101Lieutenant Colonel Robert Hanson Harrison to John Hancock, 3 November 1776 (Washington Papers)
By command of his Excellency, I have the honor to inform you, that our situation is nearly the same, as when I had the pleasure of writing you last; It is altered in no instance, unless in the number of our Troops, which is every day decreasing by their most scandalous desertion and return Home. The Inclosed Letter from Genl Parsons who is stationed near the Saw pits, and which his Excellency...
102From George Washington to John Hancock, 9 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have been duly honored with your Letter of Yesterday and with its Inclosures. I shall pay attention to the Resolves transmitted, and as soon as circumstances admit, shall propose to Genl Howe an Exchange between Lt Colo. Campbell and the Hessian Feild Officers, and a like Number of Our’s of equal rank in his Hands. I would beg leave to lay before Congress, a Copy of a Report made by a Board...
103From George Washington to John Hancock, 22 September 1776 (Washington Papers)
I had flattered myself that the Congress would before this Time have forwarded the amended Articles for the Government of the Army. But as they have not I think it my indispensable Duty to lay before them the Necessity, the absolute Necessity of forming an Article against plundering, marauding & burning of Houses—such a Spirit has gone forth in our Army that neither publick or private Property...
104From Thomas Jefferson to John Hancock, 24 August 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
The Representatives of the United States have been pleased to refer to me the representation from the General Court of Massachusetts on the subject of the Whale and Cod fisheries which had been transmitted by your Excellency, with an instruction to examine the matter thereof and report my opinion thereupon to the next Session of Congress. To prepare such a report as may convey to them the...
105From George Washington to John Hancock, 14 December 1775 (Washington Papers)
The Two french Gentlemen who will appear before you with this, brought recommendations to me from Governor Cooke of Providence, their names are, Messieurs Pennet & Depliurne. They propose a plan for supplying this Continent with Arms & Ammunition, which appears to me very eligible, as I am not acquainted with the extent of Schemes already formed by Congress for the attainment of these...
106From George Washington to John Hancock, 24 August 1776 (Washington Papers)
The irregularity of the Post prevents your receiving the early and constant Intelligence it is my Wish to communicate. This is the third Letter which you will, probably, receive from me by the same Post. The first was of little or no consequence, but that of yesterday gave you the best Information I had been able to obtain of the Enemy’s Landing, and movements upon Long Island. Having occasion...
107From George Washington to John Hancock, 13 August 1776 (Washington Papers)
As there is reason to beleive that but little Time will elapse before the Enemy make their Attack, I have thought It advisable to remove All the papers in my hands respecting the Affairs of the States from this place. I hope the Event will shew the precaution was unnecessary, but yet prudence required that It should be done, Lest by any Accident they might fall into their hands. They are all...
108From George Washington to John Hancock, 22 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
I am honord with your favor, containing the intelligence of the Enemy’s arrival in Chesapeak Bay and the resolution of Congress thereupon. I have, in consequence of this account, sent orders to General Nash immediately to embark his Brigade and Colo. Proctor’s Corps of Artillery, if Vessels can be procured for the purpose, and to proceed to Chester; or if Vessels cannot be provided, to hasten...
109From George Washington to John Hancock, 14 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor of your’s of this morning, inclosing the copy of a letter from General Dickinson. In consequence of the interesting information contained in it, I have written to General Putnam, directing him to send forward a second detachment of a thousand men in addition to the former, as you will perceive by perusing the inclosed duplicate of my letter to him; which you will be pleased to...
110From George Washington to John Hancock, 15 December 1776 (Washington Papers)
About One OClock to day I received a Letter from Genl Sullivan, a Copy of which you have inclosed. I will not comment on the melancholy intelligence, which it contains, only adding, that I sincerely regret Genl Lee’s unhappy fate, and feel much for the loss of my Country in his Captivity. In respect to the Enemy, they have been industrious in their attempts to procure Boats and small craft,...
111From George Washington to John Hancock, 6 December 1776 (Washington Papers)
I have not received any intelligence of the Enemy’s movements since my Letter of Yesterday; from every information, they still remain at Brunswic, except some of their parties who are advanced a small distance on this side. to day I shall set out for Princeton myself, unless something should occur to prevent me, which I do not expect. By a Letter of the 4th Inst. from a Mr Caldwell, a...
112From Benjamin Franklin to John Hancock, 4 December 1777 (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): Library of Congress The Bearer of this, Mr. Holcker, is a Gentleman of excellent Character, of great Credit in this Country, and one of my particular Friends. He can give you good Information of the State of Public Affairs here. I beg leave therefore to recommend him to your Acquaintance, and to all the Civilities you usually show to Strangers of Merit, of which you will find him...
113From Thomas Jefferson to John Hancock, 11 October 1776 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the 30th. together with the resolutions of Congress of the 26th. Ult. came safe to hand. It would argue great insensibility in me could I receive with indifference so confidential an appointment from your body. My thanks are a poor return for the partiality they have been pleased to entertain for me. No cares for my own person, nor yet for my private affairs would have induced...
114From George Washington to John Hancock, 7 May 1776 (Washington Papers)
At a quarter after Seven this Eveng, I received by Express a Letter from Thos Cushing Esqr., Chairman of a Committee of the Honorable Genl Court, covering one to them from the Committee of Salem, Copies of which I do myself the Honor to lay before Congress, that they may Judge of the Intelligence contained therein, and direct such measures to be taken upon the occasion as they may think proper...
115From George Washington to John Hancock, 5 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
Since I did myself the honor of writing to you the Night before last, the Enemy have remained intirely quiet. A person who came express from Genl Rodney informs me that the Enemys shipping fell down from Cecil Court House on Tuesday last, but how low he does not know. I have desired Genl Rodney to inquire into this matter, and if it be true, to send persons along the Bay shore to see where...
116From George Washington to John Hancock, 8 July 1776 (Washington Papers)
Congress having resolved to raise a Regiment of Germans to counteract the designs of our Enemies, I must beg leave to recommend to their notice John David Wilpert, now a first Lieutenant in Col. Shee’s Battallion, to the office of Captain in said Regiment. I am personally acquainted with him and know that he Joined the Virginia forces under my command in the year 1754 and continued in service...
117From George Washington to John Hancock, 1 April 1776 (Washington Papers)
An Express arrived here this Morning with a Letter from Governor Cooke of Rhode Island, of which the inclosed is a Copy. In consequence of this important intelligence, I immediately dispatch’d an Express after General Sullivan, who is on his March to Norwich with six Regiments and ordered him to file off to Providence if he should be so desir’d by Governor Cooke to whom I have wrote on the...
118From George Washington to John Hancock, 25 May 1781 (Washington Papers)
The great demand we shall have for powder in the proposed operations of the campaign constrains me to request a loan of this article, of the States who are possessed of it, to supply the deficiency of the Continental magazine. I therefore, Sir, earnestly request as great a loan of powder of the State of Massachusetts as can possibly be spared, and that the State would take most speedy and...
119From George Washington to John Hancock, 7 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
I was this morning honored with yours of the 5th with sundry Resolves of Congress to which I shall pay due attention. No change has taken place in the Situation of the Enemy upon Staten Island since I wrote to you on the 5th But I have this morning recd an account from Elizabeth Town which mentions that a person had just come from the Island who informs that small Craft are constantly plying...
120From George Washington to John Hancock, 4 July 1776 (Washington Papers)
This will be handed you by Col. Stevenson whom I have ordered with the captains of the Two Rifle Companies from Maryland to wait on Congress. they will point out such measures as they conceive most likely to advance the raising of the New Rifle Battallion and the persons they think worthy of promotion that have served in the three Companies here agreable to the Inclosed List. I am not...
121From George Washington to John Hancock, 29 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor of yours of the 26th inclosing letters for Comodore Hazelwood and Capt. Alexander which I have forwarded to them. Lt Colo. Smith must have arrived at Fort Mifflin two days ago, as I heard from him at Ancocus Creek in the Jerseys. Colo. Nichola was in the Fort with about 60 of his Regt of Invalids and two Companies of Artillery of thirty each, and I advised him to withdraw what...
122From George Washington to John Hancock, 22 July 1776 (Washington Papers)
Congress having been pleased to appoint Mr Wilper to the command of a Company in the German Batallion now raising, I have directed him to repair to Philadelphia for their orders. From my acquaintance with him, I am persuaded his conduct as an Officer will meet their approbation, and thanking them for their kind attention to my recommendation of him I have the honor to be with Sentiments of the...
123From George Washington to John Hancock, 29 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
On my return to this place last evening from White Clay creek, I was honored with yours of the 27th, with sundry resolves of Congress, to which I shall pay due attention. The enemy advanced a part of their army yesterday to Gray’s hill about two miles on this side of Elk, whether with intent to take post there, or to cover while they remove what stores they found in the town, I cannot yet...
124From George Washington to John Hancock, 24 September 1776 (Washington Papers)
The post being about to depart I have only time to add, That no event of importance has taken place on this side Hudson’s River since my last of the 22d Instt. The Inclosed Letter received last night from Genl Greene, who now commands in the Jerseys, will give Congress all the information I have respecting the evacuation of powles Hook and the landing of the Enemy to possess It. I this minute...
125From George Washington to John Hancock, 7 January 1777 (Washington Papers)
I am happy to inform you, that the account of Genl Mercer’s death, transmitted in my last, was premature, though it was mentioned as certain by many who saw him after he was wounded; By intelligence from princeton yesterday evening, he was alive, and seemed as if he would do well; Unhappily he is a prisoner. had it not been for the information I had of his death, I would have tried to have...
126From George Washington to John Hancock, 15 November 1783 (Washington Papers)
The very favorable opinion you are pleased to entertain of my public conduct, and the kind expressions of personal friendship you have had the goodness to repeat in your Letter of the 15th Ulto could not fail to receive my warmest acknowledgments; had not the higher Motives of esteem & attachment already rivitted my affections to you. Accipt my best thanks for the present testimony of your...
127From George Washington to John Hancock, 22 February 1790 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with your Excellencys letter of the 10th inst. enclosing a Resolve of the Senate & House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and sundry documents relative to the Eastern boundary of the United States. Previous to the receipt of your Excellency’s letter I had laid this subject before the Senate of the United States for their consideration, with such...
128From George Washington to John Hancock, 30 September 1776 (Washington Papers)
Since I had the honor of addressing you last nothing of importance has transpired, tho from some movements yesterday on the part of the Enemy it would seem as if something was Intended. The inclosed memorial from Lieut. Colo. Sheppard of the 4th Regiment, I beg leave to submit to the consideration of Congress, and shall only add that I could wish they would promote him to the Command of the...
129From George Washington to John Hancock, 18 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
I just now received a Letter from Genl Schuyler of the 14th Inst. inclosing the Proceedings of the Council of War, which he alludes to, a Copy of which and of his Letter, I herewith transmit. He represents matters in a distressing point of view. I beleive they are bad—but, I hope, they are not so alarming as they are painted by him. My Letter of the 12th would advise Congress, how far his...
130From George Washington to John Hancock, 21 March 1777 (Washington Papers)
I was last night honoured with your Letter of the 17th Instt covering Sundry Resolutions of Congress, which shall have my attention. Having charged Major General Greene, who will probably be in philadelphia to day, with such matters as I wished to refer to the consideration of Congress, I have nothing to trouble them with at this time, or material to inform them of. I have the Honor to be with...
131George Washington to John Hancock, 28 August 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of July 20th. came safely to hand, together with the Memorial of Monsieur de Latombe of the 7th. of June, and the Resolve of the Legislature of Massachusetts of the 24th. of the same month. On considering the nature of the difficulties which have occurred in the execution of the Consular Convention, they appeared to be such as could not be removed but by a legislative Act. When...
132From George Washington to John Hancock, 6 March 1777 (Washington Papers)
I do myself the Honor to transmit you, the inclosed Copy of a Letter from Genl Lee received by a Flag on Tuesday last. you will perceive from thence his wishes & expectations of seeing some Members of Congress in consequence of his Letter upon that Subject. None of the passports which he mentions were sent out, though the Letter came by Genl How’s permission, as the Others did. I should be...
133From George Washington to John Hancock, 16 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
I beg leave to congratulate Congress on the Captivity of Major Genl Prescot & One of his Aids. The particulars of this fortunate event, you will find in the Inclosed Extract of a Letter this Minute received from Genl Spencer, which I presume are at large in the packet Mr Greenleaf will deliver. Lt Colo. Barton & the Small handfull under his Command, who conducted the Enterprize have great...
134From Benjamin Franklin to John Hancock, 21 September 1781 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Yale University Library, Smith College Library; AL (draft) and copy: Library of Congress Five Captains of Vessels from Boston who had been carried Prisoners into England, made their Escape from thence lately in an open Boat and arrived on the Coast of Normandy in France. Being Strangers there, destitute of all Acquaintance, they had the good Fortune to meet with M. St. John, a French...
135From George Washington to John Hancock, 5 April 1777 (Washington Papers)
The inclosed from Monsr le Chevr de Dreudhomme de Borre, with the papers annexed to it, were received this day by the Eastern Mail —It appears that by an agreement with Mr Dean he is to have the Rank and Pay of a Brigadier General in our service—I imagine by this, that he is a Man of real Merit—If you think proper to confirm Mr Dean’s appointment, be pleased to inform me of it, and return the...
136From George Washington to John Hancock, 19 September 1776 (Washington Papers)
Since I had the honor of addressing you Yesterday, Nothing material has occurred, However It is probable in a little time, the Enemy will attempt to force us from hence, as we are informed they are bringing many of their Heavy Cannon towards the Heights and the Works we have thrown up. they have also Eight or Nine Ships of War in the North River, which It is said, are to Canonade our right...
137From George Washington to John Hancock, 18 May 1776 (Washington Papers)
I do myself the honor to transmit to you the Inclosed Letters and papers I received this morning in the State they now are, which contain sundry matters of Intelligence of the most Interesting nature. As the Consideration of them may lead to important consequences and the adoption of several measures in the military line, I have thought It advisable for Genl Gates to attend Congress; he will...
138From George Washington to John Hancock, 12 January 1777 (Washington Papers)
I am honored with yours of the 6th inclosing several Resolves of Congress respecting an Exchange to be proposed between General Lee and the Hessian Feild Officers taken at Trenton. Colo. Rall died the day after the Action and we left one of the Majors so ill of his Wounds, that I am in doubt of his recovery. I can however make an Offer of all that remain, in exchange for Genl Lee, except one,...
139From George Washington to John Hancock, 10 August 1782 (Washington Papers)
Your Excellency will permit me to introduce to your particular Notice & Attention M. Genl D. Choissny, who will have the Honor to present this Letter. As an Officer old in Command, & eminent for his Services, he has the Honor to be placed at the Head of the Troops destined for the Expedition proposed by the Marquis de Vaudreuil against Penobscot, provided that Enterprize should be attempted....
140From George Washington to John Hancock, 2 June 1781 (Washington Papers)
The proposed operations of the campaign will occasion such a demand for heavy cannon and military stores, as to exceed the number and quantity of those articles immediately in possession of the Continent. This insufficiency obliges me to apply to such of the neighbouring States as can afford us any assistance, with a full confidence that the importance of the object, and the apparent...
141From George Washington to John Hancock, 9 May 1776 (Washington Papers)
When I was on the Road from Cambrid[g]e to this Place, I received a Letter from a Gentleman who subscribed it, Le Baron de Colbiac . He therein mentions that he was a Captain of Dragoons in the French Service, that he comes to offer his Service to the United Colonies, that he attempted to come about the latter End of November, was taken by an English Frigate commanded by Capt. Young with 160...
142From George Washington to John Hancock, 2 December 1776 (Washington Papers)
I arrived here this morning with our Troops between Eight and Nine oClock, when I received the Honor of your Letter of the 1st with its Inclosure. When the Enemy first landed on this side the North River, I apprehended that they meant to make a push this way, and knowing that the force which I had, was not sufficient to oppose ’em, I wrote to Genl Lee to cross with the Several Continental...
143From George Washington to John Hancock, 27 July 1775 (Washington Papers)
Nothing material has occurr’d in either Camp since I had the Honour of addressing you on the 21st Instt by Express. But on Tuesday 3 Men of War & 9 Transports sailed out of Boston Harbour & stood a Course about E.S.E. One Groves who came out of Boston the same Evening informed the Officer at one of the Out Posts, that the Transports had on Board 600 Men & were bound to Block Island, Fishers...
144From George Washington to John Hancock, 9 January 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with your Excellency’s favors of the 17th of November and 22d of December. The first, by some accident, had gone forward to Philadelphia and only reached me, by the post from thence, the 7th instant. Your Excellency will have had good reason to suppose me guilty of neglect, in not answering, sooner, so polite a renewal, on your part, of the correspondence which had been...
145From Benjamin Franklin to John Hancock, 13 April 1776 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : National Archives We have been here some Days waiting for General Schuyler’s Orders to proceed, which we have just received, and shall accordingly leave this Place to morrow. Tho’ by the Advices from Canada communicated by him to us, and as we suppose sent forward to you, I am afraid we shall be able to effect but little there. We had a heavy Snow here yesterday and the Waters are so...
146From George Washington to John Hancock, 25 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to inclose you a couple of letters which Monsieur Davout the bearer of this delivered me in his behalf. You will perceive by them that he is desirous of entering into our service, and what his pretensions have been in his own Country. I have referred him to Congress to determine on what footing he is to stand with us. He requests me to mention that he would be glad of...
147From George Washington to John Hancock, 8 October 1777 (Washington Papers)
As General How’s Operations are in this Quarter & his Object in all probability fixed for this Campaign, I am induced, to submit it to the consideration of Congress If the Whole or a part of the Regimt of Artillery commanded by Colo. Harrison, should not be immediately ordered to join this Army. In the late Actions, the Corps under Genl Knox has suffered severely, and it is so reduced by the...
148From George Washington to John Hancock, 9 May 1777 (Washington Papers)
The inclosed is Copy of a letter which was handed to me by M. Mottin de la Balme from Silas Dean Esquire: For a more particular account of his Merit and Services, I must refer you to himself. I have sounded him, as to his expectations, and find that nothing under a Lieutenant Colonelcy of Horse will content him. If you should, from his own account, or from what you can collect from others,...
149From George Washington to John Hancock, 5 June 1777 (Washington Papers)
Inclosed, you will receive a Copy of a Letter from Genl Howe of this date. You will perceive, how extremely pressing he is for an Answer to the demands in his Letters of the 21st of April and 22d Ulto. As I referred the consideration of them to Congress in mine of the 28th of May, requesting their Opinion, I entreat, that they will not defer giving it, that I may return an Answer. I shall...
150From George Washington to John Hancock, 14 August 1776 (Washington Papers)
This will be delivered you by Captn Moeballe, a Dutch Gentleman from Surinam, who has come to the Continent with a view of Entering into the Service of the States, as you will perceive by the Inclosed Letters from Mr Brown of Providence and General Greene. What other Letters & Credentials he has, I know not, but at his request have given this Line to Congress to whom he wishes to be...