101From George Washington to John Hancock, 7 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
I was this morning honored with yours of the 5th with sundry Resolves of Congress to which I shall pay due attention. No change has taken place in the Situation of the Enemy upon Staten Island since I wrote to you on the 5th But I have this morning recd an account from Elizabeth Town which mentions that a person had just come from the Island who informs that small Craft are constantly plying...
102From George Washington to John Hancock, 5 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
Since I did myself the honor to address you upon the 2d instant, the Enemy’s shipping all moved round from Prince’s Bay towards the watering place and the British and Foreign Troops marched from the Ground opposite to Amboy to the North End of Staten Island. The new Levies now lay from the Blazing Star along the Sound. Upon this motion of the Enemy it was judged expedient to form a new...
103From George Washington to John Hancock, 2 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
The Inclosed Copies of Genl St Clairs Letters, transmitted Yesterday Afternoon and last Night by Genl Schuyler, I have thought it my duty to send you. The Intelligence they contain is important and interesting—nor are there circumstances wanting besides these, to induce a beleif or at least to raise a strong presumption that the Enemy have in contemplation a junction of their Two Armies by way...
104From George Washington to John Hancock, 1 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
Yesterday afternoon the Enemy totally evacuated Amboy and encamped Opposite to it on Staten Island. General Scot entered directly after, and posting Guards to secure any Stores they might have left, he withdrew his Brigade & halted about Four Miles from thence. This it was expedient to do, It being night when he entered, and his remaining there might have induced the Enemy, whose Boats were...
105From George Washington to John Hancock, 29–30 June 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have not been able to ascertain yet with any degree of precision, the loss sustained by the Enemy in the Several Skirmishes on Thursday, though we have many reasons to beleive it was much more considerable, than what it was apprehended to be, when I had the Honor of addressing you upon the subject. The Inclosed Copy of a Letter from Lord Stirling contains the fullest and most particular...
106From George Washington to John Hancock, 28 June 1777 (Washington Papers)
On Thursday Morning General Howe advanced with his Whole Army in several Columns from Amboy, as far as Westfeild. We are certainly informed, that the Troops, sent to Staten Island, returned the preceding Evening, and it is said with an Augumentation of Marines—so that carrying them there was a feint with intention to deceive us. His design in this sudden movement was either to bring on a...
107From George Washington to John Hancock, 25 June 1777 (Washington Papers)
When I had the honor to address you last, it was on the Subject of the Enemy’s retreat from Brunswick to Amboy and of the measures pursued to annoy them. At the time of writing, the information I had received respecting their loss was rather vague and uncertain; But we have reason to believe from intelligence through various Channels since, that it was pretty considerable and fell cheifly on...
108From George Washington to John Hancock, 22 June 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor and pleasure to inform you that the Enemy evacuated Brunswic this morning and retired to Amboy, burning many Houses as they went along. Some of them from the appearance of the Flames were considerable Buildings. From several pieces of information and from a variety of Circumstances it was evident that a move was in agitation, and it was the general Opinion that it was intended...
109From George Washington to John Hancock, 21 June 1777 (Washington Papers)
I was last night honored with yours of Yesterday morning with its Inclosures, the Contents of which, I shall duly attend to. Having written fully Yesterday, and Nothing new occurring since, I have only to request that you will forward the papers respecting the Commissary’s department, as soon as possible. For want of some certain and fixed line of duty in this instance, the Commissary says, it...
110From George Washington to John Hancock, 20 June 1777 (Washington Papers)
When I had the Honor of addressing you last, I informed you, that the Main body of the Enemy had marched from Brunswick and extended their Van, as far as Sommerset Court House. I am now to acquaint you, that after encamping between these Two posts and beginning a line of Redoubts, they changed their Ground Yesterday morning and in the course of the preceding night, and returned to Brunswick...
111From George Washington to John Hancock, 13–15 June 1777 (Washington Papers)
Inclosed you will receive a Copy of a Letter from me to Lord Cornwallis on the inhuman treatment of Lieutt Martin, by a party of the Enemy’s Horse. My remonstrance and sending his Corps, produced nothing more, than a short Answer from his Lordship, which you also have. It was thought unnecessary to view the body, the Fact being admitted and justified. I have also taken the liberty to inclose a...
112From George Washington to John Hancock, 14 June 1777 (Washington Papers)
Your Letter of Yesterday with Its inclosures, I received last Night. By this Conveyance I shall not send a particular Answer. The Enemy are in motion & a body is advancing from Milstone towards Vanbecters Bridge—Another division is on the Road leading towards Coriels ferry. We are packing up & making every preparation to act as circumstances shall seem to require. I have the Honor to be with...
113From George Washington to John Hancock, 8 June 1777 (Washington Papers)
I was this morning honoured with your favor of the 6th Instant with its Inclosures. I am extremely happy in the Approbation, Congress have been pleased to express of my conduct, respecting the proposed Cartel for the Exchange of prisoners, and shall govern myself by the principles which influenced me on that occasion & such Other as shall appear right & just, should there be any further...
114From George Washington to John Hancock, 6 June 1777 (Washington Papers)
I this morning had the Honor of your Letter of the 5th with its inclosures. The Resolution of the 30th of May, respecting the French Gentlemen, who came passengers in the Amphitrite, reached Camp before your Letter and has excited much uneasiness in the Artillery Corps. The inclosed Copy of a Letter from Genl Knox will convey their anxiety upon the Subject, & which I think it necessary to...
115From George Washington to John Hancock, 5 June 1777 (Washington Papers)
Inclosed, you will receive a Copy of a Letter from Genl Howe of this date. You will perceive, how extremely pressing he is for an Answer to the demands in his Letters of the 21st of April and 22d Ulto. As I referred the consideration of them to Congress in mine of the 28th of May, requesting their Opinion, I entreat, that they will not defer giving it, that I may return an Answer. I shall...
116From George Washington to John Hancock, 3 June 1777 (Washington Papers)
I would take the liberty of addressing a few Lines to Congress, on a matter, which appears to me of importance, and which is considered in the same light by many of our Officers and Others not in the Military line. The subject, I allude to, is the condition of many persons now with the Enemy, who deluded by their arts and a misguided attachment to their measures, fled from the protection of...
117From George Washington to John Hancock, 2 June 1777 (Washington Papers)
The Inclosed Copies of Genls Gates & Poor’s Letters, which just now came to hand, contain the latest advices from the Northern Army. These, I thought it proper to transmit, as I am not authorized to conclude, that Genl Gates had written to Congress upon the Subject of their Contents. I wish our Accounts from that Quarter may be happy, if Mr Carlton makes an Attack. The shameful deficiency in...
118From George Washington to John Hancock, 31 May 1777 (Washington Papers)
Monsr Coudré is just arrived at Camp, and proposes to set out to Morrow for Philadelphia. What his views are, I am uncertain, having had no conversation with him upon the Subject; but I find, an Idea prevails, that there is an Agreement between Mr Dean & him, that he shall have the cheif command of the Artillery. How well founded this Opinion may be, I cannot determine; but if it be true, it...
119From George Washington to John Hancock, 31 May 1777 (Washington Papers)
Since I did myself the honor to write to you the 29th I have recd the inclosed intelligence. As it comes from a person of Veracity, and one who is much in the confidence of the Enemy, I have no doubt as to the fact of the two Brigades having come over from New York to Amboy, and also that a Number of Waggons have been brought from Staten and Long Island. These accounts are corroborated by...
120From George Washington to John Hancock, 29 May 1777 (Washington Papers)
I this morning had the Honor of your Letter of the 27th with its Inclosures. I shall pay the strictest attention to the Resolutions transmitted me; However I am not without apprehensions, that the Regulation lately adopted, respecting Chaplains, will not answer. I recollect when One was assigned, in the course of last year, to Two Regiments, the prevailing Opinion was, and that founded on a...
121From George Washington to John Hancock, 28 May 1777 (Washington Papers)
The inclosed, is a Copy of a Letter, received yesterday from Genl Howe. Congress will perceive by referring to the Copy of his Letter of the 21st of April, transmitted in mine of the 26th, that he persevered in his demand for an equal number of prisoners to be returned, for those sent out by him, and which have been the Subject of Controversy between us. As General Howe has called upon me...
122From George Washington to John Hancock, 24 May 1777 (Washington Papers)
I beg leave to inform Congress, that immediately after the receipt of their Resolve of the 26th of March, recommending the Office of Adjutant General to be filled by the Appointment of a person of Abilities, and unsuspected attachment to our Cause, I wrote to Colo. Timothy Pickering of Salem, offering him the post in the first instance, and transmitting at the same time a Letter for Colo....
123From George Washington to John Hancock, 21 May 1777 (Washington Papers)
Inclosed I have the Honor to transmit you a General Return of the Forces in Jersey. It is regimentally digested and will shew the strength of each Corps. I should not have sent it so particularly made out, had I not conceived the conveyance, by which it goes from hence, entirely secure. I have nothing material to add respecting the Enemy. I have the Honor to be with great respect Sir Yr Most...
124From George Washington to John Hancock, 16 May 1777 (Washington Papers)
Your Letter of the 15th, I had the Honor to receive last night, at Eleven OClock. The Commission inclosed for Monsieur Armand, I shall deliver him, as soon, as I see him. Agreable to your request, I will give Commissions to the Brigadiers, and will ascertain their Rank by their Original Commissions, when I obtain them. The inquiry directed, respecting Major Campbell, shall be made and that be...
125From George Washington to John Hancock, 13 May 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have reason to apprehend, from the information I have received, that desertions from some of the Virginia Regiments, now on their March, will, in all probability, be not less frequent, than they have been from some from Pensylvania, which are in Camp. There is cause to fear, they will be more common & certain. I am told, that Convict Servants purchased from their Masters by the Recruiting...
126From George Washington to John Hancock, 12 May 1777 (Washington Papers)
I was this Morning honored with your Letter of the 10th Instt accompanied by the proceedings of Congress of the day before. The conduct of too many Officers, in withholding the pay of their Soldiers, I am persuaded, is reprehensible, and has been the cause of uneasiness & of many desertions. Every measure in my power, will be exerted to prevent such Abuses in future, and every aid given to...
127From George Washington to John Hancock, 12 May 1777 (Washington Papers)
This will be delivered you by General Arnold, who arrived here to day in his way to Philadelphia. He seems to be anxious to settle his public Accounts, which are of considerable amount, and waits on Congress, hoping they will appoint a Committee of their Body, or of such Gentlemen, as they shall judge proper, to take the matter into consideration. This he considers, the more necessary, as he...
128From George Washington to John Hancock, 10 May 1777 (Washington Papers)
Since I had the Honor of addressing you on the 5th Instt nothing material has occurred. Inclosed, you will be pleased to receive a General Return of our Forces in Jersey, the 6th Instant, which is the first, I have been able to obtain with any degree of accuracy. I have not heard from Genl DeHaw’s since his promotion. As soon as I was informed of it, I wrote & requested him to repair to Camp,...
129From George Washington to John Hancock, 9 May 1777 (Washington Papers)
This will be delivered you by Colo. Conway, an Irish Gentleman, in the service of France, who came passenger, in the Amphitrite and was introduced to me Yesterday, by a Letter from Mr Deane & One from Genl Heath, Copies of which are transmitted. This Gentleman waits on Congress, to obtain an appointment in the Army of the States, & from Mr Dean’s recommendation, is an Officer of merit. He...
130From George Washington to John Hancock, 9 May 1777 (Washington Papers)
The inclosed is Copy of a letter which was handed to me by M. Mottin de la Balme from Silas Dean Esquire: For a more particular account of his Merit and Services, I must refer you to himself. I have sounded him, as to his expectations, and find that nothing under a Lieutenant Colonelcy of Horse will content him. If you should, from his own account, or from what you can collect from others,...
131From George Washington to John Hancock, 5 May 1777 (Washington Papers)
I was this morning honored with your letter of the 3d Inst., with its inclosures. General Arnolds promotion gives me much pleasure; he has certainly discoverd in every instance where he has had an opportunity, much bravery, activity and enterprise; But what will be done about his Rank? he will not act most probably under those he commanded but a few weeks ago. I trust the appointment of Mr...
132From George Washington to John Hancock, 3 May 1777 (Washington Papers)
I was yesterday honored with your Letter of the 29th Ulto, inclosing Sundry Resolves. Agreable to the directions of Congress, I have written to the States of New Hampshire and Massachusetts, and urged them to compleat and forward their Troops, destined for Ticonderoga, with all possible expedition. The Brigadiers gone there for the present, are Fermoy—Poor—Patterson & Learned. Nixon & Glover...
133From George Washington to John Hancock, 30 April 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have been waiting with much anxiety to hear the result of the expedition against Danbury, which I never was informed of ’till this Minute. The inclosed Copy of a Letter from Genl McDougal and of Several Others, which he transmitted, will give Congress all the intelligence I have upon the Subject. I have only to add, and to lament, that this Enterprize has been attended but with too much...
134From George Washington to John Hancock, 28 April 1777 (Washington Papers)
I last night received the favor of your Letter of the 26th with the Resolves to which it alludes. The views of Congress in sending General Officers to the Eastward, to hasten on the Troops, have been long anticipated. Genl Poor is in New Hampshire for the purpose; General Heath in Massachusets Bay, with Brigadrs Nixon, Glover and Patterson; General Varnum in Rhode Island, and Genl Parsons in...
135From George Washington to John Hancock, 26 April 1777 (Washington Papers)
I was last night honored with your Letter of the 25th with sundry Resolves of Congress. Such of them as are necessary for my government & conduct, I shall strictly attend to. The Money and Bills for our prisoners, had better be transmitted to Elias Boudinot, Esquire, to whom I shall give directions, to adopt ways and means for sending the same, and for a proper appropriation and distribution...
136From George Washington to John Hancock, 23 April 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to transmit you the inclosed pieces of intelligence, which I received this day from Genl Stephens, who, by my desire, employed persons to go into New York and Brunswick. I do not put intire confidence in the whole, but the principal reason of sending the intelligence forward is that proper measures may be fallen upon to find out and apprehend Thomas Long, mentioned in General...
137From George Washington to John Hancock, 21 April 1777 (Washington Papers)
I was this morning honored with your favor of the 20th inclosing Sundry proceedings of Congress. The removal of provisions &c. from the Communication between Brunswick and Trentown, has been pretty well effected already. It was an Object early attended to, and what I recommended to the Assembly of this State, as deserving their interposition and aid; but finding it had not their immediate...
138From George Washington to John Hancock, 18–19 April 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have nothing of importance to transmit Congress, no Event in the Military line having happened since my last, except the Surprizing a Small picquet guard of the Enemy on Monday night at Bonam Town & bringing off Thirteen prisoners by One of our parties. An Enterprize of a similar nature was formed against that at Amboy, in which, the party sent to effect it did not succeed so well, though...
139From George Washington to John Hancock, 12–13 April 1777 (Washington Papers)
I am honoured with yours of the 10th accompanied with one from the Committee of Congress, to whom I have wrote very fully upon the subject of the Resolve for forming an Army upon the West side of Delaware and to which I refer you. I wish I could see any prospect of an Army, fit to make proper opposition, formed any where. You will perhaps be surprized at this, after the public Reports of the...
140From George Washington to John Hancock, 10 April 1777 (Washington Papers)
I was just now honored with your Letter of the 9th Instant, covering Sundry Resolutions of Congress. Those for regulating the Hospital and medical department, I trust, will prove of the most salutary consequences. It is only to be regretted, that this necessary and liberal institution had not been gone into and compleated at an earlier period. The Honors Congress have decreed to the memory of...
141From George Washington to John Hancock, 9 April 1777 (Washington Papers)
I am honoured with yours of the 4th inclosing sundry Resolves of Congress from the 29th March to the 5th instant. I am extremely glad to see the Resolve for the immediate removal of Military Stores from Baltimore and Annapolis, for altho’ I do not imagine that the Enemy intend an expedition of any great Consequence in Chesapeak Bay, yet while the Stores lay at the above places, they were...
142From George Washington to John Hancock, 5 April 1777 (Washington Papers)
The inclosed from Monsr le Chevr de Dreudhomme de Borre, with the papers annexed to it, were received this day by the Eastern Mail —It appears that by an agreement with Mr Dean he is to have the Rank and Pay of a Brigadier General in our service—I imagine by this, that he is a Man of real Merit—If you think proper to confirm Mr Dean’s appointment, be pleased to inform me of it, and return the...
143From George Washington to John Hancock, 2 April 1777 (Washington Papers)
Since I had the honor of writing to you last, I have recd the inclosed from Genl Mcdougal which contains a full account of the late affair at peekskill. Every prudential step appears to have been taken by the General, and as good a disposition made as his small Number of men would admit of. I have heard nothing further respecting the embarkation of Troops which I mentioned in my last, I am in...
144From George Washington to John Hancock, 31 March 1777 (Washington Papers)
Captain Desheild of Mr Buchanans Ship from Baltimore who was taken by the Enemy and carried into York made his Escape from thence on Saturday Evening. He informs, that three thousand Troops, British & Hessian, embarked about Ten days ago from the City & Staten Island on board Transports which were laying at the Latter when he came away, he adds that the Enemy have built & are building a number...
145From George Washington to John Hancock, 29 March 1777 (Washington Papers)
I last night had the Honor to receive your Letter of the 26th Instt accompanied by sundry Resolves of Congress & some other papers. The arrival of the Arms—Locks & Flints you have been pleased to mention, is a most fortunate & happy event. I join you most sincerely in congratulations upon the occasion. I have not yet obtained a certain account of the expedition against & destruction of Peek’s...
146From George Washington to John Hancock, 29 March 1777 (Washington Papers)
Since I had the Honor of addressing you this morning by the Return Express, the Eastern post arrived. The Intelligence he brought, is agreable and interesting, as you will perceive by the inclosed Letter from Mr Hazard which I do myself the pleasure of transmitting you. I am happy to say, the arrival of the Ship at portsmouth, and the capture of the two prizes, is confirmed, by other Letters...
147From George Washington to John Hancock, 26 March 1777 (Washington Papers)
Yesterday a letter, of which the inclosed is a copy, came to my hands. The account is confirmed by a Countryman who is since come in—but nothing distinct has yet been received. The aid required of me in Colo. Hay’s Letter cannot be given. I have no men to oppose the Enemy’s designs in any one quarter, altho’ called upon from every Quarter. All that was possible for me to do towards collecting...
148From George Washington to John Hancock, 23 March 1777 (Washington Papers)
Colo. Palfrey having expressed a desire to settle the Accounts of his Office to this time, has obtained my permission to repair to Philadelphia and now waits on Congress with his Books & Vouchers, hoping that a Committee will be appointed to examine and adjust the same. The disadvantages which have arisen to the service and which have been severely felt for want of constant Supplies in the...
149From George Washington to John Hancock, 21 March 1777 (Washington Papers)
I was last night honoured with your Letter of the 17th Instt covering Sundry Resolutions of Congress, which shall have my attention. Having charged Major General Greene, who will probably be in philadelphia to day, with such matters as I wished to refer to the consideration of Congress, I have nothing to trouble them with at this time, or material to inform them of. I have the Honor to be with...
150From George Washington to John Hancock, 18 March 1777 (Washington Papers)
The difficulty, if not impossibility, of giving Congress a just Idea of our situation and of several other important matters requiring their earliest attention by Letter, has induced me to prevail on Major General Greene to wait upon them for that purpose. This Gentleman is so much in my confidence—so intimately acquainted with my ideas—with our strength, and our weaknesses—with everything...