51From George Washington to Brig. Gen. Anthony Wayne, 22 November 1777 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Brig. Gen. Anthony Wayne, 22 Nov. 1777. A two-page letter in the writing of GW’s aide-de-camp Tench Tilghman and signed by GW was sold in 1935. It reads in part: “Altho’ it is not probable that the Enemy would give us notice of their intentions, I do not think it will be amiss to be in readiness. I would therefore have you put your Division under Arms by day Break and I...
52From George Washington to Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 27 November 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have received your favor of the 19th and that of the 25th. As the different State clothiers have drawn their proportion of clothing—I think the sooner you send your quarter master through the line from whence the Light Infantry have been taken, the better—that he may receive from them their quota of blankets and other clothing which comes to the share of the Infantry, and have it disposed of...
53From George Washington to Anthony Wayne, 12 September 1791 (Washington Papers)
Your letter of yesterday was presented to me this day—but at a time when I was in conversation with a Gentleman on business. I embrace the first moment of leisure to acknowledge the receipt of it, and to add assurances of my belief that the account given by Mr Sheuber of his leaving the british service, and bringing letters to me whilst my quarters were at Rocky Hill is true. I have some...
54From George Washington to Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 25 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
You will be pleased to detach a Captain two Subs. and Fifty Men who are to lay at Robinsons Mills near Mahopack Pond till the Rear of the Pennsylvania Troops are about passing the North River, they are then to follow and join their respective Corps. The intention of this party is to prevent any of the Convention Troops, under pretence of desertion, from passing that way to New York. The...
55From George Washington to Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 19 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
I request that you will transmit me as soon as possible—Returns of our killed and wounded in the attack on the night of the 15—also of the Enemys loss in killed—wounded & prisoners. Congress will be impatient to receive the particulars. I am Dr Sir with great regard Yr Most Obedt sert P.S. It will be necessary for you to transmit a formal report of your proceedings from the time of your march...
56From George Washington to Major General Anthony Wayne, 28 September 1779 (Washington Papers)
I do not at present see any objection to your taking the position you mention in yours of this morning, but I cannot undertake to determine fully, untill I have received a Report from Generals Knox and Du portail of their reconnoitering yesterday. If you are not engaged tomorrow I shall expect the pleasure of your Company at dinner when we will settle the above. I am with great Regard Dear Sir...
57From George Washington to Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 20 July 1780 (Washington Papers)
You will proceed with the 1st and 2d Pennsylvania Brigades and Colo. Moylans Regt of Dragoons upon the execution of the Business planned in yours of yesterday. I do not at present think of any necessary alterations in plan submitted to me, except that of detaching a few Horse this Afternoon to patrol all night, and see that the Enemy do not, in the course of the Night, throw over any troops to...
58From George Washington to Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 15 December 1779 (Washington Papers)
Yours of yesterday came to hand late last night. I had received an account by some Gentlemen from Newark that the fleet had certainly sailed, which I find by yours was premature. The same account mentioned that a great number of flat Boats and some Horse were on board. I would wish you to endeavour to ascertain the truth of these circumstances. It is probable they are waiting untill they are...
59From George Washington to Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 8 September 1779 (Washington Papers)
Your letter of yesterday reached me last night—I am obliged to you for the particular account you give me of Stoney Point. Col. Butler will be tried by a Court Martial of the line. Its decision whatever it may be will be less liable to exception than that of a Court composed wholly of the Officers of the Corps to which he belongs. His objection to being tried by the same Court which acquitted...
60From George Washington to Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 18 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
Should we undertake an operation of consequence in conjunction with the Count D’Estaing we shall stand in need of a considerable quantity of Facines—Gabions and pickets. You will therefore be pleased to set the Troops under your command at that work. The following [are] the dimensions which the Engineers have given for each. Gabions 4 feet high—3½ feet wide. Facines as long as possible ten...
61From George Washington to Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 20 December 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have been favored with your letter of the 18th. Of the objects that claim the enemy’s attention it is difficult to determine which is their choice. Should circumstances prevent them making detatchments, or from the prosecution of any remote enterprise, which they may have designed, and their whole force be thereby detained in this quarter, such an attempt as you have suggested is by no means...
62From George Washington to Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 24 September 1779 (Washington Papers)
I am very sorry that the painfulness of your leg prevented my having the pleasure of seeing you this morning; and I hope it will soon be so far abated as to put it in your power to favour me with the visit you intended. I should not think myself justified in countermanding the trial of Major McCormick, as in the execution of orders ever so proper, there could be no necessity for violence to a...
63From George Washington to Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 14 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have your favr of the 13th by Colo. Wood. As the Road which Colonels Butler and putnam have traced will be so easily opened, there will be no need of working upon it untill we know certainly whether we shall want to use it—A deserter from the Vulture sloop the day before yesterday informs that Sir Henry Clinton, Colo. Robinson and several other Officers came up the River the day he came...
64Enclosure: Instructions to Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 1 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
Having appointed you to the command of the Light infantry of the line, you will immediately repair to that part of it (consisting of four battalions now commanded by Colo. Butler) which is in the vicinity of Fort Montgomery, and take the command. The infantry of the other divisions is not yet organized; but it will be done as soon as possi⟨ble⟩ and the whole drawn together as far as the...
65From George Washington to Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 4 December 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have just recd intelligence that the Enemy moved up the North River yesterday with 52 sail of Transports, and had proceeded this morning as far up as Closter which is above Fort Lee. What is their intent I do not know—I desire you will halt wherever this may find you—collect all your effective Men, and send your Baggage and Convalescents on towards Middle Brook. If you receive certain...
66From George Washington to Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 18 May 1780 (Washington Papers)
I yesterday received your obliging favour of the 10th Instt. From the great importance of the subject I confess I am infinitely anxious my self about the issue of the operations against Charles Town—and wish most cordially that we had it more in our power to pursue means which would certainly relieve it. The unhappy state of our finance is opposed to this—and lays us under every embarrassment...
67From George Washington to Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 28 February 1778 (Washington Papers)
I was yesterday favd with yours of the 25th from Haddenfeild. The Cattle that you collect should cross the Delaware at Coryells Ferry, and then keep higher up the Country before they strike across. They should fall in with Schuylkill at Pottsgrove and cross the River there. A considerable escort should attend them. We lost a fine drove of 130 Head that were coming from New England a few days...
68From George Washington to Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 6 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
I recd yours of yesterday last Evening. It was intirely owing to the idleness of the Express that the letter informing you of the intended reconnoitering party did not reach you in time. I send you by the Dragoon the Theodolite taken at Stoney point. There is no Chain belonging to it. You must supply that deficiency with a Rope. Paramus was not in my opinion the proper position for the whole...
69From George Washington to Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 22 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
I recd yours of yesterday late last night—I had, previous to the arrival of it, heard of the evacuation of the points, from the other side of the River. I purpose going down early tomorrow morning—Be pleased therefore to order a covering party of 100 Men to be upon Stoney point tomorrow morning by eight OClock—at which time I shall be glad to meet you there. I am Dear Sir Yr most obt Servt LS...
70From George Washington to Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 8 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
I had the pleasure to receive your favor of the 16th Ulto some days ago, and should have acknowledged it before, if I had not been prevented by a multiplicity of business. From my desire to promote matters of your recommendation—and from the very favourable sentiments, which I entertain of Mr Mcpherson and Mr Archer, I should be happy it were in my power to return you such an Answer as you...
71From George Washington to Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 21 September 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have recievd the inclos⟨ed repre⟩sentation of some violences said to be commited in your corps against Young Gecock an inhabitant and a child of the Widow Garrison —By a verbal state of the affair more intelligible than the written one, I understand that some men of the light Infantry had made a practice of plundering the farms of the complainants—that a party of these marauders was...
72From George Washington to Brig. Gen. Anthony Wayne, 20 September 1777 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Brig. Gen. Anthony Wayne, 20 Sept. 1777. Wayne wrote GW on 21 Sept. : “Whilst I am writing I received yours of the 20th.”
73From George Washington to Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 5 November 1779 (Washington Papers)
Since mine of this morning, I have seen a letter from Governor Livingston to Genl Sullivan of the 2d in which he mentions the enemy’s having assembled on Staten Island in force, and from their preparation of Boats another incursion was apprehended. I imagine the Governors information is the same as that communicated to you by Colo. Seely, but as I would not wish to be behind hand with them in...
74From George Washington to Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 9 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
While the enemy are making excursions to distress the country it has a very disagreeable aspect to remain in a state of inactivity on our part—The reputation of the army and the good of the service seem to exact some attempt from it—The importance of Stoney Point to the enemy makes it infinitely desireable that could be the object—The works are formidable; but perhaps on a fuller examination...
75From George Washington to Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 2 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
There is one observation which I must make to you that I omitted in my last —it is, that the position of your corps and the disposition of your guards and patroles ought as much as possible to have referrence to the security of the camp: otherwise we shall be oblig’d greatly to multiply our guards below and diminish the number of men for carrying on the works proportionably, an inconvenience I...
76From George Washington to Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 16 January 1781 (Washington Papers)
The receipt of your favor of the 11th Instant afforded great satisfaction, by informing me that the unhappy affair, which had given you so much trouble and anxiety, was likely, speedily to be settled. You will be informed by Major Genl St Clair, why I did not think it expedient (as matters were circumstanced) to give an answer to your last by the usual Route. I thank you for the hint given in...
77From George Washington to Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 17 November 1779 (Washington Papers)
I received your favor of the 15th yesterday, with its inclosures. Mr Woodbridge has had an order on the clothier for 130 pair of shoes. The other articles on the return, it is not possible to deliver previous to a general distribution. The failure of our attempt to the Southward is by no means as disagreeable as represented. Altho’ we were repulsed in the storm of the works of Savannah, we met...
78From George Washington to Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 26 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
There will be a necessity of throwing up a small Work at Stoney point to protect the communication by Kings ferry. Colo. Gouvion will go down tomorrow to lay it out. When that is done, you will be pleased to furnish a party from the Infantry to assist in executing it. I have wrote to General Woodford to furnish a party from the Virginia line also. You had best see him and detail agreeable to...
79From George Washington to Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 29 September 1779 (Washington Papers)
It is agreeable to me that you should move with the light corps to the vicinity of Stoney-point on the principles proposed in your letter of yesterday. But as I should not be entirely without apprehensions for your security, the enemy having it in their power secretely to reinforce their garrison, and make an attempt upon you—I shall write to Lord Stirling, directing him in some measure to...
80VIII. From George Washington to Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 23 June 1780 (Washington Papers)
Some time before the recpt of yr favor I was informed that the Enemy had returned to their Station, at E. T. point—It is certainly difficult if not impossible to ascertain their views. I however all things considered wish to keep our force as compact as possible, & therefore wish you if you find in the morning that the Enemy are quiet or gone over to Staten Island to return by the same route...
81From George Washington to Brig. Gen. Anthony Wayne, 21 September 1777 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Brig. Gen. Anthony Wayne, 21 Sept. 1777. GW wrote Wayne on 23 Sept. : “I received Your favor of Yesterday morning, and am apprehensive, as you have not acknowledged the receipt of a Letter, I wrote you the Night before, that It has fallen into the Enemy’s hands.”
82From George Washington to Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 21 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
Since writing to you this morning I have received accounts from deserters which seem strongly to indicate a speedy evacuation of Verplanks & Stoney Points—There is some reason to think that Verplanks was left last night. The deserters add that the Grenadiers were embarked and laying off against Fort Washington and that two other regiments were under orders to Embark at a moments warning. If...
83From George Washington to Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 26 September 1779 (Washington Papers)
General Knox and Genl du Portail are to go down to night, or early to-morrow to reconnoitre the enemy’s post at Stoney point. I have directed them to call upon you. You will be pleased to take proper measures by such a party as you may think necessary to cover them during the execution of their object. The less there is said about this matter the better. I am Dr Sir your most obt hble servt LS...
84From George Washington to Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 14 November 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have recd your favr of the 10th Inst. by Major Moore. I should have no objection to his joining your family during Captain Archers indisposition, was it not inconsistent with his Rank according to the Regulations of the Army and interfering with his present duty of Brigade Major and Inspector. I have directed two Lieutenant Colonels to be nominated to me to fill the vacancies in Colonel...
85From George Washington to Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 3 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
General Du Portail proposes tomorrow to reconnoitre a second time the post of Stony point and to ascertain the distances from the En[e]mys works to the places proper for establishing batteries —He will arive there precisely by eleven oClock—You will therefore please to have a reconnoitring party consisting of a Regiment ready at the second place to which you went the other day, not the high...
86From George Washington to Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 16 March 1779 (Washington Papers)
I, a few days ago, recd the inclosed extract of a letter and Affidavits from Governor Livingston, which is all I know of the matter to which they relate. As the Governor has called upon me in so pointed a manner to support the Civil authority, I am obliged to request you and Capt. Fish-bourne to attend any time between this and the 1st of April agreeable to his requisition. I am exceedingly...
87From George Washington to Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 18 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
As I have receiv’d Information that the Enemy have turn’d down that Road from the White Horse which leads to Swedes Ford on Schuylkill I have to desire that you will Halt your Troops wherever this Meets you if coming this way & set them to Cleaning their Arms drawing Ammunition & Cooking Provision. I must call your utmost Exertion in fitting yourselves in the best manner you can for following...
88From George Washington to Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 2 February 1781 (Washington Papers)
In mine of the 29th of January I partly answered yours of the 21st —Yours of the 17th had been duly received, and I am since favored with that of the 28th. I am satisfied, that every thing was done on your part to produce the least possible evil from the unfortunate disturbance in your line, and that your influence has had a great share in preventing worse extremities—I felt for your...
89From George Washington to Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 10 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
Immediately upon receipt of your letter of this date I ordered the Q.M. Genl to furnish the Espontoons you wrote for, and presume you will get them in a day or two. My ideas of the enterprise in contemplation are these. That it should be attempted by the light Infantry only, which should march under cover of night and with the utmost secrecy to the enemys lines, securing every person they find...
90From George Washington to Anthony Wayne, 14 December 1783 (Washington Papers)
I have only time before my departure from this City to acknowledge the receipt of your two favors of the 1 Novr and 14 December with the several inclosures which I will take an opportunity of laying before Congress at as early a period as possible. I should have been very happy to have seen you—here—and am sorry your health did not permit it—I hope however I shall soon have that pleasure at...
91From George Washington to Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 30 September 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have just received your letter requesting the addition of two more light field pieces —I have not the least objection to it, and will give Genl Knox directions to have them sent to you. The guard boats that are under your direction you will be pleased to mention to Genl Putnam, who will keep them employed in the same service —The Whale Boats & others, you will have delivered to the Quartr...
92From George Washington to Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 27 November 1780 (Washington Papers)
You will march with the division under your command to the ground in the neighbourhood of Morris Town, which Colo. Craig has pitched upon for the Winter Cantonment of the Line, and on which he has been preparing Huts—You will as soon as possible get both Officers and Men compleatly and comfortably covered —As soon as the timber necessary for building is drawn together, you will deliver over to...
93From George Washington to Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 18 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have this Instt recd yours of ½ after 3 Oclock —having wrote twice to you already to move forward upon the Enemy, I have but little to add—Genl Maxwell & Potter are order’d to do the same (being at Pottss Forge)—I could wish you & those Genl would act in conjunction, to make your advances more formidable but I would not have too much time delayed on this Acct. I shall follow as speedily as...
94From George Washington to Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 19 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
I wish thro’ you, Sir, to return my thanks to the Pennsylvania Officers, who subscribed the Memorial you delivered me a few days since, for the obliging sentiments they are pleased to entertain of me—At the same time, you will inform them, that I am fully sensible of the justice, in which their Complaint respecting the exorbitant price of Goods & Necessaries is founded, and that I painfully...
95From George Washington to Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 27 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
Yours dated 1, OClock this morning reached me at 7—You will probably be soon informed more certainly of the real strength of the Enemy and what seems to be their intention. Should you find it more than a hasty forage, you will endeavour to collect the Militia lately ordered out, some of whom I suppose are by this time at their rendezvous at Pompton, and many more undoubtedly at their place of...
96From George Washington to Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 3-4 January 1781 (Washington Papers)
I this day, at Noon, recd yours of the 2d in the Morning, by Major Fishbourn, who has given me a full account of the unhappy and alarming defection of the Pennsylvania line. The Officers have given convincing proofs that every thing possible was done by them to check the Mutiny upon its first appearance, and it is to be regretted that some of them have fallen sacrifices to their Zeal. I very...
97From George Washington to Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 3 December 1779 (Washington Papers)
Your favr of yesterday reached me in the Evening. I only arrived here the day before, and have not yet had leisure to look about me, or finally determine upon the arrangement and disposition of the troops this Winter, and consequently must defer the decision of the question you make concerning the light Infantry. All the Officers of the Corps, except those of Massachusets, may safely send for...