151From George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 16 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have the pleasure to inform you that Major Fishbourn has just arrived from Genl Wayne with the agreable account of our having possessed ourselves of Stoney point and the whole Garrison with very little loss. You will throw the Troops across the River, which I mentioned yesterday, with all possible expedition. I am Dr sir Yr Most Obedt st P.S. You will order Nixon’s Brigade to move...
152From George Washington to Maj. Gen. Alexander McDougall, 17 July 1779 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found : to Maj. Gen. Alexander McDougall, 17 July 1779. McDougall wrote GW on this date: “Your Excellencys Favor of this Day is this Moment received.”
153From George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 20 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
Our advices agree that the enemy have their whole force up the river, & by a letter dated last evening from Col. Butler I am informed they had made a debarkation at stoney point. Sir Harry may wish to retaliate for the loss of that post. I am therefore extremely anxious that we should be prepared to receive them, and of course that the arrangements pointed out in Yesterdays orders should be...
154George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 14 August 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
[ West Point ] August 14, 1779 . Asks McDougall to accompany Brigadier Generals Henry Knox and Louis Le Bèque Du Portail “to ascertain the number of cannon.” Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
155From George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 14 August 1779 (Washington Papers)
I am to request that you will in company with Generals Knox and Du Portail make a visit to all the works on both sides the river, and ascertain the number of Cannon and the sizes which will be necessary for their defence—You will be pleased to distinguish between, a full complement of Cannon, which it would be expedient to have and the number which is absolutely necessary. I am Sir Yr Most...
156From George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 13 November 1779 (Washington Papers)
Being absent on a tour to the several detachments of the Army when your letter of the 6th was brought to my quarters, it has not been in my power to give answers to such parts of the representation as immediately required it till now. I am fully satisfied of the justice of most of your remarks, and wish it was as much in my power as it is my inclination to remove the difficulties you have...
157From George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 17 November 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have been favored with your letter of the 16th. It was not intended when I mentioned the arrangement which I had in contemplation, to suggest any but the most perfect satisfaction in your conduct, and the discharge of the several duties of this post. I me[a]nt no more, than to convey an idea, that as we were drawing together a larger force than heretofore, it might be necessary to change my...
158From George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 21 November 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have just recd your favor. It is my desire for various reasons, that you should continue in your present command until relieved by an Officer of equal rank with yourself—this will happen as soon as our situation and the good of the service will permit—until then I have to request, that you will exert yourself, to put matters in general at this post in the best possible train—I make the...
159From George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 9 March 1780 (Washington Papers)
The general officers at this time absent from the army, and those who claim the indulgence of a furlough, are distressing to me, and injurious to the service, and makes me hope, that the state of your health is so far altered for the better as to admit of your joining the army in this quarter. I would wish you to be here as soon as possible, but if circumstances do not correspond with your...
160From George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 25 May 1780 (Washington Papers)
Since I wrote requesting You to join me at this Camp, some events have taken place, which will make it necessary for me to alter the arrangements I then had in contemplation. This being the case, You will be pleased to remain for the present where You are till You hear from me. I am Dr sir with great regard & esteem Yr Most Obedt st LS , in Robert Hanson Harrison’s writing, CSmH ; Df , DLC:GW...
161George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 15 June 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Springfield [ New Jersey ] June 15, 1780 . Describes British “incursion into the Jersies.” Fears attack on West Point and orders McDougall to West Point. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
162George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 2 July 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Headquarters [ Preakness, New Jersey ] July 2, 1780 . “I wish to see you here the day after tomorrow morning at furthest to consult you on a matter of the greatest importance to the combined operations.” LS , in the handwriting of H, from the W. Wright Hawkes Collection of Revolutionary War Documents on deposit at Union College, Schenectady, New York. When this letter was written, McDougall...
163From George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 2 July 1780 (Washington Papers)
Be pleased to send immediately to Mr Hunt, who was employed last year as a Pilot for the sound, and request him to come to this place or wherever the Head Quarters of the Army may be. There is also a person who lived last Fall at the Yellow House in the Continental Village, who was employed as a Pilot for the Chevaux de Frize in the North River. I forget his name, but he may be easily found...
164From George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 27 September 1780 (Washington Papers)
You will be pleased to take command of West Point and its dependencies till the arrival of Major General St Clair. You will find instructions for the Commanding Officer of the post with the Officer who precedes you, which you will tranfer to Gen. St Clair. I am with great regard Sir Yr most Obedt st LS , in Alexander Hamilton’s writing, CSmH ; Df , DLC:GW ; Varick transcript , DLC:GW . GW also...
165George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 24 October 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Preakness [ New Jersey ] October 24, 1780 . Approves of McDougall’s entering Congress as a delegate from New York. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
166From George Washington to Alexander McDougall, 31 March 1781 (Washington Papers)
The Expedition against Arnold has failed—After the favourable moment (occasioned by the disability of part of the British Ships in Gardners bay) was suffered to pass away, I never was sanguine in it—but the object being great, the risk was warrantable. The attempt of the Chevalier Des Touches at the time he Sailed, was bold & enterprising—for this, and political reasons; and because I know it...
167From George Washington to Alexander McDougall, 13 May 1781 (Washington Papers)
There being but one General Officer (a Brigadier) with the line of the Army at present; I must, for particular reasons, request you will expedite your return from Philadelphia as much as possible. With great regard & esteem I am Dear Sir Your Most Obedient Servant CSmH .
168From George Washington to Alexander McDougall, 21 June 1781 (Washington Papers)
Least from your Situation you may not have had an Opportunity to see the Good Arrangement of the Army on its takg the Field, as published in Genl Orders—I have thot proper to give you this particular Information. That upon the Troops taking their Position in the Field, which is now beginning to be done, you are assigned to take the Comand at West Point—to which Post it may be well for you to...
169From George Washington to Alexander McDougall, 22 June 1781 (Washington Papers)
On your taking the Command of West Point, I wish your attention to the following perticulars. Visit the Redoubts twice or thrice in a week at uncertain periods. call the Roles regularly, and every Man to be present or satisfactorily accounted for. the Redoubts to be kept perfectly clean & sweet. no officer to be absent without your leave; nor any Soldier without leave from a Field Officer. ten...
170From George Washington to Alexander McDougall, 28 June 1781 (Washington Papers)
The Commissary Genl of Issues is directed to take the most effectual measures to furnish the Armey with a Quantity of Hard Bread—for this Purpose, Six Bakers will be given him from here—You will be pleased to afford him every Assistance in your Power, that he may need—to accomplish this necessary Work. I am with much Regard sir Your most Obedt servt P.S. I find, that unless vigorous Measures...
171From George Washington to Alexander McDougall, 30 June 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have just recd your favor of this date. As the Artillery Men are wanted for a particular purpose, I request you to have them sent down this night & not wait for the Peices of Artillery, unless you can immediately find the means of conveyance for the 12 Pounders—Let the Officer report himself at Head Quarters when he arrives. I am Dr Sr &c. DLC : Papers of George Washington.
172From George Washington to Alexander McDougall, 2 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
I inform you in full confidence that an attempt is to be made this night by surprise upon the enemy’s posts upon the North end of York Island. I move down with the remainder of the Army towards Kings bridge and expect the French Troops will form a junction with me, or will be very near at hand to support me. In case of success I shall contrive you the most instantaneous intelligence upon which...
173From George Washington to Alexander McDougall, 6 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
The two new whale boats at Wapping’s Creek, & the one at New-borough in the charge of Mr Brooks Depty Cloathier, are much wanted here; I wish you to send a party for them, have muffled Oars provided, & forward’d to King’s ferry or Tarry Town, to the order of Majr Darby. the party of Men that conduct the boats will return to West point, after delivering them to Majr Darby. I am, with respect...
174From George Washington to Alexander McDougall, 9 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
In Consequence of my Orders, some of the Troops from the Northern Frontier will soon arrive at West Point—all that shall arrive at that Post, you will be pleased to retain for its Security untill further Orders. I am sir Your most Obedient Servt CSmH .
175From George Washington to Alexander McDougall, 12 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have recd your favor of the 10th You will be pleased to let me have, as quick as possible, a Return of the Troops at West Point and its dependencies, as I want to ascertain our total Strength. If you will make me acquainted with the names of the prisoners under sentence and the Regiments to which they belong, I will endeavour to find out the Judgments against them and either have them put in...
176From George Washington to Alexander McDougall, 15 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
I received your’s with the returns enclosed. I have desired General Schuyler to forward to West Point with all possible dispatch, the boats that are at present fit for Service. Immediately upon their arrival at your post, I wish you to have them safely moored in some convenient Cove, and Guarded in such a manner, as will effectually prevent any person from useing them (or the oars, plank &c....
177From George Washington to Alexander McDougall, 21 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have rec’d yours of the 17th; And wish it was in my power to render your situation more eligable as to the supplies of provisions &c.; Rum you say there is but little on hand, there the Garrison is more fortunate than the Army, for we have none. The discription given of the Troops that compose your Garrison, I have too much reason to suppose has a very sufficient foundation, as the persons...
178From George Washington to Alexander McDougall, 25 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
I request you will regularly report to me, the number of Militia which shall arrive from time to time, at your Post. I am Dear Sir Your Most Obed. Servt CSmH .
179From George Washington to Alexander McDougall, 27 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have ordered the Light Company of Cortlandts Regt to West point, as soon as it arrives you will be pleased to send that and the Light Company of Van schaicks to join the Army. And you will also be pleased to make me a Return upon the first of Augt of the number of Militia which have come in to that time, specifying the States to which they belong. I am Dear Sir yr most obt Servt P.S. You...
180From George Washington to Alexander McDougall, 10 August 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have received your favors of the 3d and 6th Instants. The bringing forward the Corps of Invalids from Philada and Boston was a matter of necessity and not of choice. We must therefore submit to some inconveniencies and put them to duties of the lightest kind. I have approved the sentences agt Burke and Lansing and forward herewith a Warrant for the execution of the former. Lansing is...
181From George Washington to Alexander McDougall, 18 August 1781 (Washington Papers)
I am much disappointed in not having the Boats sent from Wapping Creek to Kings Ferry, as requested by Colonel Pickering. You will be pleased, on the receipt of this, to order One hundred and fifty men to bring thirty of the aforesaid Boats to Kings Ferry; from whence the Men may return immediately to West Point. I am Dear Sir Your Most Obedt Servant PPRF .
182From George Washington to Alexander McDougall, 19 August 1781 (Washington Papers)
Circumstances have rendered it necessary to change our plan of operations—and I am going myself with a detachment of the Army to the southward. As the troops which will principally compose this detachment are those which were intended for your command—I think it proper to make you the offer of going with them—at the same time desiring you to inform me without reserve if you would wish to...
183From George Washington to Alexander McDougall, 11 January 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have been favoured with your Letter of the 2nd Inst. and am much obliged by your congratulations on the success of the Campaign. The Papers respecting the case of Doctor Ledyard have duly been laid before the Secretary at War, from whom the following Answer has been received. "I have no doubt but Doctor Ledyard is a Gentleman of Merit, and that with other Men of virtue he has suffered in the...
184From George Washington to Alexander McDougall, 3 February 1782 (Washington Papers)
I am made extremely unhappy, by finding, that the difference between General Heath and yourself has proceeded to so disagreeable a height. A few days before the receipt of yours of the 27th ulto, General Heath had furnished me with a Copy of the arrest and charges, and desired me to order a General Court Martial, which I did. Lord Stirling is appointed president, and the Dy Adjt General is...
185From George Washington to Alexander McDougall, 2 March 1782 (Washington Papers)
I received yesterday your Letters of the 8th and 9th of February and have duly noticed the contents of them. Altho the first order for holding the Court Martial for your trial directed the Court to assemble at West Point, yet by an after order of the same day (which, I am informed was regularly transmitted from the Orderly Officer ) permission was given for it, to be holden at West Point, or...
186From George Washington to Alexander McDougall, 1 April 1782 (Washington Papers)
Major General Heath has made no application for leave of absence. The other parts of your Letter, of this date I shall be better able to decide upon when the reasons and charges, which are proposed as the subject of another letter, are exhibited. I am Sir Your very hum. servt NSchU .
187From George Washington to Alexander McDougall, 24 August 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have to acknowlege your two favors of the 23d. Your resolutions respecting the prosecution of Major General Heath are very agreeable to me—your reasons are good, & do honor to your own Heart. I am much obliged by your sentiments on the mode of getting Wood for the Garrison of West point; your observations, founded in knowlege & experience, will prove usefull. My attention has been for some...
188From George Washington to Alexander McDougall, 28 August 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have been favoured with your private Letter of the 26th. In forming my arrangement of Commands for the Army’s taking the Field—not knowing how long the proceedings of Congress on your Trial might be delayed—& not finding any other Command so proper for Majr Genl Knox, under present circumstances, as that of West point, where the Corps of Artillery, Ordnance and Military Stores are to remain,...
189From George Washington to Alexander McDougall, 3 September 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have concluded to name you on the part of the United States, as Commissioners, to meet those of Sir Guy Carleton, for the purposes of settling a general Cartel of Prisoners &ca agreeable to the inclosed Resolutions of Congress. I have therefore to desire you Gentlemen to undertake that Business and if any previous preparation is necessary, that you will be pleased to attend to it as early as...
190From George Washington to Alexander McDougall, 6 November 1782 (Washington Papers)
Being about to make a general disposition for the command of the Army during the Winter and having it now in my power to place a Division of Troops in this Cantonment under your Orders I must request to be informed by you, as soon as possible whether your State of Health will enable you to accept that Command or not. At the same time I shall be happy to give you a Command suitable to your Rank...