1From George Washington to Steuben, 9 January 1778 (Washington Papers)
I yesterday recd the honor of yours from Portsmouth inclosing the Copy of a letter from Messs. Franklin and Dean the original of wh. I shall be glad to receive from your own Hands as soon as it is convenient for you to undertake the Journey. As it will lay solely with Congress to make a suitable provision for you in the American Army you will be under the necessity of prolonging your Journey...
2From George Washington to Major General Steuben, 18 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
In answer to the letter which you delivered me yesterday, on the subject of your department. I have to assure you that it is my most earnest wish to conciliate the rights of the Inspectors with those of the officers commanding Corps—and that the public good may be advanced by a perfect harmony between them—with this view the plan proposed in General orders the 15th inst., was made—and it was...
3From George Washington to Major General Steuben, 19 December 1778 (Washington Papers)
I had the honor of receiving a few days since your letter of the 6th instant; I am much obliged to you for the polite assurances you give; and in my turn, I beg you will believe, that when the institution at the head of which you have been placed, can once be established upon a footing mutually agreeable to you and to the army, to which end all the measures I have taken in it have been...
4From George Washington to Major General Steuben, 26 February 1779 (Washington Papers)
Capt. Walker delivered me your favor of the 10th inst. with the Sequel of your Manuscript—Inclosed I transmit you my Remarks on the first part—the Remainder shall follow as soon as other affairs of equal importance will permit. I very much approve the conciseness of the work—founded on your general principle of rejecting every thing superfluous—tho’ perhaps it would not be amiss in a work of...
5From George Washington to Major General Steuben, 11 March 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have received your favor of the 5th and now return you the Sequel of your work accompanied by a few notes. It gives me great pleasure to learn that the foregoing part is in such forwardness for the press—With respect to the Title I think “ Regulations for the Infantry of the United States ” will be sufficient—In a Letter to Congress I have signified my approbation of the work —it remains for...
6From George Washington to Major General Steuben, 27 March 1779 (Washington Papers)
I had the pleasure of your favor of the 17th. Col. Fleury’s coming up to camp may answer the purposes you mention, till the regulations can receive a final completion—I would therefore wish to see Col. Fleury as soon as convenient, with such parts of the regulations as are necessary for immediate application. I am sir your &. Df , in James McHenry’s writing, DLC:GW ; Varick transcript , DLC:GW...
7From George Washington to Major General Steuben, 1 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have been favoured with four letters from you three of the 22d and one of the 27th. One of them incloses a representation from the Gentlemen in your department, requesting some additional privileges, in consideration of the additional trouble incident to the extensive duties of their offices—Their request appears to me so reasonable that I shall immediately take measures to have them...
8From George Washington to Major General Steuben, 2 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have received your favour of the 29th of Sepr containing a plan for recruiting the army for the next campaign, which I have attentively considered—Many parts of it correspond exactly with my ideas and with the proposals I have made and am making to Congress—Such parts of it as are new and appear to me calculated to promote the service shall be added. I have the honor to be With much esteem...
9From George Washington to Major General Steuben, 7 February 1780 (Washington Papers)
In a letter which I have been favoured with from his Excelly the cheva[lie]r De la Luzerne I am led to expect the honor of his Compy at Camp in the course of this Month. As it is my wish to accomodate him in the best manner circumstances will admit of (which at best as you well know will be bad enough) and to pay him evy respect due to his high rank and Station I shall thank you for previous...
10From George Washington to Major General Steuben, 8 February 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have received your letter of the 26th brot down to the 29th of January with the papers annexed and have carefully considered the contents, on which I shall give you my sentiments with freedom and confidence. The principal point on which your memorial to Congress turns is the force requisite for the next campaign. To determine this on good grounds we ought first to settle the following...
11From George Washington to Major General Steuben, 18 February 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have been favd with yours of the 12th and 14th instants. I had recd the Resolve of Congress, of which you inclosed me a Copy, immediately from the president, and in consequence of it; instantly gave the necessary directions for the proper Returns to be brought in to enable me to furnish the States with an account of the deficiency of their Quotas of Troops —This, from the dispersed State of...
12From George Washington to Major General Steuben, 6 March 1780 (Washington Papers)
On saturday I received the Honor of Your obliging Favor of the 23d Ulto and was extremely sorry to find that your indisposition still continued; before this I hope you are perfectly recovered. Returns of the Troops have been transmitted to all the States, except those of North and South Carolina & Georgia, which have no Troops in this Quarter, and so particular as to enable them to form a...
13From George Washington to Major General Steuben, 2 April 1780 (Washington Papers)
I duly received your letter of the 15th of March, which hurry of business has prevented my acknowleging sooner. Last night brought me your favour of the 28th—The propositions made by you to Congress for the arrangement of the Army this campaign appears to me upon the whole best adapted to our circumstances; and especially since so much of the season has elapsed without entering upon it I am...
14From George Washington to Major General Steuben, 2 May 1780 (Washington Papers)
My Nephew waits on you to present his thanks for the honor You meant to confer on him, by appointing him one of your Aids—And, at the same time to assign his reasons for declining the favor. If he should not be explicit in doing this, when I next have the pleasure of seeing you at head Quarters, I shall not fail to do it myself. Be assured my dear Sir, that I shall entertain a proper sense of...
15From George Washington to Major General Steuben, 15 June 1780 (Washington Papers)
I shall ride up to Morris Town this morning and return in the evening. Should you communicate an alarm to the Camp by the firing of your peice of Cannon, I shall direct it to be repeated by the signal Gun at Chatham, by which means it will reach me immediately—You very well know the inconveniencies of giving the Country a false Alarm, and am persuaded you will not, on that account, take up any...
16From George Washington to Major General Steuben, 18 July 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have received your letter of the 14th and approve the measures you are taking. With regard to the light infantry you will see by the late General order, that I have ordered each regiment to furnish a company consisting of twenty rank and file —This is to be increased afterwards in proportion to the strength of the regiments—This appears to me to be the best plan to begin with. I think of...
17From George Washington to Major General Steuben, 22 July 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have received your favor of the 18th Inst. and am pleased with the attention you are paying to the formation of the New-raised Troops of the State of New York. It will be best I think, to suspend the execution of the plan for forming three complete Companies of Light Infantry from the State Regiments to be joined to those furnished by the York line; until it is known how far the measure will...
18From George Washington to Major General Steuben, 24 July 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have been duly favoured with your Letters of the 20th 21. and 22 Inst. It was not my intention that the Companies of Light Infantry should finally consist of different numbers—My design was at present to draw out twenty men from each Regiment for that service, and to augment the Companies hereafter to the full establishment, whenevr the strength of the several Regts will admit of it. As the...
19From George Washington to Major General Steuben, 22 October 1780 (Washington Papers)
Though I am sensible how important your services will be in this quarter; yet as to the Southward, there is an army to be created, the mass of which is at present without any formation at all, your services there will be still more essential—and as I am persuaded your inclination is to be wherever you can be most useful, I have recommendd it to Congress to send you with General Greene to the...
20From George Washington to Major General Steuben, 10 December 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have received the three Letters you did me the favor to write, before you Left Philadelphia; and have made representation to Congress respecting the Inspector Department agreeable to your request. This Moment I am also favored with Yours of the 24th Ulto from Richmond, and am pleased to find you are still pursuing, with indefatigable industry those measures which will tend so much to promote...
21From George Washington to Major General Steuben, 9-11 January 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have recd your favor of the 17th of last month. It is not to be wondered at that you found so great a waste and derangement of public Stores after so general a call had been made upon the Militia, who were to be equipped from the Magazines. I however have the pleasure of thinking that every possible exertion will be made by you to recover those which had been delivered out. The Officers of...
22From George Washington to Major General Steuben, 6 February 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have duly received your several letters of December the 28th 29th Janry the 8th 11th; which the smallness of my family at this time and a multiplicity of business have prevented my acknowleging sooner. I am sorry for your embarrassments and obliged to you for your exertions. With the materials you have, I am sure you will do the best you can; and I hope the state by adopting better...
23From George Washington to Major General Steuben, 20 February 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have duly received your letters of the 29th of January and 1st of February containing an account of the enemy’s motions ’till that period, and of your dispositions to counteract them. The effect you mention of deranging the measures of the state for succouring General Greene was to be expected—it is however an evil of the most serious nature, and I am persuaded if the enemy continue in the...
24From George Washington to Major General Steuben, 27 February 1781 (Washington Papers)
I received last evening your favour of the 12th instant enclosing copy of one from General Greene. I am much obliged to you for transmitting it. As you conjectured, he did not write me by the same opportunity. Though the return of the enemy’s missing ship has made our allies lose their superiority, which will be unfavourable to my plan of cooperation in Chesapeak bay; yet the Marquis will...
25From George Washington to Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, Baron [von] Steuben, 21 March 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have not had it in my power, untill the present moment, to acknowledge the receipt of your several favors of the 18th and 23d of Febry & 1st Inst. which were forwarded to me, while on my Journey to Rhode Island, from whence I returned Yesterday. Since the Enemy have turned so much of their attention to the Southern States, the situation of our affairs in them, has become extremely...
26From George Washington to Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, Baron [von] Steuben, 4 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
I am to acknowledge the receipt of your favor of the 15th ulto and to lament the unfortunate accident which prevented the execution of our plan against Arnold. I must beg of you to accept my thanks for the forwardness of your preparations of which and the propriety of all your other arrangements the Marquis has spoken in the most handsome manner—You will now naturally turn your attention again...
27From George Washington to Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, Baron [von] Steuben, 18 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have received your favr of the 23d ulto. As soon as I had ascertained the point of Genl Phillips having sailed with a detachment from New York I sent directions to the Marquis to proceed to the southward and put himself under the orders of Major Genl Greene. I was in hopes my letters would have reached him at Annapolis or met him in his march from thence to the Head of Elk, but unfortunately...
28From George Washington to Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, Baron [von] Steuben, 30 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
It gives me great satisfaction, My Dear Baron, amidst the innumerable sollicitudes and embarrassments, with which I am surrounded, that I can unbosom myself with perfect security, to my confidential friends, and at the same time assure myself of their best advice & assistance in the management of the most delicate matters. At this moment, I will frankly confess to you, I am extremely perplexed...
29From George Washington to Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, Baron [von] Steuben, 1 May 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have received your favor of the 15th. Had it been possible for you to have carried your plan of marching suddenly into North Carolina into execution it would most probably have occasioned the ruin of Lord Cornwallis—But this is one of the thousand instances which daily shew the evils resulting from feeding and paying troops which can only be used for local purposes. The arms which Capt. la...
30From George Washington to Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, Baron [von] Steuben, 16 May 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have received your favor of the 21st of April, and by your letters of a later date, which I have seen published, I am informed of the progress of the Enemy as far as petersburgh. It gave me pleasure to find that the behaviour of the Militia merited your thanks. I hope the advance of the Marquis with the troops under his command would give fresh spirits to the Militia, and enable your...
31From George Washington to Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, Baron [von] Steuben, 23 October 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with your Letter of this date see 22 Oct. inclosing one from Colo. Febiger to you—The representation you have given me of the state of the officers makes me Feel very sensibly for them, and I could wish the means in my power, for their relief, were equal to my inclinations, but as I am divested of them, I can do no more than recommend them, with others, to Congress & their...
32From George Washington to Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, Baron [von] Steuben, 18 January 1782 (Washington Papers)
Genl Lincoln, with whom I have conversed on the subject of taking Majr Walker into my family as an Aid de Camp, consents freely to leave the determination to his own choice—That this choice may be entirely unembarrassed by a direct application from me, and that Majr Walker may have time to consider the two offers in every point of view I shall be obliged to you to intimate mine to him, and...
33From George Washington to Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, Baron [von] Steuben, 4 February 1782 (Washington Papers)
It would give me much pleasure in answering your letter of this date, if I could deliver such an opinion as would perfectly accord with the wishes of yourself, and the Gentn who are had in contemplation as Assistant Inspectors—But despairing of this, I shall submit such an one as candor, and a desire of information may require. My opinion has uniformly been that throwing the Inspectorate &...
34From George Washington to Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, Baron [von] Steuben, 8 February 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have recd your favor of the 6th. Whether the duties of the assistant Inspectors will or will not admit of their performing other duties incident to Officers of their rank remains yet to be tried. Upon a supposition that they will—I shall consent to their being put upon the General Roster of the Army, and that they shall be, in their turn, eligible to command upon detachment or otherwise,...
35From George Washington to Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, Baron [von] Steuben, 12 April 1782 (Washington Papers)
The propositions of Count Beniowsky which you put into my hands for consideration—I have read—and beg leave to observe thereupon, that the utility of his plan for introducing a Legionary Corps of Germans into the Service of the United States of America, depends, in my opinion, upon the Political state of Affairs in Europe—the probability of Wars continuing—and the mode of conducting it. As...
36From George Washington to Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, Baron [von] Steuben, 9 July 1782 (Washington Papers)
In answer to your Letter of yesterdays date, containing the following queries, "Is the Department of Inspector General necessary in the Army, or is it not?" "Has this Department been conducted during the course of five years agreeable to your Wishes, and have the consequences resulting from my exertions as Chief of the Department answered your Expectations?" I give it as my clear opinion that...
37From George Washington to Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, Baron [von] Steuben, 18 February 1783 (Washington Papers)
On the 18th of Janry I wrote to Colonel Stewart urging in the strongest terms I was master of, the necessity of his immediately joining the Army; since which time I have not heard a word from him—I now think myself obliged in justice to my own official character, and duty to the Public to signify to you as head of the Department, that it will be essential to the service either for Colonel...
38From George Washington to Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, Baron [von] Steuben, 26 February 1783 (Washington Papers)
I was favored by the last Post, with the Report of the Board of Officers respecting Captn Segond’s claim of admission into the Legion of Armand; as it appears to be founded in justice & reason it has my entire approbation, and I presume must be satisfactory. As the prospect of Peace (the more promising than it has been at any former period) is somewhat equivocal; I have determined to put the...
39From George Washington to Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, Baron [von] Steuben, 12 April 1783 (Washington Papers)
Taking it for granted the principle is generally understood, that an Officer holding a Commission in the Line of the Army of a superior grade, to that he possesses in a particular Corps, is to roll on all general duties agreeably to his Commission in the Army, and to be considered in the Line of the State to which he belongs, according to the rank he holds in Corps of that State; the following...
40From George Washington to Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, Baron [von] Steuben, 14 April 1783 (Washington Papers)
A Committee of Congress is appointed to consider what arrangements it will be proper to adopt in the different departments with reference to a peace. Colo. Hamilton who is Chairman of this Committee has written me on this Subject wishing to know my Sentiments at large on such institutions of every kind for the interior defence of these States, as may be best adapted to their circumstances and...
41From George Washington to Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, Baron [von] Steuben, 25 June 1783 (Washington Papers)
I refer to your consideration A Memorial of Mr Hoaksley with sundry other papers relative to the condemnation of Merchandize &c. at York Town, said to have been carried in a Flag of Truce from N. York to Virginia—After an investigation of the Papers & the examination of Mr Hoaksley you will please to report your Opinion whether any alteration and what, ought to be made in the former decision....
42From George Washington to Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, Baron [von] Steuben, 8 July 1783 (Washington Papers)
I have duly recd your two favors of the 5th by Express—it was indeed an unfortunate circumstance that the Resolution of the 12th of May respecting the frontier Posts could not have been sooner known & acted upon—as it is, we must make the best of what remains for us to arrange—on which subject it is not necessary for me to enlarge, as I shall probably have the pleasure of seeing you here...
43From George Washington to Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, Baron [von] Steuben, 12 July 1783 (Washington Papers)
In Consequence of Powers in me vested for that purpose, I do hereby authorize and desire you to proceed, with such dispatch as you shall find convenient, into Canada, and there concert with Genl Haldimand, or the British Commander in Cheif, in that Province, upon all such measures as shall be found necessary for receiving possession of the posts now under his Command within the Teritory ceded...
44From Jonathan Trumbull, Jr. to Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, Baron [von] Steuben, 18 July 1783 (Washington Papers)
His Excellency, in the Moment of his Departure, directs me to inform you, that being ignorant of the Encouragement Majr L’Enfant has a right to claim from you, it is difficult for him to determine the question you put—But was he to decide, he should have no other Mode of doing it than by Seniority. Most respectfully I am Dr Baron Your most Obedt Servt NHi : Steuben Papers.
45From George Washington to Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, Baron [von] Steuben, 3 August 1783 (Washington Papers)
Mr Cassady (who will have the honour of delivering this Letter to you) being a Gentleman of respectable Character, and having been long resident at Detroit, is dispatched by me to that place, in order to find out the dispositions of the Inhabitants and to make any inquiries which may be useful to you on your arrival. I am the rather induced to adopt this measure for fear you should be delayed...
46From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 16 October 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
Your letter on the general subject of the deficiencies in the Virginian quota of troops came to hand yesterday by post: but not attended by Colo. Davis’s particular returns as the letter seemed to imply. This particular return is so essential that without it our legislature can do nothing towards supplying the deficiency and as they have just met I think it is important that there should be no...
47From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 24 November 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
As you have been so kind as to remain here, among other purposes, for that of organizing our troops meant to be forwarded to the south, I beg leave to inclose to you a resolution of the Executive of this State, entered into previous to your arrival here appropriating such of the men as were before unappropriated to any particular corps, and directing in what manner they shou’d be officered. I...
48From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 25 November 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
The Officers were desired to give notice to the militia when arms were delivered them that no man would ever be discharged till he had returned his arms or given justifiable reasons for not doing it, and this was given out in general orders by the commanding officers. Nothing was said at that time about other stores, but I shall when the order for their discharge is given out, desire that...
49From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 26 November 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Brigadr. Genl. Lawson now waits on you for the purpose of informing you of the state of his corps. I would have done myself the pleasure of introducing him to you personally, but am engaged in the council chamber and shall be so till three o’clock. When yourself and Genl. Lawson shall have settled those essential wants without which his corps cannot proceed I shall be happy to do every thing...
50From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 1 December 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
I this moment received your letter, and have extended Mr. Elliot’s powers to the procuring subsistence for the marching troops. You will perceive by the inclosed resolution of assembly (which was put into my hands about two o’clock to-day) that they doubt whether the time, for which Genl. Lawson’s corps is enlisted, will not be so nearly expired before they reach the scene of action as, under...