1To George Washington from Jean-Baptiste de Gouvion, 16 April 1783 (Washington Papers)
How large must be the continental Army to be Kept after this War is not an easy matter to determine in the present moment, it depends from two different and distinct objects Which comprehend a very extensive plan, the first is the number of forts absolutely wanting Garrison for the protection of the frontiers, and opposing the indians in case they Would keep up their hostile invasions or renew...
2To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel Gouvion, 30 January 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have here ten men drafted from the pensilvania Line, into the Corps of Sappers, as they Are informed that General Wayne is now Settling the accounts of every Soldier of that line, and discharging those who have Just claims against the validity of their inlistement, they apply’d themselves to me yesterday to have two of them Sent to lay before the General the claim of every one, but I would...
3To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel Gouvion, 22 July 1780 (Washington Papers)
Considering the nature and the construction of the British works at New-York, we ought to conclude that such a place is capable but of a very short Defence, if we were not obliged to make some allowance for the number of its Garrison. Experience has proved that when a Town is regularly Fortified the approachees of the Beseigers can be carried on as far as the Top of the Glacis, in about...
4To George Washington from Jean-Baptiste de Gouvion, 4 November 1783 (Washington Papers)
At the moment of leaving a Country where I had the honour of Serving during Seven years, under your command, I beg your Excellency’s leave to express to you how gratefull I am for all the favours you have been pleased to bestow upon me. although the part I acted in this happy and glorious revolution Was but Small, I Shall alwais pride in remembering that I was an American Officer: the...
5From George Washington to Jean-Baptiste de Gouvion, 31 October 1781 (Washington Papers)
From the particular recommendations of General Du Portail—and from my own particular observation—I feel the highest pleasure in rendering justice to the distinguished military Talents of Lt Colonel Gouvion, and his indefatigable perseverance in the most valuable services—his Decisive judgement and spirit of enterprise have been conspicuous on all occasions—particularly in the late siege of...
6From George Washington to Jean-Baptiste de Gouvion, 2 September 1781 (Washington Papers)
You will proceed with all convenient dispatch to the Camp of the Marqs de la Fayette in Virginia, and receive further orders from Genl Duportail or the Marquis. You will let your rout be by Christiana bridge—the head of Elk—the lower ferry on Susquehanna—Baltimore—Elk ridge landing—Bladensburg—& George Town—From George Town you will go by the best waggon Road to Fredericksburg by Falmouth...
7From George Washington to Lieutenant Colonel Gouvion, 24 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
As some small works will be necessary to secure the communication of Kings ferry, I shall be glad to have your opinion upon the subject. Be pleased therefore to return to Head Quarters after you have left the proper instructions for making Fascines with General Howes division. I am Dear Sir Yrs &. Df , in Tench Tilghman’s writing, DLC:GW ; Varick transcript , DLC:GW . The British recently had...
8V. George Washington to Lieutenant Colonel Gouvion, 21 November 1780 (Washington Papers)
You will proceed to Fort Lee and thence with the greatest secrecy and caution along the margin of the North River to the landing which is opposite Spiten Devil Creek. You will observe with the greatest accuracy possible the numbers & situation of the enemys works from Fort Washington upwards—the huts incampments barracks in or near them—the number of troops that occupy these and are otherwise...
9From George Washington to Lieutenant Colonel Jean-Baptiste de Gouvion, 26 June 1780 (Washington Papers)
You will proceed to West Point and take the orders of Major General Howe. If the movements of the enemy up the River should not engage your attention otherwise, you will as far as circumstances permit employ yourself in providing fascines and gabions and any other necessary articles at convenient places. I am with the greatest esteem Sir Yr most Obedt ser. Df , in Alexander Hamilton’s writing,...
10From George Washington to Jean-Baptiste de Gouvion, 16 December 1778 (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Jean-Baptiste de Gouvion, c.16 Dec. 1778. On this date GW wrote Alexander McDougall : “Inclosed is a line to Mr Gouvion directing him to continue with you ’till further orders.”
11From George Washington to Jean-Baptiste de Gouvion, June 1780 (Washington Papers)
By His Excellency George Washington Esqr. General & Commander in Chief of the Forces of the United States. Whereas Colonel Gouvion of the Corps of Engineers hath served in the American Army with great reputation from an early period of the War, until the happy termination of it in the acknowledgment of the Independence of the United States—And whereas his services have been principally...