1From George Washington to Richard Henry Lee, Henry Laurens, and Thomas Burke, 5 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to transmit to your care an Open Letter for Brigadr General Scott, by which you will perceive that I have directed the Levies in Virginia to be formed into three Batallions and to be officered & marched under his command, to reinforce the Southern Army, as soon as circumstances will possibly permit. I give you this trouble, lest these directions should interfere with any...
2From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 1 April 1778 (Washington Papers)
Since I had the honor of addressing you upon the 29th ulto I have not been able to learn, with any precision, whether the transports that arrived brought any considerable number of Troops. A Hessian Deserter says there were only a few German convalescents on board. If so, the Fleet, with 2500 mentioned in my last, is not arrived; supposing they were bound to Philada. General Sinclair arrived...
3From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 13 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to transmit you a letter from General Sullivan, which, from the tardiness of the expresses, is but just come to hand—I suppose it gives Congress the same information communicated to me; but lest there should be any particulars mentioned in his letter to me, which may not be contained in the one to you, I am induced to accompany the latter with a copy of the former. The papers...
4From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 29 March 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with yours of the 25th inclosing duplicates of two former Resolves of Congress, and a Resolve of the 23d instant accepting the Resignation of Colonel Charles Webb. Since mine of the 24th Mr Boudinot has communicated the following intelligence being part of a letter to him “I have lately recd some intelligence from New York that we may make ourselves easy in Jersey as all...
5From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 9 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
At 10 OClock last night the Inclosed Letter came to hand from General Sullivan with one addressed to myself, a Copy of which I do myself the honor of transmitting. The Enemy seem determined that none of their Ships of War shall fall into the Count D’Estaings hands. Yesterday I received a Letter from Genl Maxwell dated at 9 OClock A.M. on the 7th at Elizabeth Town, containing the following...
6From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 21 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
The Chevalier Mauduit Du Plessis will have the honor of delivering you this letter. In expectation that the war is at a conclusion in this Country and that another is kindling in Europe; he has determined to return to France to offer his service to his own Country. He waits upon Congress to obtain their concurrence for this purpose: I have given him a handsome certificate of his conduct in our...
7From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 21 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
This will be delivered you by young Mr Penet, brother to the Gentleman, who was in a partnership with Mr Plierne. That Gentleman has importuned me to recommend his brother to Congress for an appointment by brevet to the rank of Captain, which he observes will have no effect in this country, as his brother will immediately return to France, which he makes an essential condition of the...
8From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 18 March 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor of transmitting you the inclosed letter from General Smallwood, giving intelligence of the Enemys motions on the Delaware, and his conjectures respecting their object —the account he has heard of troops being on board the Vessels, is confirmed by the relations of deserters and others, who agree that a considerable number of men have been embarked—and add that they took...
9From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 3 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
In a late letter from General Schuyler, I received the proceedings of a Board of Commissioners for Indian-affairs held at Albany the 15th of last month. It appears by them, and some other accounts, I have seen, that there is but little prospect of succeeding in the plan, for engaging a body of Indians from that quarter to serve with this army. The advantage, which the enemy possess over us, in...
10From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 14 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
I do myself the honor to transmit you the copy of a letter of the 10th instant, which I recd yesterday from Sir Henry Clinton, on the subject of exchanging the prisoners of the Convention. Should the proposition be agreeable to Congress, I shall be glad to receive powers to enter into a negotiation as soon as possible, as it may probably releive our Officers, upon parole, from the disagreeable...
11From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 31 January 1778 (Washington Papers)
I this morning received your favor of the 27th Ulto. I cannot sufficiently express the obligation I feel to you for your friendship and politeness upon an occasion in which I am so deeply interested. I was not unapprized that a malignant faction had been for sometime forming to my prejudice; which, conscious as I am of having ever done all in my power to answer the important purposes of the...
12From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 19 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
Col. Armand will have the honor of delivering you this—He waits upon Congress on the affairs of his corps; particularly with respect to commissions for his officers and a settlement of accounts; and has signified to me his intention to return to France, so soon as these matters can be adjusted. In a letter of the 31st of August, I stated the manner in which his appointments have been made, and...
13From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 21 March 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor of yours of the 14th and 15th instants. In consequence of the Resolves transmitted to me I have dispatched an Express to the Marquis de la Fayette and Baron de Kalb to recall them from the northward, and instead of ordering down Hazens Regiment to rejoin this Army, I have ordered Van Schaiks immediately to the Highlands where the public Works are in a manner at a stand for...
14From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 23 January 1778 (Washington Papers)
Inclosed you will receive Copies of Letters in favor of Messieurs de la Neuville from the Marechal Merlet and the Marquiss de Bouillej to me, together with a certificate signed by the Baron de Wurmser—all my knowledge of these Officers who are sollicitous of employment in the American Service, is derived from these papers and what I have seen of them during their short Stay in Camp—their...
15From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 15 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have been duly honoured with your favors of the 11th & 14th Instant, and with the inclosures to which they refer. The Resolution for settling the value of Rations which have become due since the 1st of January and fixing the mode of payment, I shall announce in this days orders, and hope it will be highly satisfactory to all who are interested in it. I have notified General Mifflin of the...
16From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 4 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
I am your debtor for two Letters bearing date the 28th & 29th Ulto —The contents shall be the subject of a future address. Feeling myself interested in every occurrance that tends to the honor of your worthy Son; and sensible of the pleasure it must give you to hear his Just plaudit, I take the liberty of transcribing a paragraph of General Greens Letter to me (giving some Acct of the conduct...
17From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 29 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to inform you that about seven OClock yesterday Morning both Armies advanced on each other. About 12 they met on the Grounds near Monmouth Court House, when an action commenced. We forced the Enemy from the Feild and encamped on the Ground. They took a strong post in our front, secured on both flanks by Morasses and thick Woods, where they remained till about 12 at Night, and...
18From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 18 December 1778 (Washington Papers)
I received your official Letter of the 8th Instant, advising that your relinquishment of the Presidency would soon take place, which I see has happened; and assuring me of the respect and esteem you should always retain for me. Permit me in turn, Sir, to assure you in the language of the most unfeigned sincerity, that I hold myself under great obligations for the very polite & satisfactory...
19From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 28 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
Since I had the Honor of addressing you on the 24th Instant, nothing material has happened. The Enemy are still in philadelphia, but the intelligence from thence is so clear and so strong, that it is certain, or nearly as much so as any Event can be that is contingent, that they mean to abandon it. Against the various measures they are pursuing, which point to an evacuation, there is but one...
20To George Washington from Henry Laurens, 25 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
On the 23d I had the honor of presenting Your Excellency’s Letter of the 20th & last Evening of receiving one of the 22d which shall be presented this Morning. Congress have been so attentive to Confederation some five or six days past, as to admit of scarcely another consideration—& have now Resolved to adjourn to Philadelphia on the 27th. I therefore judge it best to return the bearer with...
21From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 8 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
I do myself the honor to inclose you an extract of a letter from Major Genl Dickinson of the 6th instant, by which it appears that a reinforcement has sailed from New York either for Genl Howe or some other expedition. I have not yet heard whether any of the Troops on their march from the northward have yet crossed the North River, but I hope they will be with me near as soon as Genl Howe’s...
22From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 18 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
I am honored with yours of the 9th inclosing a Resolve to extend the Embargo and to prevent forestalling provision. I hope the latter will have the desired effect, for unless that most infamous practice of raising the prices of the necessaries of life can be stopped, it will be impossible for any Funds to subsist the Army. Inclosed you have the Copy of a petition from the Refugees in New York...
23From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 20 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have the Honor to inform you, that I am now advanced with the main body of the Army within Ten miles of Coryels ferry, and shall halt to refresh the Troops and for the night, as the Weather is very rainy. Genl Lee with the six Brigades mentioned in my former Letter, will reach the Ferry this Evening. My last accounts from Jersey were from Genl Dickinson, dated Yesterday at 3 OClock P.M....
24From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 18 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have the pleasure to inform Congress, that I was this minute advised by Mr Roberts that the Enemy evacuated the City early this morning. He was down at the Middle ferry on this side, where he received the intelligence from a number of the Citizens, who were on the opposite shore. They told him, that about Three Thousand of the Troops had embarked on board Transports. The destruction of the...
25From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 4 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
Last night at 11 oClock, I was honored with your despatches of the 3d. The Contents afford me the most sensible pleasure. Mr Simeon Deane had informed me, by a line from Bethlehem, that he was the Bearer of the Articles of alliance &ca between France and the States. I shall defer celebrating this happy event in a suitable manner, untill I have liberty from Congress to announce it publickly. I...
26From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 7 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have been duly honoured with your Favors of the 4 & 5 Inst., and with the Resolutions and papers to which they refer. I have taken measures to communicate the New Establishment of the Army through the Line, and the sooner the arrangements can be made the better. Should there appear further regulations necessary, I shall take the liberty to offer my Sentiments respecting them. My principal...
27From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 25 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
Inclosed you will be pleased to receive a Copy of a Letter of the 23d Instant from General Sullivan, which came to hand about half after three OClock this morning, with the several papers to which it refers, Copies of which are also transmitted. By these Congress will perceive, our prospects are much changed with respect to the operations against Rhode Island, and that the issue, as things are...
28From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 11 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
I thank you for your favor of the 8th which was duly recieved. I must take the freedom to hint to you, that if in the packets transmitted by this conveyance there are any Letters for persons, with whom you are not acquainted, or in whose firmness and attachment you have not an entire confidence, it may not be improper to open them. This I am persuaded would be the case; However I am the more...
29From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 14 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
Since I had the Honor of addressing you on the 6th Instant, by favor of the Marquiss Fayette, I received your Letter of the 2d with it’s Inclosure. I do myself the honor of transmitting you an Account of the Engagement, between the French and British Fleets on the 27th of July, as published by the British Admiralty Board; I received a printed Copy of it last night from New-York, which I have...
30From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 6 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
On Wednesday Evening I received your Excellency’s favors of the 30th ulto & 1st Inst. with their several inclosures. I will direct the best & cheapest disposition, I can, to be made of the cavalry for their accommodation in Quarters—and will instruct the Forage Master on the occasion. The remittance to the Pay Master which you mention, I presume has come to hand, having been applied to by him,...
31From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 13 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
Baron De Steuben will have the honor of delivering you this. He waits upon Congress on the subject of the Inspectorship, which he is extremely anxious should be put upon some decided footing. He appears to be sensible of some difficulties in the plan formerly proposed and which I had the honor some time since to transmit my observations upon; and desirous that they should not prove an...
32From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 19 February 1778 (Washington Papers)
I am to acknowledge the Honor of your Letter of the 13 Instant with its Inclosure. The recommendation & authority to the several States in the Instances pointed out by the Resolve, if they are duly attended to, will produce many valuable consequences. The abuses complained of are but too prevalent, and require a reform. I have the Honor to be with great respect Sir Your Most Obedient servant...
33From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 31 May–1 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
I had the honor to receive your favor of the 25th Inst. by Doctor Scudder, and that of the 29th yesterday afternoon, with the inclosures and packet to which they referred. I shall inform Major Lee of the New arrangement of his corps and will appoint the officers required. Major Beatty is not in camp. The letter addressed to him shall be sent by the first opportunity, to Princetown, where I...
34From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 18 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
Count Kolhowski, who will have the honor of delivering you this, is a Polish officer, who is desirous of entering into our service. I inclose Your Excellency two letters in his favour from Doctor Franklin and Mr Deane; added to which he is recommended to me by Count Pulaski, as a brave and useful officer, who served under him in Poland. He wishes him to be placed in his legion with the rank of...
35From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 12 October 1789 (Washington Papers)
The packet of seeds which accompanies this letter is part of a parcel sent to me by Mr Anderson of St Vincent at the request of Mr Benjamin Vaughan of London, which I do myself the pleasure to distribute agreeably to that Gentleman’s intention—subjoining an extract from Mr Anderson’s letter for your government in sowing the seed. They would have been forwarded sooner had not my late...
36From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 3 February 1778 (Washington Papers)
On the Ulto I had the honor to receive your Favor of the 27th with the Copies alluded to. As the proceedings of Congress in this instance seem to imply, that our Unfortunate people in the hands of the Enemy are to be victualled by us, I have only to wish that the Supplies may be constant & plentiful. I have transmitted your Letter to Mr Boudinot who is out of Camp, and have requested his most...
37From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 16 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
I take the liberty, by the conveyance now offered me by Captain Riley, to transmit to Congress the proceedings of the Court Martial in the case of Major General Lee. The Inclosed papers comprehend a request by General phillips, for an Officer to go to Canada by way of the Lakes, on the subject of Cloathing for the Convention Troops. I do not conceive myself at liberty to answer General Heath...
38From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 16 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
I had the honor of receiving your favour of the 6th, yesterday, with the inclosed copy of a letter from the President of the Council of New Jersey, relative to an expected attack upon the Western frontier of that state. I have just received a letter from General Hand, giving intelligence of an attack upon Colonel Alden’s regiment at Cherry-Valley, effected by surprise, in consequence of which,...
39From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 7 December 1778 (Washington Papers)
I had the honor of receiving yours of the 2d at this place. I have forwarded the Brevet to Capt. Simonot, and shall take such measures in regard to Colo. Fleury’s letter as shall seem proper, upon my arrival at Middle Brook, for which I set out again tomorrow. Upon leaving Elizabeth-town I directed Colo. Harrison to inform you of the intelligence I had received, and which I thought demanded my...
40From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 6 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
This will be delivered to you by Major General the Marquis de la fayette, the generous motives which first induced him to cross the Atlantic, and enter the Army of the United States, are well known to Congress—Reasons equally laudable now engage his return to France, who in her present circumstances claims his services—His eagerness to offer his duty to his Prince and Country, however great,...
41From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 21 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
This will be delivered you by Major Wemp, who has the care of some Warriors from the Senecca Nation. The inclosed copy of a Letter from our Commissioners will shew, that they are come to obtain the release of Astiarix, Another Warrior, who was taken on the Frontiers of Virginia. I never heard of the circumstance, till I was informed of it a few days ago by a Letter from General Schuyler. As...
42From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 23 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
John Temple Esqr. will have the honor of presenting this to your Excellency. I do not know what Mr Temple’s views are; but it seems he has some application to make to Congress. I never had till now the pleasure of a personal acquaintance with him, but from the terms in which Mr Bowdoin speaks of him, as your Excellency will perceive by the inclosed letter, and from other recommendations I have...
43From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 25 April 1778 (Washington Papers)
I beg leave to inform Congress, that the report of the Commissioners coming, according to intelligence received yesterday by a Person of Philadelphia, is confidently believed, and it is there thought, that they will very soon arrive. I think it almost certain, that the matter will not be delayed, as the conduct of Ministry in not sending them immediately after their former propositions has...
44From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 28 July 1778 (Washington Papers)
This will be presented to Congress by Genl Putnam. He arrived from Connecticut the day after I came into the Neighbourhood of this Camp. As I have not received any Resolution of Congress, respecting the Court of Inquiry, which they directed and which was transmitted them, on the subject of the posts in the Highlands, taken last year, I am at a loss in what point of view to consider him. He...
45From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 11 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
I take the liberty to transmit to Congress a copy of a Letter from General Howe, which I received at three O’Clock this afternoon. The contents are exceedingly interesting to the unhappy prisoners in his hands. I thought it my duty to forward ’em immediately, and I must request that Congress will be pleased to inform me, as soon as possible, what line of conduct I am to pursue upon this...
46From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 12 July 1778 (Washington Papers)
On friday evening I had the honor to receive your Letter of the 7th Instant, with it’s inclosures. The vote of approbation and thanks, which Congress have been pleased to honor me with, gives me the highest satisfaction, and, at the same time, demands a return of my sincerest acknowledgements. The other resolution, I communicated, with great pleasure, to the Army at large in Yesterday’s...
47From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 17 February 1779 (Washington Papers)
Altho I have delayed till now to give you the trouble of a line, I am not the less impressed with a sense of your politeness and civilities to me while I had the honor of being under your roof. I shall think myself very happy if any poor Cottage, of which I happen to be Master, can be favourd with your Company. We have nothing new in this quarter—but are told that something great and good is...
48From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 4 December 1778 (Washington Papers)
Between Fredericksburg and this place, where I arrived yesterday afternoon, I had the Honor to receive Your Excellency’s several favors of the 26th 27th & 28th in due order, with their several Inclosures, which shall have my attention. My being on the road from the time of their coming to hand till yesterday, prevented me from acknowledging them before. As many inconveniences would attend the...
49From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 7 July 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have the Honor to inform you, that on sunday morning the left wing of the Army moved towards the North river—The right followed yesterday; and the second line which forms the rear division, is also now in motion. I shall advance, as fast as I can, consistently with the circumstances of the weather and the health of the Troops. The Enemy, from the advices of our parties of observation, were...
50From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 9 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
I was favoured with yours of the 6th Inst. inclosing copies of your answers to Lord Howe and General Clinton. The originals I sent in early this morning by a flag. I have the honor to transmit you a duplicate of a letter I received from Sir Henry Clinton for the purpose of procuring a passport for Doctor Ferguson (the secretary to the Kings Commission) to Congress, with my answer to him; on...