1George Washington to Benjamin Franklin, 9 October 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Bergen County [ New Jersey ] October 9, 1780 . States that the idea of a tour of Europe with Franklin after the war would be tempting if domestic affairs were not so urgent. Asserts that the American military and political situation is such that the country can only be saved by either peace or money from America’s allies. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
2To Benjamin Franklin from George Washington, 9 October 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : New Jersey Historical Society; draft: Library of Congress I was very much obliged by the letter which you did me the honor to write me by our amiable young friend the Marquis De La Fayette, whose exertions to serve this Country in his own are additional proofs of his zealous attachment to our cause, and has endeared him to us still more. He came out flushed with expectations of a...
3General Orders, 9 October 1780 (Washington Papers)
[Officers] For the day Tomorrow[:] Brigadier General Glover[,] Colonel Wyllys[,] Lieutenant Colonel Mellen[,] Major Wallbridge[,] Brigade Major Pettingell Colonel Moylan with his regiment of Cavalry will take post near the little falls and Major Parr with his Corps at the Notch; and both will patrole on the roads towards Newark and Aququakanung. The Marquis de la Fayette will post Major Lee’s...
4From George Washington to Benjamin Franklin, 9 October 1780 (Washington Papers)
I was very much obliged by the letter which you did me the honor to write me by our amiable young friend the Marquis De La Fayette, whose exertions to serve this Country in his own are additional proofs of his zealous attachment to our cause, and has endeared him to us still more. He came out flushed with expectations of a decisive campaign and fired with hopes of acquiring fresh laurels, but...
5George Washington to Comte de Rochambeau, 10 October 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Preakness [ New Jersey ] October 10, 1780 . Regrets “that this campaign has not been productive of such important advantages as we had reason to flatter ourselves.” Is “not sanguine about any enterprise, which is connected with maritime dispositions.” Approves detention of Colonel Christopher Greene’s regiment. Sends news of execution of Major John André. Df , in writing of H, George...
6General Orders, 10 October 1780 (Washington Papers)
[Officers] For the day Tomorrow[:] Brigadier General Patterson[,] Colonel Bailey[,] Lieutenant Colonel Basset[,] Major Maxwell[,] Brigade Major Woodbridge The General Court martial whereof Colonel Jackson is President to sit tomorrow morning Ten ô clock at a house near Totowa bridge. The Commander in Chief desires that the Colonels and Officers commanding regiments in the several state lines...
7From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 10 October 1780 (Washington Papers)
On sunday Evening I had the honor to receive Your Excellency’s Letters of the 23d and 26th of last month. I am happy to find by the former and the Letter You were so obliging as to forward from Colo. Wood that the Convention troops are now comfortably supplied. I hope this will be the case and that the mode You have in contemplation to adopt will answer your expectations. Colo. Wood’s conduct...
8From George Washington to Lieutenant General Rochambeau, 10 October 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have duly received your Excellency’s favours of the 25th and 30th of Septembr and am much obliged to you for the different informations you do me the honor to communicate. We have to regret that this Campaign has not been productive of such important advantages as we had reason to flatter ourselves, but we must hope for better successes the next. The operation of the Spaniards in the...
9To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 10 October 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
On Sunday Evening I had the honor to receive Your Excellency’s Letters of the 23d and 26th of last Month. I am happy to find by the former and the Letter You were so obliging as to forward from Colo. Wood that the Convention troops are now comfortably supplied. I hope this will be the case and that the mode You have in contemplation to adopt will answer your expectations. Colo. Wood ’s conduct...
10Summary of George Washington’s Letter to Samuel Huntington, [11 October 1780] (Hamilton Papers)
Contents of Letter to Congress Approves the reduction to 50 regiments. Proposes as the basis of the reduction a half pay establishment for life, or making the half pay for seven years whole pay, to be paid one half in a year after the conclusion of peace, the other half in two years after that. Regiments to consist of one Colonel where the old colonels are continued or one Lt Col Commandant...
11George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 11 October 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Passaic Falls [ New Jersey ] October 11, 1780 . Approves of resolution for the Army establishment with certain reservations. Recommends either half-pay for life or full pay for seven years for all officers. Approves the number of regiments planned, but recommends an increase in the number of men and officers in each regiment. Makes suggestions concerning the cavalry and artillery. Believes...
12General Orders, 11 October 1780 (Washington Papers)
[Officers] For the day Tomorrow[:] Brigadier General Wayne[,] Colonel Greaton[,] Lieutenant Colonel Littlefield[,] Major Winslow[,] Brigade Major Oliver Twenty two waggoners to be draughted from the line to be sent to the grand parade tomorrow at guard mounting. As the soldiers have begun to build chimneys to their tents the General desires that the commanding officers of regiments and...
13From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 11 October 1780 (Washington Papers)
Three days since, I received your Excellency’s Letter of the 4th with the inclosed resolutions, which, as the Army was in motion to this Post, I had it not in my power to answer before. I am much obliged to Congress for the honor they do me by the fresh mark of their attention and confidence conferred upon me in the reference they have been pleased to make. My wish to concur in sentiment with...
14From George Washington to Colonel James Wood, 11 October 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have received your favors of the 25th Augt and 21st of September. I am pleased to find by the last, that your supplies had been more regular for some time, and that you had prospects of keeping them up—I never entertained the least doubt of your care and attention to the business committed to your charge, or supposed that the distresses of the troops of Convention on the score of provisions...
15George Washington to Comte de Rochambeau, 12 October 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Preakness [ New Jersey ] October 12, 1780 . Agrees that Rochambeau should ask to have his “present park” doubled. Will send particulars about British embarkation as soon as they are ascertained. Df , in writings of Richard Varick and H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
16General Orders, 12 October 1780 (Washington Papers)
[Officers] For the Day Tomorrow[:] Brigadier General Huntingdon[,] Colonel Nixon[,] Lieutenant Colonel Vose[,] Major Chapman[,] Brigade Major Ashley Two Subs. two serjeants and forty rank and file for fatigue tomorrow, furnished with two days provision to repair the roads and bridges. A Collier from each brigade to be employed under the direction of Colonel Baldwin while the Army remains in...
17From George Washington to the Board of War, 12 October 1780 (Washington Papers)
I beg leave to inclose You the Commissions of Lts Emerson & Baxton of the 11th Massachusetts Regiment which it seems are wrong. Mr Emerson is intitled to rank, it is reported, from the 7th of November 1777 and Mr Baxton also as a Lieutenant from the same date. It seems unfortunately that there are many Errors in the Captains & Inferior Officers Commissions in this line, occasioned by the...
18From George Washington to Lieutenant General Rochambeau, 12 October 1780 (Washington Papers)
Your Excellency’s letter of the 5th did not arrive ’till late last evening—I agree in opinion with you on the utility of asking to have your present park doubled; but I think this will suffice. Though we are not well provided with siege artillery, we shall be able to supply the deficiency. We are again told of an embarkatio⟨n⟩ at New York on the point of sailing; the number is not ascertained;...
19George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 13 October 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Preakness [ New Jersey ] October 13, 1780 . Informs Congress that Baron von Steuben is going to Philadelphia “to obtain some determination on his department.” Reiterates recommendation that Congress assist von Steuben. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
20George Washington to Francisco Rendon, 13 October 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Preakness [ New Jersey ] October 13, 1780 . Acknowledges receipt of Rendon’s letters. Wishes Rendon success in proposed expedition. Will forward details of the British expedition as soon as they are received. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Rendon replaced Juan de Miralles as Spanish agent in America.
21General Orders, 13 October 1780 (Washington Papers)
[Officers] For the Day Tomorrow[:] Brigadier General Irvine[,] Colonel Chambers[,] Lieutenant Colonel Sumner[,] Major Harwood[,] Brigade Major Darby At a General Court Martial held at Fort Pitt the 14th of August last, Colonel Gibson President, Captain Thomas Beall of the Maryland independent corps was tried “for discharging a Soldier after having been duly inlisted and receiving his...
22From George Washington to Colonel Daniel Brodhead, 13 October 1780 (Washington Papers)
Your favors of the 18th and 21st of August reached my hands a few days before I sat out for Harford to meet the French Admiral and General. This has occasioned their remaining unanswered to this time. I have approved the sentences of the Court Martial against Capt. Beal—Peter Davis of the 9th Virginia and David Gamble of the 8th Penna Regiment—Gamble appearing to me the most proper object for...
23From George Washington to Lieutenant Colonel John Laurens, 13 October 1780 (Washington Papers)
Your friendly & Affectione letter of the 4th came to my hands on the 10th & would have been acknowledged yesterday by the Baron de Steuben but for some important business I was preparing for Congress. In no instance since the commencement of the War has the interposition of Providence appeared more conspicuous than in the rescue of the Post & Garrison of West point from Arnolds villainous...
24From George Washington to Francisco Rendon, 13 October 1780 (Washington Papers)
I had the honor of receiving in due time your letter of 29th of July, transmitting me one from the Governor of Havannah and another from the lady of our deceased friend; but the movements of the army which soon after ensued prevented my acknowleging the receipt —I have now the pleasure of your dispatch of the 30th of September with duplicates of the above mentioned letters—I beg you when you...
25George Washington to Comte de Rochambeau, 14 October 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Preakness [ New Jersey ] October 14, 1780 . Approves of Rochambeau’s plans for winter quarters. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
26General Orders, 14 October 1780 (Washington Papers)
[Officers] For the Day Tomorrow[:] Brigadier General Glover[,] Colonel M. Jackson[,] Lieutenant Colonel Newall[,] Major Knapp[,] Brigade Major Pettingal A General Court Martial to assemble next Monday morning nine ô clock at the President’s Marquee for the trial of all persons brought before the court—Colonel Bailey will preside: Lieutenant Colonel Vose, Major Winslow, a Captain from each...
27From George Washington to Brigadier Generals John Glover and John Paterson, 14 October 1780 (Washington Papers)
It has been suggested in several applications I have received of late, that by some means or other many Errors took place in the arrangement of Your line by the Board of General Officers who sat at West point in July & August 1779— in the line of Captains & in the instance of the Inferior Officers , principally in numbering some of the Captains wrong in the order of their precedence in the...
28From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 14 October 1780 (Washington Papers)
By a letter received yesterday afternoon from His Excellency, the President of Congress, of the 6th Instt, inclosing the copy of a resolution of the preceeding day, I find it has been their pleasure, to direct me to order a Court of enquiry to be held on the conduct of Major General Gates, as Commander of the Southern Army; And also to direct me to appoint an Officer to command it in his room,...
29From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 14 October 1780 (Washington Papers)
In my Letter of the 26th Ulto, by which I requested You to rejoin the Army, I desired that You would come Yourself to Head quarters. I am now to request that You will proceed to West point and take upon you the command of that post and its Dependencies. Major General Greene, who is at present there, will either communicate to You himself or leave with General McDougal to be transferred, the...
30From George Washington to Abraham Skinner, 14 October 1780 (Washington Papers)
Since my Letter of Instructions to You of the 7th Instant, I have received an Answer from His Excellency Governor Jefferson of Virginia, by which I find the Exchange of Lt Governor Hamilton or Major Hay cannot take place upon the present occasion. You will particularly attend to this circumstance. A Captn Lyman, who was taken in the Mercury packet is a prisoner at Lancaster. I desire that he...
31George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 15 October 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Preakness [ New Jersey ] October 15, 1780 . Sends letters concerning proposal for a “Resident Commissary of Prisoners.” Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
32General Orders, 15 October 1780 (Washington Papers)
[Officers] For the Day tomorrow[:] Brigadier General Paterson[,] Colonel Bradly[,] Lieutenant Colonel Robinson[,] Major Hamilton[,] Brigade Major Moore The Issuing Commissaries are to deliver all their sheep and Calve skins to the field commissary of military stores with the Park of Artillery who will have them properly dressed for Drum heads. In the present divided State of the Army the...
33From George Washington to John Adam, 15 October 1780 (Washington Papers)
I understand Mr Skinner is gone to Philadelphia. You will keep the inclosed Letter for him till he returns, when You will take the earliest opportunity of delivering it to him. I desire to see him as soon as he arrives & have written to him for the purpose. You will inform the Officer who came with a flag to Elizabeth Town Yesterday—that he is not to wait for an Answer to the Letters he...
34From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 15 October 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with your Excellency’s Favors of the 6th and 9th instants, with the Acts and papers to which they refer. The first did not reach me ’till the 13th in the Evening. I shall, in obedience to the order of Congress, take the proper steps for a Court of Enquiry to be held on the Conduct of Major Genl Gates as Commander of the Southern Army; and also shall, agreeable to their...
35From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 15 October 1780 (Washington Papers)
In answer to my proposals for appointing a Resident Commissary of Prisoners Major General Philips by order of Sir Henry Clinton sent me a set of articles of which the inclosed No. 1 is a copy —I have sketched an answer No. 2 which before I send it in, I transmit to Congress for their examination. If they have no objections, I beg them as soon as possible to signify it, through His Excellency...
36From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 15 October 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have this minute received the inclosed New York paper of the 13th which I transmit for your Excellency’s perusal. From the particulars related with respect to Mr Lauren’s capture, I am very much afraid that the account is really true. By other recent intelligence from New York which is direct, the Cork fleet is said to be on the Coast. I have the Honor to be With great respect Yr...
37George Washington to Sir Henry Clinton, 16 October 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Preakness, New Jersey ] October 16, 1780 . Complains about severity with which Charles, Earl Cornwallis, and Francis Rawdon-Hastings punish inhabitants who assist British deserters. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Francis Rawdon-Hastings, Marquis of Hastings.
38George Washington to Colonel John Lamb, 16 October 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Totowa, New Jersey ] October 16, 1780 . Regrets that Lamb’s presence at court cannot be dispensed with. LS , in writing of H, New-York Historical Society, New York City.
39From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene or Commanding Officer at West Point, 16 October 1780 (Washington Papers)
It is represented to be indispensably necessary in the course of Smiths trial, that Col. Lamb, Col. Livingston, & Mr Kearse the Qr Master should attend the Court Martial as Witnesses—I have to request that you will Notify them, their presence will be necessary on thursday Next, and give them directions to attend accordingly if possible. I am Sir with great esteem Your Most Obedt Hble Servt LS...
40From George Washington to Colonel John Lamb, 16 October 1780 (Washington Papers)
I would willingly dispense with your attendance agreeable to your request if the Court did not deem it necessary. But as the case is capital and the prisoner insists on your presence, our military laws require it. I am sorry for your indisposition; but I wish you may find yourself able to be here on thursday or friday. The want of your testimony will otherwise be the only delay to the...
41General Orders, 16 October 1780 (Washington Papers)
[Officers] For the Day Tomorrow[:] Brigadier General Wayne[,] Colonel Marshal[,] Lieutenant Colonel Badlam[,] Major T. Moore[,] Brigade Major Van Laër At a General court martial at springfield (Massachusetts) April 1780 Lieutenant Colonel commandant Reid president Mr Isaac Tichenea Assistant Commissary for the Northern department was tried on the following charges: “1st For not complying with...
42From George Washington to General Henry Clinton, 16 October 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have received your two letters of the 9th and 13th. On the same principle upon which that of the 9th is founded, it has been my endeavour to conduct the correspondence between us on the terms which politeness and the nature of the intercourse demanded. In the affair to which you allude, I persuade myself all the attentions were observed, which the peculiarity of the circumstances would...
43From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 16 October 1780 (Washington Papers)
I am favd with yours of yesterday, accompanied by a letter from His Excellency Governor Clinton, who gives me an account of the incursion upon the Frontiers. I am happy that you detached Gansevoorts Regiment immediately—You will be pleased to order either Weisenfelds or Willets, as you may judge proper, to follow, and to take orders from the Governor or the commanding Officer. This is all the...
44From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 16 October 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to transmit Your Excelliency the Copy of the Letter (No. 1) I wrote to Sr Henry Clinton on the 6th Instant with respect to the Citizens of South Carolina, said to be confined on board a Ship of War—of his Answer of the 9th (No. 2) and of my Letter to him of this date (No. 3), with a Copy of the Letter from Lord Cornwallis & Lord Rawden to which it refers. This Letter from Lord...
45From George Washington to Colonel William Malcom, 16 October 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have recd your favors of the 18th and 22d of Septemr and 3d instant. I am obliged by the exertions you had been making to throw a present supply of provisions into Fort schuyler, and congratulate you upon your success against the party of savages which opposed you in your march up—A Company of Artillery from Colo: Lambs Regt is ordered to releive Capt. Browns. Warners Regiment will be...
46General Orders, 17 October 1780 (Washington Papers)
[Officers] For the Day Tomorrow[:] Brigadier General Huntington[,] Colonel Bradford[,] Lieutenant Colonel North—Major Wylley[,] Brigade Major Woodbridge A regiment from the second Connecticut brigade to take post at the Notch and relieve Major Parr who is to join the light corps of the army. Varick transcript , DLC:GW . Continental army chaplain Joel Barlow wrote Ruth Baldwin, his eventual...
47From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 17 October 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have just received advice from Elizabeth Town, which I think may be depended on, that the Fleet fell down from New York on sunday last and it is said have since sailed. There was a constant firing of signals on Sunday. The numbers gone are, by the best information I have yet obtained, about 2500 Foot and thirty or forty Horse, but they have taken spare furniture for a considerable number of...
48George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 18 October 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Totowa, New Jersey ] October 18, 1780 . Discusses Greene’s new command in the South. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
49George Washington to Major General William Heath, 18 October 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Preakness [ New Jersey ] October 18, 1780 . Acknowledges Heath’s assumption of the command at West Point. Approves of measures Heath has taken. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
50George Washington to Comte de Rochambeau, 18 October 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Preakness [ New Jersey ] October 18, 1780 . Sends details of the sailing of British expedition. States that expedition’s objective is rumored to be either the South or Rhode Island. Reports arrival of a fleet from England. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.