1From George Washington to George Clinton, 25 August 1775 (Washington Papers)
Mr White presented me with your favour of the 27th Ulto —you may rely upon it, that any Civilities which may be in my power to shew this young Gentleman shall not be wanting—if an acquaintance of mine, for whom I have wrote to Virginia (knowing his promptitude to business) should not come, as there is reason to doubt, I propose to take Mr White into my Family as an Aid de Camp—the mode by...
2From George Washington to Brigadier General George Clinton, 2 May 1776 (Washington Papers)
Having received information that there is a number of arms at one Wilseys at the Fish Kilns, among the Officers Baggage which came from St Johns, I request and authorize you to make inquiry about them & to secure all you can find. I am Sir Your Most Hble Servt LS , in Robert Hanson Harrison’s writing, PAeTPM ; LB , DLC:GW ; Varick transcript , DLC:GW . Although Clinton had held the rank of...
3From George Washington to Egbert Benson and Brigadier General George Clinton, 13 July 1776 (Washington Papers)
Two ships of force with their Tenders have Sailed up Hudsons River —I am apprehensive that they design to seize the passes in the Highlands by Land wh[ich] I am informed may be done by a small body of Men. I must therefore request you instantly to desire Genl Ten Broeck to March down as great force as he can Collect to secure them, particularly the post where the Road runs over Anthonies nose...
4From George Washington to Brigadier General George Clinton, 17 July 1776 (Washington Papers)
I am favoured with yours of the 15th Instt—The Measures you have taken & directed in Consequence of the 2 Men of War passing up the North River appear to me extremely prudent & proper. The Spirit of the Militia too upon this Occasion & at so critical a Period deserves the highest Commendation. As it is impossible for me to judge with Certainty what the Intentions of the Enemy are or even to...
5From George Washington to Brigadier General George Clinton, 26 July 1776 (Washington Papers)
Yours of the 23d Instant is duly Received and am pleased with the timely notice of your Situation, Strength Movements, &c. &c. & think time is not to be lost, or expence regarded in getting yourselves in the best posture of Defence, not knowing how soon the Enemy may attempt to pass You. The fire Rafts you mention are not of the best Construction, but probably are the best that can be procured...
6From George Washington to Brigadier General George Clinton, 9 August 1776 (Washington Papers)
Yours of the 2d Instant is duly Received enclosed you have a Resolution of the provincial Convention which came to hand last Evening, by which you will please to Regulate your Conduct, I must beg you to Inform Me as soon as possible what number your Brigade now consists of—and what number it will contain when a fourth part of the Militia are drafted agreeable to Order of provincial Congress....
7Orders to Brigadier General George Clinton, 30 September 1776 (Washington Papers)
Take with you Lieut. Colo. and proceed immediately to Fairfield and there in Consultation with General Lincoln of the Massachusets Bay, Mr Hobart of this State and Lieut. Colo. Livingston if you can meet with him, concert an Expedition to Long Island for the purpose of aiding the Inhabitants removing or destroying the Stock, Grain, &ca which must otherwise fall into the Hands of the Enemy....
8From George Washington to Brigadier General George Clinton, 19 January 1777 (Washington Papers)
Let me beseech you to nominate, & set four Gentlemen, such as you conceive will make good Captains to Raising Companies upon the Continental pay & establishment; and to be annexed hereafter to one of the Sixteen additional Regiments. I shall also leave the nomination of the Subaltern Officers for these Companies to yourself and the Captains—all I ask is, that they may be Gentlemen—and that...
9From George Washington to Brigadier General George Clinton, 19 January 1777 (Washington Papers)
Altho’ I have not the least doubt of your Zeal and Activity, I cannot help reminding you of the Necessity there is, for your raising and bringing into Service, as expeditiously as possible, the Body of Men, of which your State have given you the command. I am clearly of opinion that the Enemy are collecting their force, with an intent to make a Stroke at this Army, which they will never suffer...
10From George Washington to Brigadier General George Clinton, 24 January 1777 (Washington Papers)
I was favd with yrs of the 21st Inst. on Yesterday. Much depends on our taking the Field early with a powerfull force, by which means Victory over the Enemy in the distressed Situation they must be from the severity of this Campain will be certain, & our Affairs will be on so good a footing before any considerable Reinforcement can come to them, that We shall have but little to dread—I am...
11From George Washington to Brigadier General George Clinton, 19 February 1777 (Washington Papers)
Information being lodged that many of the Inhabitants living near the Passaick Falls are busily employed in removing their provision & Forrage within the Enemy’s reach, with design of supplying them, obliges me to beg the favr of you to let me know what Success you have experienced in collecting the Troops voted by the Convention of the State of New York. The presence of some men in that...
12George Washington to Brigadier General George Clinton, 3 March 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Morristown [ New Jersey ] March 3, 1777. Asks Clinton to decide location of cannon on the Hudson. Places choice of men and officers for Clinton’s forces in Clinton’s hands. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress; LS in writing of H, George Washington Photostats, Library of Congress. Clinton, a brigadier general in the Continental Army, was at New Windsor, New York,...
13From George Washington to Brigadier General George Clinton, 3 March 1777 (Washington Papers)
Your favour of the 23d February was duly handed me; and I am thankful for the attention and activity, with which you are promoting the public service. As you have all the circumstances immediately before you, you can best judge whether the cannon, of which you speak, will be most useful to defend the obstructions which are forming, or at the places where they now are; and you will be pleased...
14From George Washington to Brig. Gen. George Clinton, 19 March 1777 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Brig. Gen. George Clinton, 19 Mar. 1777. The collection of letters and documents belonging to the estate of James Gordon Bennett that was sold by the Anderson Galleries of New York on 23 Nov. 1926 reportedly contained a letter signed by GW at Morristown on 19 Mar. “regarding appointments of officers” ( American Book-Prices Current , 33 [1927], 797).
15From George Washington to Brigadier General George Clinton, 31 March 1777 (Washington Papers)
A Captain who escaped from New York on Saturday Evening and who arrived here this morning, informs, that about Three Thousand Troops (British & Hessians) were embarked from the City & Staten Island when he came away. It was generally said, they had in contemplation an expedition to Chesepeak Bay and to make a descent on the Eastern Shore. There were some who conjectured, they mean to go up the...
16George Washington to Brigadier General George Clinton, 20 April 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Morristown [ New Jersey ] April 20, 1777. Discusses whether enemy plans to attack Philadelphia or move up North River. Reminds Clinton to call out militia. Approves of placing a chain across the North River. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
17From George Washington to Brigadier General George Clinton, 20 April 1777 (Washington Papers)
Your favour of the 18th instant has just now come to hand. Two days ago, I wrote to general McDougall urging it upon him to apply to the Convention of your state in my name to call out the Militia, in order to have as respectable a force as possible, in the quarter where you are to act according to contingencies. I am glad to find that the powers vested in you, have enabled you to anticipate...
18From George Washington to Brigadier General George Clinton, 23 April 1777 (Washington Papers)
By a person sent into Brunswic I am informed that “Genl Skinners Force consists of about 1000 to be joined by some regular Troops and to proceed from Bergen thro’ Sussex and the back parts of the Jerseys when the Troops march for Philada.” I think this Move so probable, as it will give them access to a part of the Country most notoriously disaffectd, that I desire you will post a Body of...
19From George Washington to Brigadier General George Clinton, 26 April 1777 (Washington Papers)
I wrote you on the 23d Inst. communicating Intelligence lately received respecting the Enemy’s designs up the North River—A letter from Genl McDougall this moment received, places their Intentions beyond the power of misconception —Several Transports have anchored at Dob’s ferry—& mean, in my Opinion, to divert our Attention, if possible, from their Movements towards the Delaware—At any rate...
20From George Washington to Brigadier Generals George Clinton and Alexander McDougall, 2 May 1777 (Washington Papers)
The necessity of having regular Magazines of Provision for subsisting the Army, wheresoever It may act, and the late destruction of the Stores at Danbury, have induced Congress to take the matter into consideration & to come into the Resolves which accompany this. By these you will perceive, that One object of their deliberation was, to have immediate measures taken for the removal of the...
21From George Washington to Brigadier General George Clinton, 5 May 1777 (Washington Papers)
I am favoured with yours of the 1st instant by Capt: Lush, with Copies of the proceedings of the Courts Martial upon the case of Capt: Martin and those of Several persons accused of treasonable practices. As the proceedings against the latter, can be only sent for my opinion, I having no right to interfere in the matter, I would recommend the execution only of the most notorious, and such,...
22From George Washington to Brigadier General George Clinton, 8 June 1777 (Washington Papers)
Your favor of 4th Inst. I receiv’d this Morning —As the Movement of the Enemy & their Designs are as yet uncertain, I have to request that you will keep as large a Body of the Militia as you can collect, & have them in as good order as Circumstances will permit, in case Genl Howe should Incline up North River[.] I have no doubt but you have form’d such a Plan with General Heard as will best...
23From George Washington to Brigadier General George Clinton, 23 June 1777 (Washington Papers)
I was favor’d with yours of the 19th Instant & have to acknowledge my approbation of the removal of the two Companys you mention, to the Post near Sidman’s Bridge. you have also my consent to keep Colonel Duboys’ regiment with you it is certainly preferable to any, other, being as you observe perfectly acquainted with the Grounds; which is a singular advantage to any Body of Troops when...
24George Washington to Brigadier General George Clinton, 1 July 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Middlebrook [ New Jersey ] July 1, 1777. Reports news of attack on Ticonderoga. Warns of probable attack on Peekskill. Orders Clinton to call out militia to defend the area around Peekskill. LS , in writing of H, George Washington Photostats, Library of Congress.
25From George Washington to Brigadier General George Clinton, 1 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
From intelligence just received from the Northward; there can be little doubt that the enemy are operating against Ticonderoga and its dependencies; and from the evacuation of the Jerseys, and the reason of the thing itself, there can be as little room to doubt, that General Howe will cooperate with the Northern army, and make a sudden descent upon Peeks Kill, in order, if possible to get...
26From George Washington to Brigadier General George Clinton, 13 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have this moment receiv’d your Favor of the 11th Inst. by Mr Conoly, & from your recommendation have not the least Objection that he should be appointed to one of the Lieutenancies you mention; provided it can be done without any just cause of offence to the other Officers of that Corps—If these Commissions have ever been granted, & the Officers by Resignation or otherwise quit the Regiment,...
27From George Washington to Brigadier General George Clinton, 25 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
Yours of Yesterday reached me at this place. Considering the situation in which you say the hard Bread is, instead of bringing it forward, I have directed Genl Sullivan’s and Lord Stirlings divisions to draw three days each before they leave King’s Ferry. If any remains after supplying them, it may be sent back to the Forts. Whether the Enemy’s real design’s are southward or Eastward, in order...
28From George Washington to George Clinton, 1 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
I had proceeded thus far in order to look out for a proper place to arrange the Army when I recd the provoking account that the Enemy’s Fleet left the Capes of Delaware yesterday and steered Eastward again. I shall return again with the utmost expedition to the North River, but as a sudden stroke is certainly intended by this Maneuvre, I beg you will immediately call in every Man of the...
29From George Washington to George Clinton, 13 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
I this day received your Favor of the 9th Inst. your Vigilance in providing a proper Force to oppose the Enemy and the Alacrity with which the Militia have assembled afford me great Satisfaction; if your Efforts are seasonably and skilfully seconded by your Eastern Neighbours we may hope that General Bourgoyne will find it equally difficult to make a farther Progress or to effect a Retreat....
30George Washington to George Clinton, 16 August 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Camp at Cross Roads [ Pennsylvania ] August 16, 1777. Discusses importance of the two actions near Fort Schuyler. Asks for more information. Commends New York’s efforts. States that a body of New Hampshire Militia under Brigadier General John Stark has joined Major General Benjamin Lincoln at Bennington, Vermont. Differs with the plan of Major General Philip Schuyler and Lincoln to unite all...
31From George Washington to George Clinton, 16 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
Your favour of the 13th with the inclosed Papers are before me. I wish the accounts of the two actions near Fort Schuyler had been more clear and intelligible than they are, as more Dependence could then be placed on the Authenticity of the Particulars, and a stronger assurance formed of the advantages being as fully on our side as they are there represented. If the Loss of some of their most...
32From George Washington to George Clinton, 19 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
Your favor of the 12th instant was delivered me last night. I recollect, that Permission was granted Mrs Hatfield to visit her Husband, & had not the least Doubt, but she would be suffered to return whenever she had an Inclination, unless some singular Circumstances should render it ineligible for a Day or two. Her Detention seems to be by the Mayor, to whom she was referred for a Passport. As...
33From George Washington to George Clinton, 15 October 1777 (Washington Papers)
I was this day honored with yours of the 9th containing a full account of the Storm of Forts Montgomery and Clinton. Genl Putnam had given me information of the loss two days before, but not in so full and ample a manner. It is to be regretted that so brave a resistance did not meet with a suitable reward. You have however the satisfaction of knowing that every thing was done that could...
34From George Washington to George Clinton, 26 October 1777 (Washington Papers)
Your favor of the 20th I received Yesterday afternoon, and feel much for the havoc and devastion committed by the Enemy employed on the North River. Their Maxim seems to be, to destroy where they cannot conquer, and they hesitate not, to pursue a conduct that would do dishonor to the Arms of the most savage Barbarians. I know your feelings upon the occasion, and regret, that you were not in a...
35From George Washington to George Clinton, 3 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
The importance of the North River in the present contest and the necessity of defending It, are Subjects so well understood and so familiar to you, that it is needless for me to enlarge upon them. I therefore only mean to mention, that no exertions can be too great to render it secure against any future attempts of the Enemy, and that the present opportunity should be improved to effect it, as...
36George Washington to George Clinton, 16 February 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Valley Forge, February 16, 1778 . Describes sufferings at Camp because of lack of food and clothing. Asks Clinton to do all that is possible to forward supplies. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
37From George Washington to George Clinton, 16 February 1778 (Washington Papers)
It is with great reluctance, I trouble you on a subject, which does not properly fall within your province; but it is a subject that occasions me more distress, than I have felt, since the commencement of the war; and which loudly demands the most zealous exertions of every person of weight and authority, who is interested in the success of our affairs —I mean the present dreadful situation of...
38From George Washington to George Clinton, 12 March 1778 (Washington Papers)
I am honored with yours of the 5th instant, and cannot sufficiently express my thanks for your attention to my letter of the 16th Feby. I have the pleasure to inform you, that by the exertions of our friends in different quarters the Army has been pretty well supplied since, and I hope will continue to be so, if proper steps are taken by the present Commissaries, or if there should be a change...
39From George Washington to George Clinton, 17 March 1778 (Washington Papers)
I am favd with yours of the 8th instant inclosing a letter from you to Congress upon the subject of Affairs in the North River department. I agree perfectly with you as to the propriety of drawing every man down the River except the garrison of Fort Schuyler and have backed your opinion forcibly with my own. I cannot think it was the intention of Congress to make the command of the Forts...
40George Washington to George Clinton, 24 April 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Valley Forge, April 24, 1778 . States that a box of “hard” money taken from British at Princeton in winter of 1777 is suspected to be in the hands of a Captain—Lieutenant Joseph Crane of Orange County. Asks Clinton to investigate matter. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. An enclosure in this letter was Richard Kip, Jr., to H, April 15, 1778 .
41From George Washington to George Clinton, 24 April 1778 (Washington Papers)
In the affair of Princetown the winter before last, a box was taken from the enemy, which by appearances was supposed to contain a quantity of hard money. It was put into a small ammunition cart, on the spur of the occasion and has since disappeared. I am informed there were some suspicions at the time against one Crane, a Capt. Lieutenant in the artillery—who, it was imagined had converted...
42From George Washington to George Clinton, 30 April 1778 (Washington Papers)
On monday I received your favor of the 22d Inst. I should be extremely sorry if the incursions you apprehend, should take place. From the defeats and disappointments the Indians met with the last campaign, when pushed on and supported by a formidable regular Army, we had reason to hope, that they would remain peaceable, at least for some time. However there is no reasoning with precision from...
43From George Washington to George Clinton, 29 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
Some days ago I received your favor of the 8th Inst., and am much obliged by the measures you have taken to recover the Box. I am happy to find by a Letter from General Schuyler of the 22d, which came to hand last night, that the Indian Nations, which had discovered an unfriendly disposition, seem to be well affected and to afford grounds to hope for a friendly alliance between us. If this can...
44From George Washington to George Clinton, 31 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
I do myself the honor to inclose you a letter which Mr Morris sent open for my inspection. I shall only add that the mode of promotion which he points out is exactly conformable to the Rule established by a Board of General Officers on the 29th October last. It is absolutely necessary that some fixed principles should be settled for regulating promotions, and it would be attended by the most...
45From George Washington to George Clinton, 11 July 1778 (Washington Papers)
The first division of the Army moved from hence this morning, about four Miles, to give room to the second. They will reach Kakiate tomorrow evening, and the North River the next day. I shall halt the remainder hereabouts a few days, to refresh the Men. I am yet undetermined as to the expediency of throwing the Army immediately over the North River. I will state my reasons for hesitating, and...
46From George Washington to George Clinton, 21 July 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have been favd with yours of yesterday, and soon after, Genl Gates transmitted me letters from Colo. Ethan Allen to Genl Stark and himself upon the same subject. I plainly perceive, that this matter is likely to be productive of a serious dispute between the State of New York and the inhabitants of Vermont, and therefore, I do not chuse to give any determination. I shall transmit the whole...
47From George Washington to George Clinton, 23 July 1778 (Washington Papers)
I was last Night favd with yours, communicating the distressing accounts of the Ravages of the Indians upon the frontier of this State. I wish it were in my power to afford an adequate Releif, but as you are well acquainted with our force, and with what we have to oppose, I am certain you will think that I have done every thing possible. Colo. Butler having shifted his ground before my orders...
48From George Washington to George Clinton, 17 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
Mr Benson having signified to me, that you would stand in need of a flag to conduct some persons to the enemy’s lines on the 19th instant; I am to inform Your Excellency, that an officer will attend at Fish Kill on the day appointed to receive and execute the orders, which shall be given him for that purpose. I have the honor to be With the greatest respect Sir, Your most Obedt servt LS , in...
49George Washington to George Clinton, 28 August 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
[ White Plains, New York ] August 28, 1778 . Asks Clinton to call out militia and states that French fleet has departed for Boston. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
50From George Washington to George Clinton, 28 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
By a letter received this day from Colonel Malcom I learn that the time of service for which the militia in the Highlands is engaged is very near expiring. I am to request you will be pleased to order out a relief of from 500 to 1000 as expeditiously as possible. Besides the call for them to carry on the defences of the river, there is at this juncture an additional necessity for their...