151From George Washington to Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 11 July 1780 (Washington Papers)
I beg leave to suggest to Your Excellency that it is a matter of great importance for me to be acquainted with our several Harbours—their depth of Water within and leading to them and all the difficulties & circumstances attending their navigation. at present this knowledge is more peculiarly essential with respect to the Eastern Ports & particularly in the instance of New London. In the...
152From George Washington to Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 14 July 1780 (Washington Papers)
There is expected a quantity of clothing arms and amunition in the French fleet for the united States, which I have requested might be forwarded to New-London under convoy of a frigate or two—I shall send Mr Olney to receive it, and expedite it to the army. But as the Quarter Master General has no means in his power which could procure a sufficient number of waggons or teams in time, I beg...
153From George Washington to Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 27 July 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor of Your Excellency’s favors of the 18th and 19th instants—Colo. Wadsworth has forwarded the map of new London which you were so kind as to furnish. It answers the purpose for which I principally wanted it, which was to show the draft of Water leading into the Harbour—I very much fear that we shall be obliged to transport our cloathing from France the whole way from Rhode...
154From George Washington to Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 1 August 1780 (Washington Papers)
I am assembling our whole Continental Force at this place with an intent to move down towards New York, in hopes, that an opportunity may offer in the absence of Sir Henry Clinton of striking the Enemy to advantage or at least of gaining possession of some posts which will be of very great advantage in carrying on our future operations. I have taken the liberty to order the two State Regiments...
155From George Washington to Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 8 August 1780 (Washington Papers)
I am honored with Your Excellency’s favor of the 4th Inst. I am sorry that any disputes and differences should have happened between Major Murnan and the Inhabitants and Militia—As it is difficult to reconcile matters after they have been carried to such a height as appears by Capt. Greens deposition I have thought it best to recall Major Murnan—You will be pleased to forward the inclosed to...
156From George Washington to Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 22 August 1780 (Washington Papers)
I am again reduced to the painful necessity of informing Your Excellency of the situation in which we are, with respect to provision of the meat kind—and of earnestly entreating every assistance in your power to give, for our relief. The whole Army has been already without meat one day and a great part of it Two. We have none now in Camp, and no good prospect that I can find, of receiving any...
157From George Washington to Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 28 August 1780 (Washington Papers)
I was a few days ago honored with yours of the 9th: since the receipt of it, I have seen Commissary Cheever, and have had an opportunity of making particular enquiry into the state of the Arms at Springfield. He tells me, that the repair, of such of the old Muskets as are worth the trouble and expence, is going on as fast as the circumstances of want of hands and want of money will admit. The...
158From George Washington to Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 5 September 1780 (Washington Papers)
I am honored by your Excellency’s favor of the 31st ulto accompanied by a letter to the Committee of Cooperation, which I took the liberty of opening; as those Gentlemen had been, some little time before, recalled by Congress—Our situation, in respect to Meat, is, if possible, worse now than it was when I addressed my circular letter of the 27th ulto. The Country in the neighbourhood is daily...
159From George Washington to Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 19 November 1780 (Washington Papers)
The Bearer [ ] is sent by the Quarter Master General purposely to superintend the forwarding a quantity of Cloathing from Springfield to New Burg —indeed the whole of our dependance in that Article, as far as I can see, for the Winter. The Quarter Master General is in hopes that His Deputies will be able to find the means of transportation without applying to your Excellency for assistance,...
160From George Washington to Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 8 December 1780 (Washington Papers)
On my arrival at this place, I met with your Excellency’s favor of the 27th November, and immediately gave Orders for the Returns which you request therein. They shall be transmitted to you, as soon as they are brought in. I have given directions to Colonel Sheldon to make the Return of his Regiment immediately to you —I very much regret that the requisition of Congress, for your quota of men,...
161From George Washington to Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 13 December 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have this day forwarded a passport to New York for the Brig Jenny to proceed from thence to New London as a Flag of truce with Cloathing for the prisoners at Rutland, and to carry back such of them as have been lately exchanged. An officer has permission to go with the Cloathing to Rutland and return. The Vessel is directed to lay in such part of the port as the commanding Officer there...
162From George Washington to Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 17 December 1780 (Washington Papers)
I submitted to the interference of the State of Connecticut last Year with respect to the Cantonment of the Horse, without any animadversion or remark, because I was hopeful that the impropriety of it would appear to them, and prevent the like in future. I shall, (as it is the request of the State, and because it is my wish to harmonize, as much as possible, with the Civil Authority, in the...
163From George Washington to Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 19 December 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have this morning received Your Excellency’s favor of the 15th. I have likewise had information from New York, that the enemy were preparing to make a move of some kind, but all my intelligences suppose that it will be a further detachment to the southward —Indeed, the situation of their affairs in that quarter seem to require a reinforcement. Should they however turn their views towards the...
164From George Washington to Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 2 January 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to inform your Excellency of the sailing of the Embarkation, which I mentioned in my Letter of the 13th of December. The Fleet consisting of thirty two Sail, left the Hook on the 22nd Ulto with a Detachment of about Sixteen hundred Troops on Board, under the command of Arnold. It is conjectured they are designed as a further reinforcement to the Southern Army, which is said to...
165From George Washington to Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 18 January 1781 (Washington Papers)
Under the circumstances, Your Excellency states in your letter of the 12th, there is to me no doubt that Wilson may be detained and punished, notwithstanding the sanction of a flag. But there is a fact alleged by the enemy, which would intirely change the nature of the case. They pretend, that Wilson came out under a passport or permit from Col. Wells of your Militia, while Commanding Officer...
166From George Washington to Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 4 February 1781 (Washington Papers)
I was yesterday honored with your Excellencys Letter of the 31st of January by General Knox. The exertions the Eastern States are making afford me great satisfaction. I am sorry there should be so much justice in Your Excellency’s observation respecting the irregularity of supply, and consequent waste of the live Cattle sometimes sent to the Army. It is easy to trace this Misfortune to its...
167From George Washington to Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 21 February 1781 (Washington Papers)
Having been obliged to make a very considerable temporary detachment from the Army, I am under the necessity of immediately calling in what Recruits may be raised in the neighbouring States to replace it —I have directed the superintending Officers at the different places of rendezvous to do this, but I must request your Excellency, if it possibly can be done, to furnish them in whole or in...
168From George Washington to Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 15 May 1784 (Washington Papers)
It was with great pleasure & thankfulness, I received a recognizance of your friendship in your letter of the 20th of last month. It is indeed a pleasure, from the walks of private life to view in retrospect, all the meanderings of our past labors—the difficulties through which we have waded—and the fortunate Haven to which the ship has been brought! Is it possible after this that it should...
169From George Washington to Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 10 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
By an almost total failure of the Supplies of Beef Cattle, demanded by Congress of the Eastern States; I find we are again reduced to the verge of Distress, (Our little Magazines, which were laid up for an emergency being entirely exhausted) and that there is no prospect of immediate relief, but from the salted provisions of Connecticut. I have therefore to request in the most earnest manner,...
170From George Washington to Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 17 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
By the Letter from the Quarter Master General, transmitted herewith, Your Excellency will be pleased to observe the necessity of furnishing the Camp Equipage specified in the estimate for the Troops of Your State, as also the reason why this application was not made at an earlier period. Every other effort for a supply, having failed of success, this is the last resource now remaining—And I...
171From George Washington to Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 22 May 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to enclose to your Excellency a Resolution of Congress respecting mounting and equipping the Corps of Dragoons raised by this State of Connecticut. I am the more induced to wish this may be done, as Colonel Sheldon’s is now the only Regiment of Cavalry destined to act with the Army under my immediate command, and as the number of men in that Regiment now mounted are totally...
172From George Washington to Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 25 May 1781 (Washington Papers)
It having been represented to me that some powder has been made by your Excellency’s directions, at Glassenbury & New Haven in this state, of materials belonging to the Continent, I take the liberty earnestly to request that such measures may be taken by the State as will transport it to Fishkill with the utmost expedition— great care being had that it should not be injured by the weather on...
173From George Washington to Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 15 June 1781 (Washington Papers)
I flatter myself the proper Measures have been before this Time taken to procure the Number of Men for Continental and Militia service, required by my Letter of the 24th May from Weathersfield. In the Calculation which I then made of the Aid of Militia which would be necessary to support the Operations which we have in View, I included sixteen hundred from Pennsylvania, but that State having...
174From George Washington to Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 24 June 1781 (Washington Papers)
I am honored with Your Excellency’s Letter of the 30th Inst. together with the several Enclosures. The measures which have been taken by your Legislature to produce a prompt compliance with the requisitions upon the State, are of a good complexion, and afford me great satisfaction— I flatter myself the ample powers with which your Excellency & your Council are invested, will be strenuously...
175From George Washington to Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 28 June 1781 (Washington Papers)
Inclosed your Excellency will receive Copy of a Letter addressed to me from General Parsons, representg the Situation of the Troops of your Line of the Armey. I feel myself so distressed at this Representation, not only as it affects the Troops themselves, but from the Apprehension I have of the Consequences which may, from their feelings, be produced to the general Service; that, altho it is...
176From George Washington to Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 1 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
I am obliged again to trouble your Excellency with the Distress we are in for Want of Provisions to feed the Troops—by a Return from the Comsy Genl of Issues, we have received from the 12th of May to this Day only 312 Head of Cattle—& those in the followg Proportions—Vizt. N. Hampshire 30 Massachusetts Bay 230 Connecticut 52 312 from this Supply, with the Help of Salted Provision, we have...
177From George Washington to Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 3 August 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with your Excellency’s Favor of the 31st ulto—I most ardently wish that your Orders for reinforcing & supplying the Army, may be carried into Execution with a Zeal & Ardor equal to that with which, I am persuaded, they are given. Money for the Pay of the Troops of your Line will be exceedingly welcome—the sooner it arrives the more salutary will be its Consequences. It will...
178From George Washington to Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 16 August 1781 (Washington Papers)
It being of the utmost importance that a quantity of salted Provision, not less than 1000 Barrels should be immediately shipped from Connecticut River to Rhode Island—The Quarter Master General has dispatched Mr Mix an Officer in his Department (who will have the honor of delivering this Letter to your Excellency) to see that business carried instantly into execution. I pray Your Excellency...
179From George Washington to Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 28 November 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have the Honor to acknowlege your Favor of the 6th instant— and to thank your Excellency with great Sincerity for the very cordial and affectionate Congratulations which you are pleased to express on our late Success in Virginia. I must earnestly hope that this Event may be productive of all those happy Consequences which your Excellency mentions; and I think that its good Effects cannot...
180From George Washington to Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 8 May 1782 (Washington Papers)
I had the Honor to receive your Excellencys Favor of the 24th of April—inclosing a Copy of your Letter to Congress on the Subject of American prisoners confined in England—with your Sentiments on the Necessity of Retaliation. I am sorry to inform your Excellency, that a Meeting of Commissioners which had, Among other Matters, been concerted for the purposes of a general Exchange, comprehendg...
181From George Washington to Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 10 May 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to enclose to your Excellency, the Copy of a Letter of this date to Colonel Canfield, prohibiting the practice of sending Flags from, or receiving them at any place except the Post of Dobbs’ Ferry—This I thought essentially necessary for many reasons, which I doubt not will occur to your Excellency, and therefore request your aid in carrying the measure into effect; and that...
182From George Washington to Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 29 May 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with your two Letters of the 21st & 23d of this Month. Your Excellency’s reply to Dean’s Letter I read with great Satisfaction—and the pleasure was hightened by findg that it contained not only your own Sentiments, but also conveys the Sense of the Legislative Body of your State—From a variety of circumstances I view the present, as the most critical Moment, that we have...
183From George Washington to Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 3 July 1782 (Washington Papers)
I am honored with your Excellency’s Letter of the 21st of June. Captain Johnson, who was the Bearer of it, had permission granted to him to go to the Enemy’s Lines for the purpose of carrying Money to the prisoners. That your Excellency may be fully informed on what footing the Exchange of naval prisoners now stands, I have directed the Commissary of prisoners to report to you, what he has...
184From George Washington to Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 30 July 1782 (Washington Papers)
The foegoing was put into the post Office agreeable to its Date, to be conveyed to your Excellency, but thro’ the Inattention of the post Master was made up in the Southern Mail—And on its return from Philadelphia by the Eastern post, was captured with his Mail & carried into N. York, which forms a Necessity for transmitting this Duplicate. With great Regard & Esteem I have the Honor to be...
185From George Washington to Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 13 November 1782 (Washington Papers)
I do myself the honor to enclose you the extract of a letter, which I have lately received from His Excellency the Minister of France, on the subject of the amazing quantities of provisions which the enemy draw, from the States contiguous to New York. The evil complained of has been long growing, and has at length arisen to a height truly alarming. I persuade myself no arguments will be...
186From George Washington to Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 14 January 1783 (Washington Papers)
I enclose a Letter from Major Tallmadge to Your Excellency which came under a flying seal to my hands; the observations contained in it appear to be highly worthy of consideration. The importance of absolutely cutting off all manner of commerce & illicit intercourse with the Enemy is so great, and at the same time so obvious, that I conceive it only necessary to recommend the subject, without...
187From George Washington to Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 5 March 1783 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with your Excellency’s Letter of the 24th of febry. Circumstanced as our affairs are, it is impracticable for me, to comply with your request, for a Body of Continental Troops to be stationed at Stamford: some Aid, however, may be given to your State Troops, by the Countenance & Increase of our marching parties, who are patroling on the Lines, & may extend as far as the...
188From Jonathan Trumbull, Jr. to Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 14 May 1783 (Washington Papers)
I returned a few Days ago from attendg the General at an Interview with Sir Guy Carleton—The two Generals met at Orange Town about 20 Miles above N. York—their Meeting was cordial & polite—Genl Carleton Dining with Genl Washington the first Day—& the American General with the British the next—The first on Shore—The other on Board a Frigate which bro’t Sir Guy from N. York—Their Conference was...
189From George Washington to Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 4 August 1783 (Washington Papers)
Permit me to introduce to Your Excellency’s Civilities & attention the Count del Vermé an Italian Noblemn of Family & distinction on a tour thro’ America. This Gentleman comes warmly recommended by our Ministers at the Court of Versailles and from the Acquaintance I have had the pleasure to make with him does honor to his high birth & Education. I am &ca Go: Washington To Genl Sullivan & Jno....