4501From George Washington to John Jay, 29 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
In mine of the 24th I had the honor to inform Congress that a considerable embarkation of the enemy had taken place on the 21st— This intelligence I received through Major Lee, a channel in most cases, good; but from all my subsequent inquiries I have reason to believe he was mistaken in this instance. The movement among their Shipping going down the river to New York, and some stir among the...
4502From George Washington to Brigadier General David Forman, 19 October 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have yours of the 17th and am sorry to hear, that the information you have recd of the intent of the Enemy, to destroy the Salt works upon the Sea Coast of Monmouth County, will divert you from coming to the reinforcement of this Army; but these works are so truly valuable to the public, that they are certainly worth your attention. If you should have any force to spare, after protecting the...
4503From George Washington to Major General Joseph Spencer, 22 December 1776 (Washington Papers)
When I wrote to you on the 14th Instant, I had little doubt of receiving considerable support from the Militia of this State, and was taught to believe that a large part of the old Troops (coming on with General Lee) had reinlisted—In the first, I have every reason in the world to fear a disappointment—In the latter, I find myself woefully deceiv’d—It is easier therefore to conceive, than...
4504From George Washington to Edmund Randolph, 9 April 1787 (Washington Papers)
In reply to your favor of the 2d I have to request that you will not be at the trouble of forwarding any money to me from the treasury. If I should attend the Service, it will suit me as well to receive it from you in Philadelphia as at this place. If I should not, I have no business with it at all. It gives me pleasure to find by your letter that there will be so full a representation from...
4505From George Washington to Robert Lewis, 6 January 1793 (Washington Papers)
Enclosed are copies of letters written to you agreeably to their dates. They are sent on the possibility that the originals may have miscarried, although the probability, I hope is much against it. In a late letter to Mr Whiting, at Mount Vernon, I have directed him not to sell the Stud horse, but to deliver him to your order. The sooner you send for him the better. Your Aunt unites with me in...
4506From George Washington to Colonel Joseph Cilley, Jr., 9 March 1780 (Washington Papers)
A General Court Martial is to be held at Springfeild on the 15th April next for the trial of Mr Isaac Tichenor Dy Commy of purchases at Coos on sundry Charges exhibited against him by Colonel Hazen, and for the trial of Jacob Bailey Esqr. Dy Qr Mr Genl at Coos on a charge of neglect of duty exhibited against him by Mr Tichenor. After going thro’ the before mentioned trials, part of the Members...
4507From George Washington to John Rutledge, 15 March 1779 (Washington Papers)
Lt Col. Laurens who will have the honor of delivering you this, has served two campaigns in my family in quality of aide De Camp. The whole tenor of his conduct has been such as to intitle him to my particular friendship and to give me a high opinion of his talents and merit. In the field, he has given very distinguishing proofs of his bravery upon several interesting occasions. His military...
4508From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 14 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
As I am just setting out for West point where I may remain for two or three days, You will take the command of the Troops in this Camp till my return. I have published this in orders and you will receive from the Adjutant General the disposition I have made for opposing the Enemy in case they should move against the post at west point. All I have to request at present is, that you will have a...
4509From George Washington to the United States Senate, 19 January 1791 (Washington Papers)
I lay before you a representation of the Chargé des Affaires of France, made by order of his Court, on the Acts of Congress of the 20th of July 1789, and 1790 imposing an extra tonnage on foreign Vessels, not excepting those of that Country; together with the Report of the Secretary of State thereon: and I recommend the same to your consideration, that I may be enabled to give to it such...
4510From George Washington to Alexander Spotswood, 30 March 1798 (Washington Papers)
Your letter of the 23d instant only got to hand last night—and whether this reply to it may reach you in time, is questionable. Your suggestion I have adopted; and you will perceive by the enclosed letter to Colo. Marshall, left open for your perusal—sealing—and forwarding, that I have authorised that Gentleman in case Mr Short should make the purchase from Mr Hite, to draw upon me at Sixty...
4511From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 21 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
The Chevalier Mauduit Du Plessis will have the honor of delivering you this letter. In expectation that the war is at a conclusion in this Country and that another is kindling in Europe; he has determined to return to France to offer his service to his own Country. He waits upon Congress to obtain their concurrence for this purpose: I have given him a handsome certificate of his conduct in our...
4512From George Washington to Major Thomas Forrest, 11 March 1778 (Washington Papers)
I am favd with yours of the 9th: I cannot conceive how you can think yourself injured by the promotion of Major Popkin to the Lieutenant Colonelcy of Colo. Cranes Battalion of Artillery, if it is so, for I am not yet informed that such promotion has taken place. Each Regiment of Artillery is as distinct as the Regiments of foot belonging to different States are from each other, and therefore...
4513From George Washington to Daniel Jenifer, Jr., 15 July 1798 (Washington Papers)
Your favour of the 6th, enclosing notes for two hogsheads of Tobo paid you by Mr Dunnington on a/c of Rent due me, has been received; and a receipt given to him for the same. For your continued trouble in this business, I thank you; and although I am in real want of the amount of the Bond he gave, payable last January; yet, if he will exert himself to discharge it in the course of the year I...
4514From George Washington to Brigadier General Enoch Poor, 5 February 1780 (Washington Papers)
I am favd with yours of the 29th ulto by Capt. Leigh. Our military Chest being at this time intirely exhausted, it is not in my power to send you recruiting Money by him, but I have given him a letter to Genl Heath, who I hope will be able to spare some from the Chest at the Highlands. I should have been glad had the state of your domestic Concerns permitted you to remain with your Brigade...
4515From George Washington to William Greene, 29 June 1780 (Washington Papers)
I was yesterday honored with your Excellency’s favor of the 25th inclosing a recommendation of the Council of War, to General Heath, to order Colo. Greenes Regiment to march immediately to join the Army, leaving as many Officers as possible, to bring forward the Drafts directed to be raised for compleating the Battalions of the State—Colo. Greene’s Regiment being too small to afford any...
4516From George Washington to Jonathan Loring Austin, 23 August 1786 (Washington Papers)
I have received your Oration of the 4th of July, which you did me the honor to send me; & am much obliged to you for so polite a mark of attention. I have perused it with a great deal of pleasure, & hope that the anniversary of that day will ever be commemorated in this Country as the era from which we may date our happiness & importance. I am Sir, &c. LB , DLC:GW . The Oration Delivered July...
4517From George Washington to John Marshall, 5 April 1789 (Washington Papers)
I have duly received your letter of the 26 Ulto and am sorry to inform you that it is not in my power to furnish the proof which you require of Mr Armsteads executors having had regular notice of the protest. The only person (Colo. Fielding Lewis) who could have been adduced to prove that fact, is dead. Upon my going to Congress in 1774 I left that among other debts, with him to collect for...
4518From George Washington to Bushrod Washington, 24 July 1797 (Washington Papers)
We shall be very glad to see you & Mrs Washington here on thursday next, and my Chariot shall meet you at Colchester at 3 Oclock on that day. By your Fixing on that hour for its being there, I presume you did not intend to be here at dinner (it being the hour at which we dine) of course shall niether expect or wait for you. Mrs Washington joins me in best regards for you & Mrs Washington &...
4519From George Washington to Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de Rochambeau, 4 August 1782 (Washington Papers)
I ask you ten thousand pardons for breaking the Seal of the Inclosed Letter, to your Address. It was put into my hands with other dispatches, and was opened before I discovered the mistake—It happened too, in the moment I was expecting Letters from Sir Guy Carleton. I have the honor to be with Sentiments of the most perfect esteem & regard Yr Excellys Most Obt Servt P.S. The Enemy were about...
4520From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 2 January 1778 (Washington Papers)
Captain Hopkins of Colonel Moylans Light Dragoons goes to Boston to procure Cloathing & accoutrements for the Regiment against the ensuing Campaign. As the prices of many articles have risen from there being too great a number of Bidders, I have directed the Captain, if there are any Persons Purchasing for the Continent not to interfere with them, but, to apply to them for such articles as he...
4521From George Washington to Elias Dayton, 25 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have rec’d your’s of the 23d, you must consider your present post of importance and the nearer you are to the point to be defended the greater will be its security it would therefore be more proper should the ground be eligable to pitch your Camp as near as possible to the Block than to occupy a position one or two miles either to the right or left. The sending your horses to pasture even at...
4522From George Washington to Richard Peters, 16 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
I am this Moment favor’d with yours of 10th Inst.—As I am an utter stranger to any want of Arms in Colo. Armand’s Corps, I am pleas’d that you have fallen upon so judicious a Mode of supplying him, should it appear upon inquiry that he wants so many, which at present I can scarcely believe; however after proper Examination the necessary Steps shall be taken respecting it—should Arms be granted...
4523From George Washington to William Stephens Smith, 14 May 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have received your favor of the 22nd of April. Having been informed that Colonel Vose wished to return to the Northward, Colonel Tupper was ordered to relieve him previous to the receipt of Your Letter—Nothwithstanding the Marquis had suggested that your being appointed to that Command would be exceedingly agreeable to the Regt. I did not think it could possibly be done, without involving...
4524From George Washington to the Continental Congress Intelligence Committee, 3 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have the Honor of yours of Yesterday with a Number of Hand Bills giving an account of our successes to the Northward. They shall be distributed among the Soldiery, and I doubt not but they will answer the good End which is intended by them. Every peice of favorable News circulated in this manner thro’ the Camp will certainly inspirit the Troops. I refer you to my letter to Congress for the...
4525To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 24 August 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
The President sends to the Secretary of State two letters which he has received from Baltimore, written by persons from St. Domingo. The President has no knowledge of the writer of the letter in English; but he wishes the Secretary of State to consider it, and if he thinks the circumstances therein mentioned deserve attention, the Secretary will communicate to the President such answer thereto...
4526From George Washington to Lieutenant Colonel Francis Barber, 14 July 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have received your favour of yesterday, and am obliged to you for the intelligence, it contains. I beg you will continue your endeavours to procure every information, you can, concerning the enemy’s situation and designs, as well with respect to their naval as to their land force, which, at this time, is peculiarly important. For this purpose, I send you a number of questions, which you will...
4527From George Washington to Benjamin Franklin, 18 August 1776 (Washington Papers)
I have been honourd with your favour of the 16th, and the several Inclosures contained therein, which are now return’d with my thanks for the oppertunity of perusing them —I also Inclose you a Letter from Lord Howe, sent out (with others) by a Flag in the Afternoon of yesterday. with it comes a Letter for Lieutt Barrington, who if not among those who broke their Parole, & went of for Canada,...
4528From George Washington to Richard Washington, 20 September 1759 (Washington Papers)
Inclosd you will receive a Bill (promisd in my last of the 7th May) which please to receive and place to my Credit —Since mine of the above date your agreable favour of the 26th March covering Invoice of Sundries pr the desire is come to hand as has the Goods also in good Order which is more than most of the Importers by that Ship can boast great part of her Cargoe being damagd—thrô the...
4529From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 22 January 1778 (Washington Papers)
An officer of Genl Glovers Brigade arrived here yesterday and informs me that he left twelve Waggons load of Cloathing at that place, which he had under his Charge from Boston with directions to bring it on to this Army. He alledges in excuse for leaving it, that the Waggons would not come any further, but it does not appear that he took any pains to procure others. The Army being in the...
4530From George Washington to Colonel Israel Shreve, 16 January 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have recd your favr of the 14th I am in hopes you will execute the whole of your Business without being under the necessity of making a collection by military force. You may make up any deficiency in Flour by Indian Corn or Meal. I am Sir Your most obt Servt LS , in Tench Tilghman’s writing, TxHU . GW signed the cover. The letter is addressed to Shreve in Burlington County, New Jersey.
4531From George Washington to the Pennsylvania Supreme Executive Council, 20 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
A few days since I was honored with your favour of the 8th instant. It is my constant endeavour to cultivate the confidence of the governments of the several states by an equal and uniform attention to their respective interests, so far as falls within the line of my duty and the compass of the means with which I am intrusted. With a consciousness of this, it is natural that my sensibility...
4532From George Washington to Lieutenant Colonel Samuel Smith, 23 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
You will proceed with the detachment under your command to Dunks’s ferry on Delaware, if you find in your progress the way clear & safe. When arrived there, you will take the safest & most expeditious method of conducting the detachment to fort Mifflin; by water would be easiest & least fatiguing to your men; and if practicable & safe, will certainly be most eligible: otherwise you will cross...
4533From George Washington to Brigadier General Nathaniel Heard, 12 June 1780 (Washington Papers)
As there is a large number of horses and Cattle in the vicinity of the enemy which they will no doubt convert to their own benefit—and without making compensation to the owners, the good of the service and a regard to the individuals to whom they belong require that they should be immediately removed. The rules of war justify this precaution and good policy forbids us to leave so valuable a...
4534From George Washington to Robert Morris, 12 September 1776 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with your favr of the 7th Inst. upon the Subject of Tents for this Army. That you might receive proper Information of the Number wanted, I directed the Quarter Master General to return you an Estimate, whose Office it is to provide them. His Report you will find in the inclosed Letter which I beg leave to refer you, and requesting that the greatest Dispatch may be used in...
4535From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 18 October 1792 (Washington Papers)
(Private) My dear Sir Phila. Octobr 18th 1792. I did not require the evidence of the extracts which you enclosed me, to convince me of your attachment to the Constitution of the United States, or of your disposition to promote the general Welfare of this Country. But I regret—deeply regret—the difference in opinions which have arisen, and divided you and another principal Officer of the...
4536From George Washington to Stockbridge Indians, 2 September 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have received your letter by your Captain with your kind Tenders of a Months Service if needed—In Answer I inform you that the Circumstances of the Campaign are such, that at present I have no Ocassion for your Aid—but should Genl Heath find Need of your Assistance, I will be glad you will do him the like Service as you have offered to me, if he shall write to you for that Purpose. In Answer...
4537From George Washington to the Board of War, 6 February 1780 (Washington Papers)
In a letter which I wrote to Congress a few days ago, I took the liberty to recommend uniting the remains of the late Count Pulaski’s legion—Colo. Armands Corps—and a small troop of Horse under the command of Capt. Bedkin. The whole to be under the command of Colo. Armand. Should Congress determine upon the measure—Colo. Armand wishes the Resolve, for the incorporation of the Corps, should be...
4538From George Washington to John Penn, 22 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have received Your favor of the 12th Instant. I was exceedingly sorry for Major Taylor’s resignation—and used my interest to dissuade him from it, as I deemed him a valuable Officer—capable of rendering his Count⟨ry⟩ good Service. But The Major having resigned, I do not see how he can be reintroduced, more especially after so long an absence. Attempts of this sort when they have succeeded,...
4539From George Washington to Lord Stirling, 20 January 1775 (Washington Papers)
Your Lordships favour of the 31st of October never came to my hands till a few days ago & then unaccompanied with any Printed Lists of the fortunate Prizes as mentiond in yr Letter. some time ago I came across one of these Lists in a Gentns possession by wch I found that out of the Six Tickets wch I kept on my own Acct two of them were fortunate—viz. One of £200—No. 58 in the division of...
4540From George Washington to John Mathews, 22 May 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have been hond with your Excelly two Favors of the 15th of March & 11th of April. I am happy to Observe the good Disposition of the State over which you preside—their Exertions seem to me in proportion to the Distresses in which they have been involved—The Act for Recruitg your Line I hope may be attended with happy Consequences. Our Affairs at this moment are placed in a most critical...
4541From George Washington to Major General Joseph Spencer, 21 April 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have yours of the 14th Instant. When I wrote to Genl Varnum expressing my surprise that my Orders for innoculation had not been sooner carried into execution, I was not acquainted with the Circumstances that necessarily retarded it. I do not apprehend that there is any immediate danger from the Enemy at Newport, their sending away their Vessels is a plain indication that they mean either to...
4542From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 11 December 1785 (Washington Papers)
I have been favoured with your letter of the 25th of November by Major Farlie. Sincerely do I wish that the several State Societies had, or would; adopt the alterations that were recommended by the General meeting in May 1784. I then thought, and have had no cause since to change my opinion, that if the Society of the Cincinnati mean to live in peace with the rest of their fellow Citizens,...
4543From George Washington to Robert Morris, 2 February 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with yours of the 26th ulto preparing a plan of providing the Officers with Cloathing—I approve of it generally, and think it will have a happy effect. I will only beg leave to make this remark, that the amount of two Months pay of subalterns will be scarcely sufficient to enable them to purchase a sufficiency of the Articles necessary for the genteel equipment of an...
4544To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 1 January 1794 (Jefferson Papers)
I yesterday received with sincere regret your resignation of the office of Secretary of State. Since it has been impossible to prevail upon you, to forego any longer the indulgence of your desire for private life; the event, however anxious I am to avert it, must be submitted to. But I cannot suffer you to leave your Station, without assuring you, that the opinion, which I had formed, of your...
4545From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 1 May 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with your Excellency’s favors of the 20th and 23d ulto. I shall take as early measures as circumstances will admit for having an enquiry into the conduct of Colo. Brodhead and the Deputy Quarter Master at Fort pitt. Mr Fowlers Charges are so very diffuse, that I shall be obliged to call upon him to specify them more particularly, and I apprehend there will then be a...
4546From George Washington to Major Henry Lee, Jr., 25 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have your favr of the 21st: No occurrence has happened since I wrote to you last, except the evacuation of Stoney and Verplanks Points, which took place on the 22d. I have not heard from Rhode Island since the 15th when Genl Gates wrote me that the enemy were seemingly making every preparation for evacuating that place also —Should Count D’Estaing reach the Hook without touching at the...
4547From George Washington to Colonel Oliver Spencer, 29 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
I am informed by Colonel Malcom in a letter of the 25th in[s]tant of your arrival and that you were to take the command of the new corps. He has declined the service. It appears from his letter that the officers and men are dissatisfied in their present situation—the latter in particular have expressed a desire to be distributed among the regiments belonging to the States where they have been...
4548From George Washington to John Marshall, 5 May 1799 (Washington Papers)
With infinite pleasure I receiv’d the news of your Election. For the honor of the District, I wish the Majority had been greater; but let us be content; and hope, as the tide is turning, the current will soon run strong ⟨in our⟩ favor. I am sorry to find that the publication you allude to, should have given you a moments disquietud⟨e⟩. I can assure you, it made no impression on my mind, of the...
4549From George Washington to a Board of General Officers, 11 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
The Book you will herewith receive contains the Journals and proceedings of Congress for the year 1776. Among these—and agreable to the pages marked below, you will find all the Resolutions that I am possessed of, respecting the Regiments and Officers of Artillery now in Camp—and also the establishment of the Army for 1777. I have the Honor to be with great respect and esteem Genn Yr Most...
4550From George Washington to Philemon Dickinson, 15 May 1781 (Washington Papers)
You may be assured that nothing would give me greater pleasure than to interest myself in a matter which concerned you or your friend, could I do it with propriety, but, unfortunately, the request which you make cannot, from the present circumstances of Affairs, be complied with by me. As I have never had the least correspondence with Don Galvez or any of the spanish Commanders, except a...