1From David Cobb to John Pray, 14 August 1782 (Washington Papers)
It is of great importance at this Crisis, to have the best possible information of the state of the Enemy’s affairs at N. York. His Excellency the Commander in Chief has commanded us therefore, to inform you, it is his wish that you will use your utmost endeavours to obtain such information, and that you will devote all the time & attention you can spare from your other Duties, to this very...
2From David Humphreys to William Stephens Smith, 27 December 1782 (Washington Papers)
The Commander in Chief who has just gone to Poughkeepsie, has left it in charge with me to acknowledge the receipt of your Letter of the 25th and to inform you that he has no objections to your coming to the Army for the purposes you Mention; at which time your friends will be very happy to see you at Head Quarters—Mrs Washington (who desires me to present her Complts to you) has often...
3From David Humphreys to Charles Stewart, 30 June 1781 (Washington Papers)
The General desires that you will give directions not to have any of the Beef Cattle distributed to Brigades or killed, untill you have been at Head Quarters, reported the number & received instructions—He also desires that no pork may be issued while there is salted Beef. I am Sir your Hble Servant MH .
4From David Humphreys to Henry Knox, 2 January 1783 (Washington Papers)
Mr Merrit, who has permission to go into New York with a Sum of Money for the Naval Prisoners of Massachusetts, waits upon you in his route for your advice and assistance—If it shall be thought a small escort is necessary for the protection of the Money he is possessed of, the Commander in Chief wishes you would order one to attend him to Dobbs’s ferry—I am Dr Sir with perfect respect Your...
5From David Humphreys to Timothy Pickering, 24 June 1783 (Washington Papers)
His Excellency wishes for the pleasure of your Company at dinner to day, if you are not particularly engaged. The General Officers are expected at Head Quarters, and if there should be time, His Excellency proposes laying before those who were at York Town some Matters, on which he also wishes to take your sentiment—I have the honor to be Sir Your Most Obed. Servt DNA : RG 93—Manuscript File.
6From David Humphreys to New York Officers Commanding at Verplanks Point, 15 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
I am Commanded by his Excellency the Commander in Cheif to inform you that five of the Enemys’ Vessels passed Dobbs ferry up the river just at Evening one of 22 another of 16 Guns the other three smaller—and to direct that no more Vessels or Boats whatever be permitted to come down the river untill further Orders—You will be particularly Vigilant at your Post, communicate the same intelligence...
7From David Humphreys to Henry Knox, 14 August 1783 (Washington Papers)
His Excellency the Commander in Chief desires that such Men as are acquainted with the repairs of Boats may be employed under the Quarter Master’s direction, in repairing those Batteaux which will be fit for service on the Western Waters. Those Boats will be wanted to proceed to Albany as soon as possible. I have the honour to be &c. DLC : Papers of George Washington.
8From David Humphreys to Jean-Louis-Ambroise, chevalier de Villefranche de Genton, 28 August 1782 (Washington Papers)
Upon mentioning the subject of your favor of the 27th to His Excellency, he was pleased to direct me to inform you, that, as the service of many Engineers will not be necessary in the Camp we are about to take, which indeed is but a change of Position, and as you are so perfectly acquainted with the plan of the Works now carrying on at West Point & its dependencies, he would have you at...
9From David Humphreys to John Pray, 30 March 1783 (Washington Papers)
The News of Peace (tho not official) is nevertheless so positive and the certainty that Hostilities were to cease in America on the 20th of this Month is so great, that the Commander in Chief has no hesitation in Ordering the Wagons, Horses, Drivers & every thing captured to be given up & returned to the British Lines without the least injury or delay. I am Sir Your Most Obedt Servt DLC :...
10From David Humphreys to John Pray, 7 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
The Commander in Cheif, directs that the three new Whale Boats built at Wappings Creek under the Superintendance of Mr Sheaf, should be made use of as Guard Boats—Captain Pray will apply to Major General McDougal for the same, or if Genl McDougal has sent them to the Orders of Major Darby—Majr Darby will be pleased to deliver these three Boats to Capt. Pray, on his Order—Should they already be...