11To 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...
12To 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...
13To 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....
14To George Washington from William Stephens Smith, 27 November 1782 (Washington Papers)
Agreable to your Excellency’s Orders, I have visited the posts below, from whence I have this instant return’d, the wheather, since I arrived here, being remarkably dull, put it out of my power to report, before, with that accuracy that you wish—I lay last night with 12 men between fort Lee & Bulls ferry, the Troops on the Island were remarkably quiet, & but two small fires to be seen, one...
15To 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...
16To 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...
17To 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...
18To 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...
19To 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...
20To 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 &...