1From George Washington to Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 21 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
I request that you will join the Army as soon as you can. I wrote you upon this subject before we marched from Middle Brook, but as you have not arrived—It is probable my Letter has miscarried or that it did not come to hand till very lately. I am Dr Sir with great regard Yr Most Obedt servant LS , in Robert Hanson Harrison’s writing, PHi : Wayne Papers; Df , DLC:GW ; Varick transcript ,...
2From George Washington to Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 1 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
Herewith you will be pleased to receive general instructions for your conduct—This you will consider as private & confidential. The importance of the two posts of Verplanks & Stoney points to the enemy is too obvious to need explanation. We ought if possible to dispossess them. I recommend it to your particular attention, without delay to gain as exact a knowledge as you can of the number of...
3Enclosure: 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...
4From George Washington to Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 5 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have received your letter of this day and have issued a General order for regulating the manner in which Cloathing is to be drawn for the Infantry—I have also directed a Briga⟨de⟩ Qr Master Forage Master & Conductor to be appointed. though I have not assigned the duty of Clothier to the first. If it should be found necessary it may be done hereafter. I have appointed the regimental Qr...
5From 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...
6From 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...
7From George Washington to Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 14 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have reflected on the advantages and disadvantages of delaying the proposed attempt, and I do not know but the latter preponderate. You will therefore carry it into execution tomorrow night as you desire, unless some new motive or better information should induce you to think it best to defer it. You are at liberty to choose between the different plans on which we have conversed. But as it...
8From 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...
9From George Washington to Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 20 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
I observe in your Letter of the 16th of July by Mr Archer that you make particular mention of his intrepidity and firmness in the Assault on Stony point. Is it your wish that he should be the Bearer of my dispatches to Congress? His circumstances are peculiar—he has no appointment in the Army. It will be impossible to provide for him in any particular line; but perhaps he might obtain a Brevet...
10From George Washington to Brigadier General Anthony Wayne or Officer Commanding the Light Corps, 20 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
Col. Butlers favor of last evening I have received—The opinion he has of the enemys designs renders it unnecessary for me to caution you on the score of keeping out the necessary Guards & patroles; The look out boats I have desired Genl McDougal to order down to be under yr command that you may officer & man them, with such persons as you can fully confide in —this will enable you to obtain...
11From George Washington to Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 30 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
Your favor of this date came duly to hand —I shall certainly not undertake any thing (capital) without your knowledge—I wish for your opinion as a friend—not as commanding Officer of the light Troops—whether another attempt upon Stoney point by way of surprize, is eligible—(In any other manner under present appearances, and information, no good, I am sure, can result from it). Lord Cornwallis...