111From George Washington to Major General Robert Howe, 21 August 1779 (Washington Papers)
In my Letter of yesterday I observed that through the assistance of —— & his agents, and other Channels, you might obtain accurate knowledge of the position of the enemy without Kings-bridge. I am still of the same opinion; but under the idea I entertain of —— I do not conceive it would be expedient in you to drop the smallest hint by which he could discover the tendency of these enquiries,...
112From George Washington to Major General Robert Howe, 20 August 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have both your favs. of Yesterday. I have not the least objection to your foraging as far as you can consistent with safety, and with your present force. My desire to put this post into as perfect a state of security as possible, renders it inconvenient to spare you any more troops. I approve of your determination to leave your Baggage well in your Rear should you go down for the purpose...
113From George Washington to Major General Robert Howe, 20 August 1779 (Washington Papers)
By means of the Spies employed by —— you may, I conceive, obtain very accurate Intelligence of the Incampments Piquets—&ca of the light Troops without Kings bridge & the strength of the Corps—and know whether it is practicable to beat up their quarters with a reasonable prospect of success. The distance, though disadvantageous in some respects, is favourable in others; for being thought to be...
114From George Washington to Major General Robert Howe, 18 August 1779 (Washington Papers)
As it is probable, that the new minister from France Monsieur De Luzerne, is on his way from Boston to Philadelphia it will be necessary to have him provided with an escort—you will therefore be so good as to give orders for a captain (a geinteel sensible officer) with his proper command of cavalry (not less than 30) to proceed immediately to Fish-kill. The officer will acquaint me with the...
115George Washington to Major General Robert Howe, 17 August 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
West Point, August 17, 1779. Questions honesty of Elijah Hunter, a spy. Df , in writings of George Washington and H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
116From George Washington to Major General Robert Howe, 17 August 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have received your letter of yesterday on the subject of our confidential friend. It appears to me that the detail he seems to desire will be rather too minute and tend to excite suspicion instead of giving him credit with the enemy. The idea of what was communicated before was to pretend that he had made general observations and inquiries in the army, and had formed an average estimate of...
117From George Washington to Major General Robert Howe, 15 August 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have received your Favour of the 13th Instant. If the Enterprize over the Sound is not already undertaken when this comes to hand, I would wish it to be laid aside intirely—unless its success should appear exceedingly clear & indeed certain. The Object is too unimportant—too contemptible to justify any risk. I have some private motives for not countenancing the expedition in the first...
118From George Washington to Major General Robert Howe, 14 August 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have to acknowlege your favor of yesterday. In a letter of Col. Hamilton’s a few days ago to you, I signified that Col. Armand should be put under arrest. In one from Col. Armand to the former it does not appear that this had taken place —Should this be so you will be pleased to have the order executed, as it would be unmilitary to continue him doing duty, while the court are determining on...
119From George Washington to Major General Robert Howe, 12 August 1779 (Washington Papers)
Such cases as you have mentioned in your letter of the 11th inst. must frequently occur —We have however endeavoured, to avoid considering the citizens of the States as proper subjects of either military capture or exchange. The operation of this principle would be wholly in favor of the enemy. However when circumstances make it necessary to enter upon such an exchange, it should be made by...
120From George Washington to Major General Robert Howe, 9 August 1779 (Washington Papers)
Your favor of the 6th Inst. came to hand yesterday evening I shall communicate the success of Col. Whites enterprise to Congress and beg that you will present my thanks to him, the other Officers and the Corps concerned on the occasion. I am Dr Sr Yr Mo. hum: Servt Df , in Richard Kidder Meade’s writing, DLC:GW ; Varick transcript , DLC:GW . See GW to John Jay, 16 Aug. (second letter).