1From George Washington to Colonel Armand, 5 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
The complain[t]s of your corps dayly increase—You will immediately on receipt of this send it off under the Officer next in Command—to Join Colo. Moylan at or near Bedford. Yourself will remain with the Witness you have to attend a Court Martial which will sit tomorrow morning at 10 oClock. at New Windsor. Your most Obd. Df , in Caleb Gibbs’s writing, DLC:GW ; Varick transcript , DLC:GW . For...
2From George Washington to Colonel Armand, 28 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
You will without delay march your corps towards Bedford, to join the troops at or near that place under the command of Colonel Moylan. You are not for the present to go with the corps yourself, but to send it with the officer next in command, as there is a complaint of a serious nature against you made by Mr Vandeburgh a very respectable inhabitant of this state, which will oblige me to have...
3From George Washington to John Armstrong, 13 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have been favoured with your Letter of the 7th Instant. From the character of Major Nichols as a good Officer I should have been happy—if he had remained in service—but he could not be reintroduced now even with his former rank as the vacancy occasioned by his resignation has been filled and sundry consequent arrangements made much less with the rank he requires. I have no power to appoint...
4From George Washington to Army Auditors, 3 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
You will be pleased upon receipt of this to remove with the papers of your Office to Germantown about eight or ten miles from Pluckimin. You are at all times to hold yourselves in readiness for a further removal to a place of safety—should the enemy make any attempt to penetrate that part of the country. Given at Head Quarters Middlebrook 3 June 1779. Df , in James McHenry’s writing, DLC:GW ;...
5From George Washington to Major General Benedict Arnold, 20 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have received your favour of the 13th Instant. The situation of affairs would not permit a Court Martial to sit since you were at Middle Brook. You may be assured it is not my wish to delay your trial a single moment; At the same time you must be sensible, that I cannot fix with precision on any day, during the more active part of the Campaign for it to come on. The movements of the Enemy...
6From George Washington to Major General Benedict Arnold, 2 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
I am sorry to inform You that the Situation of Affairs will not permit a Court Martial to proceed on your Trial at this Time. The Movements of the Enemy make it indispensably necessary, that the Army should at least advance towards the North River, with all practicable Expedition & require that the Officers appointed to compose the Court, should be with the several Commands. The following is A...
7From George Washington to Captain Hendrick Aupaumut, 4 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
You having represented to me that you and thirty two Others of the said tribe, whose names you have furnished me with, are desirous of going on the expedition with General Sullivan—and are willing to do it for the same pay and allowances of the Troops belonging to the Continental Army—and that the said party have chosen you their Captain—This is to declare that from the good opinion I have of...
8From George Washington to John Beatty, 12 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
A copy of the proceedings of a Board of General officers on the subject of paroled prisoners accompanies this—You will find they have determined the following persons to be breakers of parole. Col. John Hannum Lt Robert Cammell Col. Swoop Lt Col. Fredrick Bellenger Lt Col. Nicholas Luz Lt William Colhoon Lt Henry Jaans Lt Peter Wiser Lt Samuel Wilcox Ensign John Spoor Lt William Brentnal The...
9From George Washington to John Beatty, 25 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
Agreeable to the inclosed resolution of Congress of the 3d instant, you are hereby authorised to make as many parole exchanges as you can on the following principles. 1st to Pay a strict regard on our side to priority of capture. 2dly To give a preference as far as circumstances will permit to equality of rank. 3d Where equality of rank cannot govern to make use of composition on one or other...
10From George Washington to Colonel Theodorick Bland, 28 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have received your two favours of April the 23d and the 31st of May. I was happy to learn that the affairs of the Convention troops were in a better situation than we at first imagined. General Philips in a letter to me bears ample testimony to the politeness of the treatment they have received. Your arangements for their security on the late incursion of the enemy were judicious and proper;...
11From George Washington to Colonel Theodorick Bland, 27 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
I received Your favor of the 10th by Yesterday’s post. I cannot at this time permit any of the Officers of the Convention Army to go to Canada by Land. But, if there is a necessity for it, Two of them may proceed in the first instance to New York and from thence to Quebec by Water. For this purpose I will furnish a passport upon request for their and the safe conduct of the Vessel in which...
12From George Washington to a Board of General Officers, 25 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
Mr Beatty Commissary of Prisoners will furnish you with the names of a number of persons, officers and others, who were in captivity and are alleged by the enemy to have deserted their paroles—He will also furnish you with the circumstances of their several escapes as stated by the enemy and by themselves—corroborated by such testimonies as are in his possession. You will be pleased to take...
13From George Washington to a Board of General Officers, 24 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
Col. Harrison will have the honor of delivering the Board the papers relating to the arrangement of the Massachusettes line—As these have passed through his hands and he has had occasion to inquire into the circumstances on which the determinations of the Board will turn he may be able to give information which will facilitate the business. I have the honor to be Gentlemen Your most Obedt...
14From George Washington to the Board of War, 6 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
I am this moment honored with your favour of the 2d instant. The arrangemen⟨t⟩ of Proctors corps cannot be confirmed as it now stands. The principles held up in my former letters on this subject are such as must be adhered to, and upon this plan only can I request the Board to issue Commissions. If Congress think proper on account of incapacity in Major Holmer to promote Major Forrest it will...
15From George Washington to the Board of War, 27 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to inclose you an extract of a letter which I have lately received from Major General Gates, on which the Board will be pleased to direct the necessary measures—I have requested General Knox to send a proper person to inquire into the administration at Springfield; and to have the abuses rectified, so far as it may be done without interfering with the establishment of the...
16From George Washington to the Board of War, 22 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have now to acknowledge the Honor of Your Several Letters of the 28 Ulto and of the 10th 11th 14th & 15th Instant with the several papers & Commissions to which they refer. With respect to the Baron De Geismar’s application, I should be very happy to have his Exchange effected; both because it has been uniformly my wish to promote exchanges, and because it would give me pleasure to...
17From George Washington to the Board of War, 1 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
I transmit you the arrangement of the three New-Hampshire Regiments which I have just received —and request you will make out and forward me the commissions as soon as it can be done. The board will perceive the several promotions that are to be made, and the dates which the commissions are to bear. General Hand writes me of an application for clothing wanted in the 11th Pennsylvania Regiment....
18From George Washington to the Board of War, 23 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have been honoured with Your favors of the 11 & 12 Instant. The point with respect to Monsieur Garanger shall be determined as soon, as opportunity will permit. I transmit the Board a General Arrangement of the Officers in the York line to the Captains inclusive—and a particular arrangement of each Regiment; also an Arrangement of the Field Officers in the Pensylvania line and of the 4th P....
19From George Washington to the Board of War, 25 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
I was last night honoured with Your favors of the 18 & 19 Instant. I have directed the Commissary of Prisoners to permit Capn Fetherston (I believe he was only a Lieutenant when taken) to go to New York on parole, subject to be recalled whenever we think proper, unless his absolute exchange is effected, which I would prefer. I have examined and considered the petition of Captain Judd—and it...
20From George Washington to the Board of War, 9 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
The hurried and moving state of the Army would not permit me the Honor before, of acknowledging your several favors of the 21st 25th 27th & 27th and 29 Ulto which were duly received. Your favors also of the 3. 4 & 5 Instant have come safe to hand. I will obtain as soon as I can, the dates of the appointments of the Field Officers in the pensylvania line, which have not been already...
21From George Washington to the Board of War, 21 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
Your favor of the 14th arrived at Hd Qrs about 10 OClock on the night of the 18th but owing to my being absent at West point I did not receive it till yesterday. The Gentn of the light horse of Philadelphia and Lieut. Col. White will have made report upon the subject of it. If any circumstances should occur, indicating a design on the part of the enemy against Philadelphia—I shall communicate...
22From George Washington to the Board of War, 25 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
I am honored with your two letters of the 15th and 16th. I am very happy to learn the Board have adopted the salutary expedient they mention for repairing the men’s cloaths and shoes. Something of this kind has been long wanting; and I hope the present plan will answer very valuable purposes, save much expence to the public and conduce greatly to the comfort and decency of the troops. An extra...
23From George Washington to the Board of War, 11 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
I am this morning honored with your letters of the 3 and 8th —I am happy to hear a reinforcement of cannon is coming on which is very important and was much wanted—The unmounted cannon had best be sent on slung upon waggon wheels—their carriages to follow as fast they are ready—I recommend this because the transportation of the cannon will be more slow and tedious than of the carriages which...
24Enclosure: Samuel Culper, Jr., to John Bolton, 29 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
Since my last the number of the Enemy within these lines have not been augmented by any arrivals. The Romelus, Daphne & Deleware did not sail as I advised you, owing, I believe, to the unexpected account of your taking the Garrison at Stony point The account was truly alarming to the Torys—However, like true Philosophers, they soon resonated themselves to it by saying that it wou’d tend to...
25From George Washington to Colonel Daniel Brodhead, 23 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have duly received your several favours of the 14th 22d and 29th of May and 5th of June with their inclosures—The situation of affairs in this quarter prevented my acknowleging some of them sooner. With respect to the men raised in Monongahala and Ohio Counties—such of them as were raised without proper authority or contrary to the terms prescribed are certainly not intitled to pay from the...
26From George Washington to Colonel Daniel Brodhead, 13 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
Yours of the 25th of June was delivered me yesterday. I inclose you a duplicate of mine of the 23d which gave my consent to an expedition against the Mingoes. I am glad to hear you had received a supply of provisions and only waited my concurrence to make an expedition against the Senecas. I hope by this time you are carrying it into execution. I have more than once applied to the Board of War...
27From George Washington to David Brooks, 3 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
You will be pleased upon receipt of this to pack up the clothing in your charge, and have it removed as soon as possible to Germantown near Pluckimin. Upon application to the Quarter master he will order you the necessary assistance on the occasion. You are at all times to hold yourself in readiness for a further removal of the Stores, should the enemy make any attempt to penetrate that part...
28From George Washington to Colonel Richard Butler, 21 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have received your letter of yesterday. I imagine the complement of infantry has been completed since you left this, and have directed a proportion of drums and fifes to be sent you. On a more particular examination of the fort and its dependencies, I find that the forest of Deane is not an eligible post for your main body; but that it will be better stationed somewhere at A in the inclosed...
29From George Washington to Colonel Richard Butler, 25 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
I conclude the rain to day will prevent you from reconnoitering Stony point, as you proposed when I saw you. As I am very desirous of obtaining good information respecting it, I request the favor of you when you go on the business to be as particular & critical in your examination as you can; ascertaining the several Works the Enemy are carrying on—their number and nature—whether inclosed or...
30From George Washington to Colonel Richard Butler, 24 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have received your two favours of the 22d and 23d —I am obliged to you for your observations on the country and on the movements you conceive it possible for the enemy to make. My letter of the 21st contained general directions for your conduct in case of a movement against the forts, which is the main object of your present disposition. Your own judgment must point out to you the particular...
31From George Washington to Henry Champion, Sr., 4 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
Our affairs are now at a most interesting crisis—The enemy appear to be bending their whole force in a vigorous operation against the Highland posts. We must take such positions as will render it impracticable to subsist the army, unless the most strenuous exertions are at once used to throw a very considerable quantity of Cattle on this side the river. You will instantly take every possible...
32From George Washington to Ezekiel Cheever, 14 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have appointed Colo. Thomas Nixon to receive and forward to Camp the Recruits coming from the Massachusetts’ State; and I request that you will deliver on his order or receipt whatever number of Arms and Accoutrements complete he may require for them. I do not know what number of Men there will be, or I should ascertain the quantity to be delivered. I am sir Yr Most Obedt sert Df , in Robert...
33Instructions to Captain James Chrystie, 4 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
To proceed immediately to West Point To inform the Garrison where we are—two divisions at Pompton—one near Mr Lot’s about ten miles in the rear of the others—the whole to move this night at moon rising—by way of Ringwood & to press forward with all possible diligence. To assure them that I am determined at the utmost hazard to support the fort and that I expect it will hold out to the last...
34From George Washington to Oliver Clarke, 29 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have received your favour of the 29th of June which a multiplicity of business has prevented my answering before. There can be no doubt that you are entitled to the year’s pay allowed to supernumerary officers—This is expressly provided for by a resolve of Congress of the 22d day of May 1779; agreeable to which I have requested General Gates to order you payment on application — I am only...
35From George Washington to George Clinton, 14 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
I yesterday evening received Your favor of the 13th and thank you for transmitting me a copy of Your Brother’s Letter. I am happy to find the Troops are in such health and Spirits. Major Gibbs inclosed you Yesterday the Charles Town papers of the 29th of May and 4th of June, which would shew Your Excellency all the operations in that quarter to those dates; and that matters are far short of...
36From George Washington to George Clinton, 10 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
I am honored with your Excellency’s favour of yesterday by Colo. Malcolm, who has communicated to me the particulars with which you charged him —I beg leave to refer you to my letter of yesterday which I hope you have received. In that, sensible of the inconvenience of keeping out the militia at this season of the year, I anticipated your wish for their discharge, with my warmest...
37From George Washington to George Clinton, 24 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
That I might be more convenient to the Works at West point, I removed my quarters to this place on Monday last. I have only to add upon this subject, that I shall be happy to see Your Excellency here, as often as your leisure will permit. There has been no Official account received from Charles Town as yet that I know of; but I have no doubt but that there has been an Action there, and that...
38From George Washington to George Clinton, 28 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to inclose you an extract from my letter of the 21st to Genl Sullivan by which you will perceive I have informed him that Lieut. Col. Pauling with a part of his command will join Genl Clinton at Ononquaga and proceed on the ulterior operations of the expedition. As you left the matter to my determination whether the party should return or proceed on the western service after...
39From George Washington to George Clinton, 9 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
Having considered our own force—the situation and circumstances of the enemy—and the inconveniences which must result to the militia from detaining them longer in the field, from the sudden and unexpected manner in which they came out. I beg leave to inform your Excellency, that, I should hope they may be dismissed and permitted to return to their homes for the present, without any great...
40From George Washington to George Clinton, 27 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have received your two favours of the 24th and 25th. I am sorry for the accident, that has befallen the Militia. Some days since I directed General McDougall to send an hundred infantry to join Sheldon’s regiment of dragoons —and Col. Moylan has also been directed to join him with his regiment of cavalry —This corps I hope will be able to answer the purpose of countenancing the militia and...
41From George Washington to George Clinton, 13 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have been duly honored with your Excellency’s favor of the 7th. The high respect I bear to the State would make me silent upon a subject of such delicacy as that you have been pleased to communicate, did I not view the event which you suppose probable as pregnant with very unhappy consequences. I should regard it as one of the most unfortunate that could happen in our present circumstances—I...
42From George Washington to George Clinton, 28 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
I just now received your favor of to day. The Enemy are now indebted to us on the Score of privates and have been for a considerable time—or at least ever since last fall. This circumstance puts it out of my power to send in any new prisoners; but I shall cheerfully consent to apply the Militia taken the other day, to the credit of their Account if they will release them, and I will direct the...
43From George Washington to George Clinton, 16 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have the pleasure to transmit Your Excellency the enclosed copy of a letter from Brig. Gen. Wayne, which this moment came to hand. I congratulate you upon our success—and what makes it still more agreeable, from the report of Capt. Fishbourne who brought Gen. Wayne’s letter, the Post was gained with but very inconsiderable loss on our part. I have not yet obtained the particulars of the...
44From George Washington to George Clinton, 19 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
I this morning received your favor of the 18th when returning from Stony point. Being very much fatigued and not having obtained a detail account of the Action yet, I cannot comply with your Excellency’s request. However for your private information—I believe the Garrison at Stony point amounted to about 500 rank & file—of which between Twenty & thirty might have been killed—about Forty...
45From George Washington to Brig. Gen. James Clinton, 1 July 1779 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found : to Brig. Gen. James Clinton, 1 July 1779. James Clinton wrote George Clinton on 6 July that he had received a letter from GW “dated the first Instant in which his Excellency expresses his Surprise at my taking so much Stores with me when it was determined that all the Supplies of the Army should come up with Genl Sullivan and that nothing more shou’d be brought with me,...
46From George Washington to Brigadier General James Clinton, 27 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
I yesterday received your letter of the 19th and the day before a copy of yours of the 22d to His Excellency the Governor. I find by the great quantity of stores and provisions you are transporting to the lake, that there has been a misapprehension with respect to that matter which I fear may be attended with bad consequences. The large Magazines directed to be formed at Fort Schuyler were...
47From George Washington to Brigadier General James Clinton, 2 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have to acknowlege your favor of the 23d May. The taking of the two light three pounders in place of the artillery of the brigade, as you propose will depend entirely on the place of your junction with General Sullivan. If on the Susquehannah there will be no necessity to carry any artillery whatsoever, as General Sullivan has made adequate provision. If the other route is determined on I...
48From George Washington to Brigadier General James Clinton, 13 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
The Honourable the Congress have decided the affair of rank between Colonels Van Courtlandt—Gansevoort & Dubois upon their respective Memorials, against Colonel Dubois, as you will perceive by the inclosed Extract from General Orders, which contains their Resolution upon the occasion. You will be pleased to publish the Extract in your Brigade Orders—or communicate it to the parties in any way...
49From George Washington to Brigadier General James Clinton, 10 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have received your two favours of the 28th of May and 6th of June —I hope before this you will have received instructions from General Sullivan, respecting the precise line of conduct you are to observe. Whether your destination shall be up the Mohock River or to form a junction in the first instance with the main body at the Head of Susquehannah, is a point I have left to him to decide and...
50From George Washington to the Continental Congress Marine Committee, 1 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
This will be delivered you by Major Blodget, who has served with reputation in the army since the commencement of the war in the capacities of Brigade Major & Aide De Camp to General Greene—The late arrangement of the army unavoidably places the Gentlemen in this line, of former appointment on a footing comparitively so disadvantageous as in addition to other motives to have determined Major...