151To George Washington from Brigadier General William Maxwell, 8 February 1779 (Washington Papers)
Letter not found : from Brig. Gen. William Maxwell, 8 Feb. 1779. GW wrote Maxwell on 9 Feb. that he was writing: “In answer to your letter of yesterdays date.”
152From George Washington to George Measam, 8 February 1779 (Washington Papers)
I desire that immediately on receipt of this letter you will make a minute and accurate account of all the Clothing in your Store—and transmit it to Head Quarters without a moments delay. I am Sir Your humble servt. P.S. You will likewise add a State of such issues as may have been made in consequence of powers given to Genls Putnam & McDougall to draw from your Store. Df , in John Laurens’s...
153From George Washington to Brigadier General Casimir Pulaski, 8 February 1779 (Washington Papers)
I recd your favor of the 5th Inst. In consequence of the resolution of Congress of the 2d Inst. directing your legion to South Carolina “to act under the command of Major Genl Lincoln, or the commanding officer of the Southern department” I have ordered the Infantry of your corps which were stationed at the Minisink to march immediately to Lancaster in Pennsylvania. You will be pleased to...
154From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 8 February 1779 (Washington Papers)
Colonel Udney Hay, communicated to me, a proposal of Mr Weeks a D.W. General a late inhabitant of Long Island of considerable property, and the person who will deliver you this letter. Mr Weeks represents that there are several saw mills, on Long Island, very valuable to the enemy, and easy of access to a small party; and that he is willing to conduct a party for the purpose of destroying...
155To George Washington from Robert Rutherford, 8 February 1779 (Washington Papers)
It is with Singular pleasure I congratulate Your Excellency on this Short relaxation from the utmost exertions in the field, where you have rendered your Country most Essential Services & gained lasting honor to yourself. I have not Ventured to trouble you with letters truly Sensible how many & great were the important matters that must necessarily engage your unceasing attention, but your...
156General Orders, 9 February 1779 (Washington Papers)
Complaints having been made that the regimental Pay-Masters have in many instances made it a practice when paying their regiments to get officers to write receipts without obliging the persons receiving the money to sign them, or to make their marks thereto—This practice cannot be allowed of as a Voucher sufficient to discharge the Pay-Masters on a settlement of their accounts—The Pay-Masters...
157To George Washington from General Henry Clinton, 9 February 1779 (Washington Papers)
Being desirous of forwarding the Clothing, Stores &c., belonging to the Troops of the Convention, and also a Cargo of Wine and other Refreshments for their Comfort, to Charlotteville in Virginia, I am to request you will be so obliging to send me the necessary Passports for the Ships mentioned in the Margin to proceed to Richmond on James River, for that purpose. And as I wish at the same time...
158To George Washington from Captain William Galvan, 9 February 1779 (Washington Papers)
Letter not found : from Capt. William Galvan, 9 Feb. 1779. GW wrote Galvan on 11 March : “While I was in Philadelphia, I received your letter accompanying a ‘scheme of instruction’ which you propose for the American infantry—I have since received your other letter of the 9th of last month on the same subject.”
159From George Washington to Brigadier General William Maxwell, 9 February 1779 (Washington Papers)
In answer to your letter of yesterdays date —I have to inform you that no blankets can be issued, until I have obtained an exact return of the quantity in Store—and the deficiences of the Troops on the other side of Hudsons River—As soon as these points are ascertained in order to an equal and general distribution—no time will be lost in furnishing the quotas to the Troops —I am Sir &. Df , in...
160From George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 9 February 1779 (Washington Papers)
In my letter of the 29th Ulto I briefly acknowleged the receipt of your favours of the 10th of december 11th and 19th of Jany and promised you a particular answer to their contents so soon as I should be disengaged from the variety of pressing business in which I was, at that time, immersed. I returned to Camp, three days since, and embrace the earliest opportunity of resuming your letters;...
161From George Washington to Joseph Reed, 9 February 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor of your Excellency’s favr of the 5th instant inclosing sundry Resolves of the Executive Council respecting the Conduct of Major General Arnold during his command in the City of Philada: previous to the Rect of your letter, General Arnold, who had arrived at Head Quarters the day before, had shewn me a letter from the Council to him accompanied by a Copy of the same Resolves,...
162From George Washington to Lieutenant Colonel William Washington, 9 February 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have recd yours of the 23d and 30th ulto. If a vacancy should happen in the Regiment I would not have you permit Mr Baylor to succeed to it untill he has cleared up his Character. The Cloathing for the Regiment which Capt. Smith procured at Boston has not yet come on to Camp; when it arrives it shall be forwarded, if the Men should be in absolute want before spring. But if they can make a...
163General Orders, 10 February 1779 (Washington Papers)
General Muhlenberg and the Field-Officers of the Virginia line are requested to meet tomorrow morning at 11 ôclock at the Orderly-Office when the Commander in Chief will lay some business before them respecting their line—Complaint having been made that the soldiers have abused the indulgence of Congress contained in their Resolve of by buying money of the two emissions of May 1777—and April...
164From George Washington to Major John Conway, 10 February 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have received thro the hand of Ld Stirling your report of the Surprisal of the guard from Bonham Town. A Disgrace of this kind can never happen to an Officer who is attentive to his duty and takes common precautions. I desire therefore that Lieut. Pierson who had the command of the guard, may be immediately put under arrest—and ordered to Camp if he was detached from hence or to the quarters...
165From George Washington to Robert Erskine, 10 February 1779 (Washington Papers)
As I think you are much exposed in your present situation to the enterprises of Refugees acquainted with the Country—and the work in which you are employed unquestionably makes you an object with the enemy—I desire that as soon as possible after receipt of this letter, you will remove to quarters more safe by the vicinity of the Army —You will of course dismiss your guard, and direct the...
166From George Washington to Brigadier General Mordecai Gist, 10 February 1779 (Washington Papers)
The unsettled state of the Maryland Line will require the utmost attention pains and care to organize it before the opening of the next Campaign. That you may assist in that necessary work and perform the other duties incident to the Rank to which you have lately been appointed I must request your attendance with the Army immediately after the receipt of this. I am Sir Yr most obt Servt. Df ,...
167From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 10 February 1779 (Washington Papers)
Your several favors of the 25th and 26th Ultimo met me in Philadelphia. To give a just decision in Captain Scudders affair, a more perfect knowlege of the subject is necessary than what I have yet acquired, and perhaps an acquaintance with circumstances which it may be difficult if not impossible to obtain. It appears to me a mixed case, and such a one as may be better decided by Governor...
168To George Washington from Peter Scull, 10 February 1779 (Washington Papers)
In pursuance of the resolve of Congress inclosed, I have the honor to transmit to your Excellency the arrangement of the Army with the papers on which it is founded. Those Corps which are not comple[te]ly arranged, your Excellency will find properly noticed in the inclosed list; and the returns that relate to them are contained in a separate pacquet. I have the honor to be with the highest...
169To George Washington from Major General Steuben, 10 February 1779 (Washington Papers)
Letter not found : from Major General Steuben, 10 Feb. 1779. GW wrote Steuben on 26 Feb. : “Capt. Walker delivered me your favor of the 10th inst. with the Sequel of your Manuscript.”
170To George Washington from Captain John Stokes, 10 February 1779 (Washington Papers)
Letter not found : from Capt. John Stokes, 10 Feb. 1779. GW wrote Stokes on 11 Feb. : “I have received your letter of yesterdays date inclosing a list of articles seized in the hands of two women from New York.”
171To George Washington from Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 10 February 1779 (Washington Papers)
I did myself the Honor of writing to you the 20th ultimo mentioning that I was necessitated to be here at the meeting of the Assembly of this State—& that I shou’d take the liberty of waiting on you the first of this Instant for leave of Absence . I was unfortunately deprived of the pleasure of seeing you by passing down the Jersey shore whilst you were on your way for camp on the Pennsa side...
172From George Washington to Lieutenant Colonel Anthony Walton White, 10 February 1779 (Washington Papers)
I received your letter of the 5th Inst. It is my wish to avoid every measure, which has the appearance of distressing the farmer, or of forcing from him that forage which may be necessary for his own stock, in all cases, not strictly justified by the urgency of the occasion. If subsistence for the whole regiment can be procured, thro’ the forage master in the regular mode without distress or...
173From George Washington to Brigadier General William Woodford, 10-13 February 1779 (Washington Papers)
The Circumstances and Situation of the Virginia line call loudly for your return to the Army as soon as possible, more especially as General Muhlenberg, the only General Officer of the state now present, has long had a promise of leave to visit his family and private Affairs whenever he could be possibly spared. As the time which you expected to be absent has considerably elapsed, I am not...
174General Orders, 11 February 1779 (Washington Papers)
A formal complaint having been lodged with the Commander in Chief against Coll Craige for beating & otherwise ill-treating Caleb Brokaw, an Inhabitant of this State; a Court of Inquiry to examine into the circumstances of the affair will sit on saturday forenoon 10 ôClock at the Court Martial room—The court will consist of Coll Russell as President, Colonels Williams and Butler, Lieutt Colonel...
175From George Washington to Brigadier General James Clinton, 11 February 1779 (Washington Papers)
Upon a farther consideration of the subject of my letter of the 25th Ulto—it appears to me of the utmost importance to secure a communication between Fort Schuyler and Schenectady—in case any expedition should be formed. You will therefore regard this as your primary object—and make the best dispositions relatively to it, that your force and the nature of the Country will allow. Inclosed is an...
176To George Washington from Brigadier General William Maxwell, 11 February 1779 (Washington Papers)
Letter not found : from Brig. Gen. William Maxwell, 11 Feb. 1779. GW wrote Maxwell on 13 Feb. : “I received your favor of the 11th Inst.”
177To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel Caleb North, 11 February 1779 (Washington Papers)
Letter not found : from Lt. Col. Caleb North, 11 Feb. 1779. GW wrote North on 12 Feb. : “I have received your letter of yesterdays date respecting the French Snow Mary retaken from the Enemy.”
178To George Washington from Richard Peters, 11 February 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have the Honour of transmitting you a Copy of a Regulation the Board intend to report to Congress on a Subject which the Letter preceding it will explain. It is sent for your Excellency’s Perusal & Remarks that if you should think proper either to amend it or propose a better Plan the Board being furnished with your Answer may lay it before Congress. It is with Reluctance that the Board...
179From George Washington to Major General Philip Schuyler, 11 February 1779 (Washington Papers)
It was not till the 5th instant I returned to this place—While in Philadelphia, what between Congress and a special committee of that body I was furnished with ample employment. I had few moments of relaxation, and could do little more than barely acknowlege the receipt of your obliging favors of the 27th of December & the 1st and 2d of January Ult: Even now I find it impossible to be as...
180To George Washington from Brigadier General William Smallwood, 11 February 1779 (Washington Papers)
Letter not found : from Brig. Gen. William Smallwood, 11 Feb. 1779. GW wrote Smallwood on 12 Feb. : “Upon considering the contents of your letter of yesterdays date—it appears to me proper that they shd be communicated to Baron de Kalb.”
181From George Washington to Captain John Stokes, 11 February 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have received your letter of yesterdays date inclosing a list of articles seized in the hands of two women from New York. The Licence to pass and repass granted them by the executive Council of Pennsilvania—is not intended to countenance the illicit Commerce in which they have been concerned—Besides a Law of this State subjects such contraband Goods to forfeiture —You will therefore inform...
182To George Washington from Major General John Sullivan, 11 February 1779 (Washington Papers)
Letter not found : from Maj. Gen. John Sullivan, 11 Feb. 1779. GW wrote Sullivan on 22 Feb. : “I have your favr of the 11th instant.”
183To George Washington from Colonel Edward Wigglesworth, 11 February 1779 (Washington Papers)
I did myself the honour to address your Excellency in a Letter dated 4th Jany last—in whic⟨h⟩ I represented, wherein I conceived myself to be injured with respect to Rank, a Copy of which I’ve inclos⟨ed⟩ fearing the other might have miscarry’d. since which the Circumstancs of my family are so essentia⟨l to⟩ attend, that should I tarry longer in the Army I must see them suffer, without a...
184General Orders, 12 February 1779 (Washington Papers)
In reinlisting men for the war agreeable to the order of the 7th instant it is particular[l]y recommended to the officers care fully to consult the Muster-Rolls of their respective regiments. This will be absolutely necessary to avoid being deceived and giving the bounties to some men who are already engaged for that period. In the settlement of recruiting accounts the Muster-Rolls will be...
185From George Washington to Lieutenant Colonel Caleb North, 12 February 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have received your letter of yesterdays date respecting the French Snow Mary retaken from the Enemy —The Subject of an Ally in these cases is entitled to the equal privileges with a fellow Citizen—And his property recovered in this way is to be preserved and restored—to him or his representatives—a reasonable allowance being made to the Recaptors for Salvage. The Conduct to be observed by...
186From George Washington to Joseph Reed, 12 February 1779 (Washington Papers)
In my last I omitted to answer that part of your Excellency’s letter of the 5th inst. respecting Capt. Campbells proposal of attempting to bring off our Officers prisoners upon parole on Long Island. Was the measure justifiable, of which I have my doubts, it would in my opinion be impolitic. We could not hope to be compleatly successfull, and strict confinement would certainly be the fate of...
187From George Washington to Brigadier General William Smallwood, 12 February 1779 (Washington Papers)
Upon considering the contents of your letter of yesterdays date—it appears to me proper that they shd be communicated to Baron de Kalb. I give you notice of this in compliance with your request that you may have an opportunity of transmitting him a Copy—I will only remark that there are some general Reflections at the close of the letter which were perhaps better omitted—if you agree with me...
188From George Washington to Jeremiah Wadsworth, 12 February 1779 (Washington Papers)
You are to proceed without delay to form a Magazine of Provisions at Pittsburgh for Twelve hundred Men for four Months. I could wish to have the Magazine compleated by the first of May next or, if possible, before that time. I am Sir Your most Obedt Servt LB , CtHi : Jeremiah Wadsworth Papers; LB , PHi : Chaloner & White Papers; Df , DLC:GW ; two copies, DLC:GW ; Varick transcript , DLC:GW . The
189General Orders, 13 February 1779 (Washington Papers)
Lieutt Colonel Williams is appointed member of the court of Inquiry vice Colonel Williams. Varick transcript , DLC:GW . For the appointment of this court of inquiry on Col. Thomas Craig, see General Orders, 11 February . William Williams was lieutenant colonel of the 3d Pennsylvania Regiment. Otho Holland Williams was colonel of the 6th Maryland Regiment.
190From George Washington to Patrick Henry, 13 February 1779 (Washington Papers)
Agreeable to a stipulation between Sir Henry Clinton and myself I have granted passports for the three following Vessels—the Ship Polly, Reid Master—the Brig Lady Howe—Steady Master and Schooner Genl Phillips, Hare Master, all laden with Cloathing and Stores for the Troops of the Convention at Charlotteville and the British prisoners of War at Fort Frederick, to proceed to Hampton Road in...
191From George Washington to Captain George Lewis, 13 February 1779 (Washington Papers)
It is with concern & resent⟨men⟩t I find by the return of Colo. ⟨Bay⟩lors Regiment, that you are again ⟨abs⟩ent there from. nay more that you had ⟨left⟩ it while the command devo⟨lved⟩ upon you—I am sorry to add ⟨that⟩ these things reflect much dis⟨credi⟩t upon you as an Officer & involve ⟨me in⟩ the censure, for the natural presumtion ⟨is, that⟩ such endulgencies are the effect of...
192From George Washington to Brigadier General William Maxwell, 13 February 1779 (Washington Papers)
I received your favor of the 11th Inst. In order to accommodate the affairs of the prisoners, who are coming out or going in to New-York and prevent the inconveniences you complain of, the inclosed directs Mr Adams one of the deputy Commissaries of prisoners to give his attendance twice or thrice a week, or as often as circumstances may require. The want of an established post between this and...
193To George Washington from Captain Titus Watson, 13 February 1779 (Washington Papers)
When the Committe set at White planes For settleing the reletive rank of the Captains in the Continent line: Capt. Cleft was ranked before Capt. Troop and my Self when the matter was made Publick Capt. Troop was Dissatisfyed and applyed for A rehearing, which he Obtaind. I myself was Absent at that time on a Genll Cortmartial and Could not be present when the Committee set Capt. Troop was...
194General Orders, 14 February 1779 (Washington Papers)
The court of Inquiry which was to have sat yesterday will sit tomorrow ten ôClock A.M. and as some of the members of the court must necessarily be absent, the following Field Officers are to compose the court, Coll Febiger as President, Colonels Butler and Davies, Lieutt Coll Adams & Majr Posey—Members. Varick transcript , DLC:GW . Adj. Gen. Alexander Scammell’s orderly book entry for this...
195From George Washington to General Henry Clinton, 14 February 1779 (Washington Papers)
I am honored with your letter of the 9th instant. You will find inclosed three passports for the ships you mention in the Margin, to proceed to Hampton Road, there to receive further directions from His Excellency the Governor of Virginia—I prefer this mode to that of giving passports immediately for Richmond, as when they are arrived at Hampton, the Governor can regulate their future progress...
196From George Washington to Brigadier General James Clinton, 14 February 1779 (Washington Papers)
I received your letter of the 28th Ultimo with its inclosure containing the final determination of the friendly Indians. The order for your amunition has been sent forward from Philadelphia under cover to yourself; and I would suppose it come to hand before this time. The general orders of the 7th 9th and 12th Inst. which accompany this, will point out the steps which are to be taken for...
197To George Washington from William Ellery, 14 February 1779 (Washington Papers)
I very lately received a letter from Col. Greene inclosing an arrangement of his battalion. Agreeably to his request I laid it before the board of war, and am informed that the papers respecting it were transmitted to your excellency. This, and the finishing the arrangement of the Army being committed to you, render it, I presume, not improper that I should inclose both the letter and...
198From George Washington to Major General Horatio Gates, 14 February 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have been favd with yours of the 27th Decemr and of the 15th and 26th January. That of the 15th did not reach me untill the 12th instant. I was at Philada when yours of the 27th December came to hand, and I reported to Congress the answer of the Council of Massachusetts respecting the Guns of the Somerset. I was sometime ago informed by Genl Bayley that he thought the Magazine at Coos was...
199From George Washington to Major Generals Alexander McDougall and Israel Putnam, 14 February 1779 (Washington Papers)
Mr Burrall an Assistant Pay Master General sets out this morning with 400,000 Dollars for the use of the posts under the respective commands of General Putnam and yourself. The inclosed copy of his instructions will shew you in what manner it is to be applied. You will perceive that 100,000 Dollars is to be appropriated as bounty money for reinlisting the troops under your command during the...
200To George Washington from Captain John Stokes, 14 February 1779 (Washington Papers)
Letter not found : from Capt. John Stokes, 14 Feb. 1779. GW wrote Stokes on 15 Feb. : “I have received your letter of yesterday.”