61From George Washington to John Hancock, 30 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
Since I had the Honor of addressing you Yesterday, Nothing of Importance has occurred and the Enemy remain, as they then were. I was reconnoitring the Country and different Roads all Yesterday, and am now setting out on the same business again. Sensible of the advantages of Light Troops, I have formed a Corps under the command of a Brigadier, by drafting a Hundred from each Brigade, which is...
62From George Washington to John Hancock, 29 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
On my return to this place last evening from White Clay creek, I was honored with yours of the 27th, with sundry resolves of Congress, to which I shall pay due attention. The enemy advanced a part of their army yesterday to Gray’s hill about two miles on this side of Elk, whether with intent to take post there, or to cover while they remove what stores they found in the town, I cannot yet...
63From George Washington to John Hancock, 28 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
Having endeavoured, at the solicitation of the Count De Pulaski, to think of some mode for employing him in our service, there is none occurs to me, liable to so few inconveniences and exceptions, as the giving him the command of the horse. This department is still without a head, as I have not, in the present deficiency of Brigadiers with the army, thought it adviseable to take one from the...
64From George Washington to John Hancock, 27 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
I this morning returned from the Head of Elk, which I left last night. In respect to the Enemy, I have nothing new to communicate. they remain where they debarked first. I could not find out from inquiry what number is landed—nor form an estimate of It, from the distant view i had of their Encampment, But few Tents were to be seen from Iron Hill and Greys Hill, which are the only eminences...
65From George Washington to John Hancock, 25 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
I last night had the Honor of your favor of the 24th with Its inclosures. No Letters came for you from Genl Schuyler, and therefore, agreable to your request, I transmit you a Copy of the One I received from him, and of the material papers, which it covered. Among the Copies, you will find Genl Burgoyn’s instructions at large to Lt Colo. Baum, pointing out the Objects of his Command, when he...
66From George Washington to John Hancock, 25 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
The inclosed intelligence has just come to my hands. Genl Green’s and Genl Stephen’s divisions are within a few Miles of this place, I shall order them to march immediately here. The two other divisions halted this day at Derby to refresh themselves, but they will come on as expeditiously as possible. There are about five hundred pennsylvania Militia at Chester and Marcus Hook that are armed,...
67From George Washington to John Hancock, 23 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
I beg leave to inform you, that the Army marched early this Morning, & will encamp, I expect, this Evening within Five or Six Miles of Philadelphia. To Morrow morning it will move again, and I think to march it through the City, but without halting. I am induced to do this, from the Opinion of Several of my Officers & Many Friends in Philadelphia, that it may have some influence on the minds...
68From George Washington to John Hancock, 22 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
I am honord with your favor, containing the intelligence of the Enemy’s arrival in Chesapeak Bay and the resolution of Congress thereupon. I have, in consequence of this account, sent orders to General Nash immediately to embark his Brigade and Colo. Proctor’s Corps of Artillery, if Vessels can be procured for the purpose, and to proceed to Chester; or if Vessels cannot be provided, to hasten...
69From George Washington to John Hancock, 21 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
From the Time, which has elapsed, since Genl Howe departed from the Capes of Delaware, there is the strongest reason to conclude, that he is gone either far to the Eastward or Southward, and with a design, to execute some determined plan. The danger of the Sea, the injury his Troops & Horses must sustain from being so long confined, the loss of time, so late in the Campaign, will scarcely...
70From George Washington to John Hancock, 21 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
Since I wrote to you on the 12th instant on the subject of the Militia under the command of Genl Newcomb, I have recd another letter from him which you have enclosed. By this it appears that the Men were not employed in any way while they were at Red Bank, and that they are now anxious to get home to their farms as they see no immediate occasion of their Services—As I had in some measure put...
71From George Washington to John Hancock, 21 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
I am this moment honored with yours of this morning containing several peices of intelligence of the Fleet’s having been seen off the Capes of Virginia on the 15th instant. I shall in Consequence of this information halt upon my present ground till I hear something further. Colo. Pinkney of South Carolina paid me a Visit two days ago, he informed me that the Military Stores in Charles Town and...
72From George Washington to John Hancock, 21 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
I do myself the Honor to inclose you a Copy of Doctr Franklin’s Letter in favor of Count Pulawski of Poland, by whom this will be handed to you. I some time ago had a Letter from Mr Deane, couch’d in terms equally favorable to the Character & Military Abilities of this Gentleman. How he can with propriety be provided for you will be best able to determine—he takes this from me, as an...
73From George Washington to John Hancock, 20 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
I do myself the honor to forward you a packet which just came to my hands from Genl Schuyler. In his letter to me he communicates an agreeable account of the face of Affairs at Fort Schuyler, I therefore do myself the pleasure of inclosing you an extract. I have the Honor to be Sir Your obt Servt LS , in Tench Tilghman’s writing, DNA:PCC , item 152; copy, DNA:PCC , item 169. This letter and...
74From George Washington to John Hancock, 18 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
I last night had the Honor of your Favor of the 17th with Its Inclosure. You will perceive by my Letter of yesterday, transmitted by favor of the Marquis De la Fayette, that I had been so happy, as to anticipate the views of Congress by ordering Colo. Morgan to march with his Corps to the Northern Army. I have the Honor to be with great respect Sir Yr Most Obedt servant LS , in Robert Hanson...
75From George Washington to John Hancock, 17 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
The unfavourable situation of our Affairs in the Northern department and the pressing applications of Genl Schuyler for aid, induced me to write some time ago to Genl Putnam to hold Vancortlandt & Livingston’s Regiments in readiness to embark for Albany, in case I should find it necessary, and the Succours he received of Militia would justifie the measure. I have the honor to acquaint you,...
76From George Washington to John Hancock, 17 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
Col. Portail for himself and in behalf of the Gentlemen with him has made different applications to me for horses and servants; and I have been in a manner under the necessity of furnishing them by way of loan till they can be otherwise provided. They expect these things to be found them at the public expence, and informs me that the matter is now before congress, whose determination they look...
77From George Washington to John Hancock, 16 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
I do myself the Honor of addressing a few Lines to Congress on a Subject, which appears to me of infinite importance, and to have a claim to their serious attention. The Matter, I allude to, is the Exorbitant price exacted by Merchants & Venders of Goods for every Necessary they dispose of. I am sensible, the trouble and risk in importing, give the Adventurers a right to a generous price, and...
78From George Washington to John Hancock, 15 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
Mr Du Coudray has lain before me a plan of the river, by which it appears, that, for a considerable space between the two sand banks on the East side of Fort-Island, there is from four to four and a half fathom’s depth of water. According to this representation, there would be room for three frigates to lie between those banks, in such a position, as to enfilade the works at Fort-Island, and...
79From George Washington to John Hancock, 12 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
General Newcomb having informed me, that he had collected a body of about five hundred Jersey Militia at Woodberry, I have desired him to endeavour to keep them together while matters remain in their present uncertainty and suspense, and to employ them in whatever works may be carrying on at Bilingsport, or Redbank, for the defence of the river. I mention this, that if it shall be thought...
80From George Washington to John Hancock, 10 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
The disappearance of the enemy’s fleet for so many days rendering it rather improbable, that they will again return, I have thought it adviseable to remove the army back to Coryel’s, where it will be near enough to succour Philadelphia, should the enemy contrary to appearances still make that the object of their next operations, and will be so much the more conveniently situated to proceed to...
81From George Washington to John Hancock, 10 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
I this Minute received your favor of this Afternoon transmitting intelligence that a Fleet was seen off Sinapuxon on the 7th Inst.—I was about three Miles Eastward of the Billet Tavern, on the Road leading to Coriels ferry when the Express arrived. The Troops are encamped near the Road, where they will remain till I have further Accounts respecting the Fleet, which you will be pleased to...
82From George Washington to John Hancock, 9 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
Inclosed you will be pleased to receive Copies of Two Letters & Other papers which just now came to hand by different Expresses. Genl Heath’s Letter of the 2d Instant seems to make the intelligence respecting the Fleet, which he had obtained before, vague —if not entirely ill founded. I have the Honor to be Sir Yr Most Obedt Servant LS , in Robert Hanson Harrison’s writing, DNA:PCC , item 152;...
83From George Washington to John Hancock, 9 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have been duly honored with your Letter of Yesterday and with its Inclosures. I shall pay attention to the Resolves transmitted, and as soon as circumstances admit, shall propose to Genl Howe an Exchange between Lt Colo. Campbell and the Hessian Feild Officers, and a like Number of Our’s of equal rank in his Hands. I would beg leave to lay before Congress, a Copy of a Report made by a Board...
84From George Washington to John Hancock, 7 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
Yesterday Evening, I received a Letter from Genl Schuyler of the 1st Inst., a Copy of which and of its Inclosures, I do myself the Honor of transmitting you. By these you will perceive, that Our affairs, at the Northward, have experienced no change for the better; On the contrary, that they are in a more unpromising train. I have the Honor to be with great respect Sir Your Most Obedt servant...
85From George Washington to John Hancock, 6 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
I beg leave to be informed, whether Congress have written, or mean to write themselves to Generals Schuyler & St Clair to repair to Head Quarters, or whether they expect me to do it. My reason for this is, the Resolves for their recall, transmitted in your Favor of the 2d Instant do not mention how the same should be communicated. I have the Honor to be with great respect Sir Your Most Hble...
86From George Washington to John Hancock, 3 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
Your Favor of this date with its inclosures is now before me. At the same time that I express my thanks for the high mark of confidence which Congress have been pleased to repose in me by their Resolve authorizing me to send an Officer to command the northern Army, I should wish to be excused from making the appointment. For this, many Reasons might be mentioned, and which, I am persuaded will...
87From George Washington to John Hancock, 31 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
I am this Moment Honor’d with yours of 5 OClock this morning, & have accordingly sett the Army in Motion One Division had Cross’d the Deleware the day before Yesterday, & I am in hopes the whole of the Troops now here will be able to reach Philada tomorrow Evening Lord stirlings Division lies just in my rear & will move on with us I propose setting off for your City as soon as I can get the...
88From George Washington to John Hancock, 30 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
I do myself the Honor to inform you, that I arrived here on the 28th at Night with Genl Green’s Division, One Brigade of which passed the River that Evening, that the Whole might encamp more commodiously. Genl Stephen with his own and Lincoln’s Division also arrived, a little time after, at Howel’s Ferry—four Miles above this. I have thought proper to halt the whole Army at these Two places &...
89From George Washington to John Hancock, 27 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
I do myself the Honor to transmit you, the inclosed Memorandum of Warlike stores wanted for an Expedition to the River St John’s, which I received in a Letter from Genl Heath of the 16th Inst. The Memorandum was sent, that I might order the Stores to be supplied. Not knowing, that Congress have such an Expedition in view at this Time, I do not conceive myself authorized to comply with the...
90From George Washington to John Hancock, 25 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
I do myself the Honor to transmit you the Inclosed Letter from Govr Franklin which came this Minute by Express. As Mr Franklin was confined by order of Congress, I could not think myself at liberty to answer him on the subject of his request and therefore have referred it to their consideration. At the same time I would observe his situation is distressing and must interest All our feelings,...
91From George Washington to John Hancock, 25 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to inclose you a couple of letters which Monsieur Davout the bearer of this delivered me in his behalf. You will perceive by them that he is desirous of entering into our service, and what his pretensions have been in his own Country. I have referred him to Congress to determine on what footing he is to stand with us. He requests me to mention that he would be glad of...
92From George Washington to John Hancock, 25 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
I do myself the Honor to transmit you a Copy of my Letter to Genl Howe of the 16th Instant, proposing an Exchange between Genls Lee and Prescot. I dispatched it early the next morning and presume it got to hand on the 18th. As yet, I have not received his Answer. The amazing advantage the Enemy derive from their Ships and the command of the Water, keeps us in a State of constant perplexity and...
93From George Washington to John Hancock, 22 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
We have been under great embarrasments respecting the intended Operations of Genl Howe, and still are, Notwithstanding the utmost pains to obtain intelligence of the same. At present it would appear, that he is going out to Sea. By Authentic information there are only Forty Ships at New York. The rest are gone elsewhere & have fallen down between the Narrows & the Hook. Between these Two...
94From George Washington to John Hancock, 18 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
I just now received a Letter from Genl Schuyler of the 14th Inst. inclosing the Proceedings of the Council of War, which he alludes to, a Copy of which and of his Letter, I herewith transmit. He represents matters in a distressing point of view. I beleive they are bad—but, I hope, they are not so alarming as they are painted by him. My Letter of the 12th would advise Congress, how far his...
95From George Washington to John Hancock, 16 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
I was yesterday Evening honored with yours of the 14th. I have heard nothing from the Northward since my last. I this day recd Advice from Staten Island that on Sunday Seventy sail of the Enemy’s Ships fell down from the watering place to the Hook but whether they have since gone out to Sea, I have not heard. Till I have more certain information of the State of our Affairs to the Northward,...
96From George Washington to John Hancock, 16 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
I beg leave to congratulate Congress on the Captivity of Major Genl Prescot & One of his Aids. The particulars of this fortunate event, you will find in the Inclosed Extract of a Letter this Minute received from Genl Spencer, which I presume are at large in the packet Mr Greenleaf will deliver. Lt Colo. Barton & the Small handfull under his Command, who conducted the Enterprize have great...
97From George Washington to John Hancock, 14 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
I arrived here this Afternoon with the Army after a very fatiguing March owing to the Roads which have become extremely deep and miry from the late Rains. I intend to proceed in the Morning towards the North River, if the Weather permits; At present it is cloudy and heavy and there is an Appearance of more Rain. By the Express, who will deliver this, I just now received a Letter from Genl...
98From George Washington to John Hancock, 12 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
When I had the honor of addressing you last, I hoped the Intelligence received respecting our Affairs in the Northern Department was not true, or at least, that they were not so unfavourable, as they were then represented; But the inclosed Copy of a Letter from Genl Schuyler, which came to hand Yesterday Evening, confirms it most unhappily for us in its fullest latitude. This Event, (the...
99From George Washington to John Hancock, 10 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
I this morning received a Letter of the 7th Instant from Genl Schuyler, a Copy of which and of it’s inclosure, I herewith send you. The intelligence, which they contain, is truly interesting, supposing it just; But it differs so widely from what we had reason to expect from the Accounts mentioned in General St Clairs Letters to Genl Schuyler, Copies of which you would receive in his Letter,...
100From George Washington to John Hancock, 9 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
The inclosed Copy of a Letter from the Commissary General of provisions & the information you will receive from Majr Hoops will convince Congress of the distress & confusion prevailing in that Department. Without something is done in aid of Mr Trumbull immediately, this Army must be disbanded—If the present difficulties continue, it is impossible it can exist. I entreat Congress to take the...
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...