51From George Washington to William Livingston, 16 February 1778 (Washington Papers)
I had the honor of writing to you a day or two ago, and transmitting a letter from the committee of Congress now at Camp, containing a representation of the present alarming distresses of the army for want of provisions: They press upon us with such increasing violence, and threaten such fatal consequences, unless the most vigorous measure be persued to effect an immediate remedy, that I have...
52From George Washington to William Livingston, 22 February 1778 (Washington Papers)
Your favour of the 16th instant came duly to hand. I cannot but be highly sensible of the fresh proofs given of that zeal which yourself in particular and the State of New Jersey in general, have so uniformly manifested in the common cause, and of the polite regard you have in repeated instances, shown to my applications. I lament the additional load of business heaped upon you from the...
53From George Washington to William Livingston, 14 March 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor of yours of the 2d instant, and I can assure you I feel myself very sensibly affected by the strenuous manner in which you express the public regard of the State and your personal Friendship towards me. I only desire to be the object of both, while in your good opinion and that of the public I continue to merit them. We seem hitherto to have mistaken each other in respect to...
54From George Washington to William Livingston, 19 March 1778 (Washington Papers)
I yesterday received information from Genl Smallwood at Wilmington, that a number of Vessels, mostly sloops and Schooners, had gone down the Bay with Troops on board, their destination uncertain. Several deserters this day inform me, that the number of men embarked are four regiments of British which are at most one thousand. We have had it reported from different quarters that an expedition...
55From George Washington to William Livingston, 25 March 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have been duly honoured with your Excellency’s favors of the 14 18 & 21st. Insts. I am sorry to find that the few troops with Colo. Foreman, have become a subject of uneasiness. They are ordered to join Colonel Shreve’s regiment for the present and to act with him. Colo. Foreman five or Six weeks since transmitted through my Hands a memorial to Congress respecting his Salt works—offering a...
56From George Washington to William Livingston, 25 March 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have strong reasons to suspect a Mr Banksson late a captain of Marines in our service, of being in the employ of the enemy as a spy. His family lives at Princetown. We have nothing against him that amounts to proof, and to seize him at present would answer no end; but to put it out of our power to detect and punish him. It were to be wished Your Excellency without discovering our Suspicions...
57From George Washington to William Livingston, 9 April 1778 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to William Livingston, 9 April 1778. On 11 April, Livingston wrote GW , “In Answer to your Excellency’s favour of the 9th with which I am just now honoured.”
58From George Washington to William Livingston, 11 April 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor of yours of the 4th instant. If Capt. Arnold makes so many difficulties before he comes into the feild he will perhaps find more after he has entered, and I therefore would rather have him drop the Scheme than take it up unwillingly. Mr Boudinot is at present at Newtown with the Commissioners, but I will send him that part of your letter which respects the illicit trade...
59From George Washington to William Livingston, 14 April 1778 (Washington Papers)
I am honored with yours of the 9th inclosing a petition from a number of respectable inhabitants of the lower Counties of your State. I wish it were in my power immediately to afford them that relief and protection which they look for, but you know I can only make detatchments from the Army proportioned to the Strength of the main Body. I have ordered the few Men of Colo. Formans Regiment who...
60From George Washington to William Livingston, 15 April 1778 (Washington Papers)
Some little time ago, one samuel Carter an inhabitant of the State of New Jersey was taken in Arms on the side of the Enemy by a party of Colo. Shreve’s. The Colo. summoned a General Court Martial and tried one Seeds a deserter from the Continental Army and Carter. He sent the Sentences of the Court to me for approbation, but as it was illegally constituted, I was under the necessity of...
61From George Washington to William Livingston, 22 April 1778 (Washington Papers)
Inclosed I transmit you a philadelphia Paper, containing the Draughts of Two Bills introduced into parliament by Lord North, and his speech upon the occasion. Their authenticity in philadelphia is not questioned, and I have not the smallest doubt, but there will be some overtures made us, similar or nearly so, to the propositions held forth in the Draughts. You will see there aim is, under...
62From George Washington to William Livingston, 26 April 1778 (Washington Papers)
I received yesterday your favor of the 15th Inst., with the papers alluded to. Your reasoning, upon the subject of Deserters attending Flags, is certainly right & not to be disputed. Their appearing in that character is an additional crime, and it is the practice of War in such instances, founded in principles of common reason & the delicacy of Truces, to execute them immediately. This is the...
63From George Washington to William Livingston, 12 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
I was, a few days ago, honoured with yours informing me of the probable strength of Militia which might be collected in your State if called upon —This was a piece of information which I wanted more for my guidance in future than for any sudden plan. There are several matters which render the drawing together a large Body of forces just at this time impracticable: The deranged State of the...
64From George Washington to William Livingston, 21 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
I thank you for your two favors of the 17th Instant which came to hand yesterday. I had heard before, that Houses were preparing in New York, and from a variety of concurring circumstances it would seem, that the Enemy mean to evacuate Philadelphia and make that their Rendezvous, at least in the first instance. The event only can determine the authenticity of the information; but added to the...
65From George Washington to William Livingston, 1 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
I am honoured with yours of the 23d and 29th ulto. The person who delivered me your letter of the 17th was one of our hired Expresses. He is now out upon duty, but when he returns I will enquire how he came by the letter. The Christian Name of Bankson, who I begged the favor of you to keep an Eye upon, is Jacob, but as I am now satisfied concerning him, you need not trouble yourself further in...
66From George Washington to William Livingston, 21 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
I am now arrived myself on the East side of the Delaware, and the main body of the Army is on the Other from whence it will cross as soon as possible. This would have been effected in part to day, had it not been for the rain and the very doubtful appearance of the morning, which prevented the Troops from moving till it was late. The Afternoon will be employed in passing the Artillery and such...
67From George Washington to William Livingston, 28 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
Letter not found : to William Livingston, c.28 June 1778. GW wrote Livingston on 4 July: “I had the honour to inform you on the ground of action of the advantage over the enemy on the 28th Ult. … Not knowing where to find you the letter alluded to above could not be sent. I have now the honor to inclose it.”
68From George Washington to William Livingston, 4 July 1778 (Washington Papers)
I had the honour to inform you on the ground of action of the advantage over the Enemy on the 28th Ult. I could not then be particular in their killed, as the burying parties were not come in. They have returned 245 killed. Besides the Enemy left behind them at Monmouth Court House, 4 wounded Officers and 40 privates exclusive of those we took on the field of battle. The prisoners taken since...
69From George Washington to William Livingston, 11 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
I was favor’d with yours of the 7th in[stant] this morning. You will perceive by the enclosure from Colo. Biddle the Forage Master General to the Army the prices that have been given for hay in the different States and that the proper measures will be used to exempt Somerset County from her proportion of Forage. The last accounts from Rhode Island was of the 6th with the news of the Enemy’s...
70From George Washington to William Livingston, 5 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
I had the honor of receiving your Excellencys favor of the 21 Septr this morning. By what means it has been So long delayed, I cannot conceive. The conduct of Crowel appears to me to have forfeited the protection he derived from the flag and to justify in point of right the detention of his person and the confiscation of the Vessel and her effects. The obligation of a flag is reciprocal. On...
71From George Washington to William Livingston, 22 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have been favor’d with your letter of the 13th inst. I must refer you for the particular circumstances attending the surprize of Colo. Baylor’s Regiment to those Officers and men who made their escape, and who are now in the Jersey’s. Those persons also in whose houses the Dragoons were quartered, may be able to assist in your report to Congress. And should any deserters have come from the...
72From George Washington to William Livingston, 18 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have your Excellency’s favor of the 7th: It will always be my wish, whenever it is in my power, to afford protection to every part of the State of New Jersey by means of the Continental Army, as I would ever avoid calling out the Militia but upon exigencies. The lower part of the County of Bergen must from its situation remain exposed to the Enemy while they keep a garrison in New York; but...
73From George Washington to William Livingston, 7 December 1778 (Washington Papers)
I returned to this place from Elizabeth Town upon hearing that the Enemy had gone up the North River in considerable force. Their ships proceeded as far as King’s ferry at which place they landed a few men and burnt a small House upon the Wharf. The Boats and stores of every kind had been removed upon the first appearance of the ships. I do not know what was their true design; but they...
74From George Washington to William Livingston, 16 December 1778 (Washington Papers)
Till now I have not had a moments time to reply to your Excellencys several favors of the 12th 14th and 15th Inst. I find every disposition not only to afford security to the people of Monmouth, and lessen the duty of their militia; but, to prevent the illicit trade and correspondence complained of between the disaffected in that County, and the City of New-York, could it be effected by any...
75From George Washington to William Livingston and Joseph Reed, 17 December 1778 (Washington Papers)
To prevent as far as possible the intercourse between the inhabitants of these States and the enemy in New York, I have given positive orders to Genl Maxwell, who commands at Elizabeth Town, to permit no persons being inhabitants of or coming from any of the States to pass to Staten Island or New York without permission has been first obtained from their respective Governors or legislative...
76From George Washington to William Livingston, 21 December 1778 (Washington Papers)
In my passage, through Elizabeth Town, a certain Hatfield was siezed by my order and committed to Jail, in consequence of an intercepted letter to him from New York, supposed by the initials to be from one Hilton, which clearly shows that Hatfield is concerned in a treasonable connexion and intercourse with the writer. The letter is not now in my possession; nor do I precisely recollect the...
77From George Washington to William Livingston, 31 January 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have had the honor of receiving your Excellencys two letters of 9th & 15th inst. As the deserters of the Convention Troops apprehended in Jersey, cannot at present be conveniently disposed of—I must entreat that measures may be taken for Securing them, ’till orders can be given for their Removal—With regard to the two whose evidence you think will serve to convict the seducers of the...
78From George Washington to William Livingston, 3 March 1779 (Washington Papers)
I was a few days ago honored with yours of the 18th ulto inclosing the depositions of several inhabitants and civil Officers respecting ill treatment recd from sundry Officers of the Army and a refusal in some of them to submit to the civil process—Major Call and Mr Heath two of the Officers are at Winchester in Virginia in Winter Quarters a very considerable distance from hence, but if you...
79From George Washington to William Livingston, 23 March 1779 (Washington Papers)
The possibility of the Enemys making incursions into this state has suggested the expediency of fixing Signals at places calculated to communicate the most speedy alarm to the Country; and of appointing convenient posts for the Militia to assemble at for Orders. I was therefore induced to request Lord Stirling a few days ago, from his more intimate acquaintance with the Country, to see the...
80From George Washington to William Livingston, 5 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with yours of the 30th March. As I shall be very soon under the necessity of removing the troops at present at and in the neighbourhood of the Minisink settlement, I thought it advisable to give this notice to your Excellency, that you may, if you judge proper, order some Militia to occupy their posts. I have wrote to Govr Clinton upon the same subject. Altho’ the move...
81From George Washington to William Livingston, 12 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
A writ having been served upon an Officer of the Maryland line by one Dickinson for impressing a small quantity of Forage by order of Lieut. Colo. Adams, he drew up the inclosed state, to shew me the necessity which he was under of having recourse to that method of procuring the Forage and the offers which he afterwards made to satisfy the owner. I confess it is extremely difficult to draw a...
82From George Washington to William Livingston, 22 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
The inclosed is a letter to you in your official character; this you will be pleased to receive as private and confidential—to explain, for your own satisfaction the reasons which will oblige me to draw off Maxwells brigade from its present position and will prevent my replacing them by other troops. I have for a long time past been preparing for a decisive expedition against the six nations,...
83From George Washington to William Livingston, 23 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
Some operations of the army which are in contemplation, will oblige me before the 10th of next month to withdraw Gen: Maxwells brigade from its present position; and it will not be in my power to replace it by other troops—I shall also be obliged to recal the detachment from Monmouth. I have thought it necessary to give your Excellency this early notice, that you may take such measures in...
84From George Washington to William Livingston, 28 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to inclose your Excellency extracts of three letters I have just received—one from a confidential correspondent at New York of the 25th another from General Maxwell, inclosing that , of the 27th and another from Lt Col. Ford stationed in Monmouth County of the 26th. From the correspondence of time and circumstances, it appears that the troops mentioned in these different...
85From George Washington to William Livingston, 29 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
I had the honor to write your Excellency yesterday on the subject of an incursion made by the enemy into Monmouth County. The inclosed copy of a letter from Capn Burrows to Lord Stirling will inform you of their retreat and embarkation. I cannot suppose the Captn mistaken as to their going off—tho’I have not received any advice from Col. Ford the substance of which I communicated since his...
86From George Washington to William Livingston, 4 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have received the honor of your two letters, both of the 1st instant. I have generally been so happy as to agree with your Excellency in sentiment on public measures; but an instance now occurs, in which there happens to be a difference of opinion. I am extremely apprehensive that very disagreeable consequences may result from an increase of the standing pay of the militia. It would create...
87From George Washington to William Livingston, 9 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to inclose your Excellency the examinations of two of the inhabitants of this state David Urmston & Bn Pound taken before Brigadier General Knox—The practice of seducing the soldiery and aiding them in deserting to the enemy has arisen to such an alarming height, that unless some severe examples can be made it must be attended with the most pernicious consequences. How far the...
88From George Washington to William Livingston, 14 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have had the Honor of Your Excellency’s Two favors of the 8th & 10th Instant—and beg leave to return you my warmest thanks for the very polite and friendly manner, in which you received my observations upon the subject of raising the pay of the Militia. I am now to inform Your Excellency that the public service has obliged me to march Colo. Ogdon’s Regiment from Elizabeth Town—On Monday...
89From George Washington to William Livingston, 2 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
General Greene has informed me that he addressed your Excellency some time since upon the subject of Waggons, and suggested that it would be necessary, owing to the difficulties of procuring them in the ordinary way, for the Legislature to authorise Col. M. Foreman to impress them in cases of exigency. I would take the liberty to add, that it appears to me indispensibly necessary for the...
90From George Washington to William Livingston, 3 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
The enemy have been some time since in motion apparently with some capital design, and by my last intelligence had proceeded up the North River in force and had landed a considerable body in the vicinity of Kings ferry—These movements seem to look more immediately towards the Forts on the River; but the real object may very probably be to prevent the junction of our force and bend their whole...
91From George Washington to William Livingston, 16 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have the pleasure to transmit Your Excellency the inclosed Copy of a Letter from Brigadr Genl Wayne, which this moment came to hand. I congratulate you upon our success—and what makes it still more agreable, from the report of Capn Fishbourn who brought me Genl Wayne’s Letter, the post was gained with but very inconsiderable loss on our part. I have not yet obtained the particulars of the...
92From George Washington to William Livingston, 16 August 1779 (Washington Papers)
I had not the Honor till two days ago, to receive Your Excellency’s Letter of the 5th Instant. The whole of the Officers belonging to the Three Jersey Regiments are employed on the Western expedition with General Sullivan, which circumstance puts it intirely out of my power, to comply with Your Excellency’s request for Officers for the recruiting service. If this were not the case, I should...
93From George Washington to William Livingston, 7 September 1779 (Washington Papers)
I yesterday recd your favr of the 3d Inst. I thank your Excellency for your attention to mine on the subject of Officers who have violated their paroles—and on the prospect of a scarcity of Flour. I have little doubt but that the farmers will thresh out part of their Grain earlier than usual, when influenced by a few virtuous individuals in each district. It hath been our constant practice...
94From George Washington to William Livingston, 4 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
It is essential that some good pilots should be ready to go on Board the French fleet the moment it appears perfectly acquainted with the entrance into New York harbour. Wm Van Drill who resides in your State I am informed is one of the best that can be had. I shall be much obliged to your Excellency immediately to engage Mr Van Drill to go down to Monmouth and join Major Lee at English town...
95From George Washington to William Livingston, 22 November 1779 (Washington Papers)
The moment I was informed that the unexpected delays and difficulties which His Excellency the Count D’Estaing had met with to the Southward had rendered a cooperation in this quarter impracticable, I dismissed the Militia of the States of New York and Massachusetts, the only ones which were assembled at their places of rendezvous. Although the number of men required from the State of New...
96From George Washington to William Livingston, 7 December 1779 (Washington Papers)
You have both obliged and amused me, by your communication of the 27th. I have not seen the piece to which you allude; but I should be more surprised had you been suffered to escape without paying a tax so antient and customary. When one is over rated in this way, it is very natural to complain, or to feel disgust at the ingratitude of the world; tho’ I beleive with you, that to persevere in...
97From George Washington to William Livingston, 12 December 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have been favored with your Excellencys letter of the 7th. The Troops left at the No. Rivr & East of it & the large detatchments which we have been obliged to make to the Southward, and the times of service of so many of the troops nearly expiring, will unavoidably prevent me from affording that effectual cover to the frontier posts which I could wish. However, you may be assured, that I...
98From George Washington to William Livingston, 21 December 1779 (Washington Papers)
Notwithstanding the enemy have been for some time past making demonstration of sending detatchments from New York, they still continue there with their whole collected force. On our part we have lately been obliged to march a considerable body of troops to the Southward, and a part of those which remain are daily leaving us from the expiration of their terms of service. These and many other...
99From George Washington to William Livingston, 21 December 1779 (Washington Papers)
The situation of our army at this time compared with that of the enemy makes it necessary we should be very much upon our guard. They have more than double our force collected at New York and we are mouldering away dayly. They have been some time past making a show of embarkation; but whether it is sincere or a mere feint to lull us into security is not easy to tell. But If they really design...
100From George Washington to William Livingston, 15 January 1780 (Washington Papers)
I sincerely regret that any circumstances should render it necessary for you to make use of Mr Parson’s house instead of Perseppeny. If you think a guard would give you security in your own dwelling, I shall be happy to furnish you with one, and am Dr Sir &. Df , in James McHenry’s writing, DLC:GW ; Varick transcript , DLC:GW . GW wrote this word. GW is replying to Livingston’s letter to him...