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...
11From David Humphreys to William Stephens Smith, 2 January 1783 (Washington Papers)
Mr Merrit who has permission to go into New York with a Massachusetts sum of Money for theNaval Prisoners, with upon you in his route for your advice & assistance. If it shall be thought as small effort is necessary for the protection of the money he is possessed of, The Commander in Chief wishes you would provide one to attend him to Dobbs Ferry.I am Dear Sir with perfect respect Your Most...
12From David Humphreys to Moses Knap, 25 February 1783 (Washington Papers)
I have taken the Commander in Chief’s Orders on the subject of your Letter, & have to inform you, that where men indulged with furloughs have not returned, but are struck of the Rolls as deserters, others who would have received leave of absence upon their return, may be furloughed Notwithstanding—this is upon a presumption the Commandg Officers of Regts in which such Desertions have happened...
13From David Humphreys to Hugh Hughes, 10 July 1782 (Washington Papers)
The Commander in Chief sensible of the immense importance of preserving the Horses & Teams of the Army in good condition for service through the Campaign & considering that the Movements, supplies & success of an Army frequently depend on this Article alone; hath commanded me, to request from you Gentlemen in writing, a joint Report on the following Points, viz. What number of Horses & Teams...
14From David Humphreys to Richard Varick, 12 August 1782 (Washington Papers)
I return you the Letters to Genl Gates—His Excellency wishes you will send by the first conveyance the Copy of General McDougals Instructions. I am yours affectionately DLC : John Davis Batchelder Collection.
15From David Humphreys to William Heath, 17 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
His Excellency wishes the distribution of the State Cloathing of Massachusetts may not be made, until the arrival of the Officer send by the Marquis to procure Cloathing for the Detachment of the Massachusetts line under his Command—As a part of that Cloathing may be necessary for these Troops—Capt. Heart, the bearer, informs the Officer may be expected every Moment. I have the honor to be...
16From David Humphreys to Bartholomew von Heer, 25 October 1782 (Washington Papers)
The Commander in Chief directs that You remain with your Troop, in the neighbourhood of your present quarters, untill the right Wing of the Army has moved—the next day after which, you will march your corps by the most convenient & easy route to Newburgh, where you will apply to Head Quarters for further Orders. I am Sir Your Most Obedt Servt DLC : Papers of George Washington.
17From David Humphreys to Samuel Canfield, 18 September 1782 (Washington Papers)
His Excellency the Commander in Chief, having recd intimations that the Enemy have in contemplation to make some movement to the Eastward, has directed me to request you will keep a vigilent look out & upon any appearance of their being in motion either by land or Water that you will give immediate intelligence to Colo. Sheldon who will communicate it to head Quarters—The General requests your...
18From David Humphreys to Elias Dayton, 4 August 1782 (Washington Papers)
Before the departure of His Excellency the Commander in Chief for Philadelphia, he wrote a Letter to you, dated the 11th of July, of which he has received no acknowledgement, & therefore suspects it may have miscarried; the purport of it was, to relieve Capt. Dayton, to stop all Correspondence with Ward McMichael & every other person within the Enemy’s Lines, and to hold the Brigade in...
19From David Humphreys to William Heath, 14 June 1783 (Washington Papers)
His Excellency the Commander in Chief having recd your Letter of the 13th inclosing the Arrangements of the reformed Regts & Corps in this Cantonment, directs me to acknowledge it, & to inform you that he fully approves of the alteration you have made, as well as of such others as you may judge proper & conducive to the good of service. I have the honor to be With perfect respect Sir Your Most...
20From 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...
21From David Humphreys to Job Sumner, 15 January 1783 (Washington Papers)
The Commander in Chief desires me to inform you, that upon maturer consideration he does not think himself authorized to give an order for the payment of your forage Account; because it would be contravening the regulation of Congress, as fixed in the late system for conducting the Qr Mastrs Department, which enumerates the Officers who shall alone be entitled to move forage, from the public,...
22From David Humphreys to David Brooks, 26 January 1783 (Washington Papers)
The Commander in Chief is pleased to Order that compleat suits of Uniform Clothing, shall be immediately issued to the two Regts of New Hampshire agreeably to the Returns which will be made by them—It is also His Excellency’s desire that you will assort the Clothing to be issued into different sizes, in such manner as will be most benificial to the Public, & convenient for fitting the several...
23From David Humphreys to Hugh Hughes, 4 August 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have to request that you will immediately and without Loss of Time, make a Report to the Commander in Chief, in Writing of the general State of the Quarter Masters Department at this Moment, so far as relates to this Army, with Regard to Camp Equipage, Quarter Master’s Stores &c. noting as far as may be, the Quantities and Species in possession of the Troops, the deficiency of every Article...
24From David Humphreys to Henry Knox, 25 June 1783 (Washington Papers)
The Commander in Chief desires you will have as much of the hard Bread, which was delivered by the late Contractors into Elderkins Store, issued to the Detachment as they can carry with them—and that you will have the remainder of that Bread served out occasionally, that it may not be lost by the Public, whose property it now is—I have the honor to be &c. DLC : Papers of George Washington.
25From David Humphreys to Lewis Nicola, 11 January 1783 (Washington Papers)
In the absence of Colo. Trumbull, I took the liberty of opening your Letter of the 9th & laying the subject of it before the Commander in Chief—in ansr to which His Excellency directs me to inform you, that upon proper Certificates & left monies from Persons on the spot that the Provisions in question were lost by inevitable accident & without any carelessness or fault of those concerned in...
26From David Humphreys to Rufus Putnam, 26 March 1783 (Washington Papers)
The General has no objection that Jacob Briggs should be indulged with a furlough, for such time as may be judged necessary. I am Dear Sir Your Most Obedt Servt NN : Emmet Collection.
27From David Humphreys to Henry Knox, 21 June 1783 (Washington Papers)
It having been reported to Head Quarters that there is an error in the Arrangement of Officers in the Masstts Corps of Artillery, by the omission of Capt. Sargeant (without his knowledge or consent, the Commander in Chief directs me to refer the matter to you with the Enclosure, that in case there has been a Mistake it may be rectified, and that a complete Return may be sent back to Head...
28From David Humphreys to William Heath, 5 May 1782 (Washington Papers)
His Excellency the Commander in Chief requests you will be pleased to forward the Letter transmitted herewith, in the most expeditious manner, by a Flag. I have the honor to be Sir Your Most Hble Servant MHi .
29From David Humphreys to Henry Emanuel Lutterloh, 21 December 1782 (Washington Papers)
The General wishes you to make to him a return of the Riding Ho r ses of the Army, which draw forage; also an Estimate of the Forage which will be required to feed them, in order to transmit to Philadelphia. I am Sir Your Most Hble Servt DNA : RG 93—Manuscript File.
30From David Humphreys to John Paterson, 14 April 1783 (Washington Papers)
General Paterson and the other commanding officers of Lines have His Excellency’s the Commander in Chief’s Permission to send such Volunteer Artificers from their respective Lines to assist Lt Colo. Udny Hay in rebuilding his House as may from Time to Time be desired necessary till further Orders. A Subaltern is permitted to attend the Party. By Order of the Commander in Cheif DLC : Papers of...
31From David Humphreys to Samuel Loudon, 30 December 1782 (Washington Papers)
His Excellency the Commander in Chief directs me to inform you, that the Dragoon Horses will not be able to proceed any longer with the Mail, on account of the total want of forage—And therefore it will be necessary for you to procure a Rider to carry the next Mail without an escort & to continue the conveyance in the same mode, or it cannot be forwarded—The General has some days ago desired...
32From David Humphreys to William Heath, 22 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
It is His Excellency’s pleasure that One of the two Prisoners, belonging to the Massachusetts Line, now under sentence of Death for desertion, should be pardoned. He therefore requests that you will be pleased to Order that One of the two Culprits, whose crime shall appear to you the least aggravated, to be finally pardoned, and released from his confinement. I have the honor to be With the...
33From David Humphreys to Elias Dayton, 23 June 1782 (Washington Papers)
I inclose you by the Commd of his Excellency a Warrant for the Execution of George Cook, the time & place are left to your appointment. I am Sir Your Hble Servt. DLC : Papers of George Washington.
34David Humphreys’ Thoughts on Garrisonning the Western Posts, July 1783 to August 1783 (Washington Papers)
Thoughts respecting the Minuter Arrangements necessary for garresoning the Western Posts. Congress having left the Arrangement of the subject entirely to the discretion of the Commander in Chief; and the primary Plans for possessing the Posts on the western Waters by a Detachment of the Army; for transporting them thither; and for supplying them with Provisions, having already been adopted—it...
35From David Humphreys to John Hiwell, 5 May 1782 (Washington Papers)
You will proceed immediately to Philadelphia, by the way of Elizabeth Town, where you will deliver the Letter addressed to the Commissy of Prisoners to him & receive his Letter for Gen. Hazen, which with the Dispatches for the Secry at War, you will deliver to Genl Lincoln—& receive further instructions from him, if you are to wait any time in Philadelphia the Secry at War will furnish you...
36From David Humphreys to Henry Jackson, 27 March 1783 (Washington Papers)
The Commander in Chief thinks it will be well to detain Frye with your Regt until some thing farther is known of the state of affairs—in the mean time lest Captn Brewster should Imagine he had deserted it might be proper to give information of his detention. Nothing farther from Philadelphia has arrived. I am your Most Obedt Servt DLC : William A. Oldridge Collection.
37From David Humphreys to Charles Stewart, 11 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
It is his Excellencys request, that you will take Immediate, & Effectual, measures to have such a number of the Beef Cattle from the Eastern part of Connecticut, and that part of Massachusetts Contiguous to Rhode Island, furnish’d for the Militia stationed at Rhode Island that they may not be under the Necessity of Consumeing a single Barrel of Salted provision,the Salted provision to be...
38From David Humphreys to John Mitchell, 4 June 1781 (Washington Papers)
The Duke de Lauzun will set out for New Port, by day break to morrow Morning. His Excellency requests therefore that you will not fail to have as good a Horse as you can procure ready for the Duke by that time at Fish Kill Landing, and also a person with another Horse to attend upon him and bring back the former, As the Duke proposes exchanging Horses at Storms’s or the next stage beyond where...
39From David Humphreys to Hezekiah Wetmore, 8 March 1783 (Washington Papers)
The Commander in Chief is clearly of opinion, that under the peculiar circumstances of the R. Island Regt the full amount of subsistence for all the Officers of it ought to be paid for the Month of March. I am Sr. &c. DLC : Papers of George Washington.
40From David Humphreys to Timothy Pickering, 1 April 1783 (Washington Papers)
His Excellency thinks it will not be necessary under the present state of affairs to advertize for Garden Seeds—Should it become requisite, intimation will be given. I have the honor to be With great respect Your Most Obedt Servt DNA : RG 93—Manuscript File.
41From 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.
42From 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...
43From David Humphreys to Timothy Pickering, 10 February 1783 (Washington Papers)
I have it in charge from the Commander in Chief to acknowledge the receipt of your two letters of this date addressed to him. In the country where the quarters are in general so indifferent, the climate so cold & fuel (within a short distance) so plenty, The Gen’l thinks it would scarcely be necessary or proper to give a limitation to the allowance of wood for the gen’l officers, especially as...
44From David Humphreys to William Heath, 10 April 1782 (Washington Papers)
His Excellency has received your Letter of this date by Major Tallmadge, and has given it in charge to me to inform you, he has no objection that the Detachment under Major Maxwell should continue at Stamford untill the 25th Inst. by which time he hopes the State Troops will have arrived—and beyond which, the Troops cannot be dispensed with from their Corps—The General desires you will...
45To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel David Humphreys, 21 February 1781 (Washington Papers)
I received at Lebanon ⟨your favour of the 15th and⟩ shall yield implicit obedience to the contents —but having been obliged to procure a Horse near N. Haven in the room of one of mine which I had lamed, I shall be under the necessity of sending tither ⟨&⟩ my return will be delayed a week or ten days; unless I should be honored with your further Commands which will find me at this place. I...
46From David Humphreys to Calvin Smith, 11 August 1781 (Washington Papers)
His Excellency the Commander in Cheif, is pleased to direct that Lt Holden of Your Regt should continue to duty with the Corps of Guards untill further Orders. I am Sir Your Most Obedt Servt DLC : Papers of George Washington.
47From David Humphreys to David Brooks, 18 January 1783 (Washington Papers)
It is the Commander in Chiefs pleasure that you issue five hundred Woolen Caps, five hundred Socks & five hundred pr of Mitts to Capt. Ten Eyck Pay Mastr of Col. Willets Regt for the use of that, & Col. Olney Regt—also such other articles as you may have in store.which are wanted by the Regt: the same to be delivered on account, & proper vouchers Recd for the whole, when the Cloathing is...
48From 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...
49From David Humphreys to William Barber, 3 February 1783 (Washington Papers)
The Commander in Chief will have occasion immediately for duplicate abstracts of the Musters of the whole Army , made out from the last Rolls in your possession, exhibiting accurately the total numbers from thereon, & the different times of service for which all the Men are engaged, in such a manner as that the whole may be seen at a single glance. I am Sir Your Most Humble Servt DLC : Papers...
50From David Humphreys to Lewis Nicola, 11 February 1783 (Washington Papers)
A Board of General Officers were appointed in the Orders of the 9th to assemble on thursday next at such place as should be appointed by Major Genl Gates, to take into consideration certain Points contained in a Memorial of Brigr Genl Hazen relative to the Proceedings of Courts Martial &c. —It is now the Commander in Chiefs request that you will attend the Sd Board to aid and assist in...