¶ From Philemon Dickinson. Letter not found. 6 October 1806. Acknowledged in Daniel Brent to Dickinson, 11 Oct. 1806, as having to do with legislation regarding “the 6 prCt. stock of the U. States.” Brent had referred Dickinson’s query to Albert Gallatin, who had replied that the matter was “still before Congress; but wether it shall meet with their approbation it is impossible to say” ( DNA :...
2To George Washington from Philemon Dickinson, 13 January 1790 (Washington Papers)
Mr Philemon Dickinson’s Compliments to the President of the United States of America, & begs his acceptance of an American Cheese, made by a Mr Capner, of Hunterdon County, State of New Jersey. ALS , DNA : RG 59, Miscellaneous Letters. Philemon Dickinson (1739–1809) had a distinguished military career during the Revolution in New York and New Jersey, earning GW’s approbation on several...
3To George Washington from Philemon Dickinson, 2 May 1781 (Washington Papers)
Doctor Jones, a Relation, & very particular Friend of mine, who has the honor of being known to you, & whose Principles in the present controversy, have been uniformly in favor of the Liberties of America—has a Brother Mr Evan Jones, who made a very considerable Settlement at Pensacola, before the commencement of this Dispute—the whole of which, he has lately sacrificed to the American cause....
4To George Washington from Philemon Dickinson, 14 March 1781 (Washington Papers)
On receipt of your Excellency’s favor of the 1st inst: I immediately returned to Jersey and have given the necessary direction, agreable to your Orders—I shall remain here some Days longer, when I shall return to my Family in Town, for a short time; should anything happen during my absence, I shall instantly be informed by Express, & your Excellency may be assured, of my immediate attendance....
5To George Washington from Major General Philemon Dickinson, 29 January 1781 (Washington Papers)
Your Excellency’s favor of the 23d inst. I have received. The Governor being at Borden Town, I sealed, & forwarded his letter to him. Our Assembly, has adjourned untill May next. I am enabled, by the Powers vested in me, to call into actual Service, the whole force of this State, on any emergency—but cannot march the Troops into a Neighbouring State, without an Order from the Assembly, or the...
6To George Washington from Major General Philemon Dickinson, 12 January 1781 (Washington Papers)
I did myself the honor of forwarding to your Excellency, two Packets from the Committee of Congress; which contained every occurrence worth communicating, & prevented my addressing your Excellency sooner. Upon receiving, the disagreable Intelligence respecting the Pennsylvania Line, I imagined the Enemy would have taken the advantage of those disturbances, & have thrown a body of Troops into...
7To George Washington from Major General Philemon Dickinson, 12 January 1781 (Washington Papers)
As I came thro’ Trenton, I saw the Commissioners, who were just going to begin the happy work —The Cloathing promised by the Council of Pennsylvania is arrived —An account was received at Trenton this Morng by a Gentleman from Philada, that the Enemy had captured seven fine Vessels off the Coast. I have the honor to be, Your Excellency’s Most Obt Servt ALS , DLC:GW . Dickinson refers to the...
8To George Washington from Major General Philemon Dickinson, 20 June 1780 (Washington Papers)
This moment an officer (Major Edgar ) who lives near Woodbridge came to my Quarters, & gives the followg Intelligence—That Genl Clinton had landed 4,000 Men upon Staten Island, the main body were marching towards Amboy, & a large Column to the Blazing-star —a report prevails, that a number of Boats were come round into Princes Bay—In consequence of the above, I have order’d Major Edgar with...
9To George Washington from Major General Philemon Dickinson, 11 June 1780 (Washington Papers)
I am just returned from Philadelphia, & should immediately have waited upon your Excellency, but was desired by the Governor, to attend the Council this day—The Governor assured me, he had recieved no authentic accounts of the Enemys movements, since their excursion into the State, untill the reciept of Lord Sterlings letter, which came to hand this Morng. I am now directed by the Governor &...
10To George Washington from Major General Philemon Dickinson, 30 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
With much difficulty, I have marched three hundred Men—but could not prevail on a greater number to go forwards—how long they will continue, is very uncertain, as both officers & Men, seem discontented—I never knew so much murmuring—they say, their Farms will be ruined—& that the Enemy may continue on the Shore, for many Weeks—I will use my utmost endeavours to keep them together, & to render...
11To George Washington from Major General Philemon Dickinson, 30 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
I wrote your Excellency this morning, that I had with difficulty, prevailed on three hundred Men to march agreable to your request—I am extremely sorry to inform you, that half that number did not reach this Place—the remainder are going off hourly, being determined they say, to return home—therefore have no prospect of executing your Excellency’s Orders, which gives me great concern. The only...
12To George Washington from Major General Philemon Dickinson, 29 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
I am under the disagreable necessity of informing your Excellency, that on my return to this place, I found the number of my Militia greatly reduced, & lessening hourly—there is a universal murmur amongst them, on account their Grass, corn, &c., &c., which they say, will be ruined in a few days, as no Persons can be employed to secure them—as those People, will frequently take it into their...
13To George Washington from Major General Philemon Dickinson, 28 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
A Major who was on Duty on the Lines last Night, this moment informs me, that the Enemy are in Motion—marching off—my Picket at the Mill drove the Enemy of[f] last Eveng & kept the Ground. I have the honor to be Your Excellency’s Most Ob. St I am moving down two or three hundred Men to amuse & detain them—& have parties out to gain Intelligence—shall take down the whole of my troops, as soon,...
14To George Washington from Major General Philemon Dickinson, 28 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
By Intelligence this moment received, which may be depended on The Enemy’s front, three hours ago, was within two Miles of the heights, beyond Van marters Mills, moving with a quick pace—Col: Lawrence say’s, tis now beyond a doubt, they intend for the Watering-place—& that this Eveng, they will get into perfect security—The Enemy have left the Court House, I am just informed by Express. I have...
15To George Washington from Major General Philemon Dickinson, 28 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
By Intelligence this moment received, from a Person, who was within three miles of the Court House, the Enemy had not advanced upon the Middle town road, further than two Miles—& that no Baggage, has been sent down that road. I have the honor to be, Your Excellency’s Most Ob. St ALS , DLC:GW .
16To George Washington from Philemon Dickinson, 27 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
Letter not found : from Maj. Gen. Philemon Dickinson, 27 June 1778. In another letter to GW of this date, Dickinson writes that “I wrote your Excellency a few hours ago by Express.”
17To George Washington from Major General Philemon Dickinson, 27 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
I this moment, am favor’d with your Excellencys of this Day —& am extremely happy, to hear the army is so far advanced—hope, & think there is great reason to believe, Sir Harry will meet Burgoynes fate—your Excellency’s approach, will give great Spirits to the Militia—who are now collecting very fast—I wrote your Excellency a few hours ago by Express, ⟨&⟩ gave you a particular account of the...
18To George Washington from Major General Philemon Dickinson, 26 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
I took post at this Place an hour ago, since which, nine Prisoners have been brought in—& five more on their way—the Enemy’s rear, halted four miles from Monmouth Court-house which is three miles distance from this—I shall execute any order, I may recieve from the Marquis—have been with him the greater part of the day. I have the honor to be Your Excellency’s most Ob. St ALS , DLC:GW ....
19To George Washington from Philemon Dickinson, 25 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
Letter not found : from Philemon Dickinson, 25 June 1778. In his other letter of this date to GW, written at 8:00 p.m., Dickinson indicates that “I wrote your Excellency to day at one OClock”; see also GW to Dickinson , this date.
20To George Washington from Major General Philemon Dickinson, 25 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
I wrote your Excellency to day at one OClock, since which, I came to this Place, with the advanced party—the rear of the Enemy, lays six miles distant from this—their baggage is on the right, with three Brigades of British, & the same numbers of Hessians—several Deserters came in—I imagine, desertion will be great, as we are now so near them. Their rout is certainly thro’ Monmouth, tis...
21To George Washington from Major General Philemon Dickinson, 24 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
I am this moment returned from the Drawbridge, & saw the rear of the Enemy march of[f], from their encampment—a few Videts still continue on the Hill. I believe they have filed off towards Allentown, & Crosswicks, & suppose they will continue their march for Cranberry—Col: Morgan marches in the Afternoon, for Allentown, as tis most agreable to him, to fall on their rear—I shall order about...
22To George Washington from Major General Philemon Dickinson, 24 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
A Detachment of the Enemy, continued at Lewis’s Mill, till late this Afternoon—this, together with the fatigue the men underwent last Evening, delay’d their march, till very late—Col: Morgan marched this afternoon, for the Enemy’s rear, I have forwarded your Excellency’s letter to him, & shall detach a Number of Militia to him, in the Morning—Genl Maxwells Brigade, is now on the left flank, &...
23To George Washington from Major General Philemon Dickinson, 24 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have sent under Guard to your Excellency, a British Sergeant, who was some time ago a Prisoner, & now pretends to be a Deserter—he appears very suspicious, his Companion has made his escape—I believe from circumstances he is a Spy—two British Grenadiers just came in, the main body of the Enemy, lay at Allentown this day—they deserted at 3, OClock P.M. —they say, the direction of the flying...
24To George Washington from Major General Philemon Dickinson, 23 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
The Enemy’s front came yesterday to the Black-horse, where they still remain—Genl Maxwell continues at Crosswicks—where I am now going—to get further intelligence—the Militia are at this Place, except two hundred, annexed to Gl Maxwells Brigade—no movement of the Enemy this Day. Col: Moylan with his Horse, are going on the lines—have no doubt they will surprize—aleast a part of their...
25To George Washington from Major General Philemon Dickinson, 23 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
The enemy are advancing rapidly—one Column now near Lewis’s Mill, the others on the Bordentown Road—we killed 6, or 7, Horsemen at the former place. I have the honor to be, Your Excellency’s most Ob. St P.S. an Express from Genl Cadwalader just arrived, requestg a supply of ammunition—shall forward one of those waggons, that was sent me. ALS , DLC:GW . A British brigade order book recorded...
26To George Washington from Major General Philemon Dickinson, 23 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
From every present appearance, I believe the Enemy intend their rout thro’ allentown—Their Lt Horse with a party of Infantry appeared at the Bridge, by Lewis’s Mill—but have retired—a second party of Horse, came up to the Drawbridge, just after we had destroy’d it, & gone off—they have allso retired. I have about six hundred Militia now upon their left flank, the remainder that march’d this...
27To George Washington from Major General Philemon Dickinson, 23 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have recieved your Excellency’s favor of this Day—The obstructions thrown in the Enemy’s way, have been, the destruction of Bridges, & the felling of Trees, but those were of such a nature, as have fully satisfied me, their delay, was voluntary. The whole of General Clinton’s movement, since he came into this State, has convinced me of his wish, to bring on a general action—it does not admit...
28To George Washington from Major General Philemon Dickinson, 22 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
At one oClock this morning, I received information, that the Enemy were endeavouring to surround us, with a strong detachment which marched last Evening from Holly, the Informant said, they intended to take possession, of Crosswicks, & the Drawbridge, whilst their main body moved on, in our rear—I thought our situation very precarious, therefore am now preparing to cross, the Creek...
29To George Washington from Major General Philemon Dickinson, 22 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
The Enemy are advancing very fast upon the Bordentown road—they are so superior in Horse, that they push our few, where ever they see them—from every present Appearance, they will pass by Trenton, they will meet great opposition at this Bridge, as I am determined to defend it, as long as tis possible. I have the honor to be, Your Excellency’s Most Obt ALS , DLC:GW .
30To George Washington from Major General Philemon Dickinson, 21 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
I came to this Place last Night, to give some particular Directions—an Express just came in, from the Party stationed near Ancocus Creek; the captain informs me, that a very large Body of the Enemy now lay at Moores Town (nine miles distance from Holly) that he crossed over the Delaware, yesterday & the Day before, three hundred Hessian Deserters—That a much greater Number would have deserted,...
31To George Washington from Major General Philemon Dickinson, 21 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
I am just returned from General Maxwells Quarters—have sent down three Detachments of Militia, upon different roads, to throw every possible obstruction in the Enemy’s way, & to skirmish with them, when they advance—no movement to Day, except bringing up their rear, which I believe, was the cause of so long a halt, at Holly—The Continental Troops are all drawn from the lines, except one...
32To George Washington from Major General Philemon Dickinson, 20 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
I am this moment returned from the lines, the main body of the Enemy lay at Mountholly, their Picket is advanced about one Mile on this side, I was within three hundred yards of it—but could get no intelligence from the Inhabitants, as all those who remain at home, are disaffected—General Clinton is at Holly—their Waggons extend above two Miles—they march now in one Column—were delay’d many...
33To George Washington from Major General Philemon Dickinson, 20 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
Since writing your Excellency a few minutes ago, I received the inclosed from G. Maxwell. A Hessian Deserter this moment came in, an intelligent fellow, he say’s, the reason of their marching so slow, is the weight of their Baggage—I suppose plunder—hundreds of the Hessians, were knocked up with the heat of Yesterday. I have the honor to be Your Excellencys most Obt Saturd⟨ay⟩ Eveng ⟨...
34To George Washington from Major General Philemon Dickinson, 19 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
I am just returned from Mount holly—Genl Maxwell with his Brigade, are on their march to the Black horse —The Enemy have advanced as far as Eyres Town, three miles below Holly, & are busily engaged, in repairing the Bridge, which was destroy’d—a party of Genl Maxwells Brigade, now lay on this side the Creek, & will delay their operations a little—there was a brisk fire for a few minutes, in...
35To George Washington from Major General Philemon Dickinson, 18 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
Your Excellency’s favor of this morning, just came to hand—A Boy from Philada, say’s, our Troops took possession of the City, at 6, OClock, at which time he left it. The alarms thro’ this State are given, I make no doubt our Militia, will turn out with Spirit—Your Excellency may rely on my utmost exertions, the Troops are preparing to march from this Post—The most exact intelligence, shall be...
36To George Washington from Major General Philemon Dickinson, 17 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
The inclosed Letter, I this moment received from Govr Livingston —I pressed him in the strongest manner, to call out the whole of our Militia, but to no purpose—your Excellency will see his determination by the inclosed. Genl Maxwell informs me, in a letter of yesterdays date, that the Enemy are still busily engaged, in crossing over to the Jersey shore, Troops, Artillery, Horses, Cattle &c....
37To George Washington from Major General Philemon Dickinson, 15 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
The inclosed just came to hand, from Genl Maxwell —the same Intelligence, was brought me a few hours before, which I believe may be relied upon—a Person whom I sent down the River, saw the Vessells on the Stocks, at both the upper, & lower parts of the City, in flames. A Gentleman of Reputation who lives near Philada sent me word last Evening, that the Enemy were very industrious, in...
38To George Washington from Major General Philemon Dickinson, 14 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
A very Intelligent young Man, who left Philadelphia yesterday afternoon at 3, OClock, gave me the following intelligence—that the Enemy for several Nights past, had been crossing over to the Jerseys, the greater part of their Army, supposed to be on this side, the River —more officers than Soldiers, walking the Streets, those in the City uneasy at their situation—many Artillery Waggons had...
39To George Washington from Major General Philemon Dickinson, 10 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have communicated, the contents of your Excellency’s letter of the 8th instant, to Governor Livingston, who is of Opinion, that it would not be proper to call in the Militia, untill the hours of real Danger—for which reason shall delay it, unless I should recieve your Excellency’s orders, for that purpose. The inclosed letter accompanied a Turtle, which shall be forwarded by the first...
40To George Washington from Major General Philemon Dickinson, 9 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
Your favors of the 5th & 7th instant, I receivd last Evening, your Excellency’s Orders, respecting the disposition of the Militia, upon the Enemy’s expected march thro’ the Jerseys, shall be strictly complied with. I shall endeavour to be prepared for them, but it will take some time, to assemble a very large Body of Militia, I have no doubt they will turn out, with Spirit, upon such an...
41To George Washington from Major General Philemon Dickinson, 6 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
I this moment, recieved the inclosed from General Maxwell —in consequence of which, the Troops at this Post, are prepareing to march down the River. An Express, from the other side of the River informs me, there is a large Detachment of the Enemy, advancing towards Newtown—a plundering Party I suppose. I have the honor to be, Your Excellency’s most Ob. St P.S. The Tories in Bucks County, are...
42To George Washington from Major General Philemon Dickinson, 2 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
I wrote your Excellency yesterday, since which, I have recieved the inclosed from Genl Maxwell, & now forward by Express. I have the honor to be, Your Excellency’s Most Obt Servt ALS , DLC:GW . The enclosed letter from Col. Israel Shreve to Dickinson, dated “fostertown,” N.J., 30 May 1778, reads: “this moment I Got the Intillegence I Expected yesterday, by the person I Sent in to the City. he...
43To George Washington from Major General Philemon Dickinson, 1 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
This morning, I received the inclosed from General Maxwell —Yesterday a party of Horse returned from the lines, they saw many Persons from Philadelphia, who say, that it was Lord Howe, who arrived there on Saturday last, & not Genl Howe, as I mentioned to your Excellency, in mine of Yesterday’s date—The Captain of a Boat, which I keep down the River, landed yesterday Morning at Parrs Place, I...
44To George Washington from Major General Philemon Dickinson, 31 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
Captain Carle with a part of his Troops, went down Yesterday, as low as Frankford—he saw many People, who had just left the City, all of whom agreed, that Genl Howe return’d there on Thursday last, having unexpectedly met with a French Fleet, at the Capes —the report of the Enemys passing thro’ Jersey, still prevailed in Philadelphia, but, that it was Genl Clinton’s intention, to attack your...
45To George Washington from Major General Philemon Dickinson, 27 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
Two deserters from Philadelphia, whch they left yesterday morning, bring the following Intelligence; that all the Cannon, except twelve brass field pieces, were actually embarked, with their baggage, The wood-cutter had left this State, that the party which cover’d them, consistg of four Regiments, under the Command of Genl Lesly, were striking their Tents, & puting them, on board the Shiping,...
46To George Washington from Major General Philemon Dickinson, 19 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
An Intelligent Person, who left New York last Wednesday, say’s, that he saw many hundred Houses in that City, cleaning out, for the reception, of the Troops from Philadelphia, which were expected there, in a very short time—and that the general talk of the Town, was their evacuating Philadelphia. A Militia Officer, who this moment returned from Gloucester County, informs me, that the...
47To George Washington from Major General Philemon Dickinson, 17 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
Your Excellency’s favor of the 13th instant I have recieved—when I mentioned the Establishment of a Post, in such Part of this State, as your Excellency should judge most proper, I meant a Post supplied by our militia; from your Excellency’s letter, I imagine you must have misunderstood me. By the latest accounts recieved from Philadelphia, Sir Harry, either intends to leave the City, or pay...
48To George Washington from Major General Philemon Dickinson, 9 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
Yesterday morning the Enemy came up the River with five armed Vessells, & between twenty & thirty flat bottom’d Boats—they landed at Bordentown & burnt two of Mr Bordens Houses, the two Frigates, & a great Number of other Vessells that were lodged in the different Creeks—they then proceeded up the River, to the lower end of Biles Island, where they remained all night—the few men I had...
49To George Washington from Major General Philemon Dickinson, 28 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
Having obtained the fullest Information, respecting the Strength & Situation, of the Enemy upon Staten Island, & made the necessary Preparations, I called in many Volunteers, whose Numbers, in addition to those who were on Duty at this Post, amounted to about 1400 Men, with this Detachment, I landed Yesterday Morning before Day, upon the Island, from Halsteads Point—The whole Strength of the...
50To George Washington from Major General Philemon Dickinson, 15 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
Nothing material has happen’d since I wrote your Excellency last—by Intillegence from New York, General Clinton (who remains there) has order’d out the Militia—I received a Letter from Genl Putnam Yesterday, he is advancing towards Kingsbridge, which has caused a great alarm in the City—a large Party of the Militia, are sent over to Long Island every Morning to erect some Works, they return...