1To George Washington from William Stephens Smith, 30 May 1783 (Washington Papers)
We would ee’r this have done ourselves the Honor, to have wrote Your Excellency had any thing occurred making a Communication necessary. We arrived here the 10th Inst. and Immediately by a writtin Message announced our arrival to Sir Guy Carleton, and requested to know when we should attend him to produce our Credentials, in answer to which we were informed, by one of the Gentlemen of His...
2To George Washington from William Stephens Smith, 24 June 1782 (Washington Papers)
To His Excellency George Washington Esqr Commander in Chief The Undersigned, viewing with regret the situation of their Country, with respect to the prospect of Military operations, the ensuing Campaign, render’d more gloomy by the misfortune of the Count De Grasse, are led to immagine, that this season will be waisted in America with a degree of unavoidable Inactivity, which not corresponding...
3To George Washington from William Stephens Smith, 1 August 1782 (Washington Papers)
Inclosed we have the honor of transmitting to your Excellency a Copy of a Letter from the secretary at War, founded as we hope upon the prospect of active service, in consequence of the Arrival of a french Fleet upon the coast—should they have orders to co’operate with your Excellency, we shall wish for Employment—the more active our station, the more agreable to our wish. Impressed with a...
4To George Washington from William Stephens Smith, 2 December 1782 (Washington Papers)
Yours of yesterday’s date I have this instant received it affords me singular Satisfaction, that my Conduct meets with your approbation, Mr Gardner in adition to the improprieties mentioned in my last, rec’d five pounds when at New York to take on board his flagg two trunks of goods belonging to Mrs Horseford (who had Govr Clintons pass to go to the City) & land them at this place but have...
5To George Washington from William Stephens Smith, 12 February 1783 (Washington Papers)
I have been honour’d with your Excellency’s Dispatches of the 10th Inst. and propose going to New York in the morning, Inclosed is the paper of the 8th, and four Letters directed to New York. I am Your Excellency’s most obedt DLC : Papers of George Washington.
6To George Washington from William Stephens Smith, 28 April 1782 (Washington Papers)
In the course of seven Years Service, I am only conscious of neglecting my public Duty two Days viz. Wednesday & Thursday last—My feelings as a soldier are wounded—But my future Happiness and Prospects in Life greatly depended upon their being spent as they were & under those circumstances I flatter myself Your Excellency will excuse me. I am with my usual Respect Your Excellency’s most obed....
7To George Washington from William Stephens Smith, 8 February 1783 (Washington Papers)
Inclosed is a Letter from New York directed to me your Excellency will observe it contains permission for me to enter the City by way of Paulus Hook. It appears to me necessary that the Flag orders should come from Head Quarters as it may not be proper for an officer commanding to issue Flag orders for his own conveyance. Mr Merrit has finished his business and returned—so that the flag orders...
8To George Washington from William Stephens Smith, 25 March 1783 (Washington Papers)
I have been honour’d with your Excellency’s Letter of the 23d Inst. and have communicated to Capt. Douglass the contents as far as they respected him. By intelligence from New York this instant deliverd, I am informed, that a private Express arrived there at one o’Clock last night from Philadelphia, conveying an account of the arrival of a french Sloop of War on sunday afternoon from Cadiz in...
9To George Washington from William Stephens Smith, 16 April 1783 (Washington Papers)
The Boundaries of the United States as settled by the Treaty of Peace, are I immagine more extensive than what we originally claimd. That grant of additional Territory, must consequently be considerd and guarded as the property of the United States independant of any particular Claim—As the Fortress of Detroit is comprehended in the Limits referred to and I suppose will be possessed and...
10To George Washington from William Stephens Smith, 20 May 1783 (Washington Papers)
I was this morning honoured with your Excellency’s private Letter of the 15th inst. and having this Day dined with Mr Lispenard I tooke an oppertunity of asking some questions relative to Doctor Le Moyer Mayeur , and turned the Conversation upon his Abilities in his profession—I have the pleasure to inform your Excellency, that he is considered particularly eminent—He came to this Country,...
11To George Washington from William Stephens Smith, 25 February 1783 (Washington Papers)
When in New York, several of the Inhabitants of Long-Island, and others who have advanced money to our officers, while Prisoners, waited on me for a settlement of their accounts, being inform’d by Mr Skinner, that he had Lodged the papers, and every thing respecting their affairs in my hands, and that they must apply to me for a Settlement. I was obliged to inform them, that Mr Skinner had...
12To George Washington from William Stephens Smith, 7 October 1782 (Washington Papers)
Inclosed I have the honor of transmitting to your Excellency, an Exact State of our account with the Enemy, with respect to Prisoners of War, and am happy that I have it in my power to assure you, that the regularity of those Papers respecting the Department, which were delivered to me by Mr Skinner, reflect the highest Credit upon him, for his care, and Attention in the duties of his office....
13To George Washington from William Stephens Smith, 3 December 1782 (Washington Papers)
Agreable to the promise contain’d in my letter of yesterday’s date to your Excellency, I visited the post below, where I spent the Day, the wheather was remarkably favourable . I must preface my observations by asserting, that the works are view’d to greater advantage by a setting, than a rising Sun—I march’d the party upon the ridge from Closter landing, that I might avoid the observations of...
14To George Washington from William Stephens Smith, 15 July 1783 (Washington Papers)
I have the Honor to inform your Excellency a very considerable embarkation of Refugees took place last week bound for Nova Scotia and Canada—one large Transport was filled with Soldiers of different Corps for Quebec and a number of the 17th Light Dragoons are discharged and accompany the refugees to the new Country. The Nonsuch a 64 sail’d on Thursday last for Europe with the regiment of Hesse...
15To George Washington from William Stephens Smith, 15 July 1783 (Washington Papers)
I am to acknowledge the receipt of your Excellency’s Letters of the 30th Ulto & 9th Inst. The Key of the Small trunk, I gave to Mr Cortlandt and am surprised at his inattention in not haveing it—The Duty of Arts and Sciences is in eight vols,but bound for more convenience in 4. I have acted with Mr Francis agreable to your Excellency’s directions & have requested him to present his Bills after...
16From William Stephens Smith to Jonathan Trumbull, Jr., 16 October 1782 (Washington Papers)
Agreable to his Excellency’s request, I have inform’d myself as fully as possible respecting the Character of Chelmer & find that in 78. he was attached to Colo. Laridier the Enginier at West Point, that according to his own account, he was a deserter from the Convention Troops, a Scotchman by birth Educated at Paris, he appear’d a man of address, and his manners superior to his station. From...
17To George Washington from William Stephens Smith, 25 December 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have been honor’d with your Excellency’s Dispatches, in reply to my last, and shall act upon the several Matters therein contain’d agreable to your directions. I have this Instant return’d with Capt. Pray from near Kings-Bridge where we have been to meet, by appointment a Person from the City, who informs, that the fleet mention’d in my last, sailed on the 23d having on-board Merchants &...
18From William Stephens Smith to Timothy Pickering, 1 October 1781 (Washington Papers)
The General requests you will immediately take the necessary steps to alter the route of the Express riders, instead of its being continued thro’ Richmond, they must pass from the Boling Greene to Todds Bridge & cross at Ruffins ferry. I am Sir Yours &c. DNA : RG 93—Manuscript File.
19To George Washington from William Stephens Smith, 23 February 1783 (Washington Papers)
I left the City of New York this day at 12. I have the honor of forwarding to your Excellency the last Papers and shall forward a report of my proceedings as soon as they can be made out. I have the honor to be Your Excellency’s Most Obedt Servt DLC : Papers of George Washington.
20To George Washington from William Stephens Smith, 26 February 1783 (Washington Papers)
Inclosed I have the honor of forwarding to your Excellency a Copy of a Letter from Mr Robert Hoakesly accompanied with a memorial and the original Invoice of Merchandize shiped on board the Sloop Convert, with affidavits annexed, tending to prove the propriety of the prayer of his Memorial. I am Your Excellency’s most obedt Servt PHi : Gratz Collection. I flatter my-self your goodness will...
21To George Washington from William Stephens Smith, 22 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
After having recovered from a very severe fever, which attack’d me on my passage from Annapolis to the Head of Elk, and confined me to my bed at the last mentioned place, for ten day’s. I arrived in this City the night before last, rendered very weak by the violence of the disorder tho’ at present recovering fast. When the Marquis received your Excellency’s Orders for his present movement, he...
22To George Washington from William Stephens Smith, 18 April 1783 (Washington Papers)
a Sloop with a permit from Mr Parker loaded with provission & stores, said to be for the use of the Army arrived at this Post from New York this Day—her situation is very similar to the Schooners I sent up yesterday under the orders of Capt. Fry—I have orderd a Corporal & three Privates to take possession of her & directed him to proceed to Head Qu arters . Your Excellency will observe the...
23To George Washington from William Stephens Smith, 26 August 1783 (Washington Papers)
The Books which your Excellency requested should be forwarded by your letter of the instant were committed to the care of Colo. Cobb—I should have accompanied them with a letter but was confined to my bed with a severe fever from which I have only within a few days recovered. The Caps for the boys should have been forwarded before this had not the workman I employed undertook a matter for...
24To George Washington from William Stephens Smith, 23 January 1783 (Washington Papers)
I have had the honor of receiving Capt. Walkers Letter of the 20th he observes—"The Commander in Chief desires me to direct, that all Letters &c. (excepting such as are excepted in the Instructions) comeing from or going to New york, may be sent to him for inspection, previous to their being forwarded—It shall be most strictly attended to. " It appears necessary to inform Your Excellency of my...
25To George Washington from William Stephens Smith, 24 February 1783 (Washington Papers)
Some time ago I requested Colonel Humphrys to state to your Excellency, the Case of Lieutenant Sutherland of the British Artillery captured at Yorktown, who in prospect of an appointment procured for him in the East Indies was anxious to be exchanged; but peculiar circumstances preventing a partial Exchange taking place, that gentleman was acquainted of the impossibility of his request being...
26To George Washington from William Stephens Smith, 14 January 1783 (Washington Papers)
After breaking thro’ numberless snow-banks and encountring the Difficulties attendant on those who move in unbeaten Paths, I arrived here yesterday. The Post is in its usual order and nothing material has happen’d during my absence. My Corespondent below had deposited the enclosed Papers, which I sent for last night and have the honor of forwarding. there is no News Circulating but what they...
27To George Washington from William Stephens Smith, 1 January 1783 (Washington Papers)
I am to acknowledge the receipt of the dispatches from Head Quarters of the 27th Ulto and am obliged to your Excellency for the indulgence granted, and assure you I shall not make use of it, untill the situation of the Post will fully justify it—The Letter to Sir Guy Carleton was forwarded the morning after I received it. I have the honor of enclosing a Letter directed to your Excellency,...
28From William Stephens Smith to Samuel Blachley Webb, 14 May 1782 (Washington Papers)
The General requests the favor of your Company at dinner on Saturday next & that you will bring the field officers of your Regt & six others with you. I am Your Friend CtY : Samuel B. Webb Papers.
29To George Washington from William Stephens Smith, 21 May 1781 (Washington Papers)
I was honored with your Excellency’s Letter of the 14th instant and am fully convinced of the propriety of my requests not being comply’d with. In my last of the 22d of April I requested your Excellency’s Orders concerning my movements for the ensuing campaign, as your Excellency has been silent upon that subject, I think an appology necessary for my being still in this place, which I can with...
30To George Washington from William Stephens Smith, 28 August 1782 (Washington Papers)
after near three years absence, I am thus far on my way to visit my Fathers Family in Connecticut; not having any public business to engage my attention, I am confident I shall not be blamed—I forwarded to your Excellency by one of Genl Choise’s aids, a Copy of a Letter from the secretary at War, address’d to Clarkson & my-self, in consequence of which we have deferr’d putting in execution our...
31From William Stephens Smith to Ebenezer Hazard, 27 May 1782 (Washington Papers)
The General has rece’d yours of 22d Instant requesting his opinion of Kakiat as a Place of Safety for the Mails to remain at one night. He desires me to inform you that it will by no means answer, the risk being evidently too great as it is considerably advanced of any post that we occupy in that Part of the Country. I am Sir Your most obedt Humble Servt DLC : Papers of George Washington.
32To George Washington from William Stephens Smith, 21 March 1783 (Washington Papers)
Inclosed I have the honor of forwarding to Your Excellency, a Letter rece’d by flag from the Enemy. Capt. Thomas Douglas Intendant of marine Prisoners, presented the enclosed recommendation from Mr Turner for his admittance into the Enemy’s Lines and requested a flag for the purpose—My orders will not admit of granting it upon Mr Turner’s passport. I have therefore informed the Gentleman I...
33From William Stephens Smith to David Humphreys, 20 January 1783 (Washington Papers)
I received yours of the 17th inst. last night, the death of that brave, and venerable officer, Lord Stirling, I sincerely lament, his faults were so dimmed by the lustre of his Virtues, that they were scarcely decernable, and I think Society has met with a Loss in his exit—the natural goodness of his Heart, and the general rectitude of his Conduct in public Life, entitles him to the tributary...
34To George Washington from William Stephens Smith, 29 November 1782 (Washington Papers)
Inclosed, I have the honor of transmitting flagg orders, from Rear Admiral Digby, & a Certificate, respecting a James Braxter—The flagg arrived here yesterday Evening, The conduct of Richard Gardner Commander, is mark’d with such striking Lines of impropriety, that I have placed an officer & a Guard on board, & shall detain her untill your Excellency’s Pleasure is known—In the first place he...
35To George Washington from William Stephens Smith, 8 February 1783 (Washington Papers)
Inclosed I have the honor of forwarding to your Excellency the papers of the 3d 4th &5th instant The Enemy are anxiously expecting the arrival of a Cutter from Europe, said to be on her way—on the 6th 60 Guineas were laid to 30, at the Coffee House in favour of a peace upon her arrival. I am Your Excellency most Obedt Ser. DLC : Papers of George Washington.
36To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel William Stephens Smith, 25 January 1778 (Washington Papers)
Inclosed I have the Honour of transmitting an Order sent to me from the Board of War which Last Night I executed. the Gent. are now in Town Prisoners. they are treated with all the Dellicacey their Situation will admit of ⟨&⟩ their Behaivour on the Occasion has been unexceptionable. I should be happy to receive your Excellency orders concerning them. Inclosed I also send a Letter from Doctor...
37To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel William Stephens Smith, 29 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
Immagening that the multiplicity of Business that your Excellency must at present be necessarily engaged in, would render it something inconvenient to honour me with a private Audience; I have thought it most proper to adopt this method to inform you of my Situation which at present is not so agreable as I could wish. I was permitted by M.G. Sullivan to come on with him to H. Quarters, to...
38To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel William Stephens Smith, 25 February 1781 (Washington Papers)
The Marquis set off this morning for Philidelphia since his departure I have received from below the enclosed letters which I have the Honour of transmitting to your Excellency, haveing first taken Copys & forwarded to the Marquis, we shall march early in the morning and arrive at trenton the 28th instant. I have the Honour to be Your Excellency’s Most devoted Servt ALS , DLC:GW . Smith wrote...
39To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel William Stephens Smith, 10 November 1780 (Washington Papers)
[ Light Camp, Passaic, N.J., 10 Nov. 1780 ]. Smith begins a long letter focused on his actions and those of Col. Israel Shreve during the period from the Battle of Connecticut Farms, 7–8 June, to the Battle of Springfield, 23–24 June: “I do not know how I can answer your Excellency’s letter of the 9th better than by a detail of the facts to which Colo. [Matthias] Ogden alludes.” Smith tells...
40To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel William Stephens Smith, 18 March 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have this Day Recd your Excellency’s Letter of the 14th Instant repeating the Orders that I was honour’d with when I had last the Pleasure of waiting on you & must confess that it gives me considerable unneasiness that I should ever give your Excellency the trouble of repeating your Orders. But I can with truth assure your Excellency that upon my return to this Place I Issued Orders for my...
41To George Washington from William Stephens Smith, 17 April 1783 (Washington Papers)
This morning arrived at this Post the Schooner Lively from Nantucket laden with articles agreeable to a pass inclosed given by George Gardner Justice of Peace . The master says he is bound to the army on a trading voyage—my orders still existing in full force I do not consider myself at liberty to permit her to pass upon the proposed business—I have therefore desired Captn Frye of the New...
42To George Washington from William Stephens Smith, 31 January 1783 (Washington Papers)
I am honour’d with your Excellency’s Letter of the 28th Inst., and am happy to have it in my power to inform you that, the officer and Escort detach’d with a Flagg with the Prisoners mentioned in my last, have return’d; tho’ we had no provision to Issue (upon their being deliverd to the Enemy) they expressed their Gratitude, for the treatment they met with while here—this relieves me in some...
43To George Washington from William Stephens Smith, 20 December 1782 (Washington Papers)
Enclosed I have the honor of forwarding a Petition directed to your Excellency, with a Letter from Sir Guy Carleton to Govr Harrison, received this Day by flagg from the Enemy. I have receipted for, one hundred and eighty seven Guineas & one half Guinea & one spanish milled Dollar, forwarded by Mr Morgan Secretary to Sir Guy Carleton, by Capt. Stewart of the Qr Masters Department. Inclosed is...
44To George Washington from William Stephens Smith, 12 December 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have to acknowledge the receipt of your Excellency’s Letters dated the 6th & 9 inst. & observe that the Plan is laid aside; whilst it existed, my Spirits were kept afloat, & I scarcely allow’d myself to reflect (further than was necessary for the moment) upon my Position, but with it, every spur to my ambition is vanish’d, and I have nothing to engage my Attention, excepting flagg Duty, the...
45To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel William Stephens Smith, 27 March 1778 (Washington Papers)
Inclosed I send a Letter from Colo. Gibson treating as I am inform’d of the Officers (attending the British & Hessian Prisoners) being permitted to go into the City they propose being at the White Horse this Evening & would be happy to be made acquainted with your Excellency’s Sentiments upon that Subject I shall do myself the Honour of waiting on your Excellency to Morrow to receive your...
46To George Washington from William Stephens Smith, 8 March 1783 (Washington Papers)
I was honoured with your Excellency’s private Letter of the 3d Inst—I shall be as attentive as can be wished to the points particularly referred to; the subject has never yet in the most distant manner passed my lips—I shall continue silently attentive to it, and under the mask of interrupting Commerce, sometimes review the scene; and with 24 hours notice, I think I shall be able to give a...
47To George Washington from William Stephens Smith, 1 September 1783 (Washington Papers)
Inclosed I have the honor of transmitting to your Excellency the last Papers. The New Corps are to embark on Wednesday for Nova Scotia, and agreable to the Adjutant Generals returns there remains only ten thousand Inhabitants to be removed—Sir Guy Carleton in withdrawing his Troops from the upper Part of Long Island to their present Encampment between New Town and Bedford has left the Country...
48To George Washington from William Stephens Smith, 27 January 1783 (Washington Papers)
A Capt. of the Pensylvania Artillery acting in the Marine Department, has this instant arrived He informs me, that he Left, the day before yesterday a Subaltern and 13 men at Brunswick, charged with the safe conveying upwards of 60 seamen Prisoners of War. to this post, on their way to new York He expects them here this Night. There being no arrangement made by the Minister of War or the Agent...
49To George Washington from William Stephens Smith, 14 March 1783 (Washington Papers)
I have received your Excellencys Letter of the 12th instant and shall communicate to Mr Mercereau the contents as far as they respect him. Inclosed I have the honor of forwarding a letter received by flag this evening from M: Morgan Secretary to Sir Guy Carleton with a Copy of a receipt given to Captain Stapleton Depy Adjt General for three hundred and twenty french crowns for the use of...
50From William Stephens Smith to Timothy Pickering, 2 November 1781 (Washington Papers)
The General understands that it was your intention to move the waggons of the Army with the Baggage of the General & Staff Officers destined for the northward in the morning. As Matters are not in that forwardness that he expected to find them in at this period, he desires that it may be postponed untill further orders upon the Subject. I am Sir Your &c. DNA : RG 93—Manuscript File.