1Orders to Colonel David Forman, 24 November 1776 (Washington Papers)
Having received Information that there is danger of an Insurrection of Tories in the County of Monmouth, and it being highly necessary that the most speedy check should be given to [a] Measure of so pernicious a Tendancy, you are hereby ordered to march with the Regiment under your Command into the said County of Monmouth, and on your Arrival there you are authorized to apprehend all such...
2From George Washington to Colonel David Forman, 10 January 1777 (Washington Papers)
From my observation of your Behaviour and Attention to your Business during the last Campaign, I am induced to make you an offer of the Sixteen Battalions which the Congress have empowered me to raise and officer. If you accept of my offer, I shall leave the recommendation of the Feild and subaltern Officers in a great Measure to yourself, trusting to your recommending none but Gentlemen of...
3From George Washington to Brigadier General David Forman, 15 May 1777 (Washington Papers)
I am favd with yours of the 11th with the proposition for exchanging Capts. Campbell and Harrison for Messs. Richard McKnight and Thomas Little. This I can by no means assent to, as it would be establishing a precedent of a dangerous Nature in its consequences. For then, whenever any of their provincial Officers fell into our Hands, they would send out parties and pick up some of the...
4From George Washington to Brigadier General David Forman, 18 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
I am favd with yours of the 16th instant by Express. I had likewise the pleasure of yours a few days ago by Major Harrison, to whom I could only give the same Answer, respecting the law passed in Maryland to preclude all recruiting till their own quota was made up, that I had given to several others, which was, that it was a matter in which I could not interfere. The intelligence contained in...
5From George Washington to Brigadier General David Forman, 22 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
All our accounts agree that the greatest part of the Fleet have gone from the Narrows down to the Hook, but whether they have gone out to Sea we cannot discover. You will therefore please to send me word whether they yet lay at the Hook or have gone out. If you send your dispatches across by South Amboy to Colo. Moylan he will forward them to me. If the fleet have sailed & their Course...
6From George Washington to Brig. Gen. David Forman, 4 August 1777 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Brig. Gen. David Forman, 4 Aug. 1777. Forman’s letter to GW of 2 Aug. is docketed in part “Ansd 4.”
7From George Washington to Brigadier General David Forman, 26 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
I last night received a Letter from Major Genl Dickinson informing me that 900 Militia had crossed the Delaware under your command & that they were to march Yesterday to Bristol. Considering the position of the Enemy, I am sorry you have fallen down so low because it will be impossible for you to form a junction with us safely without counter marching. As the Enemy have possession of Chesnut...
8From George Washington to Brigadier General David Forman, 27 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
I received your favor of the 26th Inst. and am sorry to find you cannot bring on so respectable a force as we both cou’d wish, & you had reason to expect. however must request that you collect your scatterd parties as soon as possible, leaving only such as may be necessary to guard the stores at Trenton, untill they are remoy’d, this I have reason to believe will shortly be accomplish’d & then...
9From George Washington to Brig. Gen. David Forman, 28 September 1777 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Brig. Gen. David Forman, 28 Sept. 1777. GW wrote Forman on 29 Sept. : “I wrote to you yesterday.”
10From George Washington to Brigadier General David Forman, 29 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
I recd yours of yesterday from the Buck Tavern, desiring my orders for your Rout. I wrote to you yesterday by Cornet Russworm directing you to march to North Wales Meeting and from thence to Wentzs upon the Skippack Road, but lest that should have missed you I now confirm the order and desire you may follow it. When you arrive at Wentzs you will probably be in the Neighbourhood of this Army as...
11From George Washington to Brigadier General David Forman, 6 October 1777 (Washington Papers)
You having informed me that the times of many of your present Brigade of Militia are near expiring, and that many others who came out for no certain time are anxious to return home, you have my permission to march them towards Delaware under pretence that you are going to guard the Stores at Trenton, and when they have crossed the River you may discharge them. But I must beg that you will...
12From George Washington to Brigadier General David Forman, 16 October 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have this moment receiv’d your favor of Yesterday, & am very sorry to find that the Number of Militia you mention your being able to collect is so far inferior to what you expected. It is my earnest request that you immediately collect all the Men you possibly can & send them on as fast as any considerable number can be got together under good Officers to Join this Army, As you will remain...
13From George Washington to Brigadier General David Forman, 19 October 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have yours of the 17th and am sorry to hear, that the information you have recd of the intent of the Enemy, to destroy the Salt works upon the Sea Coast of Monmouth County, will divert you from coming to the reinforcement of this Army; but these works are so truly valuable to the public, that they are certainly worth your attention. If you should have any force to spare, after protecting the...
14From George Washington to Brigadier General David Forman, 22 October 1777 (Washington Papers)
The Enemy yesterday morning threw a body of troops across the Delaware, with intention no doubt either to storm or invest Red-bank. As the Works there are strong, it is improbable they will hazard the loss of men, that would be likely to attend an assault, but will, I imagine, endeavour by a Blockade, to oblige the garrison to surrender. On this supposition, I am to request in the most earnest...
15From George Washington to Brigadier General David Forman, 25 October 1777 (Washington Papers)
My Letter of the 21st Instt (which I hope has got safe to your hands) would amply convey to you my Ideas of the Importance of red Bank, and leaves me little to add on that head, saving, that the more it is considered, the more essential it appears, to use every possible means for its preservation. The late check which the Enemy met with, in attempting to Storm the Fort at that place is a most...
16From George Washington to Brigadier General David Forman, 27 October 1777 (Washington Papers)
I am glad to find by yours of the 26th that you had arrived at Red Bank, and I hope from your exertions in that quarter that the Militia will be induced to come out. I take the Body of Men, that have been seen crossing schuylkill, to be a covering party to the Waggons going down for a Convoy of Stores and provisions provided they did not cross to Billingsport as they have a road leading over...
17From George Washington to Brigadier General David Forman, 28 October 1777 (Washington Papers)
I wrote you last eveng with respect to reinforceing Red Bank, & Fort Mifflin, my anxiety from the importance of those places, is so great, that I cannot help urging you again to throw in without loss of time, what assistance The Commanding officers and your self may think necessary, and such as you may be able to afford them. I informd you that the reinforcement order’d, from hence was...
18From George Washington to Brigadier General David Forman, 31 October 1777 (Washington Papers)
Your Complaints respecting the Conduct of Brigadr Genl Newcomb, give me the more concern at this time, as such backwardness and unwillingness to fulfil the Duties of his Station as have been laid to his Charge, might at this juncture have been attended with the most pernicious Consequences—as you have been a witness of his Misconduct you will be a very proper person to make a pointed...
19From George Washington to Brigadier General David Forman, 1 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
When I last had the pleasure of seeing you, I advised you to Collect all the shoes stockings shirts Breechers &Ca which could be spared by the Country, in order to supply such of the soldiery as might stand most in need of them, & gave you every authority in my power for this purpose Now, as the Detachment which first March’d down to Fort Mifflin under command of Lieut. Colo. Smith must be...
20From George Washington to Col. David Forman, 24 November 1777 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Col. David Forman, c.24 Nov. 1777. In his letter to William Livingston of 24 Nov. , GW writes: “I have given orders to have all the Officers ... except Colo. Forman, for whom you have a letter.”
21From George Washington to Colonel David Forman, 20 January 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have not yet received an Answer respecting the Guard for the Salt works sollicited in your memorial. Till you hear further from me upon the subject, you may detain a Captain two subalterns and Sixty men of the detachment of your Regiment now in Monmouth, for the purpose of Guarding the works the remainder be pleased to send forward to Camp with Captain Combes, with whom be pleased to send...
22From George Washington to David Forman, 25 March 1778 (Washington Papers)
I am favoured with yours of the 13th instant. The opinion of the council of your state is so directly opposed to the continuance of the men at the salt works you are erecting, that to avoid the imputation of partiality and remove all cause for censure both with respect to you and myself, I am induced to direct they may, for the present, join, and act with, Col: Shreves regiment, in the...
23From George Washington to David Forman, 13 July 1778 (Washington Papers)
Having received intelligence from Congress that the french fleet under the command of Admiral Count d’Estaing arrived near Chincoteague on the evening of the 5th Inst.—I have written to the Admiral in order to concert such a Plan of cooperation with him as the nature of the case will admit, and establish proper signals for reciprocal intelligence —Mr Laurens is bearer of my letter to him—as it...
24From George Washington to Colonel David Forman, 21 June 1780 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found : to Col. David Forman, 21 June 1780. On 23 June , Forman wrote GW: “I had the Honr of receiveing Your Excely Favr of the 21st last Evening.”
25From George Washington to Colonel David Forman, 10 July 1780 (Washington Papers)
You will herewith recive Dispatches for His Excellency the Count de Rochambaut, and the Chevalier de Ternay or such other Admiral as may command the Fleet expected from France. Their contents are of the most important and interesting nature—and I have to request the favor of you to send them on board the Fleet as soon as possible, after they arrive on the Monmouth Coast, or off the Hook by a...
26From George Washington to Colonel David Forman, 12 July 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have recd your favr of the 9th and am obliged by your remarks and observations upon the most probable places of the enemy’s endeavouring to obstruct the passage into the harbour of New York—My accounts from thence announce the approach of the French Fleet, in consequence of which Maj: Lee moved down to Monmouth yesterday with his whole Corps of Horse to protect the pilots and to keep open...
27From George Washington to Colonel David Forman, 24 July 1780 (Washington Papers)
Having occasion for the services of Major Lees Corps in another quarter I have ordered them from Monmouth, but I have directed the Major previous to his removal to drive off the Horses and Cattle from the places which you mentioned to me as being within the enemy’s reach and perhaps intended for their use. He will apply to you for advice, which you can give him privately—as I imagine it would...
28From George Washington to David Forman, 4 September 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have recd your favr of the 1st Inst. I perceive by a letter from you, of the same date, to Colonels Blaine and Steward, that you had collected about two hundred Cattle more, and that a further number might be obtained, if you were furnished with parties to cover the collectors. You may apply to the Officer commanding the detachment of the State Regiment in Monmouth for this purpose, and...
29From George Washington to David Forman, 17 May 1781 (Washington Papers)
I am just now favored with yours of the 14‘. I am exceedingly obliged by the distinct and full intelligence it contains of the sailing of the British Fleet—I had not before been able to ascertain the Matter, and I was very anxious to do it, as I am to set out tomorrow to meet the French Admiral and General in Connecticut. I shall very willingly consent to take a person into pay at the Rate you...
30From George Washington to David Forman, 21 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
When I request your particular Care of the inclosed, it is necessary that I should inform you in the fullest confidence, and under the strictest injunctions of secrecy, that the Count de Grasse may be shortly expected with his whole fleet from the West Indies, whether he will first appear off the Hook or the capes of Virginia is uncertain—You will be pleased immediately, upon the receipt of...
31From George Washington to David Forman, 31 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have requested Capt. Dobb’s to assemble at Capt. Dennis’s in Baskenridge as soon as possible a Number of Pilots, who are to receive their further Instructions from you—Imidiately upon the Appearance of a Fleet near Sandy Hook, & you are satisfied it is the One we are expecting, you will please to give Orders to the Pilots to repair down where they may be at Hand to be improved as Occasion...
32From George Washington to David Forman, 5 August 1781 (Washington Papers)
I last night recd yours of the 3d instant—Graves’s Fleet was certainly off Block Island a few days ago—It is supposed he has taken that position, to cover the Quebec Ships as they pass along, and at the same time give those which may be expected from Virginia an opportunity of making their voyage safely. I am not acquainted with the private signals of Mr de Grasse, but I think it may soon be...
33From George Washington to David Forman, 13 August 1781 (Washington Papers)
I was favored with your Letter dated Saturday Evening 9 OClock, on Sunday about 11 OClock A.M. by your Chain of Expresses. If the fleet shall not prove to be from Virginia, with Lord Cornwallis’ Troops as you conjecture, I shall expect to hear in the course of this day, agreeably to your intimation. I need not urge again the importance of he present moment, & how anxious I am to obtain the...
34From George Washington to David Forman, 14 August 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have safely received your favor of yesterday Morning, about an hour ago. Before the arrival of your Letter, I had not received any particulars of the fleet lately arrived at N. York, but expect minute Accts every instant; I shall comply with your request; as it is my most earnest desire by comparing all the different intelligences to ascertain the state of Matters among the Enemy, with the...
35From George Washington to David Forman, 17 August 1781 (Washington Papers)
About two hours since, I received your favor of the 16th. The Accounts from New York, respecting the fleet from Europe accord very nearly with the information given in you r Letter of the 13th Instant. With great regard & esteem I am Sir Your Most Obed. Servt. DLC : Papers of George Washington.
36From George Washington to David Forman, 24 August 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have recd yours of yesterday—There is nothing in Count de Grasse having arrived at New port. I imagine the fear of his coming upon the Coast has made Graves run in—You will continue to Watch the Motions of the fleet at the Hook and inform me of any alterations in their situation. I am moving with part of the Army to Springfield. I am Dear Sir Yr most obt servt. DLC : Papers of George Washington.
37From George Washington to David Forman, 28 August 1781 (Washington Papers)
I am this Moment favored with yours of this Day. Some particular Business calls me for a few Days to Phila.—whether I shall sett off To morrow Morng—I shall be anxious to know further Particulars of the Fleet you mention—whatever Intelligence you can obtain, you will be pleased to forward to me in Phila.—with all the Expedition in your Power—the more minute your Discoveries, the Better. The...
38From George Washington to David Forman, 29 August 1781 (Washington Papers)
Your Favor of this Day reached me at 7 oClock. I am much obliged by your attention—& have to thank you particularly for the Advice contained in your Letter respecting a Position & attack . I must beg you will continue to keep me advised of every material Circumstance that occurs—which you will be pleased to do by the mode you propose unless some more expeditious Rout will bring me intelligence...
39From George Washington to David Forman, 1 September 1781 (Washington Papers)
Your favor of the 31st was handed to me by the Express at 8 o clock this Morning. I thank you again for your unwearied attention in communicating with so much rapidity the advices you receive of the Enemy’s Movements. A report is circulated that some Land forces arrived in the fleet from the West Indies; I could wish that matter to be ascertained, as also whether any Troops sailed with the...
40From George Washington to David Forman, 2 September 1781 (Washington Papers)
Your Favor of last Evening is this Moment received—your Conjecture of the Destination of the British Fleet is probably right—I had scarcely a Doubt in my Mind at the first Intelligence I received from you of their sailg. their Course now makes a full Declaration. I have no Certainty of the Arrival of Admiral de Grasse in Chesapeak—what Intelligence the British may have I cannot say—I wish if...
41From George Washington to David Forman, 6 September 1781 (Washington Papers)
I thank you for your Favr of Yesterday—and have to inform that I am thus far on my Way to Virginia—that the Count DeGrasse with 28 Ships of the Line with some Frigates, is arrived in the Chesapeak—where Lord Cornwallis is at present Blocked up & fortifyg in York River. Notwithstandg the Distance—if any Thing worthy Notice takes place under your Observation, I shall thank you for its...
42From George Washington to David Forman, 7 September 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have rec’d yours of the 6th Instant. I feel myself not only personally, but with respect to my country so much indebted to you for your exertions on all occasions, that I cannot refrain from expressing my obligations on the subject. Be assured Sir it shall alway’s be retained in grateful remembrance; and every oppertunity embraced to convince you of my esteem and friendship. It is with...
43From George Washington to David Forman, 24 September 1781 (Washington Papers)
Your favor of the l4th Inst. has been duly received; the intelligence respecting the embarkation at New York & the arrival of Admiral Digby is very probably founded in reality, but his arrival, under our present circumstances, cannot I flatter myself have any influence on our projects or in the least retard our operations, while there are 36 french Ships of the Line in the Bay. Every thing has...
44From George Washington to David Forman, 16 October 1781 (Washington Papers)
I am much obliged by the Receipt of your Favor of the 2d instt which I received last Evening—I most sincerely thank you for the Care & Attention with which you keep me informed of the Motions of the Enemy at N. York. There can be no Doubt, but that Sir Hry Clinton will Attempt everything which he may think practicable, for the Relief of Lord Cornwallis—I cannot however imagine, that a...
45From George Washington to David Forman, 27 October 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have received your two favors of the 17th & 18th instant—and thank you most sincerely for the Intelligence they contain—which has been immediately communicated to The Count de Grasse—Whatever may be the Designs of Admiral Digby, I fancy the french Admiral will be ready to meet him. Nothing is yet heard of the English Fleet near these Coasts. E’er this you will doubtless have received my...
46From George Washington to David Forman, 17 December 1781 (Washington Papers)
Your favor of yesterday reached me at 2 oClock this day. I have little doubt but the Fleet which sailed is bound to Europe, but still I should wish to know, with certainty, their destination. It will probably be public in a few days, and if you can satisfy yourself on the subject, I shall be glad to hear from you. Be pleased to enquire particularly whether any reinforcement for the southward...
47From George Washington to David Forman, 2 January 1782 (Washington Papers)
Yours of yesterdays date I have rec’d, and am much Obliged by the Intelligence it conveys. The Letter you refer to advising of the fleet’s preparing to sail, must have miscarried, for I do not recollect any such comeing to hand. I have presented your account to Mr Morris and have the pleasure to inform you that a warrant will pass the Office for a Settlement of it in the course of ten days,...
48From George Washington to David Forman, 25 February 1782 (Washington Papers)
I received last Evening your favor of the 23d and thank you for the information contained in it. As I have made it an invariable practice not to give permission for any Citizens to go within the Enemy’s Lines on private business; without liberty is first obtained from the Executive of the State to which they belong, I must refer the Persons mentioned in your Letter to the Civil Authority for...
49From George Washington to David Forman, 7 March 1782 (Washington Papers)
Your favor of the 5th Inst. has just come to hand. Exclusive of the objection I have, to the establishment of a precedent, for granting Passports to Citizens, without the interference of the Civil Authority of the States to which they belong, I think, the circumstance of my deviating from a fixed Rule, might in the present instance, be an occasion of suspicion to the Enemy & frustrate the ends...
50From George Washington to David Forman, 10 August 1782 (Washington Papers)
The season being now come, when the Frequent arrival of Ships & perhaps Squadrons may be expected on the American Coast; and it being highly necessary that I should be constantly & perfectly informed of the state of the Enemy’s Naval Force in these Seas, and particularly at New York; I must again request you will take upon yourself the management of this very interesting & important business:...