1From George Washington to Major General Benedict Arnold, 23–27 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
I was favoured with your letter of the 11th Instant. I am sorry at the destruction of property at Egg harbour—but in attending to the general objects of war, we must at times submit to such losses, or depend on the exertions of the militia for their prevention. No doubt you have been informed of the progress of the enemy’s embarkation at New-York—The 19 & 20th Inst. about 150 sail of vessels,...
2From George Washington to Burwell Bassett, 30 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
By Mr Custis I took the liberty of requesting the favor of you to set a value upon the Stock of every kind belonging to me at Claibornes except the Horses & Plantation Utensils which I gave him —I have since wrote to him (of this date) proposing that he shd take all the Corn, wheat, & Provender for the Cattle, so soon as it can be ascertained, at such prices as you shall affix; and if he...
3From George Washington to Brigadier General Jacob Bayley, 26 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
Congress have authorised me to lay in magazines of provisions & forage for an expedition into Canada, and have consented to an enterprize of the kind if circumstances will admit of it —The commissary general of purchases informs me that Mr Cuyler will do every thing on his part towards effecting this end. but if notwithstanding, there should be any delay, or difficulty, give me immediately...
4From George Washington to Brigadier General Jacob Bayley, 3 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
Capt. Young has just delivered me your favour of the 21st of September—I wrote you a few days since, to the care of Col. Hazen, informing you, that a satisfactory answer had been received from Congress relative to carrying on the expedition, if circumstances will permit; and to making the necessary preparations for that purpose, and that Mr Cuyler had agreed with the Commissary of Purchases...
5From George Washington to Colonel George Baylor, 27 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have directed General Putnam to detach a brigade on the West side of the river, to take post somewhere near Clarks town —You will join this Brigade with the cavalry under your command and act with it ’till further orders. I am Dr Sir Your most Obedt servant. Df , in Alexander Hamilton’s writing, DLC:GW ; Varick transcript , DLC:GW . For these orders, see GW to Israel Putnam, this date .
6From George Washington to Colonel George Baylor, 22 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
Your letter of the 20th Inst. I had the pleasure of receiving yesterday. I would wish you to ascertain with as much precision as possible the number of troops that imbark, and the time of their departure from New york, with what other circumstances can be gained respecting them. For this purpose you will use every means in your power, and transmit the result of the enquiry to me with all...
7To George Washington from Colonel George Baylor, 26 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
Since my last to you I have been out to make what discoveries I could of the Enemy’s position & numbers. they are encamped from the new Bridge on the Hackingsack River, to the foot of the hill opposite to Fort Lee; in bush Huts. they are fortifying a very commanding Hill a little on this side of the new Bridge, which appears to be extensive. they have also thrown up small intrenchments across...
8From George Washington to John Beatty, 26 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
As the enclosed from Mr Mercerau respects your department I send it to you. The reasons, which induced Genl Sullivan to hinder the prisoners of the 71st Regt from going in at that particular time, do not now exist, and you had better order them on, if it does not contravene any of your own arrangements. As to what Mr Mercerau mentions respecting repairing Barracks &ca you will please to give...
9From George Washington to John Beatty, 8 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
When at Fredericksburg I expected you would have laid before me a detail state of the wants and condition of the prisoners with the enemy the better to enable me to represent their case and real sufferings to Congress. As I cannot proceed in this matter without the paper refered to you will be pleased to transmit it as soon as possible. If sent to Gen. Maxwel he will take charge of it to me. I...
10From George Washington to Colonel Theodorick Bland, 17 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
As the term of your Regiments inlistment is nearly expiring, it is time to fall upon some mode to continue the men in the service. Gen. Scott in a letter to me of the 15th Inst. observes that could they be indulged with leave of absence for the winter, he thinks the greatest number would reinlist —I am not over fond of making a stipulation of this kind could it be avoided, besides it is...
11From George Washington to the Board of War, 5 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
By the inclosed Copies of letters to General Sullivan and Messrs Otis and Andrews, you will be informed of what I have written on the subject of Clothing—in consequence of the letter which you did me the honor to write on the 29th Ulto. The prospect of having the Army amply provided for, by your exertions, affords the highest degree of satisfaction—I am particularly happy to be informed that...
12From George Washington to the Board of War, 10 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
The Committee of Arrangement having determined to annex the Regiment late Pattons to Colo. Hartleys, it will be proper to put them in the same Uniform. I have therefore desired Capt. Prowell the commanding Officer to send an Officer to Philada with an exact return of the Regiment, and the Cloathing wanting. Be pleased to give an order to the Cloathier General to have them made up after the...
13From George Washington to the Board of War, 19 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have been honoured with the Boards Letter of the 9th Inst. With respect to inlisting either Deserters or prisoners in general cases, I am decisively of Opinion against it—and I am convinced it will always operate against us, or at least till our appointments in Cloathing &c. can be placed upon as good a footing as those of the Enemy. With respect to the Count pulaski’s Corps, as the Campaign...
14From George Washington to the Board of War, 18 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
Major Nicholas has been with me and reported the state of the Cloathing—and also the forwardness in which it is, for coming on. I was sorry to find by his account, that the whole of the shoes will not exceed seven thousand pair. This I thought it my duty to inform the Board of, as the supply will not more than answer the Instant—pressing wants of the Troops, who are actually barefoot. I fear...
15From George Washington to the Board of War, 11 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
The Incessant and pressing applications of the Officers—and their real distress for Cloathing, obliges me to repeat my wishes to the Board to obtain the earliest direction of Congress for relieving their wants. They are in a very disagreable situation in this respect, and, unless some mode can be adopted for speedily supplying them, Many will be obliged involuntarily to quit the service—or if...
16From George Washington to the Board of War, 27 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
In the Letter, which I had the honor of addressing to you on the 18 Instant—I mentioned the scanty size of many of the Blankets, which had come to the hands of the Cloathier. By this conveyance by Wm Jones, I think it proper to send one for the inspection of the Board—by which they will find—how much we have been deceived—and the public imposed on in this essential article of supply; and also...
17Circular Enlistment Instructions to Brigadier Generals and Brigade Commandants, 16 September–21 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
With the money you have drawn from the pay master General, you will use your best endeavours to inlist the Drafts from Virginia & such of her Old Troops, whose present inlistments will expire before the last of May next, to serve for three years or during the War, in the Army of these United States. To facilitate the Inlistments, you will put the money into the hands of such Officers as you...
18From George Washington to General Henry Clinton, 26 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
By direction of Congress I transmit you the inclosed Copy of their Resolutions on the 21st instant respecting David Franks Esqr., by which you will perceive, he will not be permitted to act as Commissary to the British prisoners after the 10th of next month, and that it is their desire that your Excellency will nominate a proper person, who, having received their approbation, may succeed Mr...
19From George Washington to George Clinton, 19 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
I last evening recd the inclosed from Congress with a request that I would take measures for carrying the plan recommended by Colo. Hartley into execution. The advices which I have just recd from different quarters bear the strongest marks of an immediate evacuation of New York. These considerations induce me, should it be deemed expedient, to make an addition to Colonel Cortlands command by...
20From George Washington to George Clinton, 2 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
Capt. Machin has been employed since the year 1776 in the engineering Branch, without ever coming to any regular settlement for his Services. He does not chuse to fix any price himself, and I am really ignorant of what is just and proper. You have been a witness of a good deal of his work, and he is willing to submit the matter to your decision. Captain Machin holds a Commission in the...
21From George Washington to George Clinton, 25 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have been honoured with yours of the 20th and 24th instants; the latter by Mr Harkermir who gives a melancholy account of the distresses of the inhabitants at the German Flatts. To defend an extensive frontier against the incursions of a desultory Enemy is next to impossible; but still if you think the addition of another Regiment, ill as I can spare it, or a change of position in the troops...
22From George Washington to George Clinton, 24 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
Inclosed you have Colo. Butlers Journal of his expedition against Unadilla and Anaquaga You will perceive from that the Route he pursued and the difficulties he met from the Waters, even at this Season. Perhaps this may be of some service to you in forming a decisive opinion upon the Chemung expedition. Be pleased to return this Journal and Colonel Hartleys when you have done with them. I am...
23From George Washington to George Clinton, 20 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have just recd the inclosed from Albany. It serves to shew the hostile intentions of the Indian Enemy, and consequently the necessity of counteracting them as vigorously as possible. I am with great Esteem Your Excellency’s most obt Servt LS , in Tench Tilghman’s writing, CSmH ; Df , DLC:GW ; Varick transcript , DLC:GW . GW enclosed the letter from Indian agent James Deane to Maj. Gen....
24From George Washington to George Clinton, 18 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
I received your Excellency’s favour of yesterday in the Evening—Previous to that, I had written you a second letter on the subject of the expedition to Anaquaga; informing you, among other particulars, that Col. Cortlandts regiment was immediately to proceed to Poughkepsie and that the Col. himself would wait upon you to consult you fully on the measures proper to be taken. The representation...
25From George Washington to George Clinton, 16 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
I am favd with yours of the 15th containing the disagreeable account of the further ravages committed by the Indians. I will immediately order one Regiment to be held ready for the frontier service, and if, upon making a general arrangement of the Army, I find that more can be spared, I will make an addition to the number. As I am unacquainted with the direction of Anaquaga I shall be obliged...
26From George Washington to George Clinton, 8 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
I recd yours of yesterday inclosing a letter from General Nixon and a deposition respecting the abuse of several inhabitants of this State by some Officers of the Army. I shall immediately order the Officers to be secured untill Civil process shall issue against them. A flag Boat was standing up the River yesterday, with directions to proceed as far as Fishkill landing to take off the family...
27From George Washington to George Clinton, 21 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
It is of the utmost importance that we should be thoroughly acquainted with the resources of this State in regard to Flour. Can it be procured in any considerable quantity, it will not only save the immense expence that arises upon the transportation from Jersey, Pennsylvania and Maryland, but it will enable us to lay up suitable Magazines, which I fear we shall not be able to establish...
28From George Washington to George Clinton, 17 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
I had the honor of writing to your Excellency yesterday, requesting your advice on the proposed expedition against Anaquaga. I have given Col. Cortland orders to get his regiment well clad, and prepared without delay, for this purpose, and to wait upon you himself to consult you fully on the most expeditious mode of proceeding and the previous measures proper to be taken. If the troops already...
29From George Washington to General Henry Clinton, 16 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
I transmit you the inclosed Copies of sundry Resolutions of Congress, by their order, and take the liberty to request your Answer to the last of them, on the subjects of passports by the earliest opportunity. I was much concerned to hear, that one of my patroles fired on a Flag coming from your lines on Monday Evening. I shall do every thing in my power to prevent the like mistake on any...
30From George Washington to Brigadier General James Clinton, 25 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
This Letter is intended to countermand the orders which have been given you for marching —if therefore upon receipt of it, your troops should still be at the Continental Village—you will remain there with them and revert to the instructions which you received relative to that post —if it should find you on the march you will halt your troops at the first convenient position—and wait farther...
31From George Washington to Brigadier General James Clinton, 17 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have determined to send Col. Van Schaicks regiment to Fort Schuyler to relieve Col. Ganseworth. You will signify this to Col. Van Schaick that he may be preparing for it—So soon as the cloathing, expected in camp, arrives, he shall have an order for a competent supply and will then proceed. He can mention the matter to Col. Hay, who will be looking forward to a provision of vessels to convey...
32From George Washington to Captain Asa Coburn, 17 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
You will proceed to Springfield and apply to Mr Measam for the following articles of cloathing, which he is hereby directed to furnish you out of the cloathing at that place. For Col. Aldens Regiment. 300 suits of Uniform, a proportion of Shirts and stockings and 200 blankets & 200 pair of shoes. For the Regiment under the command of Lieut. Col. Butler. 150 suits of Uniform, a proportion of...
33Council of War, 16 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
Present Major Generals Gates[,] Green[,] De Kalb[,] McDougall[,] Steuben[,] Brigadier Generals Nixon[,] Parsons[,] Smallwood[,] Knox[,] Patterson[,] Wayne[,] Hand. The Commander in Chief informs the Council, that the enemy’s whole force in these States still continue in two principal divisions one at New York and its dependencies consisting of about thirteen thousand—the other on Rhode Island...
34From George Washington to Colonel John Cox, Jr., or John Mitchell, 4 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
I am informed that Sundry Goods (in the Military line) addressed to Mr Jas Rivington of New-York, were taken—carried into Egg harbour—and are now in Philadelphia. Among them a compleat sett of Camp equipage—As I am perfectly incompleat in this way, I should be glad if you would enquire into the truth of this matter, and make a purchase of it for me, if it answers the description; and can be...
35From George Washington to John Parke Custis, 21 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
The Inclosed came to my hands by the last Post. The Enemy have been very busy since their return from the Jerseys in Imbarking Troops—Nine Regiments are compleated to their full establishment by drafts from some others which are reduced, & these I am perswaded are destined for the West Indies—Whether the rest of the Troops will remain in New York—return to England—or go to Hallifax is yet...
36From George Washington to John Parke Custis, 12 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have now—at your request—given my full consent to the Sale of the Lands wch I hold in right of Dower in a Tract in the County of York—to a Water Grist Mill thereon—To Lotts in the City of Williamsburg—and others in James Town—As also to your Renting, or otherwise disposing, of the other Dower Lands & Slaves which I am possessed of in the County of King William upon the terms which have been...
37From George Washington to John Parke Custis, 30 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
The Letter herewith sent for Mr Hill is left open for your perusal; after reading which, Seal & cause it to be safely delivered. He will find my sentiments fully expressed, and I hope will make no further appeals to me on the Subject of his Wages. You had better take the whole Crop of Corn Fodder &ca so soon as measured, at such a price as Colo. Bassett shall fix, and if the same thing was...
38From George Washington to John Parke Custis, 23 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to John Parke Custis, c.23 Sept. 1778. GW wrote Richard Henry Lee on 23 Sept. : “I think it likely that Mr Custis (& Colo. Bassett) may be in Phila. at the time this Letter may come to your hands—if so, I will thank you for causing to be delivered to him, a Letter herewith addressed to your care” (see also Richard Henry Lee to GW, 5 Oct. 1778 ).
39From George Washington to John Parke Custis, 26 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
If my Brother, to whom the Inclosed is addressed, should not be a Member of Assembly, & in Williamsbg, I should be glad if you would contrive it to him by a safe hand. The Enemy still continue to keep us in suspence, & baffle all conjecture—they have five or Six thousand Men at this time actually on board transports, lying in New York bay; and a fleet of more than a hundred Sail left the Hook...
40From George Washington to Brigadier General Duportail, 31 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have received your favour of the 20th, inclosing your remarks on the state of the fortifications already erected for the defence of the Town of Boston, and on such amendments and additions as appear to you necessary to render them effectual. Your reasonings and observations appear to be strong and well founded; but at this distance, and without so perfect a knowlege of the local...
41From George Washington to Brigadier General Duportail, 29 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
You will proceed forthwith to Boston in the State of Massachusettes Bay. You will examine into the state of the fortifications which have been erected and are erecting for the defence of that Town against a Land attack; and you will form a plan, from a view of the whole local situation of the place, which shall appear best calculated to give it the most effectual security, that circumstances...
42From George Washington to Brigadier General Duportail, 19 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have perused the memorial which you delivered relative to the defence of the North River at this place —and upon a view of them highly approve what you have offered upon the Subject—Col. Kosciousko who was charged by congress with the direction of the forts and batteries—has already made such a progress in the construction of them as wd render any alteration in the general plan a work of too...
43From George Washington to Vice Admiral d’Estaing, 20 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
I had the honor of writing to Your Excellency yesterday from Fort Clinton —since which I have received intelligence by a New York paper that Admiral Byron in the princess Royal of ninety guns—accompanied by the Culloden Capt. Balfour of seventy four, arrived at New York on the 16th instant. the same paper mentions that an armed Sloop from Hallifax announces the arrival of the following...
44From George Washington to Vice Admiral d’Estaing, 20 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
I had the honor of transmitting to Your Excellency on the 18th instant, some advices which appeared to me very interesting—An intelligent Officer stationed at a proper place for observing the enemys naval movements, in his last report, says—“On the 16th October about twelve Ships fell down to the hook—early on the morning of the 17th about one hundred Ships and Transports exclusive of Sloops...
45From George Washington to Vice Admiral d’Estaing, 29 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
I embrace with pleasure an opportunity, of introducing to Your Excellencys acquaintance, Brigadier General Du portail, an Officer of your nation whose talents and services have rendered him valuable to ours. The important post of chief engineer and the elevated grade which he holds in our army, are proofs of the confidence which Congress places in him—the distinguished manner in which he has...
46From George Washington to Vice Admiral d’Estaing, 22 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
Mr De Chouin has announced to me your desire, that he may pay you a visit to explain more fully than can be done by letter, the state of affairs both with respect to the enemy and to us—their movements and probable designs and our dispositions in consequence—The intelligence, I have received of the former has been imparted to him as it arrived—the latter he has, in a great measure, had an...
47From George Washington to Vice Admiral d’Estaing, 19 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
I had the honor of writing to your Excellency on the 11th instant. I take the earliest oppertunity of transmitting you the following intelligence, which I have reason to think is authentic—That Lord Howe’s fleet has returned to New York, and that the seamen, which he had taken from the transports to reinforce his Crews, are remanded to their respective Ships. The day before yesterday, a...
48From George Washington to Vice Admiral d’Estaing, 21 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
In addition to the intelligence which I had the honor of transmitting to Your Excellency yesterday—I hasten to communicate what farther has been received from the Posts of observation—inclosed is the substance of my last report from thence, bearing date the 19th. It gives me singular pleasure to congratulate with Your Excellency upon the Marquis de Bouille’s Success in the conquest of the...
49From George Washington to Vice Admiral d’Estaing, 2 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
Your Excellency’s letter dated the 25th instant made me happy by communicating the intelligence of Mr D’Ovillier’s victory. I entreat you to accept my repeated congratulations on an event pregnant with such important consequences to the common cause; as well as my warmest thanks, for the interesting collection of advices, you are so obliging as to make. The British Admirals, both at home and...
50From George Washington to Vice Admiral d’Estaing, 31 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have had the happiness of receiveing your Excellencys letters of the 23 and 26th. I thank you for the extract of Mr Boubees letter, which Yr Excellency so obligingly communicates. His particular enumeration of the vessels of war which sailed with the fleet he mentions, corresponds with the advices I have received; but You will have been informed before this, that the supposed sailing of a...