1From George Washington to Abraham Ackerman, 9 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have received Your Letter of the 5th Instant—and am much obliged to the Court for their attention in the case of John Springer Junior, and for committing him to the custody of the Sheriff. In a few days I shall give such orders about him—as will be consistent with justice and my duty to the public. In the mean time he will remain in custody of the Sheriff. His conduct in deserting to the...
2From George Washington to John Adam, 15 October 1780 (Washington Papers)
I understand Mr Skinner is gone to Philadelphia. You will keep the inclosed Letter for him till he returns, when You will take the earliest opportunity of delivering it to him. I desire to see him as soon as he arrives & have written to him for the purpose. You will inform the Officer who came with a flag to Elizabeth Town Yesterday—that he is not to wait for an Answer to the Letters he...
3From George Washington to John Adam, 26 February 1783 (Washington Papers)
I have received your favor of the 10th of Febry & must take the liberty to tell you candidly there would not be a propriety in my writing to the President of Congress respecting your extra-expences while acting as Depy Comy of Prisoners; because it would open a door to innumerable applications, because I do not conceive it is proper for me to interfere in the pecuniary Arrangements of...
4From George Washington to Robert Adam, 27 January 1783 (Washington Papers)
I embrace this first oppertunity to acknowledge the receipt of your favor of the 20th from Philadelphia. Your meeting with the smallest delay in receiving payment for the Land purchased of Messrs Dow & Co. gives me pain—I receive no Earthly advantage from it—I have been paying interest for the Money near two Months & one of these I have had it on my desk. Had Mr Lund Washington, in explicit...
5From George Washington to Robert Adam, 8 January 1783 (Washington Papers)
The Honble Robt Morris Esqr. will pay Mr Lund Washingtons Bills upon me for £680 in your favor—£600 in favor of Mr Peter Dow—and £600 in favor of Mr Collin McIver. I am—Sir Yr Most Hble Servt DLC : Papers of George Washington.
6To John Adams from George Washington, 22 October 1781 (Adams Papers)
As the Transmission of the inclosed paper through the usual Channel of the Department of foreign Affairs would, on the present Occasion, probably be attended with great Delay—and recent Intelligence of Military Transactions must be important to our Ministers in Europe at the present period of Affairs—I have thought it would be agreeable both to Congress and your Excellency, that the Matter...
7To John Adams from George Washington, 15 January 1776 (Adams Papers)
I am exceedingly sorry I did not know that you were in this place today. Our want of Men and arms is such, as to render it necessary for me to get the best advice possible of the most eligeble mode of obtaining of them. I adjourned the Council of Officers today, untill I could be favourd with your opinion (together with that of others of the General Court) on these heads. They meet again...
8From George Washington to John Adams, 15 January 1776 (Washington Papers)
I am exceedingly sorry I did not know that you were in this place today—our want of Men & Arms is such, as to render it necessary for me to get the best advice possible of the most eligeble mode of obtaining of them. I adjourn’d the Council of Officers today, untill I could be favourd with your opinion (together with that of others of the Genl Court) on these heads—they meet again tomorrow at...
9From George Washington to John Adams, 15 April 1776 (Washington Papers)
This Morning your polite Letter of the 1st Instt, was delivered to me by Mr Dana. I am much obliged to you for your introduction of that Gentleman and you may rely on my shewing him every Civility in my power. I have ever thought, and am still of opinion that no terms of accomodation will be offer’d by the British Ministry, but such as cannot be accepted by America. We have nothing my Dear Sir...
10To John Adams from George Washington, 7 January 1776 (Adams Papers)
You will excuse me for reminding you of our conversation the other Evening, when I inform’d you that General Lee’s departure for New York is advisable upon the Plan of his Letter, and under the circumstances I then mentioned, ought not to be delayed. In giving me your opinion of this matter I have no doubt of your taking a comprehensive view of it. That is, you will not only consider the...
11From George Washington to John Adams, 22 October 1781 (Washington Papers)
As the Transmission of the inclosed paper through the usual Channel of the Department of foreign Affairs would, on the present Occasion, probably be attended with great Delay—and recent Intelligence of Military Transactions must be important to our Ministers in Europe at the present period of Affairs—I have thought it would be agreeable both to Congress & your Excellency, that the Matter...
12George Washington to the Board of War, 29 July 1776 (Adams Papers)
At length I have been able to comply with the first part of a Resolution of Congress of the 27 Ultimo relative to a return of the vacancies in the Several Regiments composing that part of the Army under my immediate command. I thought to have made this Return much sooner, but the dispersed situation of our Troops—the constant duty they are upon—the difficulty of getting returns when this is...
13From George Washington to John Adams, 7 January 1776 (Washington Papers)
You will excuse me for reminding you of our conversation the other evening, when I inform’d you that General Lee’s departure for New York is advisable upon the Plan of his Letter, & under the Circumstance I thene mention’d, ought not to be delayed. In giving me your opinion of this matter I have no doubt of your takeing a comprehensive view of it. That is you will not only consider the...
14Orders to Lieutenant Colonel Peter Adams, 7 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
The approaching season, and the distresses of the Army in the Articles of Blankets & Cloathing make it necessary, that every practicable measure should be pursued to procure supplies. Therefore to releive, if possible, the wants of the Troops, raised by the State of Maryland, in these essential Articles, you are to proceed immediately to Govr Johnson with the Letters you have in charge for...
15From George Washington to Samuel Adams, 22 March 1776 (Washington Papers)
Amidst a multiplicity of Business smaller matters are apt to be overlook’d—this I conceive to be the case with respect to the proposition of a Colo. Baillie, for opening a Road from Connecticut River to Montreal, and which I laid before Congress for their direction some Months ago—The matter again occurs upon a Second application, from Mr Weatherspoon (the bearer, at, as I understand, the...
16From George Washington to Samuel Adams, Sr., 10 August 1783 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your favor of the 11 of July inclosing to me the Address of the Senate and House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts—and to assure you that the pleasure I experienced on that occasion was much enhanced by the polite manner in which you have been pleased to convey it to me. The inclosed reply I beg leave to commend to your...
17From George Washington to Samuel Adams, Sr., 29 March 1783 (Washington Papers)
I have the Honor to acknowlege the Receipt of your joint Letter of the 18th instant. Happy, inexpressibly happy, in the certain Intelligence, of a general Peace, which was concluded on the 20th Jnry—I feel an additional pleasure in reflecting that this glorious Event will prove a sure means to dispel the Fears expressed by your Commonwealth for their North Eastern Boundary, that Territory...
18XV. George Washington to Captain Judah Alden, 23 November 1780 (Washington Papers)
I impart to you in confidence that I intend to execute an enterprise against Staten Island to morrow night, for which reason I am desirous of cutting off all intercourse with the Enemy on the East side of the River. You will therefore tomorrow at Retreat beating set a guard upon any Boats which may be at the slot or Niack, and not suffer any to go out on any pretence whatever, till next...
19George Washington to Captain Judah Alden, 24 November 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Totowa, New Jersey ] November 24, 1780 . Asks Alden to send enclosed letter to Lieutenant Colonel David Humphreys. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Alden was a captain in the Second Massachusetts Regiment.
20From George Washington to Robert Alexander, 20 March 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have waited, as I think you must do me the justice to acknowledge, with a good deal of patience, to see if you were disposed to fulfil your agreement with me, respecting the Land I purchased of you in Maryland. As I hear nothing of your intentions of carrying this matter into execution, and see no greater prospect of its being done now, than when the bargain was first made, I cannot help...
21From George Washington to Sarah Livingston Alexander, 20 January 1783 (Washington Papers)
Having been informed by a Letter of the 14th Instt from Captn Sill of the unspeakable loss Your Ladiship has experienced, I feel the sincerest dispositions to alleviate by sympathy or participation those sorrows which I am sensible cannot be removed or effaced. for this purpose, I would also have suggested every rational topic of consolation, was I not fully perswaded that the principles of...
22George Washington to Major General William Alexander, Lord Stirling, or Officer Commanding His Division, 2 June 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Middlebrook [ New Jersey ] June 2, 1779 . Orders Stirling to Pompton. Asks Stirling to keep careful watch on Highland forts. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
23From George Washington to William Lord Stirling Alexander, 9 October 1782 (Washington Papers)
I am favored with your Lordships Letter of the 6th inclosing a Copy of General Sullivans to you. I have never tho’t it well to despise Information of an Enemy’s Designs——but I must freely confess to your Lordship, that I have but little apprehensions of Danger, from the Quarter of Canada—the advanced season of the Year, were no other Obstacles in the Way, I should judge sufficient to deter the...
24From George Washington to William Lord Stirling Alexander, 25 December 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have the pleasure of Your Lordships favor of the 13th. If the accounts which General Schuyler transmits be true, the Enemy have no occasion to boast of their Northern Campaign. Should Your business call you to Prince town and you can make it convenient to extend your ride to Philadelphia, I shall be happy in seeing you. Mrs Washington is better than I could have expected after the heavy loss...
25From George Washington to William Lord Stirling Alexander, 18 September 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have received your Favours of the 7th and 14th instant. However desirable the Plan you mention may be, there are insuperable Obstacles to our undertaking it at present, or any other which would require a Transportation of a Magazine of provisions. Mr Duer has no Doubt informed you upon how precarious a Footing our Subsistence stands, even in a Country full of Supplies. We are as quiet here...
26From George Washington to William Lord Stirling Alexander, 30 October 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with your Lordships Letters of the 23d & 26th instant with their Enclosures—and am much pleased to hear that every thing is quiet in your Quarter. The Army having seperated for its Winter Quarters, the principal part of the Troops have removed to their hutting Ground in the Neighbourhood of N. Windsor—In makg the general Disposition for the Winter, I have judged best, as...
27From George Washington to William Lord Stirling Alexander, 14 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
While I am with the detachment of the Army below, you will remain in command here. Your principal attention will be paid to the good order of the Camp and the security of the Baggage and Stores left in it. There will be no need of advanced pickets, as you will be fully covered in front. The Camp Guards should be vigilant and the officers commanding them see that the men are not permitted to...
28From George Washington to William Lord Stirling Alexander, 30 November 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have had the pleasure to receive your Lordships Favor of the 20th inclosing your Correspondence with Colo. St Ledger. I thank you my Lord most sincerely for your Congratulations on the late Success in Virginia—an Event which, if properly improved by the States, I should hope might be attended with the happy Consequences you are pleased to enumerate. My Fear is that from an Over-rating this...
29From George Washington to William Lord Stirling Alexander, 13 November 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have been favd with yours of the 2d and 8th instants—Colo. Dearborns Regiment have all arrived and Colo. Reids may be hourly expected. I have lately given orders for a delivery of Arms Accoutrements and Quarter Masters stores for the New York state troops, I must request your Lordship to direct that they be only applied to the three years Men and not to the levies for the Campaign. I am with...
30From George Washington to William Lord Stirling Alexander, 25 September 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have had the pleasure to receive your favors of the 18th & 21st Inst. with the several Enclosures—your Lordship may rest assured, I am highly satisfied with the measures which have been taken for reducing the number of Posts on the frontier, removing the superfluous public Buildings & Stores, establishing discipline, & holding the Troops in perfect readiness for marching. With sentiments of...
31From George Washington to William Lord Stirling Alexander, 24 August 1782 (Washington Papers)
I thank you for naming a Gentleman for the office of Comy of Prisoners, but would not wish to have Captn Sill sent to me on that business—Many others have been mentioned, & before I fix on any, I would chuse to take a comparitive view of the whole (and such others as may occur) and then appoint the one, whom under the Circumstances of Rank, Talents, & Integrity, appear to be best qualified for...
32From George Washington to William Lord Stirling Alexander, 29 August 1782 (Washington Papers)
Agreeably to the Orders of this day, your Lordship will be pleased to repair to Albany, as soon as is convenient, and take the Command of all the Troops in that Department; after which Colonel Reid will join his Regiment on the Mohawk River. In case of any dispute, respecting command, between Lt Colo. Commandt Reid & Colo. Willet, you will, My Lord, enquire into the matter, ascertain their...
33From George Washington to William Heath, 17 April 1783 (Washington Papers)
To the General Officers of the Army. assembled in Council at the New Building April 17th 1783 Gentlemen It is well known to you that the first intimations of a general Peace have been given to us some time past by a casual conveyance, and published accordingly to the Army, and that the same intelligence has since been received by Sir Guy Carleton from the British Court, in consequence of...
34From George Washington to William Heath, 15 April 1782 (Washington Papers)
The Commander in Chief States to the General Officers— That—From the best Information he has been able to obtain, the regular force of the Enemy in N. York, at this Time , including their established provincial Corps, amounts at least to 9,000 Men. That—The City Militia, volunteer Companies, Rangers and some other small Corps in the Town, amounted by a Report made to the Secretary of State in...
35From George Washington to William Lord Stirling Alexander, 25 December 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have recd your favor of the 18th—and take the liberty to trouble you with a Line for Col. Olney, it is not of importance it should be forwarded before some casual opportunity presents. I am with very great esteem Your Lordships &c. DLC : Papers of George Washington.
36From George Washington to William Lord Stirling Alexander, 4 April 1782 (Washington Papers)
Having been informed that the Court Martial for the tryal of Major General McDougall, whereof your Lordship was appointed President has been hitherto prevented from sitting, by Challenges having been made to the President & some of the Members of the Court; and finding no Rule established in our service for the determination of the matter, I shall be constrained to submit the decision of the...
37From George Washington to William Heath, 23 June 1783 (Washington Papers)
To the General Officers of the Army Assembled at Head Quarters, Newburgh, 24th June 1783. Gentlemen I am to request your opinions of the three following Questions. viz. 1st—Whether all the measures which were proper for giving satisfaction to Brigadr General Hazen and a number of the Officers of his Corps, respecting Major Reid, have been persued, or not? 2dly—In case they have not, what...
38From George Washington to William Lord Stirling Alexander, 17 December 1782 (Washington Papers)
I was yesterday favored with the receipt of your Letter of the 11th by Colonel Weisenfels—I entirely approve of the Orders your Lordship has given for furnishing the Levies with provisions to the first of Janry as I think it will be necessary for the reason suggested to keep them in service untill that time. I am My Lord, with great regd & esteem &c. DLC : Papers of George Washington.
39From George Washington to William Lord Stirling Alexander, 12 June 1781 (Washington Papers)
At a Board of General Officers convened at New Windsor N.Y. the 12th day of June 1781. Present His Excellency the Commander in Chief M. General Lord Stirling Brigadiers Generals Knox Genl Howe Paterson Genl Parsons Hand Genl McDougall Huntington Du Portail
40From George Washington to William Lord Stirling Alexander, 9 December 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have been duly favored with your two Letters of the 12th and 23 of Novr. By a Resolution of Congress of the 27th Ulto I am directed "to take immediate measures for apprehending and securing Lake Knolton of Newfane & Samuel Mills of Brattleborough both of the District commonly called the New Hampshire Grants west of Connecticut River;" Whereupon, I have thought proper to commit the execution...
41From George Washington to Samuel Allinson, 10 April 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have received your letter of the 31st of March representing the ill treatment you had experienced from Lt Carnes. I assure you I have the utmost abhorrence of any violence offered to the inhabitants, and shall be always ready to attend to their complaints and grant all the redress ⟨in my power.⟩ In the presen⟨t case it is at your option to⟩ obtain satisfaction eit⟨her from the civil or...
42George Washington to Samuel Allison, 10 April 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Morristown [ New Jersey ] April 10, 1780 . States steps that have been taken toward arrest and trial of Lieutenant Patrick Carnes. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Allison was a resident of Burlington, New Jersey.
43From George Washington to Captain Ephraim Anderson, 15 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
You are directed to proceed from hence to Pluckemin and enquire of Colo. McDaniel by what authority he lately went to Staten Island with a Flag. I am told he produced the Copy of a permit, the original of which he said he obtained from me. As I never granted any such to him it must be a forgery When I was at Colo. Mehelm’s I granted a liberty to send a Flag to an old Gentleman of the Name of...
44From George Washington to Colonel Israel Angell, 1 February 1778 (Washington Papers)
I am favoured with yours of yesterday. As it is my wish to cut off the intercourse with Phila. as effectually as possible, I desire that no passes may be granted by you to any persons upon any pretence whatsoever; and that you will do all in your power to apprehend those who attempt to go into the City with marketting. There is no way so likely to put a total stop to this practice as making an...
45From George Washington to Colonel Israel Angell, 16 October 1777 (Washington Papers)
With the Regiment you command & what Baggage you think is absolutely necessary, you are immediately to proceed to Bristol Cross the Deleware at that place & continue your Route to Red Bank, this March should be perform’d with the utmost Secrecy & under pretence of Covering the Stores at Bristol untill you arrive at that place as the Enemy might endeaver to Intercept you should your Route be...
46From George Washington to d’Annemours, 19 June 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have received your favour of the 6th instant, transmitting me your observations on the state of American affairs, and the part that France is interested by the motives of good Policy to act in consequence of it. Your reflections appear to me extremely judicious and well founded; and prove that you have made a good use of your time, in collecting the information necessary to regulate your...
47George Washington to Chevalier d’Annemours, 19 June 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Middlebrook [ New Jersey ] June 19, 1777. Discusses advantages of an overt declaration of war by France. Corrects error in estimate of British losses at Danbury, Connecticut. Questions purpose of General William Howe’s recent moves. Df , in writings of Richard Kidder Meade and H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Charles François Adrien le Paulnier, Chevalier d’Annemours, was...
48From George Washington to Anonymous, 28 August 1783 (Washington Papers)
Mrs Washington informs me that you have been kind enough to offer her a recipe for the Colic—She has had a very distressing Night with it, which must be my apology for the trouble I now give you in applying for it. I have the honor to be with great respect Madam Yr Most Obedt Servt DLC : Papers of George Washington.
49From George Washington to an Anonymous Officer, 21 October 1776 (Washington Papers)
My Lord Sterling Complains, & so justly, of the want of Tents, & the Baggage belonging to his Brigade that I would have you enquire particularly into the matter and endeavour to have it sent on to the sevl Regiments now suffering at the White Plains for want of it. Tell Genl Mifflin & Colo: Reed (in short let the Genl Officers below know) that some expedient must be fallen upon to bring off...
50From George Washington to Lieutenant Colonel Edward Antill, 8 January 1777 (Washington Papers)
I recd yours of the 2d Inst. from Baltimore. In Answer to which I have only to desire you to call upon all your Officers who are upon recruiting Service, to exert themselves as much as possible in filling their Companies, and sending their Recruits forward to some general place of Rendezvous that they may be armed equipped and got into service with as much Expedition as possible. As you and...