51From George Washington to George Clinton, 19 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
I last evening recd the inclosed from Congress with a request that I would take measures for carrying the plan recommended by Colo. Hartley into execution. The advices which I have just recd from different quarters bear the strongest marks of an immediate evacuation of New York. These considerations induce me, should it be deemed expedient, to make an addition to Colonel Cortlands command by...
52From George Washington to George Clinton, 20 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have just recd the inclosed from Albany. It serves to shew the hostile intentions of the Indian Enemy, and consequently the necessity of counteracting them as vigorously as possible. I am with great Esteem Your Excellency’s most obt Servt LS , in Tench Tilghman’s writing, CSmH ; Df , DLC:GW ; Varick transcript , DLC:GW . GW enclosed the letter from Indian agent James Deane to Maj. Gen....
53From George Washington to George Clinton, 21 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
It is of the utmost importance that we should be thoroughly acquainted with the resources of this State in regard to Flour. Can it be procured in any considerable quantity, it will not only save the immense expence that arises upon the transportation from Jersey, Pennsylvania and Maryland, but it will enable us to lay up suitable Magazines, which I fear we shall not be able to establish...
54From George Washington to George Clinton, 24 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
Inclosed you have Colo. Butlers Journal of his expedition against Unadilla and Anaquaga You will perceive from that the Route he pursued and the difficulties he met from the Waters, even at this Season. Perhaps this may be of some service to you in forming a decisive opinion upon the Chemung expedition. Be pleased to return this Journal and Colonel Hartleys when you have done with them. I am...
55From George Washington to George Clinton, 2 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
I am honored with yours of yesterday, inclosing an Act of the legislature of your State empowering the Commy, under certain restrictions, to seize all Wheat, Flour or Meal in hands of Forestallers; or Wheat of the Year 1777 and Years preceding. I have immediately, in the absence of the Commissary General, transmitted this salutary law to the Asst Commy General, who is with the Army, that he...
56From George Washington to George Clinton, 5 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
I last evening recd the inclosed letter and depositions from Congress, from which it appears that the inhabitants of Minisink are under apprehensions of another visit from the enemy. Under present appearances I think Colo. Cortlands Regiment may as well move over towards Delaware and take such a position as will best answer the purpose of protecting the settlements. Upon delivery of the...
57From George Washington to George Clinton, 5 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
I shall be exceedingly obliged to you for information, either from your own knowledge or that of others, whether there is a possibility of marching a Body of troops from the head of Susquehannah across the Country to Niagara. Among many other Routes pointed out for carrying the War into the Indian Country, when circumstances will permit, the above has been mentioned as one. The distance...
58From George Washington to George Clinton, 18 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have this moment recd your Excellency’s favr of yesterday containing the disagreeable account of the destruction of Cherry Valley settlement, the loss of Fort Alden and of Colo. Aldens Regiment. Upon the first intimation of the seige of the Fort, which I recd from Genl Hand by letter of the 13th, I directed Brig: Genl James Clinton to march immediately to Albany with the two remaining...
59From George Washington to George Clinton, 29 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
I was favoured to day with your Letter of the 26 Instant. It gave me extreme concern to hear of the complaint, which you transmitted. There is nothing I wish for more, than a happy understanding between the Inhabitants and every part of the Army—and this I have constantly endeavoured to promote. I have written to Major Strang & Mr Hyatt, inclosing a Letter to Major Lee with a copy of the...
60From George Washington to George Clinton, 29 December 1778 (Washington Papers)
I received Your favor of the 18th Instant and am sorry for the accident that has happened to Mr McDowell. Whether his Barn was destroyed through design or otherwise—does not alter the injury as to him—and he seems equally intitled to reparation in either case. I do not know, however, that I am authorised to direct it to be made, and therefore shall be under the necessity of submitting the...
61From George Washington to George Clinton, 25 January 1779 (Washington Papers)
Your favor of the 29th December only reached me a few days ago—I shall lay before Congress, that part of Your Excellency’s letter, which respects the payment of those supplies which you were under the necessity of taking out of the regular line—after the loss of the Highland Posts—as it is not in my power to order the present Quarter Master and Commissary General to discharge accounts prior to...
62From George Washington to George Clinton, 4 March 1779 (Washington Papers)
The president of Congress has transmitted me Your Excellencys letter to the delegates of New York, representing the calamitous situation of the North Western frontier of that State—accompanied by a similar application from the Pennsilvania Assembly—and a Resolve of the 25th directing me to take the most effectual Measures for the protection of the inhabitants and chastisement of the indians....
63From George Washington to George Clinton, 6 March 1779 (Washington Papers)
The annexed Letter written previous to the Receipt of Your Excelly’s favor of the 3d inst. will serve as an Answer to the principal part of its contents. The intelligence I have to communicate to Your Excelly is I apprehend, no more than will have already been transmitted to you by the Delegates of your State. It is in brief as follows—That the King of Spain has declared he will not be an...
64From George Washington to George Clinton, 12 March 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have received the letter which Your Excellency did me the honor to write the 7th inst: with the depositions of Capt. Laurence and Thomas Minor—relative to Col. Holdridges seisure of the schooner General Howe. As I am informed that a complaint on the same subject has been laid before Congress—and am ignorant what orders they may have given in consequence—I have given conditional directions to...
65From George Washington to George Clinton, 15–16 March 1779 (Washington Papers)
The 1st April ensuing the times of about a 1000 of the troops under the command of Genl McDougall will expire. These returning home will leave the Highland posts in a state much weaker than is proper for them to experience in the approaching Season. I shall endeavour to replace them as far as in my power—But in addition to what I may be able to do, it will be expedient to fall upon some plan...
66From George Washington to George Clinton, 5 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
The time not being very remote, in which our intended operations must commence—it is necessary to put some of the troops designed for the expedition in motion, to the several points from whence they are to operate. In consequence of this—the troops now at Minisink will be immediately ordered from that post. As this circumstance may create apprehensions in the minds of the people for their...
67From George Washington to George Clinton, 9 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
In the close of my letter of the 5th Instant, I had the pleasure to acknowlege your favors of the 18th & 21st Ultimo. Besides the 80 battalions of Infantry, it is the intention of Congress to preserve as many of the 16 additional and other corps as can be kept up by means of incorporation, or continued in their present condition—considering at the same time such of the men composing these...
68From George Washington to George Clinton, 17 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
It is determined, that the force, which is to move by way of the Mohawk River, upon the intended Expedition, shall rendezvous at Conojohare by the 10th of May. This will oblige me to call off the detachments from General Clintons Brigade which are now at Saratogha, Lake George and some other places upon your northern Frontier. Warners Regiment will remain but by a letter which I recd from...
69From George Washington to George Clinton, 3 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
I am honored with your favor of the 25th of last month. The readiness with which you comply with all my requests, in prosecution of the Public service has a claim to my warmest acknowledgments. I am glad to hear of the measures the state has taken for raising a thousand men, and of your expectation that the number would be soon completed—I hope the intelligence from Col. Cantine will not...
70From George Washington to George Clinton, 15 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
It appears by the certificates in possession of Thomas Done, the bearer of this letter that he was a soldier in a company of Artillery commanded by Capt. Lamb, and that he lost his sight in the service. He has applied to me to direct him in what manner he may obtain the public provision made for persons in his situation. As the company to which he belonged was raised in the state of New York,...
71From George Washington to George Clinton, 24 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
I was yesterday honored with your favour of the 18th—I most heartily approve the expedition you propose and thank your Excellency for suggesting it and offering to furnish the men and conduct the business yourself. I have consulted the Qr Master General, who thinks he can furnish the requisite means in his department and writes to you by this opportunity to put the matter in train. I have...
72From George Washington to George Clinton, 9 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
Having considered our own force—the situation and circumstances of the enemy—and the inconveniences which must result to the militia from detaining them longer in the field, from the sudden and unexpected manner in which they came out. I beg leave to inform your Excellency, that, I should hope they may be dismissed and permitted to return to their homes for the present, without any great...
73From George Washington to George Clinton, 10 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
I am honored with your Excellency’s favour of yesterday by Colo. Malcolm, who has communicated to me the particulars with which you charged him —I beg leave to refer you to my letter of yesterday which I hope you have received. In that, sensible of the inconvenience of keeping out the militia at this season of the year, I anticipated your wish for their discharge, with my warmest...
74From George Washington to George Clinton, 13 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have been duly honored with your Excellency’s favor of the 7th. The high respect I bear to the State would make me silent upon a subject of such delicacy as that you have been pleased to communicate, did I not view the event which you suppose probable as pregnant with very unhappy consequences. I should regard it as one of the most unfortunate that could happen in our present circumstances—I...
75From George Washington to George Clinton, 24 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
That I might be more convenient to the Works at West point, I removed my quarters to this place on Monday last. I have only to add upon this subject, that I shall be happy to see Your Excellency here, as often as your leisure will permit. There has been no Official account received from Charles Town as yet that I know of; but I have no doubt but that there has been an Action there, and that...
76From George Washington to George Clinton, 27 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have received your two favours of the 24th and 25th. I am sorry for the accident, that has befallen the Militia. Some days since I directed General McDougall to send an hundred infantry to join Sheldon’s regiment of dragoons —and Col. Moylan has also been directed to join him with his regiment of cavalry —This corps I hope will be able to answer the purpose of countenancing the militia and...
77From George Washington to George Clinton, 28 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to inclose you an extract from my letter of the 21st to Genl Sullivan by which you will perceive I have informed him that Lieut. Col. Pauling with a part of his command will join Genl Clinton at Ononquaga and proceed on the ulterior operations of the expedition. As you left the matter to my determination whether the party should return or proceed on the western service after...
78From George Washington to George Clinton, 28 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
I just now received your favor of to day. The Enemy are now indebted to us on the Score of privates and have been for a considerable time—or at least ever since last fall. This circumstance puts it out of my power to send in any new prisoners; but I shall cheerfully consent to apply the Militia taken the other day, to the credit of their Account if they will release them, and I will direct the...
79From George Washington to George Clinton, 14 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
I yesterday evening received Your favor of the 13th and thank you for transmitting me a copy of Your Brother’s Letter. I am happy to find the Troops are in such health and Spirits. Major Gibbs inclosed you Yesterday the Charles Town papers of the 29th of May and 4th of June, which would shew Your Excellency all the operations in that quarter to those dates; and that matters are far short of...
80From George Washington to George Clinton, 16 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have the pleasure to transmit Your Excellency the enclosed copy of a letter from Brig. Gen. Wayne, which this moment came to hand. I congratulate you upon our success—and what makes it still more agreeable, from the report of Capt. Fishbourne who brought Gen. Wayne’s letter, the Post was gained with but very inconsiderable loss on our part. I have not yet obtained the particulars of the...
81From George Washington to George Clinton, 19 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
I this morning received your favor of the 18th when returning from Stony point. Being very much fatigued and not having obtained a detail account of the Action yet, I cannot comply with your Excellency’s request. However for your private information—I believe the Garrison at Stony point amounted to about 500 rank & file—of which between Twenty & thirty might have been killed—about Forty...
82From George Washington to George Clinton, 3 August 1779 (Washington Papers)
I this minute received a Letter from General Sullivan of the 30th Ulto and a Copy of One to yo⟨ur⟩ Brother the General; of both which I inclose you Copies. Your Excellency will be pleased to direct the march of Lt Colo. pauling at such time—and in such manner as you shall judge best. You will also receive a Letter ⟨addre⟩ssed to you, which came with ⟨mine.⟩ I have inclosed a line to the...
83From George Washington to George Clinton, 14 August 1779 (Washington Papers)
On the 3d Instant I had the honor to write to Your Excellency and to transmit you a Copy of a Letter I had received from General Sullivan of the 30th of July with a Copy of One to your Brother the General—Also a Letter addressed to Yourself. As I have not had the pleasure to hear from Your Excellency since, I have been some what anxious lest my dispatches should have miscarried and which is...
84From George Washington to George Clinton, 31 August 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to inclose the copy of a letter of yesterday from Major General Heath, which, as it relates to a matter of civil concern, I think it my duty ⟨to communicate⟩ to Your Excellency. In a letter of the 20th from General Sullivan he sends me the copy of one from General Clinton, by which and by what he mentions himself, the junction was to have been formed the next day. Lt Col....
85From George Washington to George Clinton, 6 September 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have recd your Excellency’s favr of the 1st Inst. by Lt Colo. Pawling. Before the Rect of your letter I had heard of his return, but never entertained a doubt of his having exerted himself to reach Anaquaga at the appointed time —I hope as the junction between Generals Sullivan and Clinton has taken place without any difficulty or loss, that this small diminution of force will have no effect...
86From George Washington to George Clinton, 7 September 1779 (Washington Papers)
I herewith transmit to your Excellency several papers, with a letter from Elias Boudinot Esqe relative to the case of a certain Hallet who is said to be an inhabitant of Long Island —As I do not consider him cognizable by the military laws, but more properly falling under the jurisdiction of the State to which he belongs, I have therefore sent him under guard to your Excellency. I also inclose...
87From George Washington to George Clinton, 8 September 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have the pleasure to inform you, that the junction between Generals Sullivan and Clinton having been formed at Tioga, the whole Army moved the 26th Augt. On the 29th the advanced party of Riflemen announced the Enemy at a place called the Newtown, and that they were advantageously posted and intrenched. General Sullivan, having reconnoitered them—made his dispositions, and attacked them in...
88From George Washington to George Clinton, 17 September 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have had the pleasure of your Excellency’s favr of the 14th and am obliged by the communication of Coll Van Dyk’s letter, which affords a pleasing prospect of Indian Affairs. The Chevalier de la Luzerne sets out this morning for Philada. I have no regular Maps of the Western Country except Evans’s, Hollands, and such as are in print. I have some detached Sketches to copies of which your...
89From George Washington to George Clinton, 1 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have received your two favors of the 25th and 29th. I am obliged to your Excellency for the assurance of all the assistance in the power of this State in case of a co-operation with our allies—The degree of aid which will be necessary for this State cannot well be determined before hand—it will depend on the force of the Enemy and the state of our magazines at the moment. In the former we...
90III. From George Washington to George Clinton, 4 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to inclose your Excellency the Copy of a Resolution of Congress of the 26th September, by which you will perceive they expect the arrival of his Excellency Count D’Estaing; and that I am directed to pursue measures for cooperating with him, and to call upon the several States for such aid as shall appear to me necessary for this important purpose —In compliance with these...
91From George Washington to George Clinton, 10 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have with great pleasure received your Excellency’s favr of the 7th: Your plan of ordering the Militia to bring out 40 days flour of their own will be a great releif to the Commy General who is only under apprehensions on account of that Article. Of Meat, he gives me assurances of any quantity that may be required. The Quarter Master General is making every preparation for Camp equipage. We...
92From George Washington to George Clinton, 29 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
I am just honored with yours of last evening, and am sorry to find inclosures of so disagreeable a nature. I have, by the inclosed, directed the Commanding Officer of the Massachusetts Militia to repair to Albany, and have desired him to leave word for the remainder to repair thither as they come in. Should any part of your Militia, that were intended for the expected cooperation, be still...
93From George Washington to George Clinton, 3 November 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have been informed of two most flagrant Acts of marauding lately committed by persons from the Continent, upon Mr Seaton formerly of New York, and Colo. Floyd of Long Island. These Gentlemen and their characters are undoubtedly known to your Excellency. The persons, who committed the Robbery, are said to be Joseph Halce and Fade Donaldson who are also said to belong to the State of New York....
94From George Washington to George Clinton, 16 November 1779 (Washington Papers)
I am now to inform You that the idea of a cooperation with His Excellency Count De Estaing in this quarter is entirely at an end, at least for this Year. The advanced season of itself would have rendered the measure too precarious and uncertain in the issue to be undertaken now; but besides this I find by advices received last night, that an unfavourable change in our Affairs at the southward...
95From George Washington to George Clinton, 13 December 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to inclose your Excellency sundry papers received from Major Ballard respecting the effects of certain disaffected persons taken and sold on the frontier. You will perceive he is in danger of being prosecuted for felony. There appears not from the face of the papers to have been any thing blameable in Major Ballards conduct as he only acted in obedience to his orders on which...
96From George Washington to George Clinton, 5 February 1780 (Washington Papers)
I think it my ⟨duty to transmit⟩ Your Excellency the inclos⟨ed Representation⟩ and Request from sund⟨ry Officers⟩ in your line, which I re⟨ceived Two⟩ days ago. The Objects a⟨re of a⟩ delicate and interesting ⟨nature⟩ and such I am persuaded ⟨as will⟩ have, if they have not alread⟨y had⟩ it, the attention they deserve⟨. From⟩ the conversation and expostu⟨lations⟩ I had with the Gentlemen who...
97From George Washington to George Clinton, 5 April 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have lately ⟨been concerting measures⟩ with Governor Livingst⟨on for the arrangement⟩ and disposition of the Mili⟨tia of this State, in⟩ case the enemy, thinking to ⟨take advantage⟩ of the reduction of our num⟨bers by the expirations⟩ of the times of service of ⟨our troops and from⟩ other causes, should move ⟨out against us—⟩Should such an event take p⟨lace, I would wish⟩ that the commanding...
98From George Washington to George Clinton, 12 April 1780 (Washington Papers)
I was yest⟨erday honored with your⟩ favor of the 7th and am v⟨ery sorry to find that your⟩ Frontier is likely Again to [be] ⟨disturbed by the⟩ incursions of the Savages. I⟨t appears by yours⟩ that you had not received the ⟨Act of Congress of the⟩ 4th instant, by which they app⟨rove of your proposal⟩ of raising 800 Militia for the ⟨defence of the State—⟩ I take the liberty of enclosing ⟨you a...
99From George Washington to George Clinton, 18 May 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have the happiness to inform your Excellency, that the Marquis De la Fayette has brought the interesting intelligence of a French fleet & Army which was to Sail from France early in April for the Continent, to co-operate with us. He is gone on to Congress, and measures will, it is to be hoped, be immediately taken by them to put ourselves in a situation to derive the advantage from this...
100From George Washington to George Clinton, 23–24 May 1780 (Washington Papers)
⟨I am exceedingly sorry to learn, by your⟩ favr of the 19th, ⟨the distressed situation of your fron⟩tier, more especially ⟨at a time, when our attention⟩ will, in all probability ⟨be called, in a great measure,⟩ to the operations upon the ⟨Coast. My confidential⟩ letter of the 18th will explain ⟨my meaning.⟩ By that you will perceive ⟨the impossibility, under⟩ present appearances and...