3101To George Washington from Major General Israel Putnam, 29 May 1780 (Washington Papers)
I cannot forbear informing Your Excellency, by the return of Major Humphrys to Camp, of the state of my health, from the first of my illness to the present time. After I was prevented from coming on to the Army, by a stroke of the paralytic kind, which deprived me in a great measure, of the use of my right leg and arm; I retired to my Plantation, and have been gradually growing better ever...
3102To George Washington from Moses Rawlings, 2 December 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have the honour to inform your excellency That there is at this place about 1800 prisoners of war taken at York Town. ever since their Arrival here they have made it a point to be very Insolent to the Citizens and guards by which Means one or two of them has been put to the bayonet. At which the brittish officers are become are become Very Clamorous and want redress, but as the nature of the...
3103To George Washington from William Bartlett, 11 December 1775 (Washington Papers)
I acknolidge the Favour of yours of this date concerning the Ship Concords Cargo and Shall forward it to Head Quts. as fast as Possible but the Roads being Very bad the Teamers think the Price Stipulated by Our General Court is not Sufficient Desire Your Excellency would inform me weather you will allow them any more or not The Porter togeather with the Other Arcticles mentioned by your...
3104To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 13 November 1780 (Washington Papers)
Enclosed is a return of Cloathing absolutely wanted for the recruits of the New Jersey line, many of whom are almost naked. I should have given an order on the Clothier for the delivery of the Cloathing without troubling your Excellency again on the subject, but find the Coats in the Store at Newborough are not of the Uniform established for the Jersey-line, and not knowing but there may be...
3105To George Washington from William Heath, 10 May 1782 (Washington Papers)
A general court-martial has been sitting since monday on the trial of two serjeants and a soldier of the Connecticut line—they have not yet closed the trial. I am informed they find it difficult to get the evidence necessary to convict them, except the soldier—the moment I receive the proceedings they shall be forwarded to Your Excellency. There is a great jealousy among the officers that...
3106To George Washington from Major General Stirling, 18 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
In answer to the Several Questions Submitted by your Excellency Yesterday to a Council of General Officers, I beg leave to give it as my Oppinion. That no Enterprize can be undertaken to advantage against the Enemy in Philadelphia, as they Can Move off on the first Notice of our Approach, or if they Chuse to fight us wt. their Whole force they Can in a few hours bring it over from Jersey. That...
3107To George Washington from James Young, 18 July 1789 (Washington Papers)
Great Dock Street No. 4— Sir, [New York] July 18th 1789 A Conscious Sensibility Of Your Native Goodness of heart, now Emboldens me to Address your Excellency, from Causes too of Such a Nature, As You only, with propriety, Can hear and determine—the Sole power, being Wisely and Judiciously placed in Your hands, of the Appointment, of all Officers, Necessary to Execute the Federal Laws. As an...
3108To George Washington from Moses Hazen, 6 January 1782 (Washington Papers)
This will be handed to your Excellency by Judge Atlee, Commissary of Prisoners at this Post. Captain Barcley of the 76th British Regiment, a prisoner of War has General Morgan’s leave to go to German Town in order to sollicit your permission to go into New York, on some business and return again to this place—and Lieut. Hall of the 70th Light Infantry has obtain’d Col. North’s leave to come...
3109To George Washington from Joseph Fenwick, 10 May 1795 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to inclose you a letter from Mr Secondat the only Son of the celebrated Montesquieu. he is now about 80 years old and infirm; his moral & social virtues, not less conspicuous than the Talents of his predecessor, have protected him thro’ the storm of the Revolution, notwithstanding the prejudice that prevaild against the class of men of which he was born a member. At his...
3110To George Washington from John Parke Custis, October 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have intended for several Letters past, but as often forgot It, to ask whether It would be agreabl⟨e⟩ to you, to admit Colo. Baylor a Partner in the Sha⟨re⟩ We have of the Privateer. He was very desirous to become an Adventurer, and I promised to acquaint you of It, but forgot It untill Now. The Share I own is divided into four Parts. Mr Lund Washington has one Fourth, the remaining three...
3111To George Washington from Henry Hollingsworth, 7 September 1781 (Washington Papers)
Your favor of the 4h by Major Dennas, I am honored with; any services in my power shall be happy to render the Major, and shall always be cheerful to yeild every supply and assistance to the whole army under Your Excellency’s Command (be they of what nation they may) but more especially to those of our generous ally on the present glorious prospect. I am the more thankful for your letter as it...
3112To George Washington from William Shepard, 28 August 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have Recivd your Excellencys favor of the 25 Instant for which I concive my self under greate obligation. It never was my wish or Intention to divert or Interrupt in any Degree the attentions of Congress from the greate objects which demand there Consideration. I aske nothing of them but what is fully in there Power to grant—and what I have a Right (to Expect) as there faithfull servant—nor...
3113To George Washington from the Continental Congress Committee on the Pennsylvania Line, 15 January 1781 (Washington Papers)
We have hitherto given Your Excellency Intelligence from time to time of the State of things respecting the Pennsylvania line, and have now the Pleasure to Inform you, that the terms agreed on by the Committe from the Executive Council of Pennsylvania with them are now carrying into Execution, in as peaceable and Quiet a manner as could possibly be expected—two Regts have been already settled...
3114To George Washington from William Deakins, Jr., 31 May 1794 (Washington Papers)
I have Just receved a letter from Mr Benja. Jones, he Writes me your Part of the Rents of Woodstock is 4500 lb. Tobo ⅌ year. the whole of which is in the hands of the Tenants which he expects to Collect & pay into my hands by August Next. You shall then be Informed the Value of it at this Market. With Great Respect I am Sir Your Obt Servt ALS , DLC:GW . The words "George town June 4th" was...
3115To George Washington from William Fitzhugh, Jr., 24 May 1793 (Washington Papers)
My Father desires me to present you his most respectful & affectionate wishes—He begs your acceptance of a China Bowl which may possibly be novel from its size & antiquity—it being much older than himself—It has been very carefully packed up & he hopes it will reach you safe[.] My Father is now here on his way to Washington County—having determined to reside with me near Hagers Town—since the...
3116To George Washington from Jacob Bayley, 30 May 1782 (Washington Papers)
I sent your Excelency an account of the Corrisspondence which might be carried on between Capt. Thomas Johnson and the Enemy by Genll Lincoln and also other matters relating the Transactions of the leading men in Vermont with the Enemy &c. as those matters Seem to be ripening fast and Exspect they will be Soon put them Into Execution I Send Capt. Bayley with the Letters and accounts from Sd...
3117To George Washington from Thomas Mifflin, 19 August 1793 (Washington Papers)
It has just been reported to me that the Schooner Jane, Benjamin Stammers Master—a prize to the Little Democrat was yesterday stopp’d at Mud-island; where she will be detained till your instructions are received for restoring her to the owners at the time of her capture. I am with perfect respect Sir Your most obedient Servant LS , DNA : RG 59, Miscellaneous Letters; Df , PHarH : Executive...
3118To George Washington from Thomas Rodney, 25 August 1789 (Washington Papers)
It is with very great pleasure Indeed, that I address you as Chief Magistrate And Commander in Chief of the United States—As you have long Merited it; So may you long continue to possess the confidence of your fellow Citizens whose Unanimous voice raised you to the Exalted Station you now hold, and may the wisdom of your Conduct and counsels long preserve the Union of the States. Being content...
3119To George Washington from Jedediah Huntington, 16 April 1783 (Washington Papers)
I began to be anxious about the Situation and Temper of the Soldiers engaged for the War—although many of them are willing to stay a little longer—some are very desirous of going immediately, and all of them considering their Engagements fulfil’d, a few may excite the whole to Disturbances—the non commissioned Officers of the 1st & 3d Connect. Regiments have lately had a Meeting on the Subject...
3120To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, 19 March 1780 (Washington Papers)
Since writing to your Excellency on the subject of the expedition against Detroit, the want of men, want of money & difficulty of procuring provisions, with some other reasons more cogent if possible & which cannot be confided to a letter, have obliged us to decline that object. I thought it therefore necessary to notify this to your Excellency that no expectations of our undertaking it may...
3121To George Washington from Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 5 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
Your alarming Letter of the 6th Febry last came to hand, and was open’d at Hartford, where the General Assembly were then sitting, on the 17th of the Month. I was at the Time so indispos’d as to attend Business but a small part of the Sessions. This added to the total Difference of my sentiments from a great Majority of the Assembly, on the subject of the regulating Act, then in Consideration,...
3122To George Washington from “Caius,” 21 July 1795 (Washington Papers)
21 July 1795. The “sentiments” given in this letter do not reflect “merely the emanations of a solitary individual” but those of thousands of Americans who have urged GW to withhold his approval of the treaty with Great Britain or to direct negotiations that will change it. His address proceeds to highlight selected objections to the treaty. “The first class” of objections concern “Omissions”...
3123To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 3 September 1779 (Washington Papers)
I take the Liberty to enclose a Letter from Lt Colo. Badlam and another from Capt. Stillwell which were received the last Evening. I received a hint of the escape of the Culprits the Day before yesterday about noon from Colo. Hay, on which I gave immediate orders to all the Officers of Guards and Patroles to keep a good look out on all the roads and if Possible to take them up, but the nature...
3124To George Washington from David Stephenson, 1 January 1783 (Washington Papers)
Agreeable to a resolution of Congress of the 19th of Novr last (wherein it is directed that senr officers who wish to retire shall give reasons satisfactory to the Commander in Chief) I beg leave to inform your Excellency. That when I entered the Service my fortune was very Small, And is now entirely expended, That extravagance has been no cause of my present Situation, nor is it from...
3125To George Washington from Samuel Langdon, 28 October 1775 (Washington Papers)
[Cambridge] 28 October 1775 . Certifies that Sgt. Edmund Foster “is a Candidate for admission into Harvard College, & desirous of time to revive his acquaintance with the Classics that he may join this Seminary as soon as possible; tho’ it will be with regret if he leaves the service of his Country, yet his Age pleads for your permission to return to his Studies.” AD , DLC:GW . Edmund Foster,...
3126To George Washington from Albert Stevens, 16 November 1795 (Washington Papers)
Your Excellency will be not a little supprized at the presumption of a youth, in private life, at the age of Nineteen, in writing to your Excellency: but a sense of your Excellencys true greatness, and innate goodness, banishes the fear of offending by this scribble, and prompts me to write. I am the son of a farmer in the town of Brookfield, Fairfield county, and state of Connecticut; my...
3127To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 17 April 1794 (Washington Papers)
The Secy of the Treasury presents his respects to the President of the U.S. & encloses herewith the draft of a Passport, requested by mister Hammond for a vessel intended by him to be dispatched to Halifax, and which the Secretary understood from the Secy of State was to be granted by the President. LB , DLC:GW . For the request for a passport by British minister George Hammond “for the sole...
3128To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 3 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
The last evening I received the honor of yours of the 27th Ulo and by the same Express a Letter from Governor Trumbull, representing that the Forrage on the road commonly traveled to Fish kill was nearly exhausted, and that the Troops of the Convention could not be well supplied unless they took the rout of Waterbury and Danbury, or through the County of Berkshire into the State of New York....
3129To George Washington from Aeneas Lamont, 31 December 1784 (Washington Papers)
Perhaps you will be surprized at receiving a letter from a person entirely unknown to you, and more so, I fear, at the liberty I have already taken with your name: Altho’ I cannot attempt to Justifie this impertinance, yet I consider it some liquidation of my offence that I am not the first man of genius (or immaginary genius) that have succoured their efforts by the influence of the great....
3130To George Washington from Antoine-Jean-Louis Le Bègue de Presle Duportail, 13 May 1783 (Washington Papers)
Captain Segond Requested me lately to appoint him an aide de Camp: although I should be glad to do something agreeable to that officer I declared him I had Rather a disclination to it because it appears to me improper when the war is over, when the army is almost separating and when I myself I am very near going home. but he Represents that his situation is extraordinary that the Court martial...
3131To George Washington from William Minor, 24 May 1785 (Washington Papers)
The proposition that your Excellency was pleased to make of Leaving to Some Gentlemen the Matter I laid before you on Saturday the 21st Instant in Regard to my Claim against you on Account of Lawrence Posey—is perfectly agreeable to me. I wish I had had presence of mind to have asked your Excellency to have Appointed Some Gentlemen to do the Business when I was at your Place—but I did not know...
3132To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 17 September 1795 (Washington Papers)
The inclosed letter from Mr Paleski, the Prussian Consul being marked “duplicate,” I suppose the Original may have already fallen under your notice. I thought it proper however to lay it before you: at the same time it appears to be so clear a case, that I have written an answer to Mr Paleski, suggesting that the prolonging of a treaty is tantamou[n]t to the making of a treaty, in which the...
3133To George Washington from Samuel Huntington, 28 September 1779 (Washington Papers)
I enclose you an Act of Congress passed the 24th Inst. and am happy, in the first exercise of that important trust with which Congress have been pleased to honor me, to have the opportunity of conveying to you the thanks of Congress for ordering with so much wisdom, this late attack on the enemy’s works at Paulus Hook⟨.⟩ The important business, in which Congress have been engaged, has...
3134To George Washington from John Blair, 6 October 1782 (Washington Papers)
Mr Booth, a British merchant, taken with Ld Cornwallis at York, having been lately ordered on board one of the flag vessels to go to N. York, intending to petition the Genl Assembly for permission to remain here, is anxious that your Excellency would suspend the order for his de parture, till he can know the Sense of th e Le gislature on the merits of his petition—I am quite a stranger to the...
3135To George Washington from Essarts, 1 May 1787 (Washington Papers)
It is well known to all the world that your Excellency, after having fought for the liberty of the thirteen States, like a true Fabius, supported with an indefatigable zeal those laws & establishments which might tend to advance the happiness of your Country. Admiring your virtues, I am persuaded that the inclinations of a great man will not be averse to the reading of the works of one of the...
3136To George Washington from Brigadier General William Maxwell, 25 April 1778 (Washington Papers)
Your Excellency Questions for consideration—handed to the Generals dated the 20th Inst. I have carefully considered. The first General plan of operation proposed, Viz. the recovery of Philadelphia, in my opinion is the most eligible and promises the most permanent success, I would recommend at first to begin with Blockadeing the City, till Billings Port and some other places in the Jersey was...
3137To George Washington from Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 24 February 1783 (Washington Papers)
Lt Colo. Canfield’s Regiment at Stamford was raised to serve untill first of April next, he hath lately been instructed to remove and form our lines near Byram river. I am desired by our Assembly to apply to your Excellency, and request some of your Troops to be sent down to supply the place of that regiment at the expiration of its time, in part at least. I have mentioned the matter to your...
3138To George Washington from William Grayson, 22 June 1781 (Washington Papers)
The Board have the Honor of transmitting you a Copy of a Letter from Genl Greene, respecting the necessity of a Resolution of Congress, declaring that all Prisoners of War who engage in the Enemy’s Service, from whatever pretence shall be treated as Deserters on which they request you to favor them with your Sentiments. The Board are unhappy to inform you, that nothing is yet done in...
3139To George Washington from John Trumbull, 18 September 1798 (Washington Papers)
By the Ship Nancy, Captain Davidson bound to Alexandria, I have sent a small Box, addressed to you, and containing the Four Pair of Prints for which you did me the honour to subscribe so long since, and two Volumes which I was requested by my friend Mr West to forward to you with his best Respects: the prints are the finest impressions and, for security are rolled, and enclosed in a Tin Case....
3140To George Washington from John Vaughan, 4 May 1793 (Washington Papers)
I take the liberty of enclosing a letter I have just recieved from Carolina—from a house of Character there, the perusal of which may not be improper at the present moment; I would not even wait to make the extract, which if your Excellency should wish can be done at any moment. I remain with the greatest respect—Your obt Servt A Vessel goes to Charleston on Tueday next. ALS , DNA : RG 59,...
3141To George Washington from Peyton Short, 22 July 1798 (Washington Papers)
I had the honor of receiving your Letter of the 16th inst. directed to the care of Genl Spotswood, on last Evening. Be assured, Sir, I will pay the strictest attention not only to the execution of the power to be vested in me by Genl Spotswood, but to the object also of your request respecting your two tracts of Land on Rough Creek. I will communicate with Colo. Marshall, who is a near...
3142To George Washington from Henry Knox, 16 April 1783 (Washington Papers)
I think it necessary to inform your Excellency that there is a general uneasiness among the New-Commissioned officers of the Connecticut Line grounded principally upon the inequality of the rewards to the officers and Soldiers. They say the rewards ought to be in a strict proportion, and if the officers receive five years pay as a reward for services the same rule ought to extend to them,...
3143To George Washington from Richard Caswell, 6 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
I had the honor to recieve your favor of the 28th March, some few days past. A Quantity of the Clothing purchased for our Troops have been, previous thereto sent on, directed to the Clothier General at Lancaster, what have been since, or may be sent for our Troops, shall be directed to the officer commanding our Brigade. The General Assembly of this state which rose a few days ago passed an...
3144To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 21 October 1781 (Washington Papers)
I find from the Report of Colo. Barber, who is on Duty in York, that there are many Irregularities—the Enemy are yet issuing Stores, and a great Number of the Men are seen with two new Hats each—From the Appearance of the Baggage of the Officers he thinks all is not right. There are so many people crouding into Town that it is impossible to preserve it from Confusion. This cannot be prevented...
3145To George Washington from Brigadier General Charles Scott, 29 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
I this moment Recd a letter from Capt. Leavenworth with Some intellegince which You Have in Closd. the Deserters that wear taken Going to their Regiments I had Tryed Yesterday & the Court are of oppinon that they Receive one Hundred Lashes each. I orderd it should be put in execution Immediatly. upon which a Number of offi cers Politely petitiond me to pardon them assuring me that they wear...
3146To George Washington from John Mitchell, 3 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor of your Excellency favor of the 26th past. have inform’d Mrs Montgomery that you wou’d not want her Carriage it has been no loss to her waiting your Answer. am extreamly sorry the large Bowl was broke, if I can procure an Other will send it as carefully as possible, Shou’d the Trunks prove too large when you see them will indavour to procure smaller. have sent four Table...
3147To George Washington from Abraham Davenport, 12 April 1782 (Washington Papers)
While your Excellency was absent from the army, the authority, and select men, of this town, applied to Genl Heath, to furnish a detachment of troops, for the protection of this part of the country, on the expiration of the time for which Genl Waterburys brigade was raised. Their request was granted; and Majr Maxwell with one hundred and fifty men, have been stationed with us till now. Under...
3148To George Washington from Major General Steuben, 11 April 1780 (Washington Papers)
The Minister of France, has fixed on Monday next for his departure from hence for a Visit to your Excellency I have therefore order’d a Detachment of the Marechaussée to attend in order to escort him to Camp. I expect every moment to hear the Committee are named to consult with your Excellency; as mentioned in my last, and I have fixed on Friday next for my departure for Camp. I am with...
3149To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 20 May 1796 (Washington Papers)
The Secretary of State respectfully lays before the President of the U. States three papers of nominations. To that respecting the Spanish treaty he wished to have added a name for a commissioner for the spoliations: but is not satisfied about a suitable character. He has examined the Constitution of Pennsylvania & by that, the office of Mayor of Philadelphia, which comprehends the office of a...
3150To George Washington from Edward Carrington, 14 November 1781 (Washington Papers)
I do myself the Honor to inform Yr Excellency that the business of the Merchant’s account & the sales of Hoaksley’s store are brought to a final close. The multiplicity of the Merchant’s accounts rendered the business more tedious than I apprehended. I am now on my way to Richmond, & will from thence transmit all the papers relative to either affair. I left the transmission till I shall arrive...