1General Orders, 1 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
The troops to hold themselves in the most perfect readiness to march at the shortest notice. The General Court Martial whereof General Howe is President is desired to assemble at eleven ôclock this day at the President’s quarters, he being indisposed and unable to attend at the Court-Martial room. At the General Court Martial of the line whereof Colonel Greene is President May 25th, Captain...
2From 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....
3From 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...
4From George Washington to Brigadier General Mordecai Gist, 1 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
I intended to send the inclosed by you, but hurry of business prevented it. The letter for Colo. Rogers you will be so good as to deliver, or cause to be delivered, safely. The other for a Mr Bowers, with his letter to me (also inclosed) I am embarrassed about. However well meant these things are they rather distress than please, especially when they proceed from men of whom we have no...
5From George Washington to Colonel Richard Humpton, 1 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
I received several days ago Your favor of the 20th Ulto—and have been prevented from answering it before, by a variety of pressing business. I assure you Sir, nothing would give me greater pleasure, than a perfect arrangement of the Army and I sincerely wish that every Officer was placed at the point to which he is intitled. With respect to the case under consideration, your claim to rank...
6From George Washington to Major General Stirling, 1 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
For some time past my intelligence from the enemy pointed to a considerable movement. By My last accounts from General McDougall of the 30th May, the enemy had advanced from Kings Bridge in force, and was then near the White plains. It is not easy to fix a just opinion of his object. We however know what points we should secure. On last Saturday the Pennsylvania troops marched on the route to...
7From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 1 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
Your favor of the 31st came to hand this morning. By my instructions which were transmitted yesterday you will observe that it is my wish for you to commence your operations the moment you have got yourself in readiness. We have no time to lose and I am happy to find every thing in so perfect a train. I am Dear sir &c. Df , in James McHenry’s writing, DLC:GW ; Varick transcript , DLC:GW . In...
8General Orders, 2 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
The meeting of the Court for the trial of Major General Arnold is defered ’till further orders—the exigency of the public service not permitting it to sit at this time. The General Court Martial of which Colonel Green is President is dissolved. Lieutenant Colonel Simms is appointed to superintend the hospitals in Pennsylvania. The Maryland-line, in case they are not in actual preparation to...
9From 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...
10From 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...
11From George Washington to William Livingston, 2 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
General Greene has informed me that he addressed your Excellency some time since upon the subject of Waggons, and suggested that it would be necessary, owing to the difficulties of procuring them in the ordinary way, for the Legislature to authorise Col. M. Foreman to impress them in cases of exigency. I would take the liberty to add, that it appears to me indispensibly necessary for the...
12From George Washington to Timothy Matlack, 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 the trial of General Arnold at this Camp. The movements of the Enemy make it indispensibly necessary, that the Army should at least advance towards the North river, with all practicable expedition, and require that the Officers appointed to compose the Court, should be with their several...
13From George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 2 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
I enclose you copies of my two Letters of the 30th and 31st, lest any accident should have happened to the originals. Col. Clarke has informed me that he had received intelligence of the enemy being at Tallar’s point with 42 sail and a number of flat-bottomed boats—that they had landed a party of men on the other side the North River and a party at the Slote —That he had called in his out...
14From George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 2 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have just received information from Col. Clarke that the enemy have landed at Kings ferry in considerable force—This day The Virginia division marched towards Pompton where General St Clair expected to arrive this evening. Tomorrow if possible, the Maryland division will move and we shall press forward & with all expedition. This will be delivered you by Brigadier General Du Portail, Chief...
15From George Washington to John Mercereau, 2 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
If you could fall upon some method to obtain knowledge of the strength and situation of the enemy on Staten Island & this in as short a time as possible, I shall thank you. after putting this business in a proper train for execution, I should be glad to see you at this place—if it could be tomorrow morning it would suit me best. I will pay the persons you employ, but wish the undertaking to...
16From George Washington to Brigadier General John Neilson, 2 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
I wish very much to have the information I wrote for yesterday sent me. How many boats can be drawn together—what kind—and the number of men each boat can contain? These were the principal questions. If you have obtained the answer I request it immediately. I also am desirous of knowing with all the precision of which the enquiry is capable—the number of men on Staten Island—where they are...
17From George Washington to Captain James Peale, 2 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have received your letter of the 1st instant. In a settlement of relative rank, in a line so perplexed as yours, no plan could be adopted, capable of giving satisfaction to the officer in all cases. You will be sensible of this on considering the circumstances with which the Maryland line was embarrassed; and the necessity of persuing certain fixed principles in its establishment. I have not...
18From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 2 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
In mine to you of the 24th instant, I requested you to join the main army immediately to take the command of one of the wings—As things now are at a crisis and every officer ought to be at his station I am to repeat my earnest desire wherever this finds you that you will instantly repair to my Head Quarters—I expect to set out tomorrow towards the Clove by way of Morris Town. I am Dr Sir Yr...
19From George Washington to the Minister, Elders, and Deacons of the Dutch Reformed Church at Raritan, N.J., 2 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
To meet the approbation of good men cannot but be agreeable. your affectionate expressions make it still more so. In quartering an army and in supplying its wants, distress and inconvenience will often occur to the citizen—I feel myself happy and in a consciousness that these have been strictly limited by necessity, and in your opinion of my attention to the rights of my fellow citizens. I...
20From George Washington to Major General Arthur St. Clair, 2 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
I duly received your two letters of yesterday —I approve your reasons for taking the upper route. By the present institution of the Inspectorship neither Major Ryan nor Mr McCormick can in my opinion be appointed Inspectors. It is to be feared however we may be reduced to the necessity of altering it, from the reluctance with which the Majors undertake the office. But I could wish it might...
21From George Washington to Major General Arthur St. Clair, 2 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have received your letter of this date ½ past eight. The Virginia division marched this day with orders to endeavour to reach Morris Town tomorrow and to communic⟨ate⟩ with you and proceed according to intelligence and circumstances —You will be pleased to open a correspondence with the commanding Officer for this purpose. Tomorrow if possible the Marylan[d] division will march also and by...
22From George Washington to Major General Stirling, 2 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
You will be pleased to march immediately with the division under your command towards Pompton by way of Morris Town endeavouring to regulate your march so as to arrive at the latter place tomorrow Evening. You will open a correspondence with General St Clair who is on his route from Springfield to Pompton, and has my directions to act afterwards according to circumstances and the information...
23General Orders, 3 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
Varick transcript , DLC:GW . GW’s warrant book for this date indicates that $3,000 was supplied to Maj. Caleb Gibbs “for use of the Commander in Chief” (Revolutionary War Warrant Book 3, 1778–1779, DLC:GW , Ser. 5). Gibbs wrote a receipt at Middlebrook on the same date: “Received of the Pay Master General three thousand dollars for the use of defraying the Expence of His Excellency General...
24From 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 ;...
25From 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...
26From George Washington to the Director of the Military Hospitals, 3 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
You will be pleased to direct the removal of the sick from the hospitals at Sommerset to the huts of the Artillerists at Pluckimin. This is not intended to be executed immediately, as it would draw off from the Army the waggons which may be now employed —but as soon as proper assistance can be procured from the Quarter Master General for this purpose. Such sick of the Army as remain on the...
27From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 3 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
I wish you to dispatch a messinger to Philadelphia with orders to bring up to Trenton fifteen or twenty boats, with as much expedition as the nature of the business will admit. At Trenton you will have them put in a state of the greatest readiness to be transported by land at the shortest notice. Head Quarters will move to day if possible. I am Sr &. Df , in James McHenry’s writing, DLC:GW ;...
28From George Washington to John Jay, 3 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
In the letter which I did myself the honor to write to Your Excellency the 25th of May, I mentioned the appearances which indicated that the enemy had some important enterprise in contemplation. These appearances have since increased ’till they seem to have arrived at a very interesting crisis. The inclosed extracts from the intelligence I have successively received will show their progress...
29From George Washington to John Jay, 3 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
I do myself the Honor of transmitting to Your Excellency a Copy of a Report of a Board of General Officers in a dispute between the Captains in the pensilvania line and Captain prowell, who has been appointed to the majority in the 11th Regiment. If Congress approve the Report, they will be pleased to revoke Captain prowells Commission. They will see a Copy of the Memorial against his...
30From George Washington to John Jay, 3 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
Since I had the Honor of addressing Your Excellency this morning, I received the inclosed papers, by which You will perceive that the Troops & fleet lately employed in Chesepeak bay have returned to New York. I have not received any advices respecting the Enemy since those transmitted in the morning. I have the Honor to be with sentiments of the most perfect respect & esteem Yr Excellency’s...
31From George Washington to Maj. Gen. Johann Kalb, 3 June 1779 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found : to Maj. Gen. Johann Kalb, 3 June 1779. GW’s aide-de-camp Alexander Hamilton wrote a note below the postscript on the draft manuscript of GW to Major General Stirling, 2 June 1779 : “The former instructions substantially to Baron DeKalb ‘directing him to advance & form a junction with the other troops—with all diligence’ dated the 3d” ( DLC:GW ).
32From George Washington to William Livingston, 3 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
The enemy have been some time since in motion apparently with some capital design, and by my last intelligence had proceeded up the North River in force and had landed a considerable body in the vicinity of Kings ferry—These movements seem to look more immediately towards the Forts on the River; but the real object may very probably be to prevent the junction of our force and bend their whole...
33From George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 3 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
I last night received your three favours, One of May the 31st and two of June the 1st. I am happy to find your Affairs seem to be in good train. You mention the return of the Detachment from Virginia—This may have happened; but it has not been announced by my intelligence. Perhaps it is designedly given out by the Enemy. Their design is now apparently against the Forts and these certainly...
34From George Washington to Brigadier General John Neilson, 3 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
This morning I recd your favor of yesterdays date. The two large boats which you mention as wanting repairs I would wish you have put in order—and to keep your eye upon the whole so as to be able to collect them on the shortest notice. You will be pleased to continue your enquiries on Staten Island—to ascertain the works and number of men at Richmond town and the other places. I am Sr &. Df ,...
35From George Washington to David Rittenhouse, 3 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
I beg leave to trouble you with a Theodolite which is a little out of repair and to request that you will be good enough to have it put in order. As I am not in a hurry about it, I wish you only to have what is necessary done at some moment of leisure. The Quarter Master at Philadelphia will receive and forward it to me. I am with great esteem Sir Yr Most Obedt servt. Df , in Alexander...
36From George Washington to Major General Arthur St. Clair, 3 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
I received your favor of yesterday at 10 OClock last night and have written to Genl Knox to supply the Ammunition &c. which you want. As the Enemy notwithstanding their demonstrations of an Attack upon the Highland posts, may have it in contemplation to strike this Army (comprehending your division) in its divided & separted state, It will be expedient for you to act with the greatest...
37From George Washington to Major General Stirling, 3 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
The enemy have landed at Kings-ferry—are in such force—and seem to have such capitol objects in view, that I must move my whole strength towards the No. River. I shall therefore dispense with your Lordships coming down on the business we talked of respecting St——n I——d as I wish you to be with your division as soon as possible. I expect to leave this place to day myself if there is a...
38General Orders, 4 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
Varick transcript , DLC:GW . No words were given for parole or countersigns on this date. For a payment of $1,000 on this date to John Wallace for GW’s use of his house during the winter encampment at Middlebrook, see the source note for the general orders of 6 February. For Wallace’s desire for additional compensation, and GW’s belief that he had been “hansomly paid already,” see Nathanael...
39From 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...
40Instructions 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...
41From George Washington to Colonel Ann Hawkes Hay, 4 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
Your favor of the 2d met me at this place this Morning. Your exertions and those of the Militia in opposing the Enemy claim my thanks—and I am persuaded that they will be continued, as long as it shall be practicable. This Army is moving towards the North river as fast as possible—and I shall give you every support in my power, that circumstances will admit of. The operations of the Enemy must...
42From George Washington to Lt. Col. Udny Hay, 4 June 1779 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found : to Lt. Col. Udny Hay, 4 June 1779. Hay wrote GW on 5 June: “Yours of yesterday I recd two hours agoe. It gives me infinite pleasure to find that I have anticipated your wishes by having every thing done ordered in your Letter.”
43From George Washington to Brigadier General Henry Knox, 4 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
On the 2d instant a part of the enemy possessed themselves of the fort on Ver-planks point, by capitulation—they are now throwing up some works on the point on this side. It would appear from a number of circumstances that they mean to press their operations against the posts on the highlands. The militia are calling out for amunition, and the supply for the army, as you know, is far from...
44From George Washington to Brigadier General Henry Knox, 4 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
By a letter this moment arrived from General McDougall dated two OClock yesterday, the enemy were advancing in force towards The Continental Village. The other part of their army on the West side were to move the same day to invest the Fort. On reconsideration, as some heavy cannon in our future operations may become essential, if you can possibly procure a sufficiency of horses to carry those...
45From George Washington to Brigadier General John Neilson, 4 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have duly received your two favors of yesterdays date; and am obliged to you for the intelligence they contain. The fort which Armstruther alluded to, was a small detached work on the East side of Kings ferry with about 50 men. It surrendered on the 2d instant. It is not yet perfectly evident, what are the enemy’s real intention in this movement. We however are in motion towards the North...
46From George Washington to Colonel Charles Stewart, 4 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
The enemy seem more and more to be in earnest in their operations against the Highlands. This will oblige us to take such positions with the army as will make its subsistence infinitely difficult, without the greatest possible care and exertion. I am to press your particular attention to the forwarding the supplies in your department as fast as may be necessary. If the ordinary means in your...
47From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 4 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
I received your favour of the 2d, with its inclosure, last night—I am glad to find that your affairs seem now to be in good train. In answer to the question you make on the paragraph you recite from my instructions, I shall observe that it is not to be supposed the events you suggest can take place without a good deal of previous negotiation and delay and after all would be precarious as to...
48From George Washington to Jeremiah Wadsworth, 4 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
I inclose you the copy of a letter which I have this moment written to Mr Champion, that you may know what is done and make correspondent arrangements. Necessity seems to demand this measure. If your presence at this time is not essential at Philadelphia it will be infinitely useful with the Army. We have much to apprehend on the score of supplies—The crisis requires your utmost influence and...
49General Orders, 5 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
Varick transcript , DLC:GW . GW’s aide-de-camp Richard Kidder Meade received money from Maj. Caleb Gibbs on 6 June and paid $10 to servants at “Mr [Robert] Erskines,” whose home at Ringwood was situated near the road about one mile from the New Jersey—New York border (Revolutionary War Accounts, Vouchers, and Receipted Accounts 1, 1776–1780, DLC:GW , Ser. 5).
50From George Washington to Colonel Frederick Frelinghuysen, 5 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have been informed that you are out with a party of Militia. I request that you will let me know where they are stationed—what their number is—and whether they would join the Continental troops in case their aid s⟨hould be⟩ found material, to act against the Enemy who appear to be meditating an attack with their whole force upon the Highland posts. Besides the Militia, which are now with...