them. It turned out to be only a stronger...
3569To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 24 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
Your Excellencys favor of the 22d was deliverd me this afternoon. I am happy to find you have wrote so fully to Congress upon the disagreeable consequences that may follow from starveing the quarter Masters Department at this critical season. I wish it may have the desird effect and rouse their attention; but I must confess I am afraid the stupor is so great that nothing can alarm their fears...
3570To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 30 June 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have not been honored with a Line from you since the 8th Inst. I have seen a copy of your Excellency’s Letter to Major General Putnam in which the then debilitated State of the Army in the Jerseys in mentioned which is truly surprising, as we have been constantly told that the Army under your immediate Command consisted of 15. or 16000. Men, and that you were vastly superior to the Enemy in...
3571To George Washington from James Clinton, 4 May 1781 (Washington Papers)
I had the Honor of addressing your Excly in a Letter of the 30th Ulto on the Subject of the Distresses of this Department; a Subject which I have had such frequent Occasion to trust of; that any thing I have now to say will be nearly a Repetition of what my former Letters have contained. From Your Excellency’s favor of the 12th Ulto I was flattered with Hopes of receiving a Supply, at least...
3572[Diary entry: 28 June 1781] (Washington Papers)
28th. Having determined to attempt to surprize the Enemys Posts at the No. end of Yk. Island, if the prospt. of success continued favourable, & having fixed upon the Night of the 2d. of July for this purpose and having moreover combined with it an attempt to cut off Delancy’s And other light Corps without Kingsbridge and fixed upon Genl. Lincoln to Commd. the first detachment & the Duke de...
3573To George Washington from Israel Putnam, 31 December 1778 (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Israel Putnam, 31 Dec. 1778. On 18 Jan. 1779 GW wrote to Putnam acknowledging receipt of “your favor dated thro’ mistake the 31st Inst.,” a letter that included observations on the affairs of Capt. William Smith Scudder. An extract copy of Putnam’s letter to GW, correctly dated 31 Dec. 1778, reads: “P.S. I have inclosed Govr Clintons Ansr to mine on Capt. Scudders...
3574From George Washington to Major General Stirling, 11 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have received your Letter of yesterdays date. I had no particular person in view when I issued the order respecting the slow progress of the works, at the same time, I acknowledge, that I am exceedingly mortified at seeing, & beholding the delay of them—whether unavoidable, or not, I do not undertake to determine. Colos. Brealey & Barber informs me that the Officers of their Regiments are...
3575To George Washington from Colonel James Clinton, 27 June 1776 (Washington Papers)
Since I wrote to You I Rece[ive]d the within Letter but I think it Necessary to have Your Orders before I Comply with the within Request I hear the Committees have taken Coll Cadwallader Colden on Suspicion of being an Enemy to the Liberties of America but what they will Do with him I Cannot tell Lawer Cranney who has Left Poug[h]keepsie some time ago and has been Advertised there is Likewise...
3576From George Washington to François-Joseph-Paul, comte de Grasse-Tilly, 25 October 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have the Honor to transmit to Your Excellency the inclosed Letter from Lord Cornwallis to the Marquis, with one from the latter to me, on the Subject of the Cartels detained by your Excellency—As the Circumstances of those Vessels have been fully explained to you, I submit the final Determination to Your Excellency. I take the Liberty also to transmit to you, a Letter Handed to me by One of...
3577To George Washington from Anne-César, chevalier de La Luzerne, 10 January 1783 (Washington Papers)
Sa Majesté a été informée des marques de joie que l’armée americaine a donnée à l’occasion de la naissance de Mgr le Dauphin. Elle a vu avec beaucoup de Satisfaction la part que Mrs les officiers et les Soldats americains ont prise à cet heureux évenement; Le Roy m’ordonne de vous témoigner sa Sensibilité à ce Sujet et me charge en même tems d’assurer l’armée americaine et le Général qui la...
3578To George Washington from Captain Charles Craig, 18 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have this moment receiv’d information of Lord Cornwallace’s crossing in Jersey Last night with four thousand men. I Shall write more percticularly this evening. I have the Honour to be Yr Excellencys Most Obt Servt ALS , DLC:GW . The cover indicates that Craig sent this letter “⅌ Dragoon.” For a fuller account of the British and Hessian troop movements on the night of 17–18 Nov., see John...
3579To George Washington from Deuillelongue, 4 November 1775 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Deuillelongue, 4 Nov. 1775. On 15 Jan. 1776 Deuillelongue informed GW : “Jai eu l’honneur de vous Ecrire le 4. 9bre dernier.”
3580From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 5 November 1779 (Washington Papers)
I would take the liberty of addressing a few lines to Your Excellency, respecting such of the Officers and privates of Blands and Baylors Regiments of Dragoons and of Harrisons Artillery, as belong to the state of Virginia. Their situation is really disagreable and discouraging; and it is perhaps the more so, from its being now almost if not intirely singular. It is said, that under the idea...
3581General Orders, 7 January 1778 (Washington Papers)
The Quarter Master General is to apply to the Adjt General for a fatigue party & cause all dead horses in and about the camp, and all offal to be buried, after which each division Quarter-Master is to see this regularly performed once a week in & near their own divisions—The Officers commanding Divisions are required to know that this order is executed. The Depy Clothier Genl desires those...
3582To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Reed, 21 January 1776 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Reed, 21 Jan. 1776. In a letter of 1 Feb. to Reed, GW referred to “your favour of the 21st.”
3583To George Washington from John Sullivan, 29 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to recommend to your Excellencys notice the bearer Capt. Selin who is Soliciting a Captaincy in Hazens Regiment. As he have Served with me I take the Liberty of assuring your Excellency that he is truly a Deserving officer And will do honor to the appointment if confered upon him. I have the Honor to be with much respect your Excellencys most obedt Servt DLC : Papers of George...
3584To George Washington from Christopher Ellery, 8 March 1781 (Washington Papers)
We Inhabitants of the antient Town of Newport, warmed with the purest sentiments of Esteem and respect, beg leave thro’ their Committe to Congratulate your Excellency upon your arrival at this Town the Capitol of the State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations. Permit us to assure your Excellency, that Words are inadequate to express the Joy, which your presence has infused into the hearts...
3585General Orders, 9 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
The Commander in Chief requires that the most pointed observance be had to all former orders prohibiting the use of the Waggon horses of the Army & forbids in the most positive terms their being rode on any pretence: When horses are wanted by officers for extra services, the Quarter Master General will furnish them on application. The soldiers are not to be suffered to cut down any more trees...
3586From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 19 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have your favs. of the 7th and 10th instants. I am pleased to find from the Copy of the letter from Bordeaux that matters wore so good a face in France, it is more than probable that they will push an advantagious Trade with us before a formal declaration of War, indeed if they were to strike a Blow before the declaration, they would only repay England, for playing a Game of the same kind in...
3587From George Washington to Bartholomew Dandridge, 25 June 1782 (Washington Papers)
Mr Lund Washington having furnished me with copies of the Accts with Mr Custis, I have drawn the whole into one view and sent it herewith, I could not Balle the Acct because of the blank Articles in it; and because there may be, on Mr Custis’s books, some charges against me of which I have no knowledge—with regard to the first, I leave it to you to extend the Sums in any manner you shall think...
3588To George Washington from Samuel Huntington, 14 May 1781 (Washington Papers)
I am favored with yours of the 11th Instant covering the Extract of Intelligence received from Colonel Dayton which proves to be premature. Enclosed is the Copy of a Letter this Moment received from a confidential Person giving the latest authentic Intelligence received relative to the Movements of the British Fleet, though a Report prevails that they have since actually sailed, but the Truth...
3589To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 9 September 1780 (Washington Papers)
Yesterday I was honored with yours of the 28th ultimo ⅌ post. I immediately acquainted General Count de Rochambeau with your Wishes respecting the militia doing duty here. He wishes to retain them a little longer; partly on account of the intelligence you were pleased to communicate to him in your Letter of the 3d Instant, of the motions of the Enemy at New York, and also in consequence of the...
3590From George Washington to Brigadier General Charles Scott, 7 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have your favr of yesterday. I had not the least conception that Colo. Gist’s Comm[issio]n was older than Colo. Henley’s and I yet think there must be some mistake. But be it as it may, I never had any intention of giving him the command when you quit it. If Gist will not be satisfied where he is at present, I must recall him. As Colo. Henley will have the command, you may begin immediately...
3591From George Washington to Colonel Joseph Reed, 12 January 1777 (Washington Papers)
Yours of the eleventh is Come to hand if the account the prisoners give be true it is a very agreeable & important one. the order you Sent to Colonel Winds has interferd with a plan, Concerted by Generals Sullivan & Maxwell, whenever you have occasion to order a Movement of any part of the Army, it will be best to apply to the Commanding Officer, Lest it may, [(]as it has in the present...
3592To George Washington from Robert R. Livingston, 16 April 1782 (Washington Papers)
I do myself the honor to transmit the enclosed letter which came under my cover from the Marquis de Lafayette. This to me contains nothing of consequence but what I presume he has given to you, nor is there much intelligence circulating in this place that merrits your attention. Cornwallis was recd in England with the strongest marks of applause, as he past thro’ Exeter he was presented with...
3593To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 17 April 1780 (Washington Papers)
I do my self the honor to inclose your Excellency a piece of intelligence given by Col. Abeel, who seems to be very positive that the facts stated, are well grounded. Great allowances are to be made for the natural credulity of his temper, and his general inclination to deal in the marvellous; yet I think the information ought not be altogether neglected. It is natural to suppose the Enemy...
3594From George Washington to Israel Shreve, 29 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
Letter not found : to Israel Shreve, 29 May 1778. John Laurens docketed Shreve’s letter to GW of 24th May , “Answd 29th.”
3595To George Washington from the Orange County Committee of Safety, 16 July 1776 (Washington Papers)
In Consequence of your Excellys Desire to receive timely Information of every Mœnuver which the Enemy on Hudsons River may make, to distress the Inhabitants at this extreme Busy Season, we can inform your Excelly that this Morng between the Hours of 10 & 11, the whole Fleet consisting of 2 Men of War and 3 Tenders made Sail from Niac, and about 12 came into Haverstraw Bay 40 Miles up the River...
3596To George Washington from Colonel Return Jonathan Meigs, 26 May 1780 (Washington Papers)
Yesterday morning a letter without Signature was found in the Rear of this Brigade with complaints of want of provisions, and intimations that if matter was not redress’d immediately, the troops would march into the Country —Roll Call was attended as usual without any appearance of disturbance, at which time I mention’d the letter and caution’d the Officers to exert themselves in case any...
3597To George Washington from Henry Laurens, 18 July 1778 (Washington Papers)
Yesterday I had the honor of writing to Your Excellency a public Letter by James Martin & also of presenting to Congress Your Excellency’s favor of the 14th which the House received with satisfaction. permit me Sir, to recommend to Your Excellency’s protection two packets from the Sieur Gerard to Count d’Estaing, which will accompany this. I have assured Monsr Gerard that it is altogether...
3598From George Washington to Major General Horatio Gates, 2 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have duly received your two favors of the 24th and 25th Ultimo. The proceedings of the Court Martial on Milligan are herewith returned. I do not conceive it necessary for me to take any order in a case which you are fully authorised to determine; and to which, from your situation and knowlege of circumstances you must be more competent. In my letter of the 29th, you will find an answer to...
3599To George Washington from Daniel Morgan, 25 November 1781 (Washington Papers)
After acknowledging the Honour of your very friendly and polite Letter dated "before york 5 Octr," give me leave most sincerely to congratulate you on our late signal Success over the British Arms under Lord Cornwallis which has afforded me unspeakable Satisfaction not only on account of the additional Laurels it has gain’d to your Excellency in particular and the Army in general, but because...
3600From George Washington to William Jackson, 5 February 1783 (Washington Papers)
Your Lre of the 27th of January is received. In answer to that part of your lre of the 15 January, which respects the appointment of a Brigadier for the State of Connecticut I am to observe that when the Secretary at War was at Verplanks point last fall it was agreed to be the best plan for future Promotions to divide the Continent into districts and when a Vacancy happened for a General...