51From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 23 February 1780 (Washington Papers)
I do myself the honor to inclose your Excellency a New York paper of the 21st—which contains his British Majesty’s speech and several other Articles of European intelligence. Your Excellency’s favor of the 12th inclosing Copies of sundry matters respecting the State of Georgia and the exchange of Brigr Genl Elbert, only reached me last Evening. I have the honor to be with the greatest Respect...
52From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 6–8 March 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with your Excellency’s Letters of the 21st & 22d Ulto—I thank you for the communication you have been pleased to give me, with respect to the Fleet and embarkation at the Havannah—and I am in hopes we shall hear of the Spaniards having made a successful stroke against one or both of the places you have mentioned. as to the Enemy’s Fleet supposed to be bound to the...
53From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 17 March 1780 (Washington Papers)
I am sorry to inform Congress that I am again under great apprehensions on the score of our provision supplies. There is not now in camp and within it’s vicinity, more meal & Grain than will furnish the Troops with Five days bread, notwithstanding the exertions that have been made to lay in a supply; and I fear from the badness of the Roads and the difficulty of procuring Teams, that it will...
54From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 20 March 1780 (Washington Papers)
On Saturday Evening I was honoured with Your Excellency’s Letters of the 9th & 11th Instant, with the papers to which they refer. The several subjects they respect will have my attention and consideration as far as circumstances and when opportunity will permit. I can only trouble Your Excellency upon the present occasion with a request, that the whole of the proceedings in the case of Major...
55From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 23 March 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have the Honor to acknowledge the receipt of Your Excellency’s Favors of the 14th & 19th Instant the latter covering the latest accounts you had received from the Southward. I have just received authentic advice from the Enemy, by which their whole Army under General Clinton was said to be at James Island the 4th of this month and about to take possession of Stono-ferry. The account comes...
56From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 26 March 1780 (Washington Papers)
I beg leave to inform Congress, that from the importance of the subject and the difficulties we have experienced in our provision and Forage supplies, I have been induced in the course of a few days past, with the assistance of the Quarter Master General and the Commissary Generals of Provision & forage to make an Estimate of the quantity of each of these Articles, which would be necessary...
57From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 27 March 1780 (Washington Papers)
In the present situation of Southern affairs much will no doubt depend on the having an able Engineer in that Quarter. I have a very good opinion of the Gentleman now there in this line, but the confidence I have in General Du Portails abilities makes me think his presence would be of the greatest utility. Though we may sensibly feel the want of him here should any active operation commence;...
58From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 28 March 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have the Honor to transmit Your Excellency the Extract of a Letter of the 23d Instant, which I received to day from Colo. Vanschaick. This will inform Your Excellency, that the Indians have lately made Two incursions on our Frontiers & taken Five of the Inhabitants of Tryon County & killed one & captured a Guard of Thirteen Militia posted at Skeensborough. I wish I had no other intelligence...
59From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 31 March 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to inclose the Report of the proceedings of the Commissioners appointed to meet at Amboy the 9th instant, for the purpose of settling a General Cartel, by which, Congress will perceive that the present attempt has been as unsuccessful as all the former, and from the same cause. In January, I was honored with a letter from the Minister of France, informing me of his having...
60From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 2 April 1780 (Washington Papers)
Since I had the Honor of addressing Your Excellency on the 28th Ulto, I have received intelligence, which seems to place it beyond doubt, that the Enemy are about to make a further imbarkation of Troops from New York, and the common opinion is, that they are going to reinforce Sir Henry Clinton. Lord Rawdon’s brigade, said to consist of his own Regiment & of Brown’s, Fanning’s & Another corps:...
61From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 3 April 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have frequently had the honor to address Congress on the subject of those Corps; which are unconnected with the lines of particular States. Satisfied of the numerous perplexities, under which they labour; it is with pain and reluctance I trouble them with repeated representations of the same nature; but in the present case it is so indispensible something should be done, that I cannot...
62From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 7 April 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have the Honor to acquaint Your Excellency, that I have just been advised of the sailing of the Detachment from New York, which I mentioned in my Letter of the 2d as being about to embark. The intelligence I have received upon the subject, is contained in the following Extract of a Letter from Colo. Dayton; dated the 6th at Elizabeth Town. “I have just received certain intelligence of the...
63From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 10 April 1780 (Washington Papers)
I do myself the honor of inclosing a New York paper of the 8th which gives a more particular account of Admiral Rodney’s success than any we have yet seen. I cannot but hope that the enemy have dressed it in the most unfavorable Colours for us. I have the honor to be with very great Respect Your Excellency’s Most obt Servt P.S. since my last I have recd information from New York that another...
64From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 17 April 1780 (Washington Papers)
In consequence of the Detachments of Infantry already made from hence to the Southward & the One now on the march —and from the probability there is, that the Enemy mean to prosecute their measures in that quarter with vigor, I have thought it expedient to send a respectable reinforcement of Artillery—Officers & Matrosses there likewise. I would however beg leave to suggest that I find it may...
65From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 17 April 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have duly received your Excellencys dispatches of the 6th and 9th of April. The Maryland division marched this morning—with the first regiment of Artillery and eight field pieces besides those attached to the Brigades which will be useful at any rate essential if an accident should happen to Charles Town—The want of Waggons has unavoidably retarded the march of the Troops till this time. I...
66From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 28 April 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have the Honor to acknowledge Your Excellency’s dispatches of the 15th, which have been duly received. Colo. Ward, whose appointment to the Office of Commissary of prisoners they communicate, went to the Eastward soon after he returned from philadelphia. It is probable Your Excellency was acquainted with this circumstance; however I have thought it material to mention it, that you might know...
67From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 5–6 May 1780 (Washington Papers)
On the 28th Ulto I received the honor of Your Excellency’s several Letters of the 18th 20th & 22d with their Inclosures. The Act of the 10th containing assurances for making up the depreciation of pay to the Army has been published in general Orders—and will no doubt give great satisfaction. I am much obliged by the communications in Your Excellency’s Letter of the 20th. The arrival of the...
68From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 13 May 1780 (Washington Papers)
The Marquis de la Fayette will have the honor to deliver you this. I am perswaded Congress will participate in the joy I feel at the return of a Gentleman who has distinguished himself in the service of this Country so signally—who has given so many & so decisive proofs of his attachments to its interests—and who ought to be dear to it by every motive —The warm friendship I have for him...
69From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 13 May 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with your Excellency’s favor of the 9th instant. I yesterday received the inclosed intelligence, which corresponds with other accounts from different quarters. Whether their fears in New York are well grounded a little time must discover. I have the honor to be with great Respect Sir Yr Excellency’s most obt and humble Servt LS , in Tench Tilghman’s writing, DNA:PCC , item...
70From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 17 May 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to transmit your Excellency a letter inclosed to me by Lt Col. Fleury which he informs me is to solicit from Congress a prolongation of his furlough —I have no doubt they will chearfully grant this indulgence to an officer whose services intitle him to every mark of consideration and I beg leave to add that their complianc⟨e⟩ will give me the greatest pleasure. I presume an...
71From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 19–20 May 1780 (Washington Papers)
I take the liberty of transmitting to your Excellency’s care the inclosed Letters for Governor Rutledge. They are both—on the same subject—and also contain Letters for Major General Lincoln. As they respect matters of an interesting nature, I wish them to go by Two Conveyances that there may be the greater chance of their getting to the Governor’s hands—and the sooner this could take place the...
72From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 27–28 May 1780 (Washington Papers)
It is with infinite pain I inform Congress, that we are reduced again to a situation of extremity for want of meat. On several days of late, the Troops have been entirely destitute of any, and for a considerable time past they have been at best—at half—a quarter—an Eighth allowance of this essential article of provision. The men have borne their distress in general with a firmness and patience...
73From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 31 May 1780 (Washington Papers)
Colo. Sherburne I expect will have the honor of presenting this Letter to your Excellency. This Gentleman entered into the Army at the beginning of the War and from that time to this has served his Country as a brave & good Officer. His conduct in attempting to relieve the post at the Cedars in 1776 was distinguished, and will be recollected by Congress. In the beginning of 1777 from the...
74From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 31 May 1780 (Washington Papers)
I am sorry that I am under the necessity of transmitting the inclosed Gazette extraordinary to your Excellency, by which it appears that Charles town surrendered to the Enemy on the 12th Instant —You probably will, by the time this reaches you, have received a confirmation of this unfortunate event, directly from Carolina. I have the honor to be with the greatest Respect Yr Excellency’s Most...
75From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 10 June 1780 (Washington Papers)
I beg leave to inform Your Excellency, that on Tuesday night the Enemy landed at Elizabeth Town point, with the principal part of their force, under the command of General Knyphausen—and proceeded the next morning into the Country till they were within half a mile of Springfield. In their march they were most spiritedly opposed by the Jersey Troops which formed the advanced Corps of the Army,...
76From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 18 June 1780 (Washington Papers)
Since I had the honor of writing to Congress last, the enemy have preserved their position at Elizabeth Town point, without enterprising any thing against us. They have erected three little Works, and have been, for some days past, employed in building a Bridge of Boats across the Sound to Staten Island. Our weakness—their extreme caution and the compact situation in which they have kept...
77From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 20 June 1780 (Washington Papers)
The Honorable the Committee will have informed Congress from time to time of the measures which have been judged essential to be adopted for co-operating with the armament expected from France, and of their requisitions to the States in consequence. What the result of these has been, I cannot determine to my great anxiety, as no answers on the subjects of them have been yet received. The...
78From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 25 June 1780 (Washington Papers)
Since I had the honor of addressing Congress on the 20th the following movements have taken place on the part of the Enemy and on our part. The conduct of the Enemy and our intelligence giving us reason to suspect a design against West Point, on the 21st—the army, except two Brigades & the Horse (left under the command of General Greene to cover the Country and our stores) was put in motion to...
79From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 6 July 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor by this morning’s Post, to acknowledge the receipt of your Excellency’s dispatches of the 25th Ulto which have been presented to me by General Lincoln. The several objects to which they extend, will have my consideration, and I shall do myself the honor of informing Congress of the result. Since the Enemy left Jerseys, their main body has proceeded into the County of West...
80From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 10 July 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have, with great pleasure, seen the very laudable association of the Merchants of Philadelphia, for procuring a quantity of provisions and Rum for the Army. I am well persuaded, that the same spirit exists in those of the other considerable trading Towns, who, perhaps, only want being made acquainted with the distresses of the Army, in Articles almost as essential as those of provision, to...
81From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 10 July 1780 (Washington Papers)
I now beg leave to inform Congress that since my Letter of the 4th, I have attended to their dispatches of the 25th Ulto by General Lincoln. At this time I do not think that the circumstances of the Campaign would admit, at any rate, an enquiry to be gone into respecting the loss of Charles Town, but if it were otherwise, I do not see that it could be made, so as to be completely satisfactory...
82From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 14 July 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to inform Congress that I have this moment received a letter from Major General Heath dated Providence the 11th informing that the afternoon of the 10th the French fleet arrived off Newport—that the signals of recognizance had been made and the fleet was standing in to the harbour when the express came away. I congratulate Congress on this important event, and entreat them to...
83From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 15 July 1780 (Washington Papers)
The New York paper of the 14th announces the arrival of Admiral Greaves on the 13th with, as they say, “a formidable Squadron of Capital Ships to reinforce Vice Admiral Arbuthnot.” My private information makes this Squadron to consist of the six following Ships. London 90 Guns Resolution 74 Bedford 74 Royal Oak 74 Prudent 64 America 60. The arrival of this naval Armament has not induced us to...
84From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 15 July 1780 (Washington Papers)
Doctor Cochran, Physician and Surgeon General of the Army in the Middle Department, will have the honor of presenting this to Your Excellency, and of explaining to you the distressed situation of the Hospitals for necessary Stores, even at this time, when the number of sick are exceedingly few. From present prospects of the operations of this Campaign, we must expect to have a considerable...
85From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 15 July 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to transmit your Excellency, in Two packets, the proceedings of the Court Martial in the case of Doctr Shippen, Director General of the Hospitals, for the approbation or disapprobation of Congress. The trial having taken place in consequence of their order, this circumstance and the Doctor’s station in the Army have induced me to think it most proper to refer the matter to...
86From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 20 July 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have had the pleasure of a communication from Comte de Rochambea and Chevalier Ternay, since their arrival at Rhode-Island, and take the earliest occasion to inform Congress of their force and situation. The succour destined for these States, for particaular reasons, were thrown into two divisions. The first (that arrived) consists of 7 sail of the line, and one of 64, converted into a...
87From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 20 July 1780 (Washington Papers)
Since I had the honor of addressing Congress this Morning by post, I received a Letter from Brigadier General Maxwell, requesting me to accept his resignation and assigning his reasons for the same. Having never acted on an application of this sort from an Officer of his rank, I beg leave to lay the matter before Congress & to transmit them a Copy of his Letter, by which they will be more...
88From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 22 July 1780 (Washington Papers)
The Committee has done me the honor to communicate a copy of their letter of the 18th to Congress containing a state of the measures they had taken & of our present prospects. The knowledge I have of facts perfectly coincides with their representation & the consequences they draw are so just & important that they ought to engage—& I am perswaded will engage the closest attention of Congress. I...
89From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 22 July 1780 (Washington Papers)
I beg leave to acquaint Congress that I have been informed by a letter from Governor Jefferson to their Committee in Camp, lately received, that the Legislature of Virginia had a Bill before them, when His Excellency wrote, for raising Five Thousand Men for Eighteen months to supply their Battallions; and that by a Letter, with which he was pleased to honor me at the same time, he requested...
90From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 26 July 1780 (Washington Papers)
Having recd information that there were considerable numbers of Cattle and Horses in Bergen Neck, within reach of the enemy, and having reason to suspect that they meant shortly to draw all supplies of that kind within their lines, I detached Brigadier Genl Wayne on the 20th with the 1st and 2d Penna Brigades with four peices of Artilley attached to them, and Colo. Moylans Regt of Dragoons to...
91From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 27 July 1780 (Washington Papers)
By advices received last night from the Count de Rochambeau, I am informed that the British Fleet were off Block Island on the 22d instant. I have at his request transmitted this intelligence to the Minister of France —I have also received intelligence from New York that a number of troops were embarked on board Transports in the Sound. It is given out that Sir Henry Clinton is determined upon...
92From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 30 July 1780 (Washington Papers)
The Honorable The Committee address Congress by this opportunity to inform them of the most disagreeable crisis to which our affairs are brought in the Quarter Master Generals department. I think it my duty to assure Congress, that I intirely agree with the Committee in opinion; and that unless effectual measures are immediately taken to induce General Greene and the other principal officers...
93From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 3 August 1780 (Washington Papers)
Having received accounts, that Sir Henry Clinton had embarked the principal part of his force for Rhode Island, I put the army in motion the 29th of July and the 31st formed a junction in the vicinity of this place with the troops in this quarter. Had Sir Henry prosecuted what appeared to be his design, my intention was to attempt New York in his absence. Our preparations were made for this...
94From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 20 August 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have been duly honored with your Excellys letters of the 3d 5th & 7th instt with their Inclosures. I have a grateful sense of the confidence of which these Acts are expressive, and shall labour to improve it to the utmost extent of the means with which I am entrusted. I sincerely wish our prospects were more favourable than they are. The inclosed copy of a letter to the Honorable The...
95From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 24 August 1780 (Washington Papers)
I am now to acknowledge the Honor of Your Excellency’s dispatches of the 9th, which I received four or five days ago, and which I have been prevented answering before, by a variety of pressing business. With respect to the exchange of Officers—I beg leave to refer Congress to the Inclosures No. 1.2.3.4.5 & 6 which comprehend the correspondence which has passed of late between Us & the Enemy on...
96From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 28 August 1780 (Washington Papers)
The day before yesterday we compleated the Forage of which I had the honor to advise Congress the 24th instant, the product of which has been, as was apprehended, very inconsiderable. The Army is now reassembled at this place and will remain here a day or two to consume the forage remaining in the neighbourhood, after which we shall probably return to our former position. The intelligence...
97From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 6 September 1780 (Washington Papers)
I had the honor to receive your Excellency’s Letters of the 24th & 28th Ulto, on the 1st & 2d Instt with the resolutions to which they refer. The latter have been announced to the Army in Orders—and I hope that they will quiet many of the complaints which have existed. I cannot forbear expressing my wishes for the sake of harmony, which our affairs essentially require, that the business of...
98From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 8 September 1780 (Washington Papers)
Since the letter which I did myself the honor to write Congress the 20th Ulto, I have been more attentively considering the import of the resolution of the 5th of August, and am at a loss to satisfy myself as to the precise extent—whether it be meant to authorise me to extend my views beyond the present Campaign and even to apply to the Ministers of France & Spain in Europe—or only to concert...
99From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 9 September 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have been informed that large quantities of Goods, proper for the use of the Army, have lately arrived to the Eastward, in the prizes captured out of the Quebec Fleet. The disappointment of not receiving the Cloathing expected from France by the Alliance Frigate, and the uncertainty of the safe arrival of the Ariel, on board of which it is said it was afterwards to have been shipped, (but...
100From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 13 September 1780 (Washington Papers)
This will be presented to your Excellency by Captain Hendricks Solomon of Stockbridge who with about Twenty of his Tribe have been serving as Volunteers with the Army since the beginning of July —They have been generally attached to the Light Infantry and have conducted themselves with great propriety and fidelity—seeing no immediate prospect of any operations in this quarter in which they can...