51From George Washington to Major General Stirling, 14 January 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have your favr of the 9th. I am still of opinion that no good can possibly result from any Negociation entered into with General Phillips on the subject of the Exchange of the Convention Troops, more especially as I find by a letter from Mr McHenry that Capt. Bibby had dropt some of the terms which he had in charge from Genl Phillips to propose, particularly that of exchanging whole Corps of...
52From George Washington to Major General Stirling, 8 January 1779 (Washington Papers)
When a distribution of Cloathing was made in the Fall, it was found that there would be a considerable deficiency of Blankets in particular; I was therefore under the necessity of only delivering a certain proportion to each Corps at that time, intending after all the troops had been served in the first instance, to collect an exact Return of all the remaining Blankets and to distribute them...
53From George Washington to Major General Stirling, 2 January 1779 (Washington Papers)
I am favd with yours of the 30th Ulto. I thank you for the intelligence it contains. I shall communicate that part of your letter respecting Cannon Ball to the Board of War and Ordnance, and if they have not already made Contracts for a sufficient quantity, they may, if they think proper, make their proposals known to the Managers of the Works under your Lordships direction. I return your...
54From George Washington to Major General Stirling, 1 January 1779 (Washington Papers)
I this minute received Your Lordships favor of the 29th Ulto; that of the 24th came to hand on Wednesday night. If a stroke can be effected against the Enemy on Staten Island with success, it is much to be desired—and if the situation of the Bay of New York is such as to prevent support coming from the City or Long Island; and the passage from Jersey on account of the ice should be safe for...
55From George Washington to Major General Stirling, 21 December 1778 (Washington Papers)
Congress having been pleased to require my attendance at Philadelphia for a few days the immediate command of the Troops at this place will devolve upon your Lordship. The hutting the Troops in the most speedy and commodious manner, and the preservation of order and discipline, I doubt not will receive your Lordships particular attention—I must request that you will as much as possible avoid...
56From George Washington to Major General Stirling, 21 December 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have directed General Maxwell to deliver up Hatfeild to the Civil Authority and have informed Governor Livingston that you will furnish him with such proofs of his Guilt as have come to your Knowledge; be pleased therefore to forward such papers to him as you have at present in possession, or any new matter which you may hereafter obtain, and which may serve to throw light upon the Affair. I...
57From George Washington to Major General Stirling, 29 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
Colo. Bland is in want of a party of Light Horse to assist him in the Escort of the Convention Troops, be pleased therefore to order a Subaltern and 16 from Moylans Regt to proceed immediately to Sherrards ferry upon Delaware. Should Colo. Bland have passed the Officer is to follow upon the Route of the troops untill he overtakes him. Should he on the contrary not have arrived there, he is to...
58From George Washington to Major General Stirling, 27 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
I am indebted to your Lordships several favors of the 17th 19th 20th & 21st Instant. The inclosed to Mr Beatty Commissary of prisoners you will be pleased to transmit by a special messinger. In case of his being at New-York, or within the enemy’s lines you will send it by a flag. It is to direct his attendance at Amboy, where Commissioners on the part of Sir Henry Clinton are to meet...
59From George Washington to Major General Stirling, 19 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
I am favd with yours of the 15th. The accounts of the embarkation of the enemy vary so much in respect to Corps and numbers, that I am every day more and more at a loss: However I hope if your Spies will attend particularly to the observations recommended in my last, we shall be able to ascertain the Corps that remain at New York and its dependencies. I am informed that the persons who are...
60From George Washington to Major General Stirling, 16 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
You will be pleased to order Colonel Spencer, with his Regiment, to repair immediately to Coles Fort, at the Minisink, and there join General Count Pulaski. Your Lordship will further direct that Colonel Spencer may take the nearest route, and make his march as expeditious as possible. It was not till to day I had an opportunity to acknowlege your letters of the 11th and 13th Inst. The...
61From George Washington to Major General Stirling, 8 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
Colo. Blands Regiment is ordered to Winchester in Virginia on Acct of their peculiar circumstances the times of the Men being out next month, be pleased therefore to permit the small party with you to join their Corps. I am Your Lordships most obt Servt DfS , in Tench Tilghman’s writing, DLC:GW ; Varick transcript , DLC:GW . See GW to Benjamin Temple, this date .
62From George Washington to Major General Stirling, 7 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have to acknowledge your favors of the 31st Ulto the 1st 3d & 4th Inst. with their several inclosures. As your Lordship observes, the intelligence from the City must now become more important, since the sailing of so large an Embarkation of Troops—and will serve to determine in a great measure whether a complete evacuation of the place is intended. I need not pray your attention, and am, My...
63From George Washington to Major General Stirling, 1 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have been favd with yours of the 26th containing your opinion upon the cantonment of the Army, and of the 29th and 30th ulto with a variety of information. Matters seem drawing very near a Crisis, and a few days will in all probability determine our doubts. In a letter, which I recd from General Scott last evening, he mentions, that a report prevailed in New York that Jamaica was taken, and...
64From George Washington to Major General Stirling, 25 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
The intelligence communicated in yours of yesterday is confirmed by a Gentleman who has been into New York with a flag and is just returned. The mistake into which we have been led, as to the embarkation, and the sailing of those transports which actually have the troops on board, has somewhat deranged us. Lest the enemy should take any advantage, be pleased to order Woodfords Brigade to move...
65From George Washington to Major General Stirling, 24 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
I am favd with yours of the 21st and 22d and have still to thank you for the particular and satisfactory intelligence which you communicate. If the embarkation now in preparation should be considerable, I think they must inevitably abandon New York, as their remaining force must be too small to risque the defence of the City upon. The Roads from Morris town to King’s ferry have become so...
66From George Washington to Major General Stirling, 24 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
I desired the Quarter Master Genl when he left this the other day for the purpose of discovering a proper spot East of the No. River to Hutt the Troops at, to write to, & request your Lordship to send some judicious Officer to explore the Country about Aquakinack, the Great Falls &ca for the same purpose. A position still more South, for instance New Ark Mountain, Springfield, or middle Brook...
67From George Washington to Major General Stirling, 22 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
I am favd with yours of the 19th and 20th with their inclosures, and thank you for the important and particular intelligence which you have communicated. I must beg of you to continue your endeavours to find out whether a total evacuation is intended, or a Garrison to be left in New York—If the latter, the Knowledge of the number of Troops—the Corps—and the ships of War will be very essential....
68From George Washington to Major General Stirling, 21 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
I inclose you the extract of a letter from Governor Livingston to Congress, which they have referred to me. I think it not impossible, some instances of a commerce between the inhabitants and the enemy may have been tolerated for the purpose of gaining intelligence, and that this may have given rise to the whole suspicion. But lest there should be any thing more serious in it, that may require...
69From George Washington to Major General Stirling, 19 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
Between Eight and Nine OClock last night, I received your Lordship’s favor of the 16th Instant, accompanied by another inclosing Two papers. The intelligence you conveyed is very interesting, and it appears the more so, as the late accounts from Genl Scott, though not so particular as those given by Captain Clunn, correspond with it. I shall expect to hear from you frequently, as every...
70From George Washington to Major General Stirling, 17 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have recd your favs. of the 14th and 15th instants. I have undoubted intelligence that a very considerable embarkation is making from New York. It is of the utmost importance that we should ascertain the numbers as near as possible—their destination—the time of their sailing—and above all how they are convoyed as to number and force of Ships of War. Upon this, and a certain account of what...
71From George Washington to Major General Stirling and Brigadier Generals William Maxwell and William Woodford, 15 October … (Washington Papers)
In addition to the questions which I have already proposed for the consideration of the General Officers —I have farther asked whether judging from the present state and appearance of affairs, it would be advisable to detach any part of our force to Boston—& shd it be decided in the affirmative—what force would it be proper to detach—Your Lordship will be so good as to add your opinion on...
72From George Washington to Major General Stirling, 12 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have recd your Lordships favs. of the 6th 7th 8th and 9th instants and thank you for the intelligence communicated in them. I had no material directions to give or I should have answered them immediately upon their Receipt. As your Lordships force is so very unequal to that of the Enemy, I would not wish you to remain so near them as to intice them to aim a blow at you. Keeping their...
73From George Washington to Major General Stirling, 7 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
By an act of Congress dated the 30th Ulto Genl Pulaskis Corps and all the Continental troops in the vicinity of Philadelphia are ordered to Princeton there to wait my orders or those of the Commanding Officer in Jersey —I leave it to Your Lordship to give them such instructions for their government as may appear to you most proper. I am Your Lordships most obedt Servt p.s. Such Detachments of...
74From George Washington to Major General Stirling, 6 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have had just now the honor of your letters of the 4th & 5th Inst. As we are often obliged to reason on the designs of the enemy from the appearances which come under our own observation and the information of our spies we cannot be too attentive to those thing[s] which may afford us new light. Every minutiæ should have a place in our collection—for things of a seemingly triffling nature...
75From George Washington to Major General Stirling, 5 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have this morning received a letter from Gen. Gates which has the following paragraph. “Two sailors belonging to Cape Cod who made their escape from the prison ship last monday night arrived here; they declare that the British fleet of men of war sailed ten days ago in quest of the french fleet.” Altho’ there is a certain want of probability in the relation, yet as it may be true, you will...
76From George Washington to Major General Stirling, 4 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
It is now three days since I have received any Intelligence from Your Lordship —this makes me the more uneasy as my movements depend altogether upon the indications of those of the enemy—it is of so much importance to me to be regularly informed—that I must request you will send expresses daily—acquainting me precisely with the enemys position, and communicating such intelligence as you may...
77From George Washington to Major General Stirling, 2 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have been favd with yours of the 30th Sepr and 1st instant from Kakeate. You will make such a disposition of the troops as shall seem to you most eligible for your own security and for checking the excursions of the enemy. The inclosed for General Maxwell directs him to obey your orders. You will therefore draw up such part of his Brigade as you shall think proper. He and all the people...
78From George Washington to Major General Stirling, 28 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have just received letters from Generals Maxwell and Winds, that the Militia of Jersey are ordered out in very considerable force. A part has already collected. Besides the Militia, there will be two Continental brigades under Generals Maxwell and Woodford. This makes it necessary there should be some officer of higher rank than any now there to take the direction of the whole. Your knowlege...
79Instructions to Major General Stirling, 28 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
You will proceed forthwith into the State of New Jersey and take the command of the Troops there. These will consist of two continental Brigades under Brigadier Generals Maxwell and Woodford, and such of the Militia of the State as shall be collected on the occasion. General Maxwell has been directed to move and take post on the heights west of Acquaquenunk Bridge—General Woodford is to...
80From George Washington to Major General Stirling, 24 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have just received intelligence of the enemy having thrown a body of about 5,000 men over to Paules Hook, and of their advancing about five miles towards the English neighbourhood —I have also intelligence (from Gen. Scott) that about 3,000 men with artillery &ca were advancing from Kingsbridge —The design of these movements is probably a forage, and the gathering of Stock—&ca. It may also...
81From George Washington to Major General Stirling, 15 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
You are tomorrow morning at the hour appointed for marching; with the second Line, to take the route by Doctor Daytons at North Castle—Elijah Hunters at Bedford—second Bridge over Croton River—Lt Samuel Haits—Capt. Browns —and Wilsons Tavern to Fredericksburg—if any better road can be pointed out, that will not be liable to the objection of interfering with the Columns commanded by Generals De...
82From George Washington to Major General Stirling, 25 July 1778 (Washington Papers)
I desire that you and the General Officers upon the Court Martial would meet here at five OClock this Afternoon, when the other General Officers will be assembled, to consider of some measures that respect the Army at large. I would submit it to the Court, whether it would not be more convenient to adjourn to the plains, where the Witnesses may be attending their respective duties, and be at...
83From George Washington to Major General Stirling, 27 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
Altho Col. Meade has already signified to you my desire that our present Camp should be minutely reconnoitred—it is a matter of such serious importance that I cannot forbear repeating to you my wish that yourself aided by General du Portail and some other officers would critically examine the position, all it’s avenues, and the adjacent ground—that in case we should have occasion to make use...
84From George Washington to Major General Stirling, 11 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have received your Letter of yesterdays date. I had no particular person in view when I issued the order respecting the slow progress of the works, at the same time, I acknowledge, that I am exceedingly mortified at seeing, & beholding the delay of them—whether unavoidable, or not, I do not undertake to determine. Colos. Brealey & Barber informs me that the Officers of their Regiments are...
85From George Washington to Major General Stirling, 1 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
I do not conceive my self authorized to direct payment of such Acct as your Lordship inclosed me, however just and reasonable they may be, referring the Claimants to Congress, always; If your Lordship chooses it, I will transmit your Acct & Letter to that body; but should think the chance of payment, or a knowledge of the decision upon it, would be greater, were you to inclose it to some...
86From George Washington to Major General Stirling, 21 April 1778 (Washington Papers)
When your Lordship proposed meeting at General Knox’s Quarters to deliberate on the Subject of my propositions, I readily assented, without attending closely to the matter, or considering how far it accorded with my ideas & views; I therefore, as it is by no means my intention to have the collective opinion of the Officers upon the points mentioned would wish the meeting might be avoided, and...
87From George Washington to Major General Stirling, 13 April 1778 (Washington Papers)
You will be pleased to assemble the Brigadiers and commanding Officers of Brigades, to take into consideration the inclosed Letter from Mr Blaine and determine on the most effectu⟨al⟩ Remedy for the evil which he complains of —While you are together there is another matter of importance which I would have you employ your thoughts upon—from the present facility of procuring passes to cross the...
88From George Washington to Major General Stirling, 21 March 1778 (Washington Papers)
In answer to your favor of this date give me leave to say that I am well pleased at the termination of your corrispondance with Colo. Wilkinson—I sent for that Gentn after the conversation had with your Lordship, & showed him the Letters wch Mr Harrison furnished you with a sight of. he seemed a good deal surprized at G——s’s Letters & was not at all sparing in his abuse of him & C——y. The...
89Lieutenant Colonel Tench Tilghman to Major General Stirling, 24 January 1778 (Washington Papers)
As His Excellency is very busy in preparing matters to lay before the Committee of Congress and Board of War, he commands me to acknowledge your Lordships favor of this day, inclosing a very melancholy letter from Colo. Spencer. The want of cloathing is a thing which is much to be regretted but not remedied just at this time. A considerable quantity upon public account ought to have been here...
90From George Washington to Major General Stirling, 30 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
The bearer presents the horse to you, which I offered in exchange for your black —In the Summer, when I first got him, he had the appearance of a fine, and handsome horse—at present (by neglect at Bethleham) his appearance is altered. He was purchased for me by Colo. Moylan as a horse of Six yrs old, & I believe him to be sound, knowing nothing to the contrary. he goes rough, equal I believe...
91From George Washington to Major General Stirling, 28 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have received your Letter dated this day at noon and the pieces of Intelligence inclosed in it—your Lordship will act according to circumstances—I altogether approve of what you propose to be done with respect to those persons who have been detected in traiterously furnishing the Enemy with Provisions—the Punishment falling upon one or two Individuals of note will probably strike a Terror...
92From George Washington to Major General Stirling, 28 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
When you shall have received certain intelligence of the Enemys retiring to Philadelphia—it will be expedient to march your Division and the different parties that were detached to join you with all convenient speed back to Camp—that they may as soon as possible be refreshed and provide for their Winter Shelter—this was intended to have been mentioned in this mornings Letter—but was omitted —I...
93From George Washington to Major General Stirling, 27 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
Your Lordships Letter of yesterday arrived late last night —with respect to the proposed Attack upon the detached body of the Enemy, it appears from Major Clarks account of their Situation whom I sent for to consult upon the Subject—that they can be so easily and readily reinforced from the main body as to render any attempt upon them abortive —The business of your inclosed Letter has been in...
94From George Washington to Major General Stirling, 26 December 1777 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Major General Stirling, 26 Dec. 1777. In his second letter to GW of 26 Dec. , Stirling wrote that “I have Just received your Excellencys letter of this date.”
95From George Washington to Major General Stirling, 1 November 1777 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Major General Stirling, 1 Nov. 1777. Stirling wrote to GW on 3 Nov. that “Your Excellency’s letter of the first Instant, I received yesterday.”
96From George Washington to Major General Stirling, 25 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have your favor of 8 Oclock now before me, & am surprized to find the Enemy in the same situation after the movement which they appear’d to be making, according to the Information given by Genl Reed. I am sorry the Piquets March’d from hence yesterday, & I am still more concern’d that Genl Armstrong with the Militia moved to the Trap as it was owing to a mistake they were not halted along...
97From George Washington to Major General Stirling, 24 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
The principal reason for halting the Army here to Night, is, that the Enemy from every Information I have receivd this day, have not advancd towards Phila. it follows I think, evidently (especially if it be true that part of them are at Bonners House where we dind) that this Army, and not the City, is their object; & of course that we should not be too far advanced towds them till our strength...
98From George Washington to Major General Stirling, 24 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
Since I have seen Captn Faulkner, and by him learnt the situation of Genl McDougal, I am really uneasy to find how low he is down & near to the Enemy (if they continue in the same position they were this morning). Captn Faulkner says your Lordship proposed to send an officer to conduct him by some upper Road, but lest any other business should have withdrawn your attention from this matter, I...
99From George Washington to Major General Stirling, 27 August 1777 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Major General Stirling, 27 Aug. 1777. Stirling wrote GW on 30 Aug. : “I thank you kindly for your letter of the 27th.”
100From George Washington to Maj. Gen. Stirling, 25 August 1777 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Maj. Gen. Stirling, 25 Aug. 1777. The 13th Antiquarian Booksellers Association catalog, 1970, item 586, includes the following excerpt from this letter signed, which was written at Wilmington, Del.: “The Enemy are landing, as you will be informed by the enclosed Copy of a Letter, which came this afternoon by Express to Brigad’r Gen’l McKinlay. I request . . . you march...