2051General Orders, 29 April 1780 (Washington Papers)
[Officers] Of the Day Tomorrow[:] Colonel Cortlandt[,] Lieutenant Colonel Mentges[,] Brigade Major Hand’s Brigade At the General Court martial whereof Brigadier General Hand was president Captain Alexander Mitchel of the first New Jersey Regiment was tried for “Ungentlemanlike behavior in stabbing Lieutenant Burroughs of the same regiment with a hanger and for repeating the Blow in a cowardly...
2052General Orders, 6 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
At a General Court Martial whereof Coll Chambers was President June 2nd 1778—Captn Stake of the 10th Pennsylvania Regiment tried for propagating a report that Coll George Nagle was seen on the 15th of May drinking either Tea or Coffee in Serjeant Howcraft’s tent with his Whore, her Mother, the said Howcraft and his Family to the Prejudice of good Order & military discipline. The Court having...
2053From George Washington to Major General Robert Howe, 3 June 1780 (Washington Papers)
The Flour began to move from hence last night and will be sent on as quick as the Waggons come in. There will be five or six hundred Barrels. You will be pleased to have Boats immediately sent down to Kings ferry to receive it upon its arrival there. The account of the Fleet mentioned in mine of the 1st instant seems to have been premature: The Officer stationed at Elizabeth town has made...
2054George Washington to Brigadier General William Maxwell, 13 December 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Morristown [ New Jersey ] December 13, 1779 . Instructs Maxwell to march to Camp when Brigadier General Samuel Holden Parsons reaches the Sound. Informs Maxwell that part of the clothing for his men is at Headquarters. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
2055From George Washington to George Clinton, 10 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have with great pleasure received your Excellency’s favr of the 7th: Your plan of ordering the Militia to bring out 40 days flour of their own will be a great releif to the Commy General who is only under apprehensions on account of that Article. Of Meat, he gives me assurances of any quantity that may be required. The Quarter Master General is making every preparation for Camp equipage. We...
2056General Orders, 15 February 1783 (Washington Papers)
For the day tomorrow Major Gibbs. For duty the 2d Jersey regiment. The New building being so far finished as to admit the troops to attend public worship therein after tomorrow, it is directed that divine Services should be performed there every Sunday by the several Chaplains of the New Windsor Cantonment in rotation and in order that the different brigades may have an opportunity of...
2057General Orders, 12 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
A careful subaltern from each brigade is to repair this day to the last encampment of the army, to collect and take care of the sick and conduct them to Reading—These officers are to apply to the regimental Surgeons for information where to find the sick of their brigades—Every motive of duty and humanity requires the most exact attention to this order—Drs Draper and Campbell, at Mr West’s...
2058From George Washington to James Wilkinson, 6 December 1779 (Washington Papers)
The Army having taken its position for the Winter in the Vicinity of this place you will repair hithe[r] as expeditiously as possible to take charge of and issue the Cloathing which has been stopped here—The four Massachusetts Brigades at West point and the New Hampshire Brigade at Danbury, having recd their proportion of the Cloathing at Newberg you are to apply to the Quarter Master for the...
2059General Orders, 21 October 1782 (Washington Papers)
For the day tomorrow Major Genl Gates Colonel Swift Major Throop Brigade Major Walker Quarter Master Williams For duty tomorrow the 3d Connecticut & 6th Massachusetts regiments. The hospital & regimental surgeons will immediately make to the Director exact returns of all the Medicines, instruments & Chests, on hand. DLC : Papers of George Washington.
2060From George Washington to Arthur St. Clair, 8 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
The dispersed and broken situation of the remaining Troops of the Pennsylvania Line, after the unhappy affair of the 1st of January, rendered the unwearied attention, and greatest exertion of the Officers of every rank indispensably necessary, to reassemble the scattered remains, and restore discipline among them; for on this, and the success of the recruiting Service, depended all our hopes...
2061General Orders, 28 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
Varick transcript , DLC:GW . Adj. Gen. Alexander Scammell’s orderly book entry for this date includes the following additional general orders: “A Corporal & six men from the 1st Maryland Briga[d]e to be sent to the Qr Mr Genl’s store on Fatigue daily till further orders” (orderly book, 22 Dec. 1778–26 June 1779, DNA : RG 93, Orderly Books, 1775–1783, vol. 28).
2062From George Washington to Brigadier General Charles Scott, 19 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have received your two letters of yesterdays date; if you think the intelligence of the evacuation of Kings bridge and the intermediate posts between that and New York, may be depended upon—it will be proper to order A respectable detachment of horse to move down that way—in order to make more particular inquiries and discoveries of what is going forward—the officer commanding this party...
2063General Orders, 22 October 1780 (Washington Papers)
[Officers] For the day tomorrow[:] Brigadier General Huntington[,] Lieutenant Colonel Commandant Hubley[,] Lieutenant Colonel Whiting[,] Major Wallbridge[,] Brigade Major Moore. Varick transcript , DLC:GW .
2064From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 26 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have to acknowledge your favs. of the 18th 19th and 20th Instants. I inclose you the Commissions for Colo. Henleys Regt which be pleased to deliver to Capt. Trescot the commanding Officer. I laid yours of the 20th before the Commissary General who in Vindication of his department wrote me a letter of the 25th and sent me a Copy of Mr Flints letter to you of the 30th October and Copy of Mr...
2065From George Washington to Colonel Hugh Hughes, 9 February 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have yours of the 3d from peekskill and as I think you are more usefully employed there than you could be here, I desire that you may remain till Genl Mifflin thinks proper to call you down. He is at present at philadelphia. I approve of your having appointed an Officer and a proper Number of Men to tend King’s Ferry. Mr Mease the Cloathier General, who is now here, will give directions in...
2066From George Washington to Robert Morris, 15 May 1782 (Washington Papers)
The inclosed additional Contract formed by Genl Schuyler with Mr Duer came to Hand a few Days ago—I transmit it to you together with an Extract of the Letter which accompanied it—& hope the transaction may meet with your Approbation. I am &c. DLC : Papers of George Washington.
2067From George Washington to Brigadier General Hugh Mercer, 11 August 1776 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Brigadier General Hugh Mercer, 11 Aug. 1776. On 12 Aug. Mercer wrote to GW : “I receivd your Letter of yesterday.”
2068From George Washington to John Jay, 16 August 1779 (Washington Papers)
I had yesterday afternoon the honor to receive Your Excellency’s Letter of the 6th with a copy of the Act of the 8th of March and the Report referred to. It might have been better on the score of supplies and some other considerations, if Captain Wilkie’s company had been annexed to the 11th pensilvania Regiment; but as this was not done—and as the arrangement both of Spencer’s and Hubley’s...
2069From George Washington to Anne-César, chevalier de La Luzerne, 15 December 1782 (Washington Papers)
I had, last Evening, the honor of receiving your Excellency’s favor of the 11th and immediately forwarded the Packets for the Marquis de Vaudreuil and Monsr de L’Etombe. I am happy to hear that your Excellency has recommended a plan for the protection of these Coasts, it will be of infinite advantage to the common interest, should effectual measures be taken to cover them from the depredations...
2070From George Washington to Lieutenant Colonel Ebenezer Stevens, 17 December 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have the pleasure to transmit you the inclosed Commission and the Copy of a Resolution of Congress that accompanied it. I received the Letter which inclosed the Commission on my way from Fredericksburg; but being separated from my papers just after it came to hand—and not getting the Letter again till a day or two ago, I have been prevented from sending the Commission till now. In...
2071George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 31 May 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Middlebrook [ New Jersey ] May 31, 1779 . Sends instructions for Indian expedition. Df , in writings of George Washington and H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
2072From George Washington to Timothy Pickering, 14 October 1781 (Washington Papers)
You will be pleased to have the Flat Boats which are in James River mounted upon Carriages as expeditiously as possible and brought in the first instance into the old Field in front of Head Quarters, where they may remain upon their Carriages till wanted—As soon as they arrive you will apply to the Adjt Genl for a subalterns Guard for them. I am sir Yr most obt servt. You will have the Boats...
2073General Orders, 17 October 1775 (Washington Papers)
The Quarter Master General will deliver to the Major of each Brigade, or his Order, Twenty great Coats for the use of the Centinels of each brigade: As the Brigade Major is to give his receipt for the same, he is to be answerable that they are regularly deliver’d from guard to guard. Lieut: Thomas Randell of the Regt of Artillery, tried at a late General Court Martial for “stabbing a matross...
2074From George Washington to Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 25 March 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have to acknowlege two favors from your Excellency, both of the 10th of this month. I flatter myself that the measures of the Assembly for recruiting the quota of troops, and bringing them into the field, will fully answer your Excellency’s expectations. I am persuaded, that for such an essential purpose, nothing will be left undone. That part of your Excellency’s letter which relates to the...
2075From George Washington to John Dudley Townes, 16 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
Since mine of the 10th I have recd your letter of the same date inclosing the Copy of the proceedings of the Court Martial held upon you, and the deposition of the Harbour Master of Charles town. My last having informed you of the propriety of submitting the matter to Major General Greene’s determination, I now repeat my opinion, and return the papers to you, that you may either carry or...
2076From George Washington to John Lamb, 18 September 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have recd your favr of the 16th inclosing the proceedings of a Brigade Genl Court Martial held at Burlington upon Salmon and Brown of the 2d Regt of Artillery. It does not appear in the face of the proceedings by whom the Court was constituted, at any rate it must have been illegal—as a General Court Martial can only be held by order of the Commander in Cheif—the Commanding Genl in any of...
2077George Washington to George Clinton, 19 February 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
New Windsor [ New York ] February 19, 1781 . Regrets inability to comply with New York State’s request for regiments to defend frontier. Will send needed supplies to Fort Schuyler. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
2078George Washington to John Jay, 29 July 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
West Point, July 29, 1779. Reports that the news of the embarkation of the British was false. Asks if powder can be obtained from Massachusetts or Connecticut. Df , in writing of H, with postscript in writing of Robert Hanson Harrison, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
2079General Orders, 1 November 1781 (Washington Papers)
For the Day tomorrow Major General St Clair Lieutenant Colonel Adams Major Reid Brigade Major Williams General Gist’s brigade for duty tomorrow. DLC : Papers of George Washington.
2080[Diary entry: 13 June 1775] (Washington Papers)
13th. Clear but somewhat Cool.
2081From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 24 April 1782 (Washington Papers)
I take the liberty to inclose you a Letter from Colo. Vanschaaik—of the 1st New York Regiment—asking a continuation of that leave of absence which Congress before granted him—what that leave was I know not, but I think it absolutely necessary that something should be determin’d on in this matter—as Colo. Vanscaaik has already been absent from the Army near a twelve month. I am Dr Sir &c. DLC :...
2082George Washington to Brigadier General Louis Le Bèque Du Portail, 15 December 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Morristown [ New Jersey ] December 15, 1779 . Asks Du Portail to assist Major General Nathanael Greene in drawing up a report on the defense of the present Army encampment. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
2083From George Washington to Baron de Frey, 12 December 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have received your letter of yesterday’s date. After your application to Congress and their acceptance of your resignation, I do not conceive myself at liberty to recommend you to the Rank of Major by Brevet in the American service, because that would imply a new introduction into the Army. Congress have in their Resolve of the 28th November expressed their sense of your Merits and have...
2084George Washington to Major General Artemas Ward, 3 March 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Morristown [ New Jersey ] March 3, 1777. Accepts Ward’s resignation. Appoints Major General William Heath to succeed Ward. Df , in writings of H and John Fitzgerald, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
2085General Orders, 31 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
Every officer commanding a troop or company is immediately to make out his muster-rolls to the first of september, that the whole army may be mustered with the utmost expedition—Officers commanding corps not annexed to any particular division, or brigade, will apply to the muster Master of the nearest division who will muster all such corps. A General Court Martial is to sit to morrow at 9...
2086To John Adams from George Washington, 15 January 1776 (Adams Papers)
I am exceedingly sorry I did not know that you were in this place today. Our want of Men and arms is such, as to render it necessary for me to get the best advice possible of the most eligeble mode of obtaining of them. I adjourned the Council of Officers today, untill I could be favourd with your opinion (together with that of others of the General Court) on these heads. They meet again...
2087From George Washington to Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 18 July 1775 (Washington Papers)
It is with no small Concern that I find the Arrangement of General Officers made by the Honourable Continental Congress has produced Dissatisfaction. As the Army is upon a general Establishment, their Right to controul & supersede a Provincial one must be unquestionable: and in such a Cause I should hope every Post would be deemed honourable which gave a Man Opportunity to serve his Country. A...
2088From George Washington to Philip John Schuyler, 15 May 1782 (Washington Papers)
Your favor of the 3d instant, covering the Counterpart of an additional Contract with M. Duer, came safe. I have taken the earliest Opportunity to transmit it to Mr Morris, accompanied with a Copy of your Letter. I am much obliged by your Care & Attention in this Business—and with perfect Esteem & Regard I am Dear Sir Your most Obedient humble Servant DLC : Hamilton-McLane Family Papers.
2089General Orders, 14 January 1780 (Washington Papers)
Varick transcript , DLC:GW . GW’s expenses for this date included £3 “To Cash pd man for bringg home the Genl sleigh” (household account book, 11 April 1776–21 Nov. 1780, DLC:GW , ser. 5).
2090General Orders, 17 April 1776 (Washington Papers)
The General being informed that many of the Houses taken up for barracks, are much abused by the Soldiers, which is a Grievance that might be prevented, by the Officers paying a proper attention to their duty, and more carefully observing the Conduct, and Behaviour of their men—The Barrack Master is therefore order’d to place a proper proportion of Officers, in the same Houses with the...
2091From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 5 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
Since mine to you of the 3d —I have received yours of the 29th of June—I am glad to find that your second arrival of Stores and provisions was in better condition than the first—I hope what you still expect may prove equally good. I have received a letter from General Clinton of the 30th of June by which I find that his taking so large a quantity of provisions & Stores with him was in...
2092General Orders, 20 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
It is with the utmost concern, that the General observes, a continual straggling of soldiers on a march, who rob orchards and commit other disorders; and that many officers pay little or no attention to prevent a practice attended with such mischevious consequences, notwithstanding the orders relative thereto—The officers are reminded that it is their duty, and the General expects, that for...
2093General Orders, 25 August 1775 (Washington Papers)
If the Officers who were sent upon the recruiting service, are not all return’d to Camp; they are to be forthwith recalled, and no more men are to be enlisted, until further Orders. The Company late under the Command of Capt. Ebenezer Lindsey, is to join Col. Woodbridges Regiment, as that Regt has at present only nine Companies. As the Commander in Chief has heretofore approvd all the...
2094George Washington to Colonel Oliver Spencer, 3 May 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Middlebrook [ New Jersey ] May 3, 1779 . Orders harsh measures to punish Colonel William Malcom’s late regiment for mutiny. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
2095General Orders, 17 August 1779 (Washington Papers)
It is with Astonishment, the General week after week receives returns of men unfit for duty “For want of Arms” when there are many hundred stand now, and for a considerable time, have been, with the army for the purpose of supplies, and the mode of application already pointed out in general orders! Nothing, but a most surprising inattention and neglect can account for these deficiencies. If...
2096From George Washington to Elias Boudinot, 16 December 1782 (Washington Papers)
I am honored with your Excellency’s Letter of the 11th instant—I thank you for the information communicated therein, and shall take measures for forwarding the Letter which was enclosed, by an early and safe conveyance. In conformity to the pleasure of Congress, expressed in their Resolve of the 8th of Novr I wrote to Sir Guy Carleton on the 20th. A Copy of that Letter, together with Copies of...
2097From George Washington to Lieutenant Colonel Samuel Smith, 4 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have received your Letter dated yesterday—giving an account of the reinforcement which you expect from Genl Varnum and the Supplies of Clothing from Genl Forman, it gives me pain to learn that the latter are likely to be so inadequate to your wants, but hope that by taking proper measures the Contributions of the Inhabitants will not prove so poor a resource as you seem to fear. Inclosed is...
2098From George Washington to Brigadier General Duportail, 31 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have received your favour of the 20th, inclosing your remarks on the state of the fortifications already erected for the defence of the Town of Boston, and on such amendments and additions as appear to you necessary to render them effectual. Your reasonings and observations appear to be strong and well founded; but at this distance, and without so perfect a knowlege of the local...
2099From George Washington to Vice Admiral d’Estaing, 20 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
I had the honor of writing to Your Excellency yesterday from Fort Clinton —since which I have received intelligence by a New York paper that Admiral Byron in the princess Royal of ninety guns—accompanied by the Culloden Capt. Balfour of seventy four, arrived at New York on the 16th instant. the same paper mentions that an armed Sloop from Hallifax announces the arrival of the following...
2100General Orders, 5 June 1782 (Washington Papers)
By the last inspection Returns the Commander in Chief with pleasure Observes the Army is in a much better state than it was the preceding Month—The Regiments of the New York Line—the first regiment of Jersey commanded by Colonel Ogden—the third Regiment of Artillery Commanded by Colonel Crane and the seventh Regiment of Massachusetts Commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Commandant Brooks are...