151From George Washington to Major General Horatio Gates, 14–16 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
I am favd with yours of the 7th. We are yet under as much uncertainty as ever respecting the evacuation of New York. My advices from Lord Stirling of the 11th say that another fleet of one hundred sail had collected at the watering place, and that they had some Hessians and troops of other kinds on board, but he does not mention the estimated number. He also adds that but few ships are left at...
152George 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.
153George 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.
154From 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...
155From George Washington to Major General Horatio Gates, 3 March 1777 (Washington Papers)
A Letter just come to hand from Congress contains a resolve in the Words following “That the President write to Genl Gates, and inform him, it is the earnest desire of Congress he should resume the Office of Adjutant General, and that his present Rank and pay shall be continued to him” to this resolve of Congress, Mr Hancock in his Letter, adds—“I have wrote to Genl Gates requesting him to...
156From George Washington to Major General Horatio Gates, 17 November 1779 (Washington Papers)
Your Letter of the 15th came to hand this morning. My answer to that of the 8th was somewhat delayed by reason of my absence on a tour to the advanced posts of the Army, which threw a good many Letters in my way on my return, but being dispatched on the 13th it must have reached You soon after the date of Yours of the 15th. All prospect of a cooperation with the French fleet having ceased, and...
157From George Washington to Major General Horatio Gates, 14 September 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have been favd with yours of the 5th and 6th instants. I sincerely hope, that the intelligence communicated in the latter may prove true. It is corroborated by two other arrivals at New London; and four sailors, who deserted a few nights ago from a Sloop of War in the North River, declare that advice had been received of the arrival of a French Fleet at the Hook; but having heard nothing of...
158From George Washington to Major General Horatio Gates, 23 December 1776 (Washington Papers)
I shall not object to yr going to Philadelphia on Acct of your Health, but wish it would have permitted you to have gone to Bristol rather, in order to have conducted matters there in cooperation with what I hinted to you as having in view here. I fear their may be some little uneasiness about Command there, as some of the Continental Colonels have gone down with the Brigade that Marchd last....
159From Thomas Jefferson to Horatio Gates, 15 October 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
I am rendered not a little anxious by the Paragraph of yours of the 7th. Inst: wherein you say ‘it is near a Month since I received any Letter from your Excellency; indeed the receipt of most that I have wrote to you remain unacknowledged.’ You ought within that time to have received my Letter of September 3d. written immediately on my return to this place after a fortnights Absence; That of...
160From George Washington to Major General Horatio Gates, 29 September 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have been favd with yours of the 9th and 17th instants. The former, inclosing Copy of a letter from Lt Edwards respecting the Commissary of prisoners department—A representation from Colo. Webbs Officers on the subject of their Commissions—and extract of a letter from Colo. Chase D.Q.M.G. at Boston. The latter, containing Copy of a letter from the Officers captured in the Sandwich packet. Mr...
161From George Washington to Major General Horatio Gates, 26 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have been favoured with your Letter of the 23d Inst. That the Enemy have a movement in view seems more than probable—but whether they mean to leave—or still to act on the Continent, is a point difficult to determine. If they move from New York and the latter is their plan, I think with you, that they will direct their force to the Eastward. The french squadron under Count D’Estaing, is an...
162From George Washington to Major General Horatio Gates, 28 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
Yours of the 23d from Philada and that of the 27th from Coryells Ferry both met me yesterday on the Road. If there are not very clear proofs of the Hessian Paymaster’s having endeavoured to establish an illicit correspondence, I think he had better be suffered to go back immediately, for two Reasons. One, that a person under the sanction of a Flag should not be detained upon any but the most...
163From James Madison to Horatio Gates, 11 December 1787 (Madison Papers)
Your favour of the 26 Ult: was duly handed to me by Majr. Drumgole. However important the object of his errand may have been, it has not been possible to take any step with regard to it. No authority equal to the business exists in the recess of Congress; and the Authority of Congress has been out of existence for some time, and if we are to judge from the present aspect of things, will...
164George 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.
165From George Washington to Major General Horatio Gates, 2 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
I am favd with yours of the 30th ulto. As there is the greatest probability that the whole Army will move to the Northward, I have desired Genl Knox to write to Colo. Lamb, to halt upon the East side of Hudsons River, at the most convenient place for forage for the Artillery Horses. I think he mentions Litchfeild. Inclosed you have a letter for Colo. Lamb, which please to forward ⅌ Express. I...
166From George Washington to Major General Horatio Gates, 14 July 1778 (Washington Papers)
I am just favord with your Letter of yesterday. The right wing and second line of the army marched this morning from hence and will be at Haverstraw tomorrow, where I also expect to be at the same time. I shall be glad to see you there without delay to confer on the several subjects of your letter, and on some other matters of importance. I wrote to you last night communicating the...
167From George Washington to Major General Horatio Gates, 17 August 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have recd your favr of the 11th instant. From the progress of General Lovells operations at Penobscot, I should have little doubt of his success, were it not for the Reinforcement said to have gone from New York (notice of which I transmitted the Council of Massachusetts) which I fear will arrive before General McLean can be brought to surrender. It will at least render the Work more...
168From George Washington to Major General Horatio Gates, 27 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
Two days since I received your favour of the 21st. Two General Orders of the 7th & 12th of Feby 1779. founded upon a resolve of Congress therein mentioned designate the rules which are to govern the reinlistments during the war. This order was transmitted at the time by the Adjutant General to his assistant at Providence, and he tells me he had heard of its being received—Indeed it is a...
169George 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.
170From George Washington to Major General Horatio Gates, 24 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
A fleet of about one hundred and sixty sail supposed to contain 7, or 8000 men having left the Hook the 19th and early the 20th; I Yesterday morning, put three Brigades, Nixons, Parsons and Huntingtons in March, under Major General McDougal to join you at Hartford. You will be pleased to open a correspondence with Generals Heath & Sullivan, in order to obtain from them instant information of...
171From Thomas Jefferson to Horatio Gates, 4 November 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Richmond, 4 Nov. 1780. This letter is almost identical with TJ’s letter to Samuel Huntington of 3 Nov. , q.v., except that it lacks postscript. RC ( DLC ); in a clerk’s hand, signed by TJ; endorsed (in part): “Recd 11 Novr. 80.”
172George 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.
173From George Washington to Major General Horatio Gates, 18 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
This morning about sun-rise the rear of the enemies army evacuated Philadelphia. To-day and to-morrow morning, our whole army will move towards the Delaware; and should the enemy march rapidly thro’ the Jersey, I shall proceed Northward as expeditiously as possible. My movements however will be influenced by theirs. In your quarter you will take the proper measures on this occasion; and let me...
174From George Washington to Horatio Gates, 6 February 1783 (Washington Papers)
I am favored with Your Letter of yesterday’s date, and being satisfied with the reasons you give, fully approve of your decision’s being carried into effect. I am with great regard Sir Your Most Obedt Servt NHi .
175George 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.
176From George Washington to Major General Horatio Gates, 24 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
This Army has not been able to oppose General Howe’s with the success that was wished, and needs a Reinforcement. I therefore request, if you have been so fortunate, as to Oblige General Burgoyne to retreat to Tyconderoga—or If you have not, and circumstances will admit, that you will Order Colo. Morgan to Join me again with his Corps. I sent him up, when I thought you materially wanted him,...
177From George Washington to Major General Horatio Gates, 11 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have been favoured with your Letter of this date. I am always willing to grant requests where I think the good of the service will admit of it, and I am particularly so, when the requests are urged by Others besides the party, in whose behalf they are made. However, in the present instance of your application, I cannot do it with any degree of propriety, as I conceive. Colo. Kosciusko has...
178From Thomas Jefferson to Horatio Gates, 19 November 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
The vessel which had been sent by Genl. Leslie, to Charles town as we supposed, returned about the 12th. inst. The enemy began to embark soon after from Portsmouth, and in the night of the 15th. compleated the embarkation of their whole force. In the morning of the 16th. some of our people entered Portsmouth. They had left their works unfinished and undestroyed. Great numbers of negroes who...
179From 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...
180From Benjamin Walker to Horatio Gates, 16 February 1783 (Washington Papers)
His Excellency wishes you to take the opinion of the board of General Officers on the following question A General Court Martial sentences an Officer to be suspended for a given time. Q. in what manner does the suspension Operate? Is the Officer suspended not only from Command but from Pay and the other Emoluments of service? and if so Is he totally Detached from Service during the suspension?...
181From George Washington to Major General Horatio Gates, 6 March 1779 (Washington Papers)
By the inclosed copy of a resolution of the 25 of feby last, you will perceive it is the desire of Congress that some offensive expedition should be carried on against the Indians, the ensuing campaign. With an eye to a measure of this kind, I have some time since directed preparations to be made at such places as appeared to me most proper for the purpose; to be completed by the 1st day of...
182From George Washington to Major General Horatio Gates, 21 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
I am duly favored with your letter of the 7th. Immediately on the receipt of it, I forwarded the inclosed packet to Congress and seconded your application. I have since learnt though not from authority that a supply of money must have reached you ere this. I am equally concerned and alarmed at the dangerous spirit which has appeared in the troops under your command from the unfortunate causes...
183From George Washington to Major General Horatio Gates, 27 April 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have lately been informed by a Gentleman, actuated solely by a regard to the public good, and by an apprehension that we might fall short in the indispensible article of musket Cartridges particularly, that there are not, in his opinion, a sufficient number of Workmen kept employed, in the Elaboratories of Carlisle and Lebanon, to answer the exigencies of the Campaign. As the hint was thrown...
184From George Washington to Horatio Gates, 18 March 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have received your favor of the 20th of February, by which, I am surprised to find that my letter of the 1st of November from York in Virginia, in answer to yours of the 22d of May and 7th of October last, had never reached you. I take the liberty of inclosing a Copy of it. You will perceive by a Resolve of Congress of the 19th of December last, of which I inclose you a Copy, that after the...
185From George Washington to Major General Horatio Gates, 9 July 1778 (Washington Papers)
I yesterday met yours of the 6th on the march to this place, at which, the front division of the Army arrived in the morning. They halt this day and will march again at one OClock tomorrow Morning. The other divisions follow at a days distance. I am glad to hear that every thing will be ready at Kings ferry to transport the Army and hope that measures will be taken to keep the passage open...
186From George Washington to Major General Horatio Gates, 18 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
I imagine General Poors Brigade is by this time in motion agreeable to the determination of the Council on Friday. I desire that the next Brigade in course may follow, with directions to the commanding Officers to proceed by very slow marches to Harford, where they are to halt for further orders. Be pleased to impress upon the Officers the necessity of keeping up the strictest discipline upon...
187From George Washington to Major General Horatio Gates, 14 December 1776 (Washington Papers)
Before this comes to hand, you will have heard of the melancholy situation of our Affairs. I do not mean at this time to detail our misfortunes. With a handfull of men, compared to the Enemys Force, we have been pushed through the Jerseys without being able to make the smallest opposition & to pass the Delaware. Genl Howe is now on the other side, and beyond all question, means if possible to...
188From George Washington to Major General Horatio Gates, 20 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
I think it necessary to inform you by the return of the express who brought your packet for Congress, that I am now with the main body of the army within ten miles of Coryells ferry. General Lee is advanced with six brigades, and will cross to-night, or early to-morrow morning—By the last intelligence the enemy were near Mount-Holly, and moving on very slowly—but as there are so many roads...
189George 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.
190From George Washington to Major General Horatio Gates, 20 July 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have been favoured with your two Letters of to day, (one inclosing a return) for which I thank you. I am now about Six miles from where the Court House at the plains was, & shall set out immediately for Reuben Rights, which will be my Quarters for the present. I am Sir Yr Most Obedt servt LS , in the writing of Robert Hanson Harrison, NHi : Gates Papers. The letter enclosing a return has not...
191From George Washington to Major General Horatio Gates, 1 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have to acknowledge the due receipt of your two favors both of the 12th instant, and their several inclosures. The paragraph in your letter relative to money for paying off the Troops I have transmitted to Congress. I herewith send you a resolution of Congress of the 14th on the case of Major Harnage and Capt. Hawker of the Convention Troops with which you will be pleased to make him...
192From George Washington to Major General Horatio Gates, 20 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
Since I wrote to you last I have recd accounts from New York which I think may be depended upon that the greatest part if not the whole of that Garrison are upon the point of embarking. A considerable number had embarked. Upwards of one hundred sail of square rigged Vessels besides a great number of Sloops and schooners fell down to the Hook on the 16th and 17th. Under these circumstances I...
193George 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.
194From 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...
195Orders 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...
196From George Washington to Major General Horatio Gates, 29 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
The Bearer Monsr Portail is appointed by Congress Colonel of Engineers, and is recommended as a Man of Abilities in his profession. As there is no occasion for him here at present, I have desired him and the Gentleman who accompanies him, who is also of the Corps of Engineers, to return to Philada. They may assist you and Genl Mifflin in viewing the Grounds upon the West Side of Delaware and...
197From Thomas Jefferson to Horatio Gates, 15 August 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of Aug. 3. is just now put into my hands. Those formerly received have been duly answered and will no doubt have reached you before this date. My last letter to you was by Colo. Drayton. I spoke fully with you on the difficulty of procuring waggons here when I had the pleasure of seeing you, and for that reason pressed the sending back as many as possible. One brigade of twelve has...
198George 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.
199From 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...
200From George Washington to Major General Horatio Gates, 22 July 1780 (Washington Papers)
Since I wrote You on the 18th I have received a Letter from Genl Muhlenberg of the 11th transmitting me a List of the Officers mentioned below, belonging to Colo. Gist’s Regiment, who were omitted in the Return he sent me before —and in consequence were not included in the Arrangement intended to take place for the present with respect to the Virginia Drafts, which I inclosed You. These...