1From George Washington to John Sullivan, 15 January 1783 (Washington Papers)
By the Last eastern Mail I received your favor of the 30th Ulto accompanied by a Letter to Colo. Holland; I made no delay in giving directions to have that Letter forwarded immediately by flagg to New York—I am Dear Sir with great regard & esteem Your Most Obdt Servt I have received no answer to either of the other Letters. DLC : Papers of George Washington.
2From George Washington to John Sullivan, 4 December 1782 (Washington Papers)
I am to acknowledge the recet of your favor of the 16 November with its inclosures which were forwarded agreably to your Desire to New York. I am much obliged to you for your wishes for my Welfare and beg you to believe that I am &c. DLC : Papers of George Washington.
3From George Washington to John Sullivan, 9 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have been honord with your Favor of the 2d instant—& have to give you my sincere Thanks for your kind wishes & offers to do all in your Power to forward our intended Operations. I could wish your Stay in Congress might be continued longer than you intimate—as your Efforts there, from your Knowlege of Military Matters, might be of essential Service to our Designs—The Army is now drawn near to...
4From George Washington to John Sullivan, 29 May 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have been favoured with your two letters of the 2d & 17th of May; the former reached me at Weathersfield after I had met the Count de Rochambeau at that place—from which time to the present moment, my whole attention has been so occupied by a variety of concerns, that I have been hitherto involuntarily prevented from doing myself the pleasure of writing to you. No arguments were necessary to...
5From George Washington to John Sullivan, 11 May 1781 (Washington Papers)
Not Having seen, or heard, of any resolve of Congress for establishing the principles of promotion in the army, I am apprehensive that the Report of the Committee who had this matter under consideration is now sleeping in Congress. this, & a recent instance in the Pensylvania Regiment of Artillery, in proof of the absolute necessity of adopting some mode by which the whole Army may be b oun d...
6From George Washington to John Sullivan, 4 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
Inclosed are my remarks on the report you were pleased to transmit me—They are made pursuant to the request contained in your letter of the 9th Ulto—Where I have been unfortunate enough to differ in sentiment from the Committee I have, in as concise a manner as I was able, assigned my reasons for it; if there is weight in them, I have no doubt of their being attended to—if there is not, it...
7From George Washington to John Sullivan, 4 February 1781 (Washington Papers)
Colo. Armand deliver’d me your favor of the 29th Ulto last Evening & I thank you for the sevl communications contained in it —The measure adopted by Congress of appointing a Minister of War—Finance—& for Foreign Affairs I think a very wise one. To give efficacy to it, proper characters will, no doubt, be chosen to conduct the business of these departments. How far Colo. Hamilton—of whom you...
8From George Washington to John Sullivan or the Continental Congress Committee on the Pennsylvania Line, 21 January 1781 (Washington Papers)
I am honored with your letter of the 15th —I have just received the disagreeable intelligence of the Jersey line having followed the example of the Pensylvanian —This spirit will spread itself through the remainder of the army, if not extinguished by some decisive measure. I shall as quick as possible, at all events, march a detachment to compel the mutineers to submission, and I beg leave...
9From George Washington to John Sullivan, 16 January 1781 (Washington Papers)
I was honored last Evening with Your favor of the 10th with a Postscript of the 11th Instant. Major Gen. St Clair will inform you of the reasons why I thought it imprudent to address my Dispatches in answer to your Letter[s] of the 7th and 9 immediately to You, he will also advise you of the Measures I had taken. It gives me great satisfaction to learn a final & cordial accomodation was like...
10From George Washington to John Sullivan, 17 December 1780 (Washington Papers)
Your letter of the 9th is safe at hand, & propounds a question respecting promotion which I candidly acknowledge I am puzzled to answer—with satisfaction to myself. If in all cases—ours was one Army—or thirteen Armies allied for the common defence, there would be no difficulty in solving your question—but we are occasionally both—and I should not be much out if I was to say—that we are...
11From George Washington to John Sullivan, 25 November 1780 (Washington Papers)
This letter will be presented to you by the Chevr De Chatteleaux A Majr Genl in the French Service—A Gentn of polite & easy manners, and of literary as well as military abilities. I intended in my last (but having Spun my letter to an enormous length deferred it) to have observed that as Congress had made one or two late promotions from Brigadiers to Major Generals apparently on the principle...
12From George Washington to John Sullivan, 20 November 1780 (Washington Papers)
You have obliged me very much by your friendly letter of the 12th—and I can assure you that I shall be very happy in a continuation of them —You are too well acquainted with my course of business to expect frequent, or long letters from me, but I can truely say that I shall write to none with more pleasure, when it is in my power to write at all, than I shall do to you. The determination of...
13From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 15 December 1779 (Washington Papers)
I had the pleasure of receiving a few days since by Capt. Bruin your letter of the 1st instant. I assure you, my Dear Sir, I am sensibly touched by so striking an instance of your friendship, at a time and in a manner, that demonstrates its sincerity and confirms the opinion I have always entertained of your sentiments towards me. I wish you to believe, that your uneasiness on the score you...
14From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan or Officer Commanding at Pompton, N.J., 21 November 1779 (Washington Papers)
As soon as possible after receipt of this letter, you will put the Troops under your command in motion for their Winter cantonments, agreeably to the routes (which I presume has been) given to you by the Qr Mr Genl —In case these should not have reached you—Clintons and Hands Brigades will compose part of the main Army, & must march by Rockaway Bridge and Morris Town (unless by application to...
15From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 13 November 1779 (Washington Papers)
If you yet have nothing more than conjecture for the enemy’s descent in Jersey, I beg you will order the 7th Massachusetts Regiment (late Alden’s) immediately to join Pattersons Brigade at this place —And Major Parr to comply strictly with the inclosed order (which issued the 7th instant). They may as the nearest and best way, take the route by Kings-ferry. The baggage of the Regiment may from...
16From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 6 November 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have received your favor of the 4th with its inclosure from Governor Livingston dated the 2d, relative to the enemy’s preparations on Staten Island. Should your subsequent information look like a serious intention of invading the State, it may be proper to move to Pompton, and hold yourself in readiness to act agreeable to circumstances. The large collections of forage have no doubt...
17From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 31 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have your favr of the 28th: You will, previous to the receipt of this, have received intelligence that the enemy have returned to Staten Island—We have a very large and valuable collection of Forage under Newark Mountain, which is much exposed, and which, from the late specimen, may be easily destroyed by a light party —To cover this, you will be pleased to detach General Maxwell with his...
18From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 28 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
Since my letter of yesterday, I have received an account (tho it does not come well authenticated) that the enemy had destroyed the forage at Middlebrook and were still in that quarter. I wish you to move towards them as light, and with as much expedition as possible. The Virginia division under Lord Stirling, and the Light Infantry under Genl Wayne with your own troops and the militia will...
19From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 27 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have this moment received advice that the enemy (said to be 5000) landed yesterday at Amboy and were advancing towards Brunswick. Their intent yet unknown but I think a forage or the interruption of our stores from the Southward is most probable. The Virginia division and the light infantry who were near Kakeyate marched this morning at Sun rise to Paramus, from whence they will proceed as...
20From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 25 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have been duly favored with your letter of the 22d. The enemy having evacuated both their posts at Kings ferry you will on receipt of this proced with your troops to Sufferans at the entrance of the Clove. Should you not have advanced far on your march to Warwick, Hacketstown—Mount-pleasant—Mount-Hope and Pompton would appear the most eligible route to this place. But that I may know this...
21From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 20 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
The crowded situation of the Troops in this quarter & the difficulty in procuring forage & other matters induces me to desire you will halt those under your command, in the neighbourhood of Chester where they will be best accommodated. Any distance from 4 to 12 miles above that place towards Sussex Court House will be a convenient position, & answer every purpose in case a co-operation with...
22From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 14 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
I received your favor of the 11th instant yesterday evening. We have not yet been able to ascertain how far the Count means to extend his co-operations; nor have we learned the event of his visit to the Southward. We expect however very interesting news every day, from this quarter—Till we can know something more definitive respecting his designs, it will be unnecessary to harrass your troops...
23From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 8 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
Since mine of the 5th (of which I inclose a duplicate) I have had the pleasure of receiving yours of the 28th ulto from Chemung and 30th from Tioga. I congratulate you upon your return in safety to that place, and upon the success which has attended the Expedition intrusted to your care. I am transmitting the particulars to Congress. I have yet heard nothing further of the French fleet, but...
24From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 5 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
The 3d Instt I wrote to you, & for fear of accidents inclose a copy of the letter as your forming a junction with this Army as speedily as possible may be of the utmost importance. I have not received a line from you since the 30th of Augt which I can no otherwise acct for than by a miscarriage of letters—I am altogether unacquainted with your movements since the battle at Newtown & have only...
25From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 3 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
From an account I have just received I hope this will meet you on your route from Tioga. It is intended to quicken your march that you may with all possible dispatch form a junction with this army. You will feel the importance of this when I tell you that it is probable we shall shortly have a cooperation with his Excellency Count D’Estaing, which from the enemy’s numbers in New York will...
26From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 15 September 1779 (Washington Papers)
I had the pleasure of receiving your letter of the 30th of August, and congratulate you sincerely on the success of the engagement at Newtown. I immediately transmitted your account to Congress. The advantages we have already gained over the Indians in the destruction of so many of their settlements is very flattering to the expedition. But to make it as conclusive as the state of your...
27From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 3 September 1779 (Washington Papers)
I was made very happy to find, by yours of the 20th ulto that your junction with General Clinton would take place on the next day, and that no opposition had been given to him on the passage down the River. Colonel Pawling, not having been able to reach Anaquaga at the appointed time, and upon his arrival there, finding that General Clinton had passed by, has returned to the Settlements with...
28From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 24 August 1779 (Washington Papers)
I was yesterday favd with yours of the 15th instant from Tioga, and congratulate you upon your success against Chemung and Scheshequenung. This stroke, I hope, will put your junction with General Clinton out of all hazard, after which, I think you have little to fear. I have the pleasure to inform you, that in the night of the 18th instant, Major Lee of the Dragoons, with a detachment from the...
29From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 15 August 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have recd your favors of the 6th and 7th instants. I hope your next will inform me of your arrival at Tioga without interruption, and of your having formed a junction with General Clinton, of which event I am exceedingly anxious to hear. I have furnished the Commissary General of Purchases with such parts of your letters as respect your Magazine of provision, and have directed him to ord⟨er⟩...
30From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 4 August 1779 (Washington Papers)
I send you a duplicate of my last letter of the 1st instant to guard against miscarriage; since which I am favoured with your’s of the 29th inclosing the copy of one to General Clinton. I immediately forwarded a triplicate to the Governor requesting him to dispatch it to his brother, which will serve to render the receipt of your letter still more certain. I at the same time requested the...
31From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 1 August 1779 (Washington Papers)
Brandt at the head of a party of Whites & Indians said to have amounted to eighty or ninety men has lately made an incursion into the Minisinks and cut off a party of fifty or sixty of our militia. It is reported that Brandt himself was either killed or wounded in the action —By a fellow belonging to this party, who has fallen into our hands, as he pretends voluntarily (but is suspected to...
32From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 29 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have been duly favored with your letter of the 10th, the contents of which are of so serious a nature, with respect to the Quarter Masters and Commissary’s departments, that I thought it my duty to communicate them to General Greene and Col. Wadsworth —If there has been neglect in either department, the delinquents must be reponsible to the public and these Gentlemen ought to be acquainted...
33From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 5 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
Since mine to you of the 3d —I have received yours of the 29th of June—I am glad to find that your second arrival of Stores and provisions was in better condition than the first—I hope what you still expect may prove equally good. I have received a letter from General Clinton of the 30th of June by which I find that his taking so large a quantity of provisions & Stores with him was in...
34From George Washington to Maj. Gen. John Sullivan, 3 July 1779 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found : to Maj. Gen. John Sullivan, 3 July 1779. GW wrote Sullivan on 5 July: “Since mine to you of the 3d.”
35From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 1 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have just received a letter from Genl Clinton (at Connajoharie) which has filled me with inexpressible concern, as I apprehend the worst consequence to the Expedition under your command from the measures which have been pursued there. My intention, and which I thought had been sufficiently explained & known to you, was, that the Troops under the command of Genl Clinton should be at...
36From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 21 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
On the 19 Your favor of the 12th came to hand. I am sorry that you are like to be disappointed in the independent Companies expected from pensylvania, and that you have encountered greater difficulties than were looked for. I am satisfied that every exertion in your power will be made, and I hope your eventual operations will be attended with fewer Obstacles. I have had a conversation lately...
37From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 11 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
Since mine to you of yesterday, I wrote to General Clinton giving him some general directions which you will find in the inclosed extract —I, of course, depend on you for giving him more particular ones and am Dr Sir Yr Most Obedt serv. Df , in Alexander Hamilton’s writing, DLC:GW ; Varick transcript , DLC:GW . Hamilton indicated at the bottom of the draft manuscript that this enclosure was...
38From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 10 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
Inclosed I send you extracts of two letters one from Colonel Van Schaick of the 22d & another from General Clinton of the 28th of May —I rely intirely upon you for giving General Clinton the directions necessary for his cooperation; as I could not undertake to do it without hazarding an interference with your views. I am with great regard Dr Sir Yr most Obedt serv. P.S. The enemy remain much...
39From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 4 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
I received your favour of the 2d, with its inclosure, last night—I am glad to find that your affairs seem now to be in good train. In answer to the question you make on the paragraph you recite from my instructions, I shall observe that it is not to be supposed the events you suggest can take place without a good deal of previous negotiation and delay and after all would be precarious as to...
40From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 1 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
Your favor of the 31st came to hand this morning. By my instructions which were transmitted yesterday you will observe that it is my wish for you to commence your operations the moment you have got yourself in readiness. We have no time to lose and I am happy to find every thing in so perfect a train. I am Dear sir &c. Df , in James McHenry’s writing, DLC:GW ; Varick transcript , DLC:GW . In...
41From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 31 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
The expedition you are appointed to command is to be directed against the hostile tribes of the six nations of Indians, with their associates and adherents. The immediate objects are the total destruction and devastation of their settlements and the capture of as many prisoners of every age and sex as possible. It will be essential to ruin their crops now in the ground and prevent their...
42From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 31 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
I transmit you a letter of the 8th—extracts of the 12th—and one of the 24th instant from Brigadier General Hand, which he forwarded to me, not knowing where to find you. I have mentioned in my letter to Gen: Hand my forwarding Them to you. I shall write the board of war to send the supplies of clothing for the 11th Pennsylvania regiment I shall also request them—to forward a set of shoemakers...
43From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 28 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
I received last night your favour of the 26th and am happy to hear that your main difficulty on the score of waggons is in the way of being removed. Besides the reason assigned for the caution contained in mine of the 24th—another not less powerful is that our supplies are very unequal to the general wants of the army and that without the greatest oelig;conomy in proportioning our...
44From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 23–24 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
Your favor of Yesterday has just come to hand. Fusees for the Officers would be proper; but unfortunately there are none here. You will write to the Board of War upon the subject, and mention the number that will be necessary. I have written them a line also upon the occasion; but I am not certain that they will be able to furnish either Fusees or Light Muskets—or Carbines which I have...
45From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 24 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
On receipt of your letter of the 21st I wrote to the Board of War urging them immediate⟨ly⟩ to send forward the shoes which they had promised to collect for the supply of your troops amounting to about 4500 and 2000 ⅌ of Overalls. The former was to have been collected at Lancaster and is directed to be forwarded to Sunbury—the latter will go to Easton—I have requested them to send as many more...
46From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 24 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
In mine which was dispatched a few hours ago, I acknowleged the receipt of your favour of yesterday —I think with you it will be expedient to send two or three hundred more troops to Wyoming. It will be lamentable, if there should be any material delay on the score of waggons—General Greene has possitively assured me there would not—I shall immediately speak to him again on the subject, and...
47From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 19 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
Your letter of the 18th instant came to hand to-day. I have made such communication of its contents to the Quarter Master General as appeared necessary to releive our operations from their present embarrasments, and have recd this moment the answer which I inclose —In the return of the New-Hampshire regiment I observe over alls and shirts. These were ordered to be drawn at Peeks kill—and in...
48From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 13 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have just recd—your favor of yesterdays date. I shall give the necessary orders for the troops to march —but in the mean time I would wish you to be perfectly satisfied that every thing in the quarter Masters & commissarys department is in such preparation as to keep equal pace with the troops—If you find that this is not the case you will give me the earliest notice. For if the troops...
49From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 11 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have scarce a moment to Acknowledge the receipt of your favour of the 8th the person who bears this to you being in great haste. The orders given to Colo. Spencer respecting the incorporation of the regiments must be attended to —I had no doubt but that Cor⟨tlan⟩ds Regiment had joined you—he wrote me some days ago that he had begun or Was to begin his march that day —let your orders meet him...
50From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 8 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have ordered a regiment from General Poors brigade to Easton, which I expect will march from Peekskill in two or three days. It is directed to proceed by New-Windsor, and from thence by the way of Mohocamac. I advise you of this, that you may meet it with such instructions at Mohoccamac or on the Road as relates to its route from that place, or whatsoever else you may judge proper on the...