1From John Adams to Horatio Gates, 23 March 1776 (Adams Papers)
I had the Pleasure, a few days ago, of your Favour of 8th. Instant, for which I esteem myself under great obligations to you. We rejoice here at the Prospect there is of your driving the Enemy from Boston. If you should Succeed in this I hope effectual Measures will be taken to fortify the Harbour, that the Navy may never enter it again. I think the Narrows may be So obstructed that large...
2From John Adams to Horatio Gates, 27 April 1776 (Adams Papers)
Your Favour of the Twenty third, I received Yesterday, and it put me into a good Humour, the Benefit of which I feel to this Moment, and shall continue to experience a long Time. Was you idle enough to read the Tales in the London Papers and Magazines, a few years ago concerning the Cock Lane Ghost, and the others concerning a Man of Six feet high who leaped into a Quart Bottle and corked...
3From John Adams to Horatio Gates, 18 June 1776 (Adams Papers)
We have ordered you to the Post of Honour, and made you Dictator in Canada for Six Months, or at least untill the first of October. — We dont choose to trust you Generals, with too much Power, for too long Time. I took my Pen, at this Time, to mention to you the Name of a young Gentleman, and recommend him to your Notice and Favour. His Name is Rice. This Gentleman is the Son of a worthy...
4From John Adams to Horatio Gates, 13 August 1776; 18 August 1776 (Adams Papers)
Your Favours of 24 June, and 17. July, are before me. I wish with all my Heart that you were Dictator at Ticonderoga, as much as it was intended you Should be, in Canada. Not for the sake of promoting Mr. Rice, nor any other particular Person, but for the good of the Service in general. Let me ask you however, by the Way, whether, Rice would not do for a Judge Advocate in that Department? I...
5From John Adams to Horatio Gates, 18 March 1780 (Adams Papers)
The Marquis de la Fayettes Brother, the Viscount de Noailles tells me, he should be glad to take Letters to America, and I dont know to whom I can give him a Letter with more Propriety than to the General of Saratoga. I should be proud to return any Civilities you may shew him to any of your Friends, who may travell to Paris. I want very much to know, what Scope the Ennemy have from New York,...
6George Washington to Major General Horatio Gates, 1 March 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Morristown [ New Jersey ] March 1, 1777. Orders investigation of fraudulent recruiting returns. Requests inoculation of two Virginia regiments. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
7George Washington to Major General Horatio Gates, 7 May 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Morristown [ New Jersey ] May 7, 1777. Encloses letter to Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, who is needed at Headquarters. LS , in writing of H, New-York Historical Society, New York City. Gates was in command of the Northern Department.
8George Washington to Major General Horatio Gates, 4 August 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia ] August 4, 1777. Forwards Congress’ appointment of Gates to the command of Northern Department. LS , in writing of H, New-York Historical Society, New York City.
9George Washington to Major General Horatio Gates, 6 August 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Camp near Germantown [ Pennsylvania ] August 6, 1777. Notifies Gates that De Malmady has been given permission to serve under Gates in Northern Department. LS , in the writing of H, New-York Historical Society, New York City François, Marquis de Malmady, was a colonel in the Continental Army.
10George Washington to Major General Horatio Gates, 7 August 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Camp near Germantown [ Pennsylvania ] August 7, 1777. Notifies Gates that Du Bouchet has been given permission to serve under Gates in the Northern Department. LS , in writing of H, New-York Historical Society, New York City. Denis Jean Florimond Langlois de Mautheville, Chevalier du Bouchet.
11From Alexander Hamilton to Major General Horatio Gates, 29 August 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Your two favours both of the 22d came to hand yesterday. His Excellency had been all the day out reconnoitring the country and did not return home ’till late in the evening; this morning he again went out upon the same business, and has desired me to acknowlege the receipt of your letters. The signal advantages gained over the enemy by Generals, Stark and Herkemar at so gloomy and distressing...
12From Alexander Hamilton to Major General Horatio Gates, 5 November 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
By inquiry, I have learned that General Patterson’s brigade, which is the one you propose to send is, by far, the weakest of the three now here, and does not consist of more than about 600 rank and file fit for duty. It is true there is a militia regiment with it of about 200, but the term of service for which this regiment is engaged is so near expiring, that it would be past by the time the...
13From Alexander Hamilton to Major General Horatio Gates, 13 November 177[7] (Hamilton Papers)
Since my arrival in this quarter, I have been endeavouring to collect the best idea I could, of the state of things in New York in order the better to form a judgment of the probable reinforcement gone to General Howe. On the whole, these are facts well ascertained, that New York has been stripped extremely bare; That in consequence of this the few troops left there and the inhabitants are...
14George Washington to Major General Horatio Gates, 14 February 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Valley Forge ] February 14, 1778 . Regrets inability to “ratify” sentence of court-martial held by Gates’s order, but will leave ultimate decision to Gates’s judgment. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Gates was at this time president of the Board of War.
15George Washington to Major General Horatio Gates, 21 June 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Coryells Ferry [ New Jersey ] June 21, 1778 . Informs Gates of movements of American and enemy forces. LS , in writing of H, New-York Historical Society, New York City.
16George Washington to Major General Horatio Gates, 14 July 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Paramus [ New Jersey ] July 14, 1778 . Informs Gates that Army is marching to Haverstraw. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
17From Alexander Hamilton to Major General Horatio Gates, [8 September 1778] (Hamilton Papers)
His Excellency desires me to inform you that having received information of the enemy’s being out advanced this side of Wards House, He thought it prudent to put the troops quietly under arms and has sent orders to the several Brigades for this purpose. This is the second note, I have written, the first the horsemen lost. I am Sir Yr. most Obed servant ALS , New-York Historical Society, New...
18George Washington to Major General Horatio Gates, 10 September 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
White Plains [ New York ] September 10, 1778 . Instructs Gates to march to Danbury. LS , in writing of H, New-York Historical Society, New York City.
19From Alexander Hamilton to Major General Horatio Gates, 12 September 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
His Excellency commands me to inform you, that he has received advice, that the enemy, who had made a debarkation at Bedford, after burning the little town, had reimbarked their troops and were hovering about the Coast. He does not think it expedient that you should advance too far from the army and therefore desires, that you will halt near Bedford ’till you hear further from him. I am Sir ...
20George Washington to Major General Horatio Gates, 30 September 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Fredericksburg [ New York ] September 30, 1778 . Sends news of enemy’s movements in New Jersey. LS , in writing of H, New-York Historical Society, New York City.
21George Washington to Major General Horatio Gates, 7 October 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Fishkill, New York ] October 7, 1778 . Discusses probable British moves. Instructs Gates to repair certain roads to the eastward. LS , in writing of H, New-York Historical Society, New York City.
22George Washington to Major General Horatio Gates, 11 October 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Fredericksburg [ New York ] October 11, 1778 . Thanks Gates for intelligence concerning sailing of British fleet. LS , in writing of H, New-York Historical Society, New York City.
23George Washington to Major General Horatio Gates, 24 October 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Fredericksburg [ New York ] October 24, 1778 . Reports that troops have been ordered eastward. Orders Gates to area threatened by British in the event of a British landing. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress
24George Washington to Major General Horatio Gates, 27 October 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Fredericksburg [ New York ] October 27, 1778 . Speculates on British intentions. Instructs Gates to obtain clothing for men and to return old clothing to deputy clothier general. LS , in writing of H, New-York Historical Society, New York City.
25George Washington to Major General Horatio Gates, 29 October 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Fredericksburg [ New York ] October 29, 1778 . States that Congress has ordered Gates to Boston to assume command there. Advises recall of militia at Boston. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
26George Washington to Major General Horatio Gates, 6 March 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Middlebrook [ New Jersey ] March 6, 1779 . Discusses proposed Indian expedition. Df , in writings of George Washington and H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
27George Washington to Major General Horatio Gates, 12 April 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Middlebrook [ New Jersey ] April 12, 1779 . Reports that Major General John Sullivan has arrived at Headquarters, and that Major Henry Harnage’s request has been sent to Congress. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
28George Washington to Major General Horatio Gates, 17 April 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Middlebrook [ New Jersey ] April 17, 1779 . Orders Gates to have Brigadier General John Glover’s brigade ready to march. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
29George Washington to Major General Horatio Gates, 19 April 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Middlebrook [ New Jersey ] April 19, 1779 . Asks for a muster of Massachusetts troops under Gates’s command. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
30George Washington to Major General Horatio Gates, 6 May 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Middlebrook [ New Jersey ] May 6, 1779 . Asks Gates to examine rank of Captain Ezra Lunt. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
31George Washington to Major General Horatio Gates, [8–9] May 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Middlebrook [ New Jersey ] May [ 8–9 ] 1779 . Reports that Colonel Armand is recruiting in the eastern states. Asks Gates to furnish Armand with orders for clothing for the men recruited. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. This letter is endorsed twice, once as May 8 and again as May 9.
32George Washington to Major General Horatio Gates, [14] May 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Middlebrook [ New Jersey ] May [ 14 ] 1779 . Regrets that prospects for reinforcements are so unpromising. Encloses a congressional resolve concerning the defense of Rhode Island. States that Virginia levies are to be sent to the South. LS , in writing of H, New-York Historical Society, New York City.
33George Washington to Major General Horatio Gates, 21 May 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Middlebrook [ New Jersey ] May 21, 1779 . Expresses concern over discontent in the Army. Reports steps taken to replenish Gates’s magazines. Criticizes Major General John Sullivan’s method of handling deficiencies in rations. Asks Gates to remedy situation. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
34George Washington to Major General Horatio Gates, 26 May 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
M [ iddle ] B [ rook, New Jersey ] May 26, 1779 . Encloses letter requesting Major General William Heath to report to Headquarters. Encloses another letter to Lieutenant Pierre de Castaing la Grace from Brigadier General Du Portail. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
35George Washington to Major General Horatio Gates, 11 June 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Smiths Clove [ New York ] June 11, 1779 . Laments Gates’s poor prospects for reinforcements. Disagrees that an attack on New York was feasible as the number of men in the Army was far less than that estimated by Gates. Gives information on British strength and position. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
36George Washington to Major General Horatio Gates, 13 June 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Smiths Clove [ New York ] June 13, 1779 . Reports that Brigadier General Henry Knox will send a reinforcement of artillerymen. Will again ask Congress for money that Gates needs. Sends news from South. LS , in writing of H, New-York Historical Society, New York City.
37George Washington to Major General Horatio Gates, 27 June 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
New Windsor [ New York ] June 27, 1779 . Transmits second copy of general orders concerning re-enlistments during the war. States that there has been no official confirmation of the southern victory. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
38George Washington to Major General Horatio Gates, 30 June 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
New Windsor [ New York ] June 30, 1779 . Asks Gates to send Brigadier General John Glover’s brigade to join the Army. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
39George Washington to Major General Horatio Gates, 10 July 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
New Windsor [ New York ] July 10, 1779 . Describes latest British and American moves. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
40George Washington to Major General Horatio Gates, 25 July 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
West Point, July 25, 1779. Discusses problems of rations and ordnance supplies. Describes American attack on Stony Point. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
41George Washington to Major General Horatio Gates, 29 July 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
West Point, July 29, 1779. Discusses probable destination of British troops sailing from England. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
42George Washington to Major General Horatio Gates, 11 August 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
West Point, August 11, 1779. Asks Gates to cooperate with Baron von Steuben. LS , in writing of H, New-York Historical Society, New York City.
43From Alexander Hamilton to Major General Horatio Gates, 4 September 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
[ West Point ] September 4, 1779 . Requests that Gates forward letter from Conrad Alexandre Gérard to Baron von Steuben. ALS , New-York Historical Society, New York City.
44George Washington to Major General Horatio Gates, 4 June 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Morristown [ New Jersey ] June 4, 1780 . Asks Gates “whether the situation of [his] private affairs will permit [him] to take the field this campaign or not.” Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
45George Washington to Major General Horatio Gates, 22 October 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Preakness [ New Jersey ] October 22, 1780 . Has been directed by Congress to order a court of inquiry into Gates’s conduct as “Commander of the Southern Army.” States that Major General Nathanael Greene has been instructed to take over Gates’s command during inquiry. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
46From Benjamin Franklin to Horatio Gates, 28 August 1776 (Franklin Papers)
Transcript: Harvard University Library The Congress being advised, that there was a probability that the Hessians might be induced to quit the British service by offers of land, &c., came to two resolves for this purpose, which, being translated into German and printed, are sent to Staten Island to be distributed, if practicable, among those people. Some of them have tobacco marks on the back,...
47From Benjamin Franklin to [Horatio Gates], 2 June 1779 (Franklin Papers)
LS : New-York Historical Society I received your obliging Letter by the Chevalier De Ramondis who appears extreamly sensible of the Civilities he received at Boston, and very desirous of being serviceable to the American Cause; his Wound is not yet right, as he tells me there is a part of the Bone still to be cut off. But he is otherwise well and chearful, and has a great Respect for you. The...
48From Benjamin Franklin to Horatio Gates, 5 March 1780 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress I embrace this Opportunity of the Marquis de La Fayette’s return to the Army, to Salute you, my dear old friend, and to present you with my best Wishes for your Health and prosperity. He will deliver you a Book lately published by General Burgoyn to explain and account for his misfortune. The perusal may amuse you to make the work compleat— Methinks he ought to have...
49From George Washington to Brigadier General Horatio Gates, 17 June 1775 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Brigadier General Horatio Gates, 17 June 1775. On 22 June Gates wrote to GW : “Last night I was Honourd by the receipt of your Obliging Letter of 17th Instant.”
50Orders and Instructions to Major General Horatio Gates, 24 June 1776 (Washington Papers)
The Honorable Continental Congress reposing the greatest Confidence in your Wisdom & Experience have directed me to appoint you to the very important Command of the Troops of the United Colonies in Canada: with a Power to appoint a Deputy Adjutant General, a Deputy Quarter Master General[,] a Deputy Muster Master General & such other Officers as you shall find necessary for the Good of the...