31From George Washington to Brigadier General William Maxwell, 31 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
It is at this present crisis extremely interesting to our conduct to learn with exactness and certainty the force that is reported to have sailed for New Port by way of the Sound, & that from the Hook, and whose command they are under. It will be necessary to discover what particular corps have been embarked—what baggage—what heavy cannon and artillery and how the transports (those especially...
32From George Washington to Brigadier General William Maxwell, 19 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
I received your favor of the 17th Inst. yesterday evening. No certain conclusions can be drawn of the enemy’s designs on the Jersey from the fitting up of their flat bottomed boats. If part of them are going to the West Indies they will want them there. It will not therefore be altogether advisable on the present appearance of things to call out the militia—But in order to guard against the...
33From George Washington to Brigadier General William Maxwell, 27 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
I rec’d yours of the 19th & 22 Inst. As the party of the enemy now on a forage in the Jersey, are in considerable force, and from the latest intelligence have taken post at the liberty pole, extending themselves to the New-bridge on the Hackinsac River—You will therefore immediately march to the high grounds west of acquacanack with your Brigade, in order the better to cover the Country the...
34From George Washington to Brigadier General William Maxwell, 2 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
I am favd with yours of the 29th Sepr. Lord Stirling who is now in Jersey, and has the general command of the troops there, will be a better judge than I am of the necessary and proper dispositions to be made. You will therefore implicitly obey him, and either remain where you are at present with your whole Brigade, or detatch such a part of it as His Lordship may direct. He mentions the...
35From George Washington to Brigadier General William Maxwell, 5 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
In a letter from Genl Gates of yesterdays date, I received the following intelligence—“Two Sailors belonging to Cape Cod—who made their escape from the prison ship last monday night, arrived here—they declare that the british fleet of Men of War, sailed ten days ago, in quest of the french fleet” —An event of this importance I think would not have escaped your notice—and I hope the report is...
36From George Washington to Brigadier General William Maxwell, 6 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
Mr Crowels recent violation of the usages and laws of flags render it necessary to adopt some measures, that may prevent similar procedings in future. For this purpose you will immediately fix upon a certain number of places for the reception of flag-boats, and advise the commanding Officer on Staten Island, of the places, and that no flag boats will be received any where else without a...
37From George Washington to Major General Stirling and Brigadier Generals William Maxwell and William Woodford, 15 October … (Washington Papers)
In addition to the questions which I have already proposed for the consideration of the General Officers —I have farther asked whether judging from the present state and appearance of affairs, it would be advisable to detach any part of our force to Boston—& shd it be decided in the affirmative—what force would it be proper to detach—Your Lordship will be so good as to add your opinion on...
38From George Washington to Brigadier General William Maxwell, 8 December 1778 (Washington Papers)
Upon my arrival at Middle Brook I shall furnish you with Instructions for the command at this post and its vicinity, at which you are to remain with the Jersey Brigade. I have at present to desire that you will take every measure to prevent an intercourse between the Country and New York and that no persons, inhabitants of these States, may be permitted to go thither or into the Enemy’s lines...
39From George Washington to Brigadier General William Maxwell, 20 December 1778 (Washington Papers)
I was favored with your letter of yesterdays date this evening. I have informed Governor Livingston with as many of the circumstances of Hatfields case as have come within my knowlege, and directed Lord Stirling to furnish him with such as he has relating to this subject. You will be pleased without further delay to deliver both Hatfield and the vessel he was in, to the civil magistrate with...
40From George Washington to Brigadier General William Maxwell, 21 December 1778 (Washington Papers)
You are appointed to the command at Elizabeth Town at which place you are to remain with the New Jersey Brigade: But Should you be of opinion that the troops can be more conveniently quartered by removing part to New Ark, you may order a Regiment or as many to that place as circumstances shall require. The principal object of your position is to prevent the Enemy stationed upon Staten Island...
41From George Washington to Brigadier General William Maxwell, 21 December 1778 (Washington Papers)
This will be delivered you by Lieut. Campbell, an officer of the convention troops, whom, at the request of Genl Philips, I have permitted to go into New-York to transact some particular public business of those troops. You will therefore furnish him with a flag for that purpose. He is to return from New York, and at his return you will send an officer to accompany him to meet Genl Philips,...
42From George Washington to Brigadier General William Maxwell, 26 December 1778 (Washington Papers)
You will be pleased to transmit the inclosed Letter to Colo. Butler by a flag. This Gentleman has requested an interview with Genl Lee, who is to meet him. A House near Elizabeth Town point is thought most convenient for the meeting—and has been proposed to them both. Colo. Butler is to appoint the time and to inform you, of which you will advise Genl Lee and furnish any passports that may be...
43From George Washington to Brigadier General William Maxwell, 7 January 1779 (Washington Papers)
I am favd with yours of the 31st Decemr inclosing two letters from Major Howell. To prevent a too frequent intercourse by Flag Boats I lately wrote to the Governors of Pennsylvania and New Jersey and pointed out the inconveniences of people’s coming almost daily with permissions from them to go into New York, which occasioned the Officer commanding at Elizabeth Town to send a Flag with each...
44From George Washington to Brigadier General William Maxwell, 26 January 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have your favr of the 12th instant, and one inclosing a return of deficient Cloathing which is without a date. Inclosed you have an order for all the deficiencies except the Blankets of which I cannot make a distribution, that will do equal justice, before my return to Camp. You may do as you think proper with those people who the enemy will not admit within their lines. I cannot see what...
45From George Washington to Brigadier General William Maxwell, 7 February 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have to acknowlege your several favors of the 26th & 27 Ultimo with that of the 1st Instant. Inclosed you have a copy of the arrangement of the New Jersey Regiments as made out by the committee of arrangement appointed by Congress—You will observe that all the officers, subordinate to a major have the respective dates of their commissions regularly ascertained—but that the dates of the...
46From George Washington to Brigadier General William Maxwell, 9 February 1779 (Washington Papers)
In answer to your letter of yesterdays date —I have to inform you that no blankets can be issued, until I have obtained an exact return of the quantity in Store—and the deficiences of the Troops on the other side of Hudsons River—As soon as these points are ascertained in order to an equal and general distribution—no time will be lost in furnishing the quotas to the Troops —I am Sir &. Df , in...
47From George Washington to Brigadier General William Maxwell, 13 February 1779 (Washington Papers)
I received your favor of the 11th Inst. In order to accommodate the affairs of the prisoners, who are coming out or going in to New-York and prevent the inconveniences you complain of, the inclosed directs Mr Adams one of the deputy Commissaries of prisoners to give his attendance twice or thrice a week, or as often as circumstances may require. The want of an established post between this and...
48From George Washington to Brigadier General William Maxwell, 15 February 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have just received a letter from Capt. Stokes stationed at Bonum Town—informing me that the enemy on Staten Island appear to be in motion, and have been collecting boats both at New York and at the Island —You will therefore redouble your vigilance and be ready to oppose any attempt they may make near you. I am informed there is a considerable number of fat cattle between Wood-bridge and the...
49From George Washington to Brigadier General William Maxwell, 16 February 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have received your favour of yesterday—Your observations on the necessity of the Deputy Commissary of prisoners residing on the spott are just—I was not before fully apprised of Mr Adam’s situation. There certainly can be no propriety in any officers staying at his own home, for private conveniences, seven or eight miles from the place where his duty calls him while public business is...
50From George Washington to Brigadier General William Maxwell, 17 February 1779 (Washington Papers)
The Bearer Mr Thomas Smith a Gentleman particularly recommended by Govr Henry of Virginia—has my permission to go into New York on his private affairs—You will therefore furnish him with a Flag for that purpose. I am Sir Your most obedt servt. Df , in John Laurens’s writing, DLC:GW ; Varick transcript , DLC:GW . Thomas Smith, from Gloucester County, Va., where he was a planter and merchant,...
51From George Washington to Brigadier General William Maxwell, 20 February 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have your favr of yesterday accompanied by four New York papers for which I am obliged and return you the latest Pennsylvania and Maryland in exchange —As it is not thought proper to send in those, who have deserted from the Convention Troops, to be exchanged as prisoners of War, you will be pleased to send all at present at Elizabeth Town to Morris Town where the Guard has been strengthened...
52From George Washington to Brigadier General William Maxwell, 24 February 1779 (Washington Papers)
I recd your favr of yesterday with several News papers inclosed. The Regulations of Congress for the settlement of Rank take in every claim that the Feild Officers of your Brigade can possibly make and therefore there will be no need of referring the matter to the State. If they find they can not settle the dispute among themselves I will appoint a Board to hear their pretensions and come to a...
53From George Washington to Brigadier General William Maxwell, 1 March 1779 (Washington Papers)
I am favd with yours of the 27th and 28th ulto containing a more particular account of the enemy’s late attempt upon your post —I do not know what may be their design by landing up the River, but I think you had better desire Colo. Shreves Parties from New Ark to endeavour to keep up a communication with Colo. Clarke’s from Paramus, which will hinder them from effecting any thing by surprize....
54From George Washington to Brigadier General William Maxwell, 7 March 1779 (Washington Papers)
Colonel Shrieve informs me that several persons who had been made prisoners by the Indians, have lately returned from Captivity—and that they are known to you —in this case, I request that you will inform me of their names characters and places of abode by the first opportunity. be pleased likewise to let me know, whether you have thought of the boots mentioned in a late letter. I am &. Df ,...
55From George Washington to Brigadier General William Maxwell, 15 March 1779 (Washington Papers)
I recd yours of the 10th informing me of Admiral Gambiers intent to leave the port of New York; if that event hath taken place be pleased to endeavour to ascertain with what number of ships—their force and destination—We have heard nothing of a long time from Z. Has he dropped the correspondence? or what is become of him. If we are to depend no further upon him, you should endeavour to open...
56From George Washington to Brigadier General William Maxwell, 25 March 1779 (Washington Papers)
I was favored with the receipt of your letter of the 17th int. If you have any knowledge of the country which lays between Niagara and our settlements I shall be obliged by your deliniating with as much exactness as you are able the different Indian villiages—the best routes which lead to them—their names—the nature of the country whether hilly or swampy—the waters—and such obstruction⟨s⟩ as...
57From George Washington to Brigadier General William Maxwell, 28 March 1779 (Washington Papers)
I received your favors of the 26th and 27th Inst. with the several new-york papers. The directions of the board of war relative to the French commissary of prisoners is to be complyed with as far as possible. There is I believe a resolve of Congress in the hands of Mr Beatty for the supplying the French prisoners with the enemy—but as I cannot, at this instant, have recourse to it—I do not...
58From George Washington to Brigadier General William Maxwell, 29 March–1 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
I received your favor of the 28th Inst. with the New-York paper which it inclosed. Upon application of commissary Beatty you will give permission to him to send into New-York, about 40 bls flour, eight quarters beef and four or five cords of wood, for the use of our prisoners within the enemies lines. I have ordered a party of ten with a subaltern, from the Maréchose light dragoons, for your...
59From George Washington to Brigadier General William Maxwell, 4 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
I duly received your favor of the 2d Instant. You will be pleased to transmit by flag as early as possible the letter which I herewith send for Sir Henry Clinton; and that to his commissioners, who are to meet ours on the subject of an exchange of prisoners, and who probably it will find on Staten Island. I have nothing more in particular—command—and am sir &. Df , in James McHenry’s writing,...
60From George Washington to Brigadier General William Maxwell, 7 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have been favored with your letter of yesterday, and its inclosures. You will be pleased to have the circumstances of the loss of the water-guard, as well ascertained as possible—Should the officer have exceeded his orders; or imprudently left his post—altho’ we cannot punish him at present, yet it is necessary that the matter should be known —Could any thing make an impression on some of...