101From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 20 July 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have had the pleasure of a communication from Comte de Rochambea and Chevalier Ternay, since their arrival at Rhode-Island, and take the earliest occasion to inform Congress of their force and situation. The succour destined for these States, for particaular reasons, were thrown into two divisions. The first (that arrived) consists of 7 sail of the line, and one of 64, converted into a...
102From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 20 July 1780 (Washington Papers)
Since I had the honor of addressing Congress this Morning by post, I received a Letter from Brigadier General Maxwell, requesting me to accept his resignation and assigning his reasons for the same. Having never acted on an application of this sort from an Officer of his rank, I beg leave to lay the matter before Congress & to transmit them a Copy of his Letter, by which they will be more...
103George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 22 July 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Preakness [ New Jersey ] July 22, 1780 . Has sent “definitive proposals of co-operation to the French General and Admiral.” Is proceeding on assumption that the states “will ultimately consult their own interest and honor; and not suffer us to fail for want of means which it is evidently in their power to afford.” Reiterates need for transportation. Df , in writing of H, George Washington...
104From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 22 July 1780 (Washington Papers)
The Committee has done me the honor to communicate a copy of their letter of the 18th to Congress containing a state of the measures they had taken & of our present prospects. The knowledge I have of facts perfectly coincides with their representation & the consequences they draw are so just & important that they ought to engage—& I am perswaded will engage the closest attention of Congress. I...
105From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 22 July 1780 (Washington Papers)
I beg leave to acquaint Congress that I have been informed by a letter from Governor Jefferson to their Committee in Camp, lately received, that the Legislature of Virginia had a Bill before them, when His Excellency wrote, for raising Five Thousand Men for Eighteen months to supply their Battallions; and that by a Letter, with which he was pleased to honor me at the same time, he requested...
106From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 26 July 1780 (Washington Papers)
Having recd information that there were considerable numbers of Cattle and Horses in Bergen Neck, within reach of the enemy, and having reason to suspect that they meant shortly to draw all supplies of that kind within their lines, I detached Brigadier Genl Wayne on the 20th with the 1st and 2d Penna Brigades with four peices of Artilley attached to them, and Colo. Moylans Regt of Dragoons to...
107From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 27 July 1780 (Washington Papers)
By advices received last night from the Count de Rochambeau, I am informed that the British Fleet were off Block Island on the 22d instant. I have at his request transmitted this intelligence to the Minister of France —I have also received intelligence from New York that a number of troops were embarked on board Transports in the Sound. It is given out that Sir Henry Clinton is determined upon...
108George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 30 July 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Paramus [ New Jersey ] July 30, 1780 . Requests Congress to take measures to induce Major General Nathanael Greene and other officers of the quartermaster department to continue their services. Explains that unless this is done “we not only must cease the preparations for the campaign; but shall in all probability be obliged to disperse, if not disband the army for want of subsistence.” LS ,...
109From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 30 July 1780 (Washington Papers)
The Honorable The Committee address Congress by this opportunity to inform them of the most disagreeable crisis to which our affairs are brought in the Quarter Master Generals department. I think it my duty to assure Congress, that I intirely agree with the Committee in opinion; and that unless effectual measures are immediately taken to induce General Greene and the other principal officers...
110George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 3 August 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Peekskill [ New York ] August 3, 1780 . Informs Congress that Sir Henry Clinton has returned. Describes resultant movements of Army. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
111From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 3 August 1780 (Washington Papers)
Having received accounts, that Sir Henry Clinton had embarked the principal part of his force for Rhode Island, I put the army in motion the 29th of July and the 31st formed a junction in the vicinity of this place with the troops in this quarter. Had Sir Henry prosecuted what appeared to be his design, my intention was to attempt New York in his absence. Our preparations were made for this...
112George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 20 August 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Orangetown [ New York ] August 20, 1780 . Thanks Congress for increase in powers. Describes situation in Army. Discusses position of Great Britain both here and abroad. Reviews European situation. Argues for establishing a draft either for duration of war or for three years. Reiterates need of “ample and equal provision for the Army.” Repeats need for half-pay provision for officers. Urges...
113From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 20 August 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have been duly honored with your Excellys letters of the 3d 5th & 7th instt with their Inclosures. I have a grateful sense of the confidence of which these Acts are expressive, and shall labour to improve it to the utmost extent of the means with which I am entrusted. I sincerely wish our prospects were more favourable than they are. The inclosed copy of a letter to the Honorable The...
114From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 24 August 1780 (Washington Papers)
I am now to acknowledge the Honor of Your Excellency’s dispatches of the 9th, which I received four or five days ago, and which I have been prevented answering before, by a variety of pressing business. With respect to the exchange of Officers—I beg leave to refer Congress to the Inclosures No. 1.2.3.4.5 & 6 which comprehend the correspondence which has passed of late between Us & the Enemy on...
115From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 28 August 1780 (Washington Papers)
The day before yesterday we compleated the Forage of which I had the honor to advise Congress the 24th instant, the product of which has been, as was apprehended, very inconsiderable. The Army is now reassembled at this place and will remain here a day or two to consume the forage remaining in the neighbourhood, after which we shall probably return to our former position. The intelligence...
116From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 6 September 1780 (Washington Papers)
I had the honor to receive your Excellency’s Letters of the 24th & 28th Ulto, on the 1st & 2d Instt with the resolutions to which they refer. The latter have been announced to the Army in Orders—and I hope that they will quiet many of the complaints which have existed. I cannot forbear expressing my wishes for the sake of harmony, which our affairs essentially require, that the business of...
117George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 8 September 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
New Bridge [ New Jersey ] September 8, 1780 . Asks Congress to explain resolve of August 5, 1780, concerning Washington’s powers. Inquires about Congress’s ability to furnish currency, about North and South Carolina’s ability to supply provisions, and about measures to replace men whose terms of service end in January. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
118From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 8 September 1780 (Washington Papers)
Since the letter which I did myself the honor to write Congress the 20th Ulto, I have been more attentively considering the import of the resolution of the 5th of August, and am at a loss to satisfy myself as to the precise extent—whether it be meant to authorise me to extend my views beyond the present Campaign and even to apply to the Ministers of France & Spain in Europe—or only to concert...
119From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 9 September 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have been informed that large quantities of Goods, proper for the use of the Army, have lately arrived to the Eastward, in the prizes captured out of the Quebec Fleet. The disappointment of not receiving the Cloathing expected from France by the Alliance Frigate, and the uncertainty of the safe arrival of the Ariel, on board of which it is said it was afterwards to have been shipped, (but...
120From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 13 September 1780 (Washington Papers)
This will be presented to your Excellency by Captain Hendricks Solomon of Stockbridge who with about Twenty of his Tribe have been serving as Volunteers with the Army since the beginning of July —They have been generally attached to the Light Infantry and have conducted themselves with great propriety and fidelity—seeing no immediate prospect of any operations in this quarter in which they can...
121George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 15 September 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
New Bridge [ New Jersey ] September 15, 1780 . Asserts that the fall of Camden “adds itself to many others to exemplify the necessity of an army, the fatal consequences of depending on Militia.” Regrets that South still relies on militia. Is to meet the French commanders on September 20. Explains measures taken concerning certificates. Does not think it expedient to send a detachment to South...
122From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 15 September 1780 (Washington Papers)
I am honored with your letters of the 6th and 8th instant with their inclosures—happy to find that the late disaster in Carolina has no⟨t⟩ been so great as its first features indicated —This event however, adds itself to many others to exemplify the necessity of an army—the fata⟨l⟩ consequences of depending on Militia. Regular Troops alone are equal to the exigences of modern war, as well for...
123From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 26 September 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to inform Congress that I arrived here yesterday about 12 o’clock on my return from Hartford. Some hours previous to my arrival Major General Arnold went from his quarters which were at this place, and as it was supposed over the river to the Garrison at Westpoint, whither I proceeded myself in order to visit the post. I found General Arnold had not been there during the day,...
124From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 1 October 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have received your Excellency’s favors of the 16th and 24th ulto with the several Resolves to which they refer—The first came to hand while I was absent on my journey to Harford. I most sincerely wish that the measures which have been adopted, for procuring a supply of fresh and salt Meat, may prove effectual. Congress will perceive by the inclosed, which is the Copy of a representation made...
125From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 7 October 1780 (Washington Papers)
I had the honor on the 1st Instant to receive Your Excellency’s dispatches of the 24th Ulto addressed to Major General Greene—and since, Your very obliging Letter of the 29th, for which I beg leave to return You my acknowledgements. I have written to Sir Henry Clinton in consequence of the former and requested him to make the desired communications. When these are received, they shall be...
126Summary of George Washington’s Letter to Samuel Huntington, [11 October 1780] (Hamilton Papers)
Contents of Letter to Congress Approves the reduction to 50 regiments. Proposes as the basis of the reduction a half pay establishment for life, or making the half pay for seven years whole pay, to be paid one half in a year after the conclusion of peace, the other half in two years after that. Regiments to consist of one Colonel where the old colonels are continued or one Lt Col Commandant...
127George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 11 October 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Passaic Falls [ New Jersey ] October 11, 1780 . Approves of resolution for the Army establishment with certain reservations. Recommends either half-pay for life or full pay for seven years for all officers. Approves the number of regiments planned, but recommends an increase in the number of men and officers in each regiment. Makes suggestions concerning the cavalry and artillery. Believes...
128From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 11 October 1780 (Washington Papers)
Three days since, I received your Excellency’s Letter of the 4th with the inclosed resolutions, which, as the Army was in motion to this Post, I had it not in my power to answer before. I am much obliged to Congress for the honor they do me by the fresh mark of their attention and confidence conferred upon me in the reference they have been pleased to make. My wish to concur in sentiment with...
129George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 13 October 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Preakness [ New Jersey ] October 13, 1780 . Informs Congress that Baron von Steuben is going to Philadelphia “to obtain some determination on his department.” Reiterates recommendation that Congress assist von Steuben. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
130George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 15 October 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Preakness [ New Jersey ] October 15, 1780 . Sends letters concerning proposal for a “Resident Commissary of Prisoners.” Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
131From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 15 October 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with your Excellency’s Favors of the 6th and 9th instants, with the Acts and papers to which they refer. The first did not reach me ’till the 13th in the Evening. I shall, in obedience to the order of Congress, take the proper steps for a Court of Enquiry to be held on the Conduct of Major Genl Gates as Commander of the Southern Army; and also shall, agreeable to their...
132From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 15 October 1780 (Washington Papers)
In answer to my proposals for appointing a Resident Commissary of Prisoners Major General Philips by order of Sir Henry Clinton sent me a set of articles of which the inclosed No. 1 is a copy —I have sketched an answer No. 2 which before I send it in, I transmit to Congress for their examination. If they have no objections, I beg them as soon as possible to signify it, through His Excellency...
133From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 15 October 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have this minute received the inclosed New York paper of the 13th which I transmit for your Excellency’s perusal. From the particulars related with respect to Mr Lauren’s capture, I am very much afraid that the account is really true. By other recent intelligence from New York which is direct, the Cork fleet is said to be on the Coast. I have the Honor to be With great respect Yr...
134From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 16 October 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to transmit Your Excelliency the Copy of the Letter (No. 1) I wrote to Sr Henry Clinton on the 6th Instant with respect to the Citizens of South Carolina, said to be confined on board a Ship of War—of his Answer of the 9th (No. 2) and of my Letter to him of this date (No. 3), with a Copy of the Letter from Lord Cornwallis & Lord Rawden to which it refers. This Letter from Lord...
135From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 17 October 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have just received advice from Elizabeth Town, which I think may be depended on, that the Fleet fell down from New York on sunday last and it is said have since sailed. There was a constant firing of signals on Sunday. The numbers gone are, by the best information I have yet obtained, about 2500 Foot and thirty or forty Horse, but they have taken spare furniture for a considerable number of...
136From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 21 October 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with Your Excellency’s favors of the 10th and 14th Instants —The advance of the British Army towards the borders of North Carolina is an alarming circumstance, more especially, as there is every reason to believe that the force which lately sailed from New York is intended to cooperate with them—The enemy, by several accounts, received a reinforcement from Europe in the...
137George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 22 October 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Preakness [ New Jersey ] October 22, 1780 . Has appointed Major General Nathanael Greene to assume command of the southern army until completion of inquiry into Major General Horatio Gates’s conduct. Recommends Greene, but states that the difficulties which Greene will meet can be overcome only with Congress’s support. Asks Congress to approve sending Baron von Steuben south to reorganize the...
138From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 22 October 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to inform Congress, that in consequence of their resolution of the 5th instant, I have appointed Major General Greene to the command of the Southern Army, ’till the enquiry into the conduct of Major Genl Gates is completed. I inclose a Copy of my instructions to General Greene, by which and a Copy of my letter to Genl Gates, Congress will perceive the mode I have adopted for...
139From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 29 October 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with Your Excellency’s favors of the 19th 23d and 26th Instants. The intelligence from the southward is most agreeable and important, and may, in its consequences, give a happy change to the face of Affairs in that quarter. In regard to the application made by Colo. de Buysson to Congress, and which, they have been pleased to refer to me, I beg leave to lay before them a...
140George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 1 November 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Preakness [ New Jersey ] November 1, 1780 . Transmits memorials from Captain Joseph Traversie and from “the Canadian families which have taken refuge” in Albany. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
141From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 1 November 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to request you will lay before Congress the inclosed memorial, handed to me by the Marquis De la Fayette, one from the Canadian families which have taken refuge from Albany complaining that they have not for some time past received the provisions allowed them by Congress—Another from a Captn Traversy containing a demand for money due while employed by Major General Gates for...
142George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 4 November 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Preakness [ New Jersey ] November 4, 1780 . Sends news of British troop and naval movements. Reports that Army received announcement of new establishment with satisfaction. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
143From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 4 November 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have received some late advices from New York that speak of a large number of transports and other vessels which are getting ready to sail, and of a second embarkation of troops destined to the South. It is added that Rodney with a part of his fleet is preparing to sail to the West-Indies—that he is to detach two ships of the line, the Sandwich and Terrible to convoy a homeward bound...
144From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 5 November 1780 (Washington Papers)
Whenever a representation from any department of the Army is made to me, and it is not in my power to resolve their questions, or relieve their complaints, I have ever conceived it a part of my duty to refer the matter to Congress. This will be my apology for troubling them with the inclosed Memorial of the Hospital Department, and requesting to know at the same time, how far the Resolves of...
145From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 7 November 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with your Excellency’s favor of the 1st Inst. and am happy to find that my appointment of Major General Greene, to the command of the Southern Army, meets the approbation of Congress. Congress having been pleased, by their Act of the 21st ulto, to authorise me to direct a mode for compleating, recruiting and supplying the partizan Corps to be commanded by Colo. Armand and...
146From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 14 November 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have just received advice that Admiral Rodney’s Fleet, with the transports which have been sometime preparing, fell down to the Hook on saturday last. The number of troops on board is not yet ascertained. It is said that Major General Phillips commands the detachment, but I have it not sufficiently vouched, to make it a matter of certainty—Their destination is generally believed to be to the...
147George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 20 November 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Passaic Falls [ New Jersey ] November 20, 1780 . Discusses problems involved in exchanging prisoners with Great Britain. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
148From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 20 November 1780 (Washington Papers)
I was duly honored with your Excellency’s letter of the 12th and shall properly attend to its important contents. I hope the measures I had previously taken relative to the exchange of prisoners, announced in my letter of the 7th will not be disagreeable to Congress; they were founded on an opinion I had constantly entertained that it was our interest to extend the exchange of officers as far...
149George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 25[–26] November 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Preakness [ New Jersey ] November 25 [ –26 ] 1780 . Will furnish the return of the officers of engineering department after Brigadier General Louis Le Bèque Du Portail arrives. Advocates increase in compensation for officers in the inspectorship. Recommends Simeon DeWitt as the successor to Robert Erskine as geographer of the Army. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of...
150From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 26 November 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to Acknowledge your Excellency’s Letters of the 16th and 17th inst. I am much obliged to you for the intelligence transmitted from Governor Jefferson. It is not in my power, at this time, to furnish the return required of the Officers of the Engineering department—I wait the arrival of General Du Portail—after which it shall be immediately forwarded. I have not yet published,...