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 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 :...
3From 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...
4From David Humphreys to John Pray, 20 November 1782 (Washington Papers)
Colonel Smith, who is to remain at Dobbs Ferry, for the sake of transacting the business of his Department, will also have the superintendance of that Post—he will have the charge of receiving & granting Flags, he will send only such as are proper & necessary; The General desires therefore you will furnish such Boats for the purpose as he shall have occasion for; and co-operate with him in any...
5From David Humphreys to John Pray, 9 April 1783 (Washington Papers)
The Commander in Chief is pleased to direct that you send up a Cockswain & 8 of your best Oarsmen to Man his Barge—They may bring a light Boat with them to be kept at Head Quarters for Orderly purposes. I am Sir Your Hble Servt DLC : Papers of George Washington.
6From David Humphreys to John Pray, 4 September 1782 (Washington Papers)
The Commander in Chief commands me particularly at this time to repeat to you the directions formerly given that the utmost precaution & vigilance should be used to prevent surprize, & to announce instantaneously to him any sudden Movement of the Enemy. for this purpose you will give the most pointed Orders to the person commanding your guard Boats on duty, & will inform Col. Olney or the...
7From David Humphreys to John Pray, 1 November 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have his Excellency’s direction to give Orders on the Clothier at this place to deliver Caps & Mittens for the Men under your Command, agreeable to your Returns if there are any in store. I wish you still to persist in taking every Means in your power to obtain the most Authentic Intelligence of the State of the Enemy, particularly what their exact strength & Destination are, on the North...
8From David Humphreys to John Pray, 25 November 1782 (Washington Papers)
The General received your favor of the 23d yesterday, with the News Papers enclosed—His Excellency wishes you to be as particular & accurate as possible, in your information respecting the Cantonments, movements, embarkation & sailing of any of the Enemy’s Troops, also concerning the Fleet and every thing else, that is of consequence to be known. I am Dr Sir Your Most Obedt Servt DLC : Papers...
9From David Humphreys to John Pray, 7 October 1782 (Washington Papers)
The Commander in Chief was surprized to hear that Boats were down the River in the manner you relate in your Letter of yesterday—In future he directs, that you should apprehend any People you find in the same predicament, & send them under guard to Head Quarters. I am Sir Your Most Obedt Servt. DLC : Papers of George Washington.