1From George Washington to Richard Henry Lee, Henry Laurens, and Thomas Burke, 5 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to transmit to your care an Open Letter for Brigadr General Scott, by which you will perceive that I have directed the Levies in Virginia to be formed into three Batallions and to be officered & marched under his command, to reinforce the Southern Army, as soon as circumstances will possibly permit. I give you this trouble, lest these directions should interfere with any...
2From George Washington to Thomas Burke and Henry Laurens, 18 March 1779 (Washington Papers)
I am honored with your letter of the 15th with its inclosures—and shall with pleasure give you my opinion on the points which you have been pleased to suggest. With respect to the negotiation on the subject of an Exchange of Prisoners—I think the propositions held out on our part are substantially right, and, on general principles of justice and policy ought to be adhered to—How far the...
3George Washington to Henry Laurens and Thomas Burke, 18 March 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Middlebrook [ New Jersey ] March 18, 1779 . Discusses exchange of prisoners. Believes that civilian prisoners should not be exchanged at this time. Raises question as to mode of delivery of prisoners. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Laurens was a member of Congress from South Carolina; Burke was a member of the same body from North Carolina.
4From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 1 April 1778 (Washington Papers)
Since I had the honor of addressing you upon the 29th ulto I have not been able to learn, with any precision, whether the transports that arrived brought any considerable number of Troops. A Hessian Deserter says there were only a few German convalescents on board. If so, the Fleet, with 2500 mentioned in my last, is not arrived; supposing they were bound to Philada. General Sinclair arrived...
5From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 14 March 1778 (Washington Papers)
This will be presented to you by Count Pulaski, who from a conviction that his remaining at the head of the Cavalry, was a constant subject of uneasiness to the principal Officers of that Corps, has been induced to resign his command. Waving a minute inquiry into the causes of dissatisfaction, which may be reduced perhaps to the disadvantages under which he laboured as a Stranger, not well...
6From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 11 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
On Wednesday afternoon I received a Letter from the Honble Mr Lee & Mr Lovell, of the Committee for foreign affairs, inclosing a plan and sundry Resolutions of Congress for attacking Canada the next Campaign, in conjunction with the forces of his most Christian Majesty; and requesting my observations upon the same, to be transmitted to Congress—and a Copy to be delivered to the Marquiss De la...
7From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 17 March 1778 (Washington Papers)
On saturday I had the Honor to receive your favor of the 10th with the Resolutions alluded to. Inclosed I take the liberty to transmit an Extract of a Letter just received from Genl Parsons. This, as well as the Letter which I inclosed you yesterday from Governor Clinton, will shew the confusion in the management of affairs on the North River. I informed Congress then, that I had sent General...
8From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 1 January 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have been duly honored with your several favors of the 23d 24th and 25th ulto with the enclosures to which they allude. In my letters of the 22d and 23d of last month, I mentioned the difficulties which the Service laboured under for want of a Qr Masr Genl and as I am induced to beleive that a new nomination has not been made since Genl Mifflins resignation, because Congress could not fix...
9From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 22 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
On Saturday Evening I had the honor to receive your Favor of the 17th Inst. with it’s Inclosure. The next day I wrote to Genl Burgoyne upon the subject of his application & transmitted him a Copy of the Resolution of Congress founded thereon. That the matter might not be delayed, I dispatched my Letter by the Express who brought yours, he having informed that you expected he would be sent with...
10George Washington to Henry Laurens, 21 November 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Fredericksburg [ New York ] November 21, 1778 . Requests Congress to promote Pierre Penet’s brother to captain by brevet. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
11From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 3–4 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
I do myself the honor of transmitting to Congress a copy of a Letter from General Knox, and of sundry observations and remarks on the Ordnance establishment of the 11th of February, which I received about the time we marched from Valley Forge. These would have been transmitted before, had it not been for the moving state of the Army and a variety of other Objects which engrossed my attention....
12From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 10 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to inform you, that in the course of last week from a variety of intelligence I had reason to expect that Genl Howe was preparing to give us a general Action. Accordingly on Thursday night he moved from the City with all his Force, except a very inconsiderable part left in his Lines & Redoubts, and appeared the next morning on Chesnut Hill in front of, & about three miles...
13From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 23 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have been duly honored with your Favors of the 13 & 19 Instant with their Inclosures. I am well assured Congress have not been inattentive to the Necessities of the Army, and that the deficiency in our Supplies, particularly in the Article of cloathing has arisen from the difficulty of importing, on account of the Numerous Fleet, which line our Coast. However, I am persuaded that...
14From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 30 April 1778 (Washington Papers)
The extensive ill consequences arising from a want of uniformity in discipline and manœuvres throughout the Army—have long occasioned me to wish for the establishment of a well organised inspectorship, and the concurrence of Congress in the same views has induced me to set on foot a temporary institution, which from the success that has hitherto attended it, gives me the most flattering...
15From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 13 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to transmit you a letter from General Sullivan, which, from the tardiness of the expresses, is but just come to hand—I suppose it gives Congress the same information communicated to me; but lest there should be any particulars mentioned in his letter to me, which may not be contained in the one to you, I am induced to accompany the latter with a copy of the former. The papers...
16George Washington to Henry Laurens, 3 October 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Fishkill [ New York ] October 3, 1778 . Sends information concerning enemy’s movements in New Jersey. LS , in writing of H, Papers of the Continental Congress, National Archives.
17From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 29 March 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with yours of the 25th inclosing duplicates of two former Resolves of Congress, and a Resolve of the 23d instant accepting the Resignation of Colonel Charles Webb. Since mine of the 24th Mr Boudinot has communicated the following intelligence being part of a letter to him “I have lately recd some intelligence from New York that we may make ourselves easy in Jersey as all...
18From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 18 April 1778 (Washington Papers)
On Thursday evening I had the Honor to receive your Two Letters of the 14th Instant. I am much obliged by the fresh assurances, which Congress are pleased to make me of their confidence, and they may be satisfied, that I wish nothing more ardently, than that a good and perfect agreement should subsist between us. The negociation between the Commissioners is ended, without effecting a Cartel....
19From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 9 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
At 10 OClock last night the Inclosed Letter came to hand from General Sullivan with one addressed to myself, a Copy of which I do myself the honor of transmitting. The Enemy seem determined that none of their Ships of War shall fall into the Count D’Estaings hands. Yesterday I received a Letter from Genl Maxwell dated at 9 OClock A.M. on the 7th at Elizabeth Town, containing the following...
20From 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...
21From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 21 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
This will be delivered you by young Mr Penet, brother to the Gentleman, who was in a partnership with Mr Plierne. That Gentleman has importuned me to recommend his brother to Congress for an appointment by brevet to the rank of Captain, which he observes will have no effect in this country, as his brother will immediately return to France, which he makes an essential condition of the...
22From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 18 March 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor of transmitting you the inclosed letter from General Smallwood, giving intelligence of the Enemys motions on the Delaware, and his conjectures respecting their object —the account he has heard of troops being on board the Vessels, is confirmed by the relations of deserters and others, who agree that a considerable number of men have been embarked—and add that they took...
23From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 3 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
In a late letter from General Schuyler, I received the proceedings of a Board of Commissioners for Indian-affairs held at Albany the 15th of last month. It appears by them, and some other accounts, I have seen, that there is but little prospect of succeeding in the plan, for engaging a body of Indians from that quarter to serve with this army. The advantage, which the enemy possess over us, in...
24From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 14 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
I do myself the honor to transmit you the copy of a letter of the 10th instant, which I recd yesterday from Sir Henry Clinton, on the subject of exchanging the prisoners of the Convention. Should the proposition be agreeable to Congress, I shall be glad to receive powers to enter into a negotiation as soon as possible, as it may probably releive our Officers, upon parole, from the disagreeable...
25From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 12 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
I had the Honor to receive in due time, your several favors of the 3d 6th & 9th Inst., with the Papers to which they respectively alluded. After much consideration upon the subject, I have appointed General McIntosh to command at Fort Pit & in the Western Country for which he will set out, as soon as he can accommodate his affairs. I part with this Gentleman with much reluctance, as I esteem...
26From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 31 January 1778 (Washington Papers)
I this morning received your favor of the 27th Ulto. I cannot sufficiently express the obligation I feel to you for your friendship and politeness upon an occasion in which I am so deeply interested. I was not unapprized that a malignant faction had been for sometime forming to my prejudice; which, conscious as I am of having ever done all in my power to answer the important purposes of the...
27From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 19 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
Col. Armand will have the honor of delivering you this—He waits upon Congress on the affairs of his corps; particularly with respect to commissions for his officers and a settlement of accounts; and has signified to me his intention to return to France, so soon as these matters can be adjusted. In a letter of the 31st of August, I stated the manner in which his appointments have been made, and...
28From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 21 March 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor of yours of the 14th and 15th instants. In consequence of the Resolves transmitted to me I have dispatched an Express to the Marquis de la Fayette and Baron de Kalb to recall them from the northward, and instead of ordering down Hazens Regiment to rejoin this Army, I have ordered Van Schaiks immediately to the Highlands where the public Works are in a manner at a stand for...
29From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 23 January 1778 (Washington Papers)
Inclosed you will receive Copies of Letters in favor of Messieurs de la Neuville from the Marechal Merlet and the Marquiss de Bouillej to me, together with a certificate signed by the Baron de Wurmser—all my knowledge of these Officers who are sollicitous of employment in the American Service, is derived from these papers and what I have seen of them during their short Stay in Camp—their...
30From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 31 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
Your Excellency’s favor of the 23d Instant, was delivered me yesterday, with the Resolution respecting Monsieur L’Eclise. As soon as I am notified of the place of his residence, I will give the necessary directions, for carrying into execution the humane & benevolent intention of Congress towards him. I take the liberty to inclose a Letter from Doctor Connolly, representing his situation, His...
31From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 15 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have been duly honoured with your favors of the 11th & 14th Instant, and with the inclosures to which they refer. The Resolution for settling the value of Rations which have become due since the 1st of January and fixing the mode of payment, I shall announce in this days orders, and hope it will be highly satisfactory to all who are interested in it. I have notified General Mifflin of the...
32From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 27 April 1778 (Washington Papers)
I had the Honor, yesterday afternoon, to receive your Letter of the 24th continued to the 25th, with it’s important inclosures. Congress will be pleased to accept my sincere thanks for the fresh instance of confidence, manifested in their Resolution of the 23d and other proceedings, and they may rest assured, that whatever powers are intrusted to me, shall be invariably directed to promote the...
33From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 31 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
I would take the liberty to inform Congress, that Colo. Armand is come to camp with his Corps and has applied to me for Commissions for his Officers. By the Resolution for establishing the Corps it was to be officered out of the Foreigners then commissioned in our service, who were not, nor could be provided for in any of the Regiments. Instead of this, there are only three Officers in his...
34George Washington to Henry Laurens, 3 April 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Valley Forge , April 3, 1778 . Recommends that Captain Henry Lee be promoted. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
35From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 4 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
I am your debtor for two Letters bearing date the 28th & 29th Ulto —The contents shall be the subject of a future address. Feeling myself interested in every occurrance that tends to the honor of your worthy Son; and sensible of the pleasure it must give you to hear his Just plaudit, I take the liberty of transcribing a paragraph of General Greens Letter to me (giving some Acct of the conduct...
36From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 29 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to inform you that about seven OClock yesterday Morning both Armies advanced on each other. About 12 they met on the Grounds near Monmouth Court House, when an action commenced. We forced the Enemy from the Feild and encamped on the Ground. They took a strong post in our front, secured on both flanks by Morasses and thick Woods, where they remained till about 12 at Night, and...
37From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 24 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
I was duly honored with your two favors of the 20 & 21st Instant with their Inclosures. I have transmitted General Howe a Copy of the Resolution of the 21st respecting prisoners, and supposing him willing to effect an Exchange immediately, I have written to Mr Boudinot and requested him, as he is in possession of all the papers concerning them, to come to Camp without delay and superintend the...
38From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 18 December 1778 (Washington Papers)
I received your official Letter of the 8th Instant, advising that your relinquishment of the Presidency would soon take place, which I see has happened; and assuring me of the respect and esteem you should always retain for me. Permit me in turn, Sir, to assure you in the language of the most unfeigned sincerity, that I hold myself under great obligations for the very polite & satisfactory...
39From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 3 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
Your favor of the 23d Ult. came to my hands at Fredericksburg the Afternoon before I left it for this place. I thank you for the transmission of Mr Beresfords intelligence, tho I have not the smallest Idea that any thing more than a deception, is meant by it; and, that Mr Williams is either a voluntary Agent, or the innocent instrument, for carrying it on. Yet, as the case may be otherwise,...
40From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 28 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
Since I had the Honor of addressing you on the 24th Instant, nothing material has happened. The Enemy are still in philadelphia, but the intelligence from thence is so clear and so strong, that it is certain, or nearly as much so as any Event can be that is contingent, that they mean to abandon it. Against the various measures they are pursuing, which point to an evacuation, there is but one...
41From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 1 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
On Saturday I had the Honor to receive your Favor of the 26th Ulto with it’s Inclosures. The Resolve of the 25th, I have published in Orders agreable to direction, and shall be happy if Congress can fall upon measures to render the situation of the Officers & Soldiery more eligible than what it now is. At present it is truly distressing, and unless some means can be divised to support them...
42From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 16 March 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to transmit you a letter from Governor Clinton, which he inclosed to me open for my perusal and consideration. The inconvenience, he mentions as resulting from the resolve, respecting the appointment of a commandant for forts Montgomery and Clinton requires to be obviated. I do not conceive it to have been the design of Congress, to make the command of those forts, altogether...
43To George Washington from Henry Laurens, 25 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
On the 23d I had the honor of presenting Your Excellency’s Letter of the 20th & last Evening of receiving one of the 22d which shall be presented this Morning. Congress have been so attentive to Confederation some five or six days past, as to admit of scarcely another consideration—& have now Resolved to adjourn to Philadelphia on the 27th. I therefore judge it best to return the bearer with...
44From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 8 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
I do myself the honor to inclose you an extract of a letter from Major Genl Dickinson of the 6th instant, by which it appears that a reinforcement has sailed from New York either for Genl Howe or some other expedition. I have not yet heard whether any of the Troops on their march from the northward have yet crossed the North River, but I hope they will be with me near as soon as Genl Howe’s...
45From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 18 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
I am honored with yours of the 9th inclosing a Resolve to extend the Embargo and to prevent forestalling provision. I hope the latter will have the desired effect, for unless that most infamous practice of raising the prices of the necessaries of life can be stopped, it will be impossible for any Funds to subsist the Army. Inclosed you have the Copy of a petition from the Refugees in New York...
46From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 20 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have the Honor to inform you, that I am now advanced with the main body of the Army within Ten miles of Coryels ferry, and shall halt to refresh the Troops and for the night, as the Weather is very rainy. Genl Lee with the six Brigades mentioned in my former Letter, will reach the Ferry this Evening. My last accounts from Jersey were from Genl Dickinson, dated Yesterday at 3 OClock P.M....
47From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 8–14 February 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have been duly honored with your Favor of the 3d Instant and with its Inclosure. As General McDougal’s late severe illness and present feeble state will not permit him to proceed on the intended incursion into Canada, Baron de Kalb will follow the Marquiss agreable to his wish and the direction of Congress. According to the promise contained in my last, I take the liberty of transmitting you...
48From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 18 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have the pleasure to inform Congress, that I was this minute advised by Mr Roberts that the Enemy evacuated the City early this morning. He was down at the Middle ferry on this side, where he received the intelligence from a number of the Citizens, who were on the opposite shore. They told him, that about Three Thousand of the Troops had embarked on board Transports. The destruction of the...
49From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 26–27 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
I was yesterday morning honored with your Favors of the 22d Inst. I wish the measures Congress have adopted may effectually suppress the disturbances in the Western Department. Should they prove successful & the Savages & wicked deluded Inhabitants receive a severe check, it is probable, they will not be induced again to take a part against us—or at least for some considerable time. Colo....
50From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 4 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
Last night at 11 oClock, I was honored with your despatches of the 3d. The Contents afford me the most sensible pleasure. Mr Simeon Deane had informed me, by a line from Bethlehem, that he was the Bearer of the Articles of alliance &ca between France and the States. I shall defer celebrating this happy event in a suitable manner, untill I have liberty from Congress to announce it publickly. I...