1From George Washington to Major General Benedict Arnold, 8 May 1777 (Washington Papers)
I am happy to find that a late resolve of Congress of the 2nd instant, has restored you to the continental army. The importance of the Post at Peeks Kill and its appendages has become so great that it is now necessary, to have a Major General appointed to the command of it, you will therefore immediately repair to that Post and take charge of it, till a general arrangement of the army can be...
2From George Washington to Major General Benedict Arnold, 2 April 1777 (Washington Papers)
I was this day favd with yours of the 26th last Month and a few days ago with that of the 11th. It is needless for me to say much upon a subject, which must undoubtedly give you a good deal of uneasiness. I confess I was surprized when I did not see your Name in the list of Major Generals, and was so fully of opinion that there was some mistake in the matter, that I (as you may recollect)...
3From George Washington to Major General Benedict Arnold, 7 June 1777 (Washington Papers)
I imagine that since Genl Schuylers departure from Philada you command there. I therefore inclose you the Evidence of a person very lately from N. York, from which as well as from other information it appears that a Fleet is upon the point of sailing from New York —If Philada should be the place of destination they will make their appearance in Delaware Bay soon after they leave the Hook. I...
4From George Washington to Lieutenant Colonel Francis Barber, 1 June 1777 (Washington Papers)
I dont know what particular instructions you recd from Genl Green, but I must inform you that you are not only stationed at your present post to keep small parties of the Enemy from making excursions, but also to send out parties yourself to lay between Millstone and Brunswic and endeavour to make discovery of any Motions of the Enemy. If you find them move in such a manner as to induce you to...
5From George Washington to Colonel George Baylor, 23 May 1777 (Washington Papers)
By this day’s post, I received your favor of the 13th Instant. I am sorry to find you have to combat so many difficulties in raising your Regiment; These However, I flatter myself, in a little time will all be surmounted by your persevering activity. A Chaplain is part of the Establishment of a Corps of Cavalry, and I see no Objection to your having One, Unless you suppose yours will be too...
6From George Washington to Colonel George Baylor, 25 April 1777 (Washington Papers)
Your favor of the 14th is this day come to hand, & for the Instructions you require respecting your Cloathing, I refer you to mine of 28th Ulto the receipt of which you now acknowledge. The Mode of exchange you speak of (large Men for small of other Regiments) I have no sort of Objection to, provided, the Men receiv’d & given in exchange are made fully acquainted with the Particulars...
7From George Washington to Colonel George Baylor, 28 March 1777 (Washington Papers)
I am glad to discover by your favour of the 26th Ulto that You have a prospect of getting your Horses. We want them much—Inclosed is a Letter to Mr Finnie the Depy Quart. Mast. Genl directing him to supply you with the Continental Rations for Horse. Mr James Mease of Philada, the Clothier General, will furnish you with Cloathing whenever You call upon him & send for them—I presume the Men will...
8From George Washington to Colonel George Baylor, 17 May 1777 (Washington Papers)
The inclosed Copy of a Resolve of Congress, & Extract from the Presidents Letter, founded upon it, will discover to you, their desire of your being furnished with a Good Horse, properly caparisoned, at the Expence of the States. Tho, it has been my wish, to comply with their Resolve in your favor, Yet, for want of Opportunity, and by reason of the Multiplicity of business, which constantly...
9From George Washington to Lieutenant Colonel Henry Bicker, 2 June 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have receiv’d Information that the Regiment under your command have refused to do duty, or come to Camp for that purpose giving as their reason that they were set at Liberty on Parole & are therefore afraid of falling a second time into the Enemy’s hands—This I would willingly disbelieve—as I cannot be of opinion that any Officer would suffer Men to Act or speak in that manner—as they must...
10From George Washington to Owen Biddle, 2 April 1777 (Washington Papers)
Capt. Proctor did me the honour to deliver your favour of the 31st Ulto. I have to lament that the Expressions intended to thank the late Council of Safety for easing me of a part of the heavy load I bear in forming our new Army, could be so misunderstood by your Board. I rejoiced at hearing that they had not only appointed their Officers in the first instance; but had arranged them likewise;...
11From George Washington to Owen Biddle, 18 April 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have lately recd the two following peices of Intelligence, which I think it my duty to give you, for if such practices are followed without detection our Enemies will be well supplied. Bowne and Hartshorne, near Shrewsbury in Monmouth County, purchase Continental Money in N. York at a great discount, carry this Money to Philada and there buy Flour &ca under pretence of Shipping it to the...
12From George Washington to Owen Biddle, 26 April 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have your favor of the 19th and congratulate you upon the late discoveries you have made of some of the plans of our internal Enemies, and I hope the Clue you have got, will lead to something more important. I never before heard of Mr Hughes, but upon enquiry, I am informed that he has ever been closely connected with Galloway, that alone is enough to excite suspicion at this time. I shall...
13From George Washington to Owen Biddle, 14 April 1777 (Washington Papers)
I was this morning favd with yours of yesterday, inclosing Copy of a letter from Mr Henry Fisher of Lewis Town. The Ships therein mentioned are certainly meant for no other purpose than to distress and cut off the Trade in Delaware Bay, you may depend, that when an Attack upon the Works below the Town is really intended, there will be a co-operation of their land and sea Forces. I would...
14From George Washington to Owen Biddle, 10 April 1777 (Washington Papers)
Col. Chambers, who has been omitted in the appointments lately made by your State, expresses a good deal of uneasiness on account of it, and considers it as an implied reflection on his conduct. He thinks himself intitled to some explanation of the reasons for which he has been neglected, and wishes to know on what particular charge or imputation, his exclusion is founded. As I could give him...
15From George Washington to Elias Boudinot, 1 April 1777 (Washington Papers)
I am authorizd by Congress to appoint a Commissary of Prisoners —The pay will, I expect, be about Sixty Dollars pr Month. The Duty, except as to confinement, not hard; at least after the business is once put into a proper train. Close attendance on the Army will be requisite, in order to receive and distribute the Prisoners to places assign’d for their confinement; at each of which some person...
16From George Washington to Elisha Boudinot, 29 March 1777 (Washington Papers)
I recd yours of this day and am much obliged to you for the pains you have been at to obtain intelligence. I highly approve of your plan to gain more, and enclose you a Sketch of such Matters as it will be proper for your Spy to report to deceive the Enemy. If he can do us no harm by reporting what is intrusted to him—You may add what you please, only taking care to keep a Copy and send it to...
17From George Washington to Colonels Alexander Spotswood, Alexander McClanachan, and Abraham Bowman and Lieutenant Colonel … (Washington Papers)
I want to form a Company for my Guard—In doing this I wish to be extremely cautious; because it is more than probable that in the Course of the Campaign, my Baggage, Papers, & other Matters of great public Import may be committed to the sole Care of these Men—This being premised, in order to impress you with proper Attention in the Choice, I have to request That you will immediately furnish me...
18From George Washington to Col. Philip Burr Bradley, 29 March 1777 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Col. Philip Burr Bradley, 29 Mar. 1777. Robert Hanson Harrison docketed Bradley’s letter to GW of 24 Mar. in part: “Ansd 29th within.”
19Circular to the Brigade Commanders, 20 May 1777 (Washington Papers)
You are desired, immediately upon the receipt hereof, to draw together the men of the Regiments assigned to your Brigade. As soon as they are assembled; you are to call for exact returns from the Colonels or commanding officers, obliging them to render a particular account of the officers and Men who are absent. If they are well, let them specify where they are and upon what service. If they...
20Circular Instructions to the Brigade Commanders, 26 May 1777 (Washington Papers)
You are to enquire minutely into the State & Condition of your Brigade & Order every Officer & Soldier belonging to it, not usefully employed in recruiting, or in the execution of any command (by proper Authority) or Sick in Hospitals, to Join their respective Corps immediately & see that it is done. Make strict enquiry what measures the commanding Officers of each Regiment in your Brigade is...
21From George Washington to Jonathan Bryan, 2 June 1777 (Washington Papers)
I am honored with yours of the 24th of Feby last by Colo. White who arrived here two days ago. Your Request to me to grant permission to Colo. White to recruit in the Northern States is what I have not the least right to comply with. If a liberty of that kind is allowed it must be by the particular indulgence of the States, for they have already had their full Quota of Men assessed by...
22From George Washington to Landon Carter, 15 April 1777 (Washington Papers)
Your favour of the 22d of Feby I have had the pleasure to receive; but the other Letters alluded to, have never got to hand; and may be adduced among many other proofs of the villainy you suspect in the Post Offices. I should have been very happy in seeing your Grandson inlisted under the Banners of his Country and under the care of so good, and brave a Man as Baylor—But a Mothers tenderness...
23From George Washington to Brigadier General George Clinton, 31 March 1777 (Washington Papers)
A Captain who escaped from New York on Saturday Evening and who arrived here this morning, informs, that about Three Thousand Troops (British & Hessians) were embarked from the City & Staten Island when he came away. It was generally said, they had in contemplation an expedition to Chesepeak Bay and to make a descent on the Eastern Shore. There were some who conjectured, they mean to go up the...
24From George Washington to Brigadier General George Clinton, 8 June 1777 (Washington Papers)
Your favor of 4th Inst. I receiv’d this Morning —As the Movement of the Enemy & their Designs are as yet uncertain, I have to request that you will keep as large a Body of the Militia as you can collect, & have them in as good order as Circumstances will permit, in case Genl Howe should Incline up North River[.] I have no doubt but you have form’d such a Plan with General Heard as will best...
25From George Washington to Brigadier General George Clinton, 26 April 1777 (Washington Papers)
I wrote you on the 23d Inst. communicating Intelligence lately received respecting the Enemy’s designs up the North River—A letter from Genl McDougall this moment received, places their Intentions beyond the power of misconception —Several Transports have anchored at Dob’s ferry—& mean, in my Opinion, to divert our Attention, if possible, from their Movements towards the Delaware—At any rate...
26From George Washington to Brigadier General George Clinton, 5 May 1777 (Washington Papers)
I am favoured with yours of the 1st instant by Capt: Lush, with Copies of the proceedings of the Courts Martial upon the case of Capt: Martin and those of Several persons accused of treasonable practices. As the proceedings against the latter, can be only sent for my opinion, I having no right to interfere in the matter, I would recommend the execution only of the most notorious, and such,...
27From George Washington to Brigadier General George Clinton, 23 April 1777 (Washington Papers)
By a person sent into Brunswic I am informed that “Genl Skinners Force consists of about 1000 to be joined by some regular Troops and to proceed from Bergen thro’ Sussex and the back parts of the Jerseys when the Troops march for Philada.” I think this Move so probable, as it will give them access to a part of the Country most notoriously disaffectd, that I desire you will post a Body of...
28From George Washington to Brigadier General George Clinton, 20 April 1777 (Washington Papers)
Your favour of the 18th instant has just now come to hand. Two days ago, I wrote to general McDougall urging it upon him to apply to the Convention of your state in my name to call out the Militia, in order to have as respectable a force as possible, in the quarter where you are to act according to contingencies. I am glad to find that the powers vested in you, have enabled you to anticipate...
29From George Washington to Brigadier Generals George Clinton and Alexander McDougall, 2 May 1777 (Washington Papers)
The necessity of having regular Magazines of Provision for subsisting the Army, wheresoever It may act, and the late destruction of the Stores at Danbury, have induced Congress to take the matter into consideration & to come into the Resolves which accompany this. By these you will perceive, that One object of their deliberation was, to have immediate measures taken for the removal of the...
30From George Washington to Brigadier General James Clinton or the Commanding Officer at Fort Montgomery, 5 April 1777 (Washington Papers)
In order to shorten the March of the Massachusett’s Regiments intended for this quarter, They are directed to take their Route thro’ the Greenwoods to Kinderhook, Claverack or Red hook, from whence they are to fall down to Fort Montgomery by water. If none of the Enemy’s Vessells should be in Haverstraw bay, they may proceed down the River by Water, and disembark at Peek’s kill or in Jersey,...
31From George Washington to Major Colerus, 19 May 1777 (Washington Papers)
I received your letter by Monsr Malmady. I am sorry some of the Gentlemen promoted by Congress render themselves unhappy, either by forming in their minds, the most groundless suspicions of neglect, or torturing themselves by an unwarrantable degree of jealousy at the promotions of others. It has always been my wish and design, that you should be provided for, so soon as you acquired a...
32From George Washington to Colonel Goose Van Schaick or the Commanding Officer at Albany, 5 April 1777 (Washington Papers)
In order to shorten the March of such of the Troops from the State of Massachusetts, as are to Join the Army immediately under my Command, I have by the Advice of General Schuyler, directed them to March thro the Greenwoods, to Kinderhook, Claverack, or Red Hook from whence they are to fall down to Fort Montgomery by Water—The Officers commanding the Detachments, are to give you Notice, to...
33From George Washington to the Commanding Officer of the German Battalion and the 1st and 12th Pennsylvania Regiments, 17 … (Washington Papers)
On looking over the last Return of the German Battalion, there appears to be Fifty three privates Sick and absent—and Seventeen on Furlough. Almost four months have expired since orders were given for collecting the sick, and yet there are as many absent as if no such had issued. Such disobedience can no longer be pardonned in Officers. I do therefore in the most peremptory manner command that...
34Circular to the Commanding Officers of Several Virginia Regiments, 7 April 1777 (Washington Papers)
I am informed, and indeed I have observed, that the men of your Regiment are so exceedingly bare of necessaries that it not only contributes to their unhealthiness, but renders them absolutely unfit to take the feild. Inattention to the Wants of Soldiers marks the bad officer—it does more, it reasonably removes that Confidence on which the officer’s Honour & Reputation must depend—As there is...
35Circular to the Commanding Officers of Various Pennsylvania Regiments, 16 May 1777 (Washington Papers)
When I wrote you on the 12th March (to which no answer is yet received) directing a return of your Battalion, the inoculation of your men who had not had the small pox, and the sending immediately to the Army such as had it under proper Officers, I hoped to see a considerable part of your Battalion in the Feild before this. But the last return of it, now at informs me that I was mistaken. Our...
36From George Washington to a Committee of the Continental Congress, 12 April 1777 (Washington Papers)
I was, late last Evening, honored with your favour of the 10th, and perfectly agree with you upon the propriety of forming an army on the West-side of Delaware—I can only regret, that the situation of our affairs at present is such, that not a man of the Continental army, can yet be suffered to remain there, without endangering the small part, that is already collected here. But this is no...
37From George Washington to the Continental Congress Secret Committee, 5 May 1777 (Washington Papers)
I was this morning honored with your Letter of the 2d Instt, covering One for Mr Boudinot, which shall be delivered him. I wish the Bills transmitted to him, had been for a larger Sum, and I trust, in a few days they will be followed by Others or a Supply of Money. Mr Boudinots address, is, Commissary Genl of prisoners, in the Army of the United States of America. I have the Honor to be with...
38Instructions to Brigadier General Thomas Conway, 19 May 1777 (Washington Papers)
The Congress having been pleased to appoint you to the rank of Brigadier General in the Armies of the United States of America, the following Regiments (from the State of Pennsylvania in a division to be Commanded by Major Genl Lord Stirling) are intended at present, to compose your Brigade, vizt third, Wood’s, 6th Magaw’s, 9th Morris’s and 12th Cooke’s. These Regiments, being at present in an...
39From George Washington to Nicholas Cooke, 21 April 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor of yours of the 14th instant. I shall make it my particular Business to demand Capt. Chase’s Son in Exchange for Mr Hutchinson or Govr Shirley’s Son, as he is certainly justly intitled to it. I thank you for the enquiry you have made after Thomas Rogerson. I am pleased to hear that your General Assembly are determined to take such methods as shall seem to them most effectual...
40From George Washington to Nicholas Cooke, 3 April 1777 (Washington Papers)
I am honoured with yours of the 18th of last Month. The late ample arrivals of Arms at Philada and at portsmouth, added to those which we before had, puts us out of all further uneasiness on account of that necessary Article. The Eleven hundred and Seventy six stand which you recd from the continental Agent at Boston, will be very near the number wanted for your two continental Battalions when...
41From George Washington to Lieutenant General Cornwallis, 6 June 1777 (Washington Papers)
I received the favour of your Lordships letter of this day. I am sorry, I cannot with propriety comply with Lieut. Col: Sterlings request; but as I wish not to obstruct any supplies, you may think proper to send for the comfort and accommodation of your prisoners with us, I am to assure you, that the greatest care will be taken to forward and deliver, whatever money or necessaries may be...
42From George Washington to Lieutenant General Cornwallis, 2 June 1777 (Washington Papers)
It is with infinite regret, I am again compelled, to remonstrate against that spirit of wanton cruelty, that has in several instances influenced the conduct of your soldiery. A recent exercise of it towards an unhapp⟨y⟩ officer of ours—Lieutenant Martin—convinces me, that my former representations on that subject, have been unavailing. That Gentleman, by the fortune of war, on saturday last,...
43From George Washington to Joseph Reed or Colonel John Cox, 7 April 1777 (Washington Papers)
I am informed, there is a certain Mr Smith, who has been lately taken up by General Lincoln as a spy & sent to Philadelphia under that character. I believe for several reasons that he is the man who was imployed by you to act for Us, in that capacity, and that the apprehending him is a mistake, which may be attended with ill-consequences. Lest he should be precipitately tried and punished, I...
44From George Washington to James Craik, 26 April 1777 (Washington Papers)
I am going to address you on a subject which may lay some claim to your attention, as I do to your candor in the determination of the proposition. In the Hospital department for the middle District (which District includes the States between the North or Hudson’s River, and Patowmack) there are at present two places vacant, either of which I can obtain for you: The one is Senior Physician, and...
45From George Washington to William Sever and Thomas Cushing, 10 April 1777 (Washington Papers)
I am favoured with yours of the 20th last month, in which you make a request for five thousand of the Arms, lately arrived from France, for the use of the Troops of your State. As your letter went on to Philadelphia it only reached my hands a few days ago. I cannot conceive that such a number could be wanting, had proper pains been taken to collect the public Arms, and to purchase all that...
46From George Washington to Lieutenant Colonel Benjamin Flower, 31 March 1777 (Washington Papers)
The great waste and embezzlement of Public Arms, and the difficulties arising from thence make it necessary, that the utmost precautions should be used to restrain such infamous practices and future losses. I know no way so likely to effect it, as that of putting on them some mark indicating ’em to be public property, and therefore request that you will have all belonging to the States, as...
47From George Washington to Brigadier General David Forman, 15 May 1777 (Washington Papers)
I am favd with yours of the 11th with the proposition for exchanging Capts. Campbell and Harrison for Messs. Richard McKnight and Thomas Little. This I can by no means assent to, as it would be establishing a precedent of a dangerous Nature in its consequences. For then, whenever any of their provincial Officers fell into our Hands, they would send out parties and pick up some of the...
48From George Washington to Isaac Foster, 18 April 1777 (Washington Papers)
Gl McDougall in a letter of his dated the 12th Inst. writes “that you in a letter to him of the 31t Ulto informed him that Dr Warren had advised you that the Inno[culation] of the forces at Fishkill was countermanded”—I am not a little surprized at this, when I reflect that such a Measure was never even in Idea, & therefore desire that I may be truly informed how such an Order could be given;...
49From George Washington to Major General Horatio Gates, 7 May 1777 (Washington Papers)
The inclosed, to General Wayne, requires him to hasten to me as speedily as he can, after the receipt of my letter. His presence in this quarter cannot be dispensed with. The Pensylvania troops, daily coming in, are without any General officer of their own state, to command them; and my intention is, as far as circumstances will permit, to arrange the different troops, under the respective...
50From George Washington to Maj. Gen. Horatio Gates, 5 April 1777 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Maj. Gen. Horatio Gates, 5 April 1777. Gates wrote GW on 19 April : “I had the Honour to receive your Excellency’s Letter of the 5th Instant from Morris Town.”