1George Washington to Henry Laurens, Joseph Spencer, and Nathaniel Scudder, 20 August 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
West Point, August 20, 1779. Suggests combining duties of muster department with those of inspectorship. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. These men were members of a committee of Congress on the mustering department.
2From George Washington to Maj. Gen. Joseph Spencer, 1 February 1777 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Maj. Gen. Joseph Spencer, 1 Feb. 1777. In his letter to GW of 16 Feb. , Spencer says that “yesterday I Received your Excellencys favour, of 1st and 6th Instant.”
3From George Washington to Major General Joseph Spencer, 22 December 1776 (Washington Papers)
When I wrote to you on the 14th Instant, I had little doubt of receiving considerable support from the Militia of this State, and was taught to believe that a large part of the old Troops (coming on with General Lee) had reinlisted—In the first, I have every reason in the world to fear a disappointment—In the latter, I find myself woefully deceiv’d—It is easier therefore to conceive, than...
4From George Washington to Major General Joseph Spencer, 21 April 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have yours of the 14th Instant. When I wrote to Genl Varnum expressing my surprise that my Orders for innoculation had not been sooner carried into execution, I was not acquainted with the Circumstances that necessarily retarded it. I do not apprehend that there is any immediate danger from the Enemy at Newport, their sending away their Vessels is a plain indication that they mean either to...
5From George Washington to Major General Joseph Spencer, 6 February 1777 (Washington Papers)
I was this Evening favoured with your Letter of the 30th Ulto and approve of your conduct respecting Colo. Ely’s Regiment. Goverr Trumbull in a Letter he was pleased to honour me with, represented the matter & obtained my Answer to the above effect. The propriety of attacking the Enemy on Rhode Island, I cannot determine. If it can be done with a good prospect & certainty of success, It is...
6From George Washington to Major General Joseph Spencer, 14 December 1776 (Washington Papers)
I have just recd Advices from Governor Trumbull that a large Fleet of the Enemy’s Ships of War and Transports were lying off New London, with an Intent to make a Descent on some part of N. England. He desires me to send some General Officers to take the Command of the Militia who are assembling to make the best Opposition in their power. I must therefore request, that you would immediately...
7From George Washington to Joseph Spencer, 24 January 1778 (Washington Papers)
Your Favor of the 7th Inst. has this day come to my hand inclosing a Return of the force of the Enemy at Rhode Island—I have for some time understood that Lord Howe sail’d for Rhode Island with more than 100 Transports in order to Winter there which must be those mention’d by you—I am concern’d to find that the want of Money in that Department has put you to so many inconveniencies, & that the...
8From George Washington to Major General Joseph Spencer, 3 April 1777 (Washington Papers)
I am favd with yours of the 26th Ulto inclosing proceedings of a Court Martial upon Nagel, Key and Querry, who are sentenced to suffer Death, for desertion. The plea, of ignorance of our law, is frivolous, and if admitted, we should never convict a Criminal. Examples must be made, to put a stop to that prevailing Crime, or we may as well disband the Army at once, I therefore desire that the...
9George Washington to Major General Joseph Spencer, 17 July 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Smiths Clove [ New York ] July 17, 1777. Is pleased with capture of Major General Richard Prescott. Will try to exchange Prescott for Major General Charles Lee. Praises conduct of Lieutenant Colonel William Barton. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Barton was a lieutenant colonel of the Rhode Island Militia. Congress, because of the part he played in the...
10From George Washington to Brigadier General Joseph Spencer, 26 September 1775 (Washington Papers)
I have perused & consider’d a Petition or rather a Remonstrance directed to you & signed by Several Captains & Subalterns on the Appointment of Mr Huntington to the Lieutenancy of Capt. Chester’s Company. The decent Representation of Officers or even of common Soldiers through the Channel of their Colonel, or other superior Officers I shall always encourage & attend to: But I must declare my...