2011From George Washington to Brigadier General Duportail, 21 February 1781 (Washington Papers)
My Visit to the French Army at Rhode Island has been delayed by important business & must necessarily be retarded a while longer. There are particular reasons which makes me anxious to have you along with me in this tour. If it is not inconvenient to you therefore to leave Philadelphia immediately, I should be glad if you would join me as soon as possible—That I may know certainly whether you...
2012From George Washington to Antoine-Jean-Louis Le Bègue de Presle Duportail, 17 June 1781 (Washington Papers)
I inclose to you, the arrangement of the Army—If there is any place more proper than the one I have assigned for the Engineers, & Corps of Sappers and Miners, pray let me have your sentimts thereon by return of the bearer, as I want to publish the whole in the Orders of this day. If it is convenient to you, it would be my wish that you and the Q.M. Genl should view—to morrow—a spot to form our...
2013From George Washington to Antoine-Jean-Louis Le Bègue de Presle Duportail, 29 March 1783 (Washington Papers)
I thank you most cordially for your Congratulations on the News of Peace—The terms are extremely Satisfactary to me and I am as pleased as possible that the great Work is so happily consummated. DLC : Papers of George Washington.
2014From George Washington to Antoine-Jean-Louis Le Bègue de Presle Duportail, 7 June 1783 (Washington Papers)
I have been favored with your Letter of the 25th of May, accompanied by your observations respecting the fortifications necessary for the United States—I was extremely obliged by the communication, and now enclose them under a flying Seal to Congress, with a Letter to His Excellency the President, which is likewise open for your inspection. I have the honor to be with great esteem & respect...
2015From George Washington to Antoine-Jean-Louis Le Bègue de Presle Duportail, 23 April 1783 (Washington Papers)
I have received your favor of the 16th instant. The case of Mr Reckless I have referred to the Secrety at War, who will take care to fulfill his wishes. In answer to your Questions respecting the Engineers, I can only say, that a Peace Establishment is now under consideration, in which it is recommended that Congress should form Military Academies & Manufactories, as a part of this...
2016From George Washington to Antoine-Jean-Louis Le Bègue de Presle Duportail, 18 May 1783 (Washington Papers)
I have received your favor by Capt. Segond—and have informed that Gentleman that I have the same Ideas of the Impropriety of the Appointment he solicits as you express in your Letter—I have however written a Line to the Secretary at War in his Behalf, mentiong his Circumstances, & leaving it entirely with Genl Lincoln, whether to apply to Congress in favor of his Promotion or not, as he shall...
2017From George Washington to Brigadier General Duportail, 27 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
You will proceed as speedily as convenient to the Highlands and examine the several fortifications carrying on there for the defence of the North River. When you have done this you will make me a full report of their state and progress, with your opinion of any alterations or additions which may appear to you necessary in improvement of the present plan. In doing this, you will of course...
2018From George Washington to Antoine-Jean-Louis Le Bègue de Presle Duportail, 31 October 1781 (Washington Papers)
General Duportail, Commandant of the Corps of Engineers, having signified his desire of obtaining leave to go to France, for the arrangement of his domestic Affairs—It is with the greatest satisfaction I embrace this oppertunity of testifying the sense which I entertain of his distinguished Talents & Services. His judgment in Council, and well conducted valour in the field, claim the highest...
2019From George Washington to Brigadier General Duportail, 9 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
A body of troops is ordered to rendesvous at Wyoming on the Susquehanna. There will be some works to be carried on in that quarter which will require an Engineer. You will readily conceive the nature of frontier fortification and will be pleased to send a Gentlemen in your department whom you judge proper for the purpose. He had best proceed in the first instance towards Sunbury where he will...
2020From George Washington to Antoine-Jean-Louis Le Bègue de Presle Duportail, 28 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
The subject you have written upon, is equally perplexing and incomprehensible to my understanding—I will talk more fully to you there on when we meet at two O clock. In the meanwhile I am—Dr Sir, with much estm & Regd Yr most obt Sert DLC : Papers of George Washington.
2021From George Washington to Brigadier General Duportail, 27 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
You will be pleased to make an arrangement of the officers who have presented themselves for appointments in the companies of Sappers and Miners, which I will transmit to the Board of War to obtain their commissions —The numerous drafts that have [been] made from the line for different purpose⟨s,⟩ would make it inconvenient at this time to take out others for the purpose of forming these...
2022From George Washington to Antoine-Jean-Louis Le Bègue de Presle Duportail, 28 May 1781 (Washington Papers)
As you are perfectly acquainted with the plan which has been concerted with His Excellency the Count De Rochambeau at Weathersfield: I need not enter into a detail of particulars. but have only to request therefore, that you will be pleased to make the Estimates of the Articles in Your Department necessary for the operation, and that the previous Arrangements for the seige, as far as they are...
2023From George Washington to Brigadier General Duportail, 1 March 1781 (Washington Papers)
Some unexpected events have determined me suddenly to set out for Rhode Island. I depart tomorrow—and dispatch you this to request you will join me there as soon as possible. Your information and advice will be very important to our plans. My stay at Rhode Island will be very short. Accept the assurances of the esteem & regard with which I am Dr Sir Yr Most Obed. servt. Df , in Alexander...
2024From George Washington to Antoine-Jean-Louis Le Bègue de Presle Duportail, 10 May 1783 (Washington Papers)
I have been favored with your Letter of the 29th of April—By your Letter of the 16th I certainly understood the Officers of your Department to be included with yourself. You have anticipated my Wishes, in having, as you mention, communicated your Sentiments on a peace Establishment, so far as relates to your Department, to a Committee of Congress—As you promise to send me a Copy of it, I shall...
2025From George Washington to Brigadier General Duportail and Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Hamilton, 10 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
The only material intelligence which I have obtained from New York or respecting the Enemy since your departure, is contained in the inclosed account, which I received yesterday from Captain Monroe. This in your communications with His Excellency Count D’Estaing, you will be pleased to shew him. As we shall have occasion for a great many boats, in case a cooperation between the Count & us...
2026From George Washington to Antoine-Jean-Louis Le Bègue de Presle Duportail, 26 October 1781 (Washington Papers)
In answer to your letter of the 24th I beg leave to inform you, that as no immediate operation requires your presence in this country, I shall most chearfully second your application to Congress for a Six months furlough to yourself & Col. Gouvion for the purpose of arranging your private affairs in France. The other request appears to me to involve difficulties that will deprive me of the...
2027From George Washington to Brigadier General Duportail, 19 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have perused the memorial which you delivered relative to the defence of the North River at this place —and upon a view of them highly approve what you have offered upon the Subject—Col. Kosciousko who was charged by congress with the direction of the forts and batteries—has already made such a progress in the construction of them as wd render any alteration in the general plan a work of too...
2028From George Washington to Brigadier General Duportail and Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Hamilton, 1 November 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have this day been favd with yours of the 26th ulto informing me of your removal to Great Egg Harbour. My letter of the 18th, which had not reached you, went, as you supposed, by way of Philada, and lest any accident may have happened to it, I inclose you a duplicate —Mine of the 30th ulto, which went thro’ Major Lee, informed you of the evacuation of Rhode Island: I have since recd a letter...
2029From George Washington to Brigadier General Duportail and Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Hamilton, 21 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
In my Letters of the 10th & 18th I transmitted All the intelligence I had obtained, respecting the Enemy from the time of your departure to those two periods; and, by the present conveyance, I enclose You an Extract of a Letter from Major General Gates of the 15th. —By this you will perceive he was fully persuaded, that the Enemy were preparing to evacuate Rhode Island—and he expected, from...
2030From George Washington to Brigadier General Duportail and Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Hamilton, 11 November 1779 (Washington Papers)
Being absent from Head Qrs on a visit to the several Outposts of the Army, when your favor of the 2d Instant arrived—and not returning till last night—it was not in my power to answer it before. I am precisely in the predicament you are—with respect to the Count—his intentions or ultimate operations. I have not heard a single syllable about either since your departure, except what was...
2031From George Washington to Brigadier General Duportail and Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Hamilton, 25 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have just now received a letter from Col. Hamilton, mentioning your having changed your position of Lewis Town, for that of little Egg harbour, and that you would write me more fully on your arrival at the furnace. In my last I informed you that the enemy had evacuated both their posts at Kings-ferry, since which no alteration has taken place, that has come to my knowlege. Things at Rhode...
2032From George Washington to Brigadier General Duportail and Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Hamilton, 18 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have been favored with Colonel Hamilton’s letter, mentioning your arrival early on the 11th at Philadelphia; and your being about to set off for Lewis town the morning on which it was written. I have attentively considered the object to which you more particularly refer, and am now to authorise you (provided the Count will not determine on a co-operation to the full extent of my...
2033From George Washington to Brigadier General Duportail, 30 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
You will immediately proceed to Philadelphia, with such of your assistants, as you shall think necessary, to take a full and complete survey of the city the River Delaware and their environs, in order from a collective view of the whole, to form a well-digested plan, for the defence of the River and consequently the city. You are well aware, that in case of an attempt to approach the city by...
2034From George Washington to Antoine-Jean-Louis Le Bègue de Presle Duportail, 7 September 1781 (Washington Papers)
I am made happy by the receipt of your Letter of the 2nd Inst. and the other Dispatches announcing the arrival of the Count de Grasse. Nothing now gives me uneasiness but the two things you mention, not hearing from the Count de Barras who sailed the 24th of Augst, and the resolution for the departure of the fleet at a certain time. Our measures must be forced, & every intermediate moment...
2035From George Washington to Antoine-Jean-Louis Le Bègue de Presle Duportail, 4 February 1783 (Washington Papers)
I am favord with your Letter of the 29 January inclosing Copy of Maj. Villefranches Memorial to Congress. The Testimonials already in the possession of Maj. Villefranche will shew the very high opinion I Entertain of his Merit & services—His Memorial meets my approbation and if Congress should think proper to Comply with it the circumstance will afford me pleasure. I am &c. DLC : Papers of...
2036From George Washington to Brigadier General Duportail and Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Hamilton, 2 November 1779 (Washington Papers)
Since mine of yesterday I have received another letter from my confidential correspondent in New York dated the 29th ulto. He informs me that the 57th Regt Rawdons Corps and the Artillery mentioned in his last, were to sail on that day for Hallifax, and with them all the heavy ships of War except the Europa. The Daphne Frigate, with Sir George Collier and Colo. Stewart on board, was to sail...
2037From George Washington to Brigadier General Duportail and Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Hamilton, 30 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
I inclose You an Extract of a Letter of the 26th which General Greene has just received from Mr Bowen D.Q.M. Genl, dated in New port, announcing the evacuation of Rhode Island by the Enemy on Monday night last. The intelligence is not to be doubted, although by some means or another it has happened, that I have not received any advices from Genl Gates upon the subject, or a Letter from him...
2038George Washington to Brigadier General Louis Le Bèque Du Portail, 27 July 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
West Point, July 27, 1779. Discusses appointment of officers in Company of Sappers and Miners. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
2039George Washington to Brigadier General Louis Le Bèque Du Portail, 9 April 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Middlebrook [ New Jersey ] April 9, 1779 . Asks Du Portail to send an engineer to Wyoming, Pennsylvania. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
2040George Washington to Brigadier General Louis Le Bèque Du Portail, 1 March 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
New Windsor [ New York ] March 1, 1781 . Is setting out for Rhode Island. Asks Du Portail to join him. Df , in writings of George Washington and H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
2041George 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.
2042George Washington to Brigadier General Louis Le Bèque Du Portail, 22 September 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
West Point, September 22, 1779. Instructs Du Portail to build barracks in the “different works.” Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
2043George Washington to Brigadier General Louis Le Bèque Du Portail, 17 April 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Middlebrook [ New Jersey ] April 17, 1779 . Is pleased that Supreme Executive Council of Pennsylvania has approved Du Portail’s plans. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
2044George Washington to Brigadier General Louis Le Beque Du Portail, 30 June 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Englishtown [ New Jersey ] June 30, 1778 . Orders Du Portail to Philadelphia to study city’s defenses. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
2045George Washington to Brigadier General Louis Le Beque Du Portail, 27 August 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
White Plains [ New York ] August 27, 1778 . Instructs Du Portail to examine fortifications of Highlands and to execute instructions given him relative to the plan for defense of Delaware River and Philadelphia. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
2046George Washington to Brigadier General Louis Le Bèque Du Portail and Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Hamilton, 30 October … (Hamilton Papers)
I inclose you an Extract of a Letter of the 26th which General Greene has just received from Mr Bowen. D.Q.M. Genl, dated in New port , announcing the evacuation of Rhode Island by the Enemy on Monday night last. The intelligence is not to be doubted, altho by some means or another it has happened, that I have not received any advices from Genl Gates upon the subject, or a Letter from him...
2047George Washington to Brigadier General Louis Le Beque Du Portail, 24 November 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Fredericksburg, New York ] November 24, 1778 . Instructs Du Portail to send request for cannon for West Point to Congress. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
2048George Washington to Brigadier General Louis Le Bèque Du Portail and Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Hamilton, 18 October … (Hamilton Papers)
I have been favored with Colonel Hamilton’s letter, mentioning your arrival early on the 11th at Philadelphia; and your being about to set off for Lewis town the morning on which it was written. I have attentively considered the object to which you more particularly refer, and am now to authorize you, (provided the Count will not determine on a co-operation to the full extent of my...
2049George Washington to Brigadier General Louis Le Beque Du Portail, 31 October 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Fredericksburg [ New York ] October 31, 1778 . Acknowledges receipt of plan for fortification of Boston. Has forwarded this information to Major General Horatio Gates who will take command at Boston. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
2050George Washington to Brigadier General Louis Le Bèque Du Portail and Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Hamilton, 21 October … (Hamilton Papers)
In my Letters of the 10th & 18th I transmitted all the intelligence I had obtained, respecting the Enemy from the time of your departure to those two periods; and by the present conveyance, I inclose you an Extract of a Letter from Major General Gates of the 15th. By this you will perceive he was fully persuaded, that the Enemy were preparing to evacuate Rhode Island and he expected from his...
2051George Washington to Brigadier General Louis Le Bèque Du Portail and Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Hamilton, 2 November … (Hamilton Papers)
Since mine of yesterday I have received another letter from my confidential correspondent in New York dated the 29th: ulto. He informs me that the 57th: Regt: Rawdons Corps and the Artillery mentioned in his last, were to sail on that day for Hallifax, and with them all the heavy ships of War except the Europa. The Daphne Frigate, with Sir George Collier and Colo. Stewart on board, was to sail...
2052George Washington to Brigadier General Louis Le Bèque Du Portail and Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Hamilton, 11 November … (Hamilton Papers)
Being absent from Head Qrs. on a visit to the several Outposts of the Army, when your favor of the 2d Instant arrived—and not returning till last night—it was not in my power to answer it before. I am precisely in the predicament you are with respect to the Count, his intentions or ultimate operations. I have not heard a single syllable about either since your departure, except what was...
2053George Washington to Brigadier General Louis Le Bèque Du Portail, 27 March 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Morristown, New Jersey ] March 27, 1780 . Doubts Du Portail can arrive in the South in time to be of use. Requests that Du Portail send frequent dispatches containing full details. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
2054George Washington to Brigadier General Louis Le Bèque Du Portail and Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Hamilton, 10 October … (Hamilton Papers)
The only material intelligence which I have obtained from New York or respecting the Enemy since your departure, is contained in the inclosed account, which I received yesterday from Captain Monroe. This in your communications with His Excellency Count D’Estaing, you will be pleased to shew him. As we shall have occasion for a great many boats, in case a cooperation between the Count & us...
2055George Washington to Brigadier General Louis Le Bèque Du Portail and Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Hamilton, 1 November … (Hamilton Papers)
I have this day been favd. with yours of the 26th: ulto. informing me of your removal to Great Egg Harbour. My letter of the 18th, which had not reached you, went, as you supposed, by way of Philada., and lest any accident may have happened to it, I inclose you a duplicate. Mine of the 30th. ulto., which went thro’ Major Lee, informed you of the evacuation of Rhode Island. I have since recd. a...
2056George Washington to Brigadier General Louis Le Bèque Du Portail and Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Hamilton, 25 October … (Hamilton Papers)
I have just now received a letter from Col. Hamilton, mentioning your having changed your position at Lewis Town, for that of little Egg harbour, and that you would write me more fully on your arrival at the furnace. In my last I informed you that the enemy had evacuated both their posts at Kings-ferry, since which no alteration has taken place, that has come to my knowlege. Things at Rhode...
2057From George Washington to Thomas Durie, 11 May 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have given orders to have Mr Adam the Dy Commy of Prisoner’s at Elizabeth Town arrested and brought to trial upon some charges of mal conduct which have been exhibited against him to Congress. You will therefore proceed to Elizabeth Town and remain there untill the matter shall be determined, or untill Mr skinners return from Philada. You will permit Major de Meibom and Ensign de Meibom who...
2058From George Washington to Thomas Durie, 3 November 1781 (Washington Papers)
After the Vessels, for which you have obtained Passports to New York are dispatched, you may suffer the remaining officers—on Parole—Merchants—and others (included in the Capitulation of York) together with those which have been detained by Count de Grasse & liberated by me, to procure a Vessel for New York—or to Charles Town; and will fill up the blank Passports herewith given you,...
2059From George Washington to John Durkee, 20 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
I was surprised to find by a Letter from Mr John Hurlbut of Wyoming that you had given permission for the Men belonging to the Army, who were Inhabitants of & now are at Wyoming to continue at that place until further Orders—You must be sensible such interference is very improper; & in future you will not presume to contravene the Resolutions of Congress, or Orders of Your Superior officers. I...
2060From George Washington to Timothy Dwight, Jr., 18 March 1778 (Washington Papers)
I yesterday received your favor of the 8th Instt, accompanied by so warm a recommendation from Genl Parsons that I cannot but form favorable presages of the merit of the work you propose to honor me with the dedication of. Nothing can give me more pleasure than to patronize the essays of genius, and a laudable cultivation of the Arts & Sciences, which had begun to flourish in so eminent a...