4651From George Washington to Colonel Arthur Erwin, 9 December 1776 (Washington Papers)
I expected upon my Arrival here to have found the Militia of Bucks County ready to have joined me, and to have kept the Enemy from setting a Foot in the province of Pennsylvania, but to my great Surprize not a Man has turned out, tho so glorious an Example has been shewn them by the Citizens of Philadelphia. I was altogether at a Loss to account for so extraordinary a Conduct, but Colo. Hart...
4652From George Washington to Clement Biddle, 30 January 1786 (Washington Papers)
I embrace the good & safe oppertunity afforded me by Colo. Grayson to send you Ten half Johan[ne]s—the application of which shall be the subject of a Letter by the Post, when I have more leizure to write—not being able to mention the purposes for which they are intended at this time —With much truth I am Dr Sir Yr Obedt Hble Servt ALS , PHi : Washington-Biddle Correspondence. The letter was...
4653From George Washington to Major General Arthur St. Clair, 3 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
I received your favor of yesterday at 10 OClock last night and have written to Genl Knox to supply the Ammunition &c. which you want. As the Enemy notwithstanding their demonstrations of an Attack upon the Highland posts, may have it in contemplation to strike this Army (comprehending your division) in its divided & separted state, It will be expedient for you to act with the greatest...
4654From George Washington to John Hancock, 21 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
I am this moment honored with yours of this morning containing several peices of intelligence of the Fleet’s having been seen off the Capes of Virginia on the 15th instant. I shall in Consequence of this information halt upon my present ground till I hear something further. Colo. Pinkney of South Carolina paid me a Visit two days ago, he informed me that the Military Stores in Charles Town and...
4655From George Washington to Charles Pettit, 7 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
I imagine you must stand in need of assistance in your Office at this time, by reason of Genl Greens absence, and Mr Ternant and Maj: Forsyth’s having left the department. I therefore think it adviseable and expedient that Colo. Hay should be immediately called down from the Highlands, more especially as it is probable that the Army may be under the necessity of changing its present position...
4656From George Washington to Brigadier General Alexander McDougall, 1 January 1777 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Brigadier General Alexander McDougall, 1 Jan. 1777. The Paul C. Richards catalog no. 19, item 455, 1968, quoted the following from the LS : “I have the pleasure to inform you that your sons parole has been sent out to me, amongst others, who are exchanged for officers I have sent in to General Howe. General Maxwell has the proper orders for encouraging the Militia, to come...
4657From George Washington to Meshech Weare, 2 August 1781 (Washington Papers)
I regret being obliged to inform you that I find myself at this late period very little stronger than I was when the Army first moved out of their Quarters. Of the Militia which were required of the State of New Hampshire & which were to have joined me by the 15th of last Month, none have come in, and of the Levies for the Continental Battalions only thirteen in the course of the last Month....
4658From George Washington to the Continental Navy Board, 1 March 1778 (Washington Papers)
I am informed that a number of the continental flat Boats still remain at Bordentown. I wrote to Commodore Hazelwood to have them removed higher up the River, but why he has not done it I do not know. I am very apprehensive that the Enemy will one day or other make an excursion and destroy our Vessels Boats and Stores at that place. To prevent as much of this as possible I shall esteem it as a...
4659From George Washington to Colonel Walter Stewart, 11 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
Mr Harrison has presented me with Your Letter to him of yesterday in favor of Mr Murran. The power of appointing Regimental Officers is with the respective States. If it were in me, from your character of the Gentleman, I should not refuse him the Ensigncy which you request. Your application to the State of pensylvania may p[r]obably procure it. I am Dr sir with great regard & esteem Yr Most...
4660From George Washington to Colonel Daniel Morgan, 23 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
While you are lying at Hackinsack you may be subject to a surprize by a party of the Enemy from Fort Washington except you keep your Guard advanced to Hackinsack Ferry and the Bridge above. Patrolling Parties may safely lay by day at Fort Lee, from whence they may observe what is doing at Fort Washington, or down the River toward New York. When you move it will probably be at a very short...
4661From George Washington to Major General Thomas Mifflin, 28 May 1777 (Washington Papers)
From your Letter of the 13th, and my answer of the 15th I expected, you would have been in Camp ’ere now; If you are not detained on Business, that is materially interesting and of consequence, I wish you to join me immediately. I this day move to Bound Brook, from whence I came yesterday morning. I am Dear Sir, Your most Obedt Servt Varick transcript , DLC:GW . The unfound receiver’s copy of...
4662From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 22 July 1778 (Washington Papers)
When I had the pleasure of writing to you on the 17th Inst.—I mentioned the probability of an enterprize being meditated against Rhode Island, as the next capital object, in case the shallow entrance at Sandy Hook, should frustrate admiral d’Estaings first design of an attack, upon the Enemys Fleet, in new York Harbour, The most experienced Pilots have been employed in sounding, and after the...
4663From George Washington to Edmund Randolph, 26 August 1792 (Washington Papers)
(Private) My dear Sir, Mount Vernon Augt 26th 1792 The purpose of this letter is merely to acknowledge the receipt of your favors of the 5th & 13th instt, and to thank you for the information contained in both without entering into the details of either. With respect, however, to the interesting subject treated on in that of the 5th, I can express but one sentiment at this time, and that is a...
4664From George Washington to Robert Morris, 3 March 1784 (Washington Papers)
Enclosed is your Warrant on Mr Hilligas, endorsed—I thank you for the trouble you have taken to negotiate the matter with Govr Clinton, & have the honor to be with all possible regard, Dr Sir Your Most obedt & affecte Servant LB , DLC:GW . See GW to Morris, 4 Jan., n.1 , George Clinton to GW, 27 Feb. , and James Milligan to GW, 9 Mar., n.3 . Michael Hillegas (1729–1804) was United States...
4665From George Washington to Hepburn & Dundas, 23 November 1799 (Washington Papers)
Your letter of the 19th was recd yesterday. If my attendance at Mr Heiskill’s in Alexandria on the 26th could render you any real Service, I would do it with pleasure. But all that I could relate would be hearsay whilst means exist, to obtain (I presume) positive proofs of the facts you wish to establish. With respect to the division of the tract, of (what you call) 51,302 acres, I am as...
4666From George Washington to Major General Philip Schuyler, 7 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
Your Favor of the 1st Instant I received last Night—Those of the 26h & 28th Ultimo came safe to Hand and in due Order. As Congress have advised you of their Inclination that you should come to Head Quarters, and as it is probable you will be on your Way when this reaches you I presume it unnecessary for me to enlarge upon the Subject of your several Letters or to add more at this Time than...
4667From George Washington to John Adams, 3 March 1795 (Washington Papers)
Certain matters touching the public good, requiring that the Senate shall be convened on Monday the 8th of June next; you are desired to attend at the Senate Chamber in Philadelphia on that day, then and there to receive and deliberate on such communications as shall be made to you on my part. LS , MHi: Adams Papers ; LS (duplicate), owned (1995) by Joseph Maddelana of Beverly Hills, Calif.;...
4668From George Washington to Brigadier General Duportail, 24 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
The estimate you delivered me some time since of the Cannon wanted for the works of West Point, having been, by some accident mislaid, I am to request you will deliver a copy of it to the President of Congress—which you will be pleased to do as speedily as possible. I am With great consideration and esteem—Sir Your most Obed. servant. Df , in Alexander Hamilton’s writing, DLC:GW ; Varick...
4669From George Washington to Major General Benedict Arnold, 19 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
You are immediately to proceed to Philadelphia and take the command of the troops there. The principal objects of your command you will send specified in the inclosed resolve of Congress of the 4th instant; which you will carefully execute. You will take every prudent step in your power, to preserve tranquillity and order in the city, and give security to individuals of every class and...
4670From George Washington to Arthur Donaldson, 16 October 1785 (Washington Papers)
Your letter of the first inst. did not reach my hands until last night, or I would have replied to it sooner. I am much obliged to you for the Model of your Hippopotamus, and the information which accompanied it,—I have a high expectation of its answering very valuable purposes, if the mud, in the beds of our Rivers, is of that fertilizing nature which the appearance indicate; of which I mean...
4671From George Washington to Thomas Sim Lee, 8 January 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have lately been informed, that a number of Soldiers, Belonging to the Army which had served in Virginia, were, on their return from thence, left sick in Annapolis, and that they are now in a very distressed situation for the want of Cloathing, and other necessaries—I shall direct the Clothier to send such Articles as are most necessary, as soon as may be; and in the mean time will pray your...
4672From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 24 December 1779 (Washington Papers)
I do myself the honor of transmitting the Copy of a letter which I received late last evening from General Wayne, from which it appears, that the fleet has sailed from New York. The moment I receive any further particulars of their destination, or the number of Troops on board, I shall forward them. Your Excellency will also find inclosed the Copy of a second letter from Mr Champion to Colo....
4673From George Washington to James McHenry, 11 January 1797 (Washington Papers)
I shall have occasion to write to Mr Lear by tomorrow’s Post, and would thank you to let me know (in a summary way) what money he has drawn on acct of the Arsenal on the Potomack; and what report he has made to the War Office of his proceedings in that business, for I shall take an occasion (as from myself) to ask him what has been done therein. Yours always ALS (photostat), DLC : James...
4674From George Washington to Captain Thomas Cartwright, 21 February 1778 (Washington Papers)
I was favoured last night with your Letter of the 14th Instant and with its inclosure. As no person under our present Military system can appoint a General Court Martial but the Commander in Chief or Commanding General in a particular state, I cannot determine on the proceedings transmitted. Those sent by major General, the Marquiss de la Fayette, he omitted to deliver. I have written to Colo....
4675From George Washington to James Wood, 12 June 1784 (Washington Papers)
In answer to your favor of the 5th, I have to inform you that I can find nothing in my letter or orderly books confirmatory or disapproving the arrangments which have been made of the Virginia line of the army in the year 1782—the presumption therefore is, if they ever came to hand, that they either obtained a silent acquiescence, or that I did not care to intermeddle in them at all, as part...
4676From George Washington to James McHenry, 21 October 1798 (Washington Papers)
Enclosed is a copy of the Presidents letter to me, which I request may be, with this letter, burnt as soon as they are read, & no more said respecting the contents than might be proper for him to hear repeated again; Otherwise, a knowledge that the contents of my letters to, and from him, are in possession of others, may induce him to believe, in good earnest, that intriegues are carrying on,...
4677From George Washington to Henry Lee and William Fairfax, 21 April 1756 (Washington Papers)
I have just now received several Expresses who bring the most shocking accounts of the distressed condition, not only of the few poor families that yet remain back of this place; but of the Rangers that Garrison the small Forts: as nothing but a large and speedy reinforcement can save them from utter destruction! I must desire that you will not lose one moment in drawing together all the men...
4678From George Washington to Brigadier General Jedediah Huntington, 14 December 1778 (Washington Papers)
Your favor of the 2d Inst. meet me on the road to this place. I shall give directions to-day to the Adjutant General that the men of your Brigade who are on particular guards on this side the North River, be ordered to their respective Regiments. I am Sir & Df , in James McHenry’s writing, DLC:GW ; Varick transcript , DLC:GW . This letter has not been found.
4679From George Washington to Major General Robert Howe, 15 January 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have just received your favor of this day, and am pleased with the good disposition of the Troops, which indeed is no more than I expected. By intelligence this Moment received from Genl Wayne, it is not probable the Detachment will March, tho I would still have it held in readiness. The Pennsylvanians, have arrived at Trenton, and Delivered up the Spies, who were to be executed on the 11th...
4680From George Washington to Thomas Wharton, Jr., 22 February 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have recd a Letter from Monsr Rouville, in behalf of himself and other French Officers taken at St Johns, desiring that they may be sent to New York for Exchange. As the Rank of these Gentlemen is acknowledged by Genl Howe, they will procure the release of as many of our Officers of equal Rank, as are in the hands of the Enemy. I therefore desire, you will be pleased to order them all to be...
4681From George Washington to Lachlan McIntosh, 20 May 1788 (Washington Papers)
This letter will be presented to you by Mr Stevens, and is introductory of him; He has been an Officer in the Virginia line of the Army during the War, and as far as hath come to my knowledge behaved with zeal and propriety in the Service of his Country. Business carrying him to the State of Georgia, I could not refuse him this recommendation, & myself the pleasure of assuring you that I am Yr...
4682From George Washington to Elias Boudinot, 27 February 1779 (Washington Papers)
I had not the pleasure of receiving your polite & friendly letter of the 4th of Jany till within these few days, & of course had no oppertunity of acknowleging it sooner. I find myself extremely flattered by the strain of sentiment in your Sisters composition—But request it as a favor of you to present my best respects to her, and assure her, that however I may feel inferior to the praize, she...
4683From George Washington to Clement Biddle, 28 May 1797 (Washington Papers)
The business I shall have to transact in Philadelphia will, more than probable, be of so piddling & trifling a nature, as to produce more trouble, than profit from the Commission, to whomsoever undertakes it. Notwithstanding (this being premised) as it has always been done by you, while I was not myself in Philadelphia as a Resident [,] I could not think of applying to another without first...
4684From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 1 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have not received any letter from you since the 23d Ulto which I attribute to some mishap of the messengers with whom they were sent. I was anxious to learn the determination and designs of the council of officers, that so I might be prepared for eventual measures—The success or misfortune of your army will have great influence in directing the movements and fortune of this. The disagreement...
4685From George Washington to François-Louis-Arthur Thibaut, comte de Ménonville, 6 May 1781 (Washington Papers)
1st General Washington presumes that Congress has taken measure for the Completion of the Contract entered into by Doctor Franklin, but having received no particular information on the subject, he cannot speak with certainty upon the mode which will be adopted to procure the provision. He would therefore advise Colo. Menonville to proceed to Philada and make his application to Congress thro’...
4686From George Washington to Major General Horatio Gates, 6 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
I inclose you a representation in favour of Capt. Lunt, which is expressed in such strong terms and sanctionned by the names of so many respectable officers, as to deserve particular attention. His case seems to be singularly hard; but at this distance without an opportunity of inquiring circumstantially into the affair, I cannot undertake to make a different arrangement from that which has...
4687From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 19 June 1799 (Washington Papers)
Your favour of the 7th instant, with its enclosures, has been duly received. I am very glad to learn that the recruiting business, so far as it has been put in Operation, succeeds agreeably to your wishes. It has commenced in Virginia, and I am informed that, in this vicinity (and I have no intelligence from the more distant parts of the State) its progress is very flattering. A supply of...
4688From George Washington to Clement Biddle, 6 September 1797 (Washington Papers)
Your favor of the 30th Ult. was received by the last Post. As the Encyclopædia might be useful, to have by me (though wanting the last Volume or two) I would if the binding business goes on as usual, request Mr Dobson to have all that are published, neatly bound and sent to me, except the last vole which may be retained as a sample to bind the remainder by. I do not recollect, but suppose the...
4689From George Washington to William Minor, 27 May 1785 (Washington Papers)
My objection to paying your account when here—was, now is, &, whether it is done or not, will be—that it comes neither under the letter nor spirit of my letter to Mr Baker. My object was to give Lawce Posey a years schooling, to fit him for some of the better occupations of life: to do this, I agreed to pay his board also, both of which together, I was inform’d would amount at the free school,...
4690From George Washington to Robert Morris, 2 August 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with yours of the 23d ulto. I take the earliest opportunity of informing you that our whole dependence for Flour is upon you. The State of New York it is said has a considerable quantity yet within it, but so exhausted are the resources of the Legislature that they can command none of it. New Jersey has not either passed laws to draw forth the specific supplies demanded of...
4691To John Jay from George Washington, 31 March 1796 (Jay Papers)
Accept, my dear Sir, my thanks for your note of the 25 th . Instant— enclosing a copy of M r . Bayards letter to you.— The purport of it is pleasing; but the conduct of the British armed Vessels in the West Indies, is intolerable beyond all forbearance. My answer, given yesterday, to the House of Representatives’ request of Papers, will, I expect, set a host of Scribblers to work:—but I shall...
4692From George Washington to Major General Samuel Holden Parsons, 22 February 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have recd your favrs of the 17th and 18th inst. In respect to the prisoners taken by Capt. Brewster, I shall not think myself justifiable in consenting to any of their exchanges, untill they have been sent to the State of Connecticut for further examination; for from the report made to me by Capt. Brewster and from your account they are a most pernicious and dangerous gang, upon all of whom...
4693From George Washington to David Shepherd, 25 February 1792 (Washington Papers)
I thank you for the information which you have given me in your letter of the 30th of Decr respecting the intention of the Tomlinsons and others to dispute my title to a tract of land called the Round Bottom. I wish these persons, and any others who may be disposed to dispute my title to that land, to be informed in the most explicit and pointed manner, that it is my fixed determination to...
4694From George Washington to Alexander McDougall, 22 June 1781 (Washington Papers)
On your taking the Command of West Point, I wish your attention to the following perticulars. Visit the Redoubts twice or thrice in a week at uncertain periods. call the Roles regularly, and every Man to be present or satisfactorily accounted for. the Redoubts to be kept perfectly clean & sweet. no officer to be absent without your leave; nor any Soldier without leave from a Field Officer. ten...
4695From George Washington to Lieutenant Colonel William Smith Livingston, 24 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have received your favour of the 10th Ultimo; which hurry of business has prevented my attending to it sooner. Though it is ever painful to me to see a deserving officer quit the service; yet as you have taken your resolution founded I doubt not upon powerful reasons, especially in the present state and prospects of the additional batalions, I cannot oppose your inclination. You know that it...
4696From George Washington to John Hanson, 30 October 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have the Honor to inform Congress that, the Objects of the Campaign being at an End, and it being of great Importance to the Health, ease & comfort of the Troops, as well as œconomical on many Accounts, that they should be early put into Quarters for the Winter, the Army has removed from Verplanks Point, and are taking their Winters Cantonments. The Connecticut Troops, with the 2d & 3d...
4697From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 5 February 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have your favr of the 5th and 30th ulto. In one of my late letters I desired that you might take such Steps with the mutineers of Genl Huntingtons Brigade, as you, upon consultation with the principal Officers, should judge most proper. I am pleased to hear of the success of the two Whale Boats against the victualling transport. such strokes are beneficial to us, and at this time highly...
4698From George Washington to Brigadier General John Stark, 13 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
I am favd with yours of the 10th inclosing a letter from Colo. Butler, whose presence I hope will curb the disaffected and stop the Ravages upon your frontier. If an expedition of any consequence should be carried on, a proper supply of light Artillery shall be furnished; in the mean time let me know whether you want Ball for any Artillery that you already have. I think you had better inform...
4699From George Washington to Thomas Pinckney, 1 September 1793 (Washington Papers)
Notwithstanding Mr Lear is already known to you, I cannot suffer him to depart without this letter of introduction to your civilities, whilst he may remain in London. He is a person whose conduct has entitled him to my warmest friendship & regard—and one from whom you may obtain the best oral information of the real state of matters in this Country. Mercantile pursuits with draws him from my...
4700From George Washington to Brigadier General Hugh Mercer, 26 September 1776 (Washington Papers)
If the Troops at this Post can be prevailed upon to defend it as they should do, it must cost General Howe a great many men to carry it if he succeeds at all—If this should happen to be his Opinion there is scarce a Doubt but that he will turn his thoughts another way, as inactivity is not to be expected from him—Whither his operations may be directed is uncertain—perhaps an irruption into the...