1George Washington to John Hancock, 12 April 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Morristown [ New Jersey ] April 12, 1777. Introduces Mauduit du Plessis and recommends his appointment as a captain of artillery. LS , in writing of H, Papers of the Continental Congress, National Archives. John Hancock was President of the Continental Congress. Thomas Antoine, Chevalier de Mauduit du Plessis, was appointed a captain in the Continental artillery on April 15, 1777.
2George Washington to John Hancock, 23 April 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Morristown [ New Jersey ] April 23, 1777. Requests apprehension of a spy. LS , in writing of H, Papers of the Continental Congress, National Archives.
3George Washington to John Hancock, 26 April 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Morristown [ New Jersey ] April 26, 1777. Gives instructions concerning pay of American prisoners. Discusses conduct and influence of Tories. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
4George Washington to John Hancock, 2 June 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Middlebrook Camp [ New Jersey ] June 2, 1777. Encloses news from Northern Department. Deplores deficiency of troops. States that Colonel Elias Boudinot is going to Philadelphia to discuss exchange of prisoners. Df , in writing of H; last line and postscript in writing of Robert Hanson Harrison, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Boudinot was commissary general for prisoners,...
5George Washington to John Hancock, 25 July 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Ramapo [ New Jersey ] July 25, 1777. Introduces Monsieur D’Avout. LS , in writing of H, Papers of Continental Congress, National Archives.
6George Washington to John Hancock, 10 August 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Camp near Germantown [ Pennsylvania ] August 10, 1777. Reports that Army has been moved to Coryells Ferry. Discusses desirability of defending Fort Island rather than Billingsport. Asks permission to have Major General Tronson du Coudray survey region between Marcus Hook and Philadelphia. LS , in writing of H, Papers of the Continental Congress, National Archives.
7George Washington to John Hancock, 12 August 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Camp at Cross Roads [ Pennsylvania ] August 12, 1777. Has instructed Brigadier General Silas Newcomb to maintain New Jersey militia at Woodbury. Asks if Major General Tronson du Coudray may call on Newcomb for aid. LS , in writing of H, Papers of the Continental Congress, National Archives. Also known as Neshaminy Camp. This later became Hartsville, Pennsylvania.
8George Washington to John Hancock, 15 August 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Camp at Cross Roads [ Pennsylvania ] August 15, 1777. Suggests plan of defence for Fort Island based on Major General Tronson du Coudray’s maps. LS , in writing of H, Papers of the Continental Congress, National Archives.
9George Washington to John Hancock, 17 August 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Camp at Cross Roads [ Pennsylvania ] August 17, 1777. Seeks information concerning Du Portail’s request to Congress for horses and servants at public expense. LS , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Colonel Louis Le Bèque (Le Begue) Du Portail was sent to America in July, 1777. Congress appointed him chief engineer with the rank of colonel. He was given the rank of...
10George Washington to John Hancock, 22 August 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Camp at Cross Roads [ Pennsylvania ] August 22, 1777. Acknowledges receipt of news that enemy is in Chesapeake Bay. Informs Hancock of orders given to Colonel Thomas Proctor, Brigadier General Francis Nash, Major General John Sullivan, and the Army at Headquarters. Approves of removal of stores from Lancaster and York.
11George Washington to John Hancock, 28 August 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Wilmington [ Delaware ] August 28, 1777. Recommends Count Casimir Pulaski to command cavalry. LS , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Pulaski was a Polish officer recommended to Washington by Benjamin Franklin and Arthur Lee. He later commanded an independent corps of cavalry known as Pulaski’s Legion.
12George Washington to John Hancock, 29 August 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Wilmington [ Delaware ] August 29, 1777. Discusses movements of enemy. Asks Hancock to send commissions for Brigadier Generals John Glover, Enoch Poor, and John Paterson. LS , in writing of H, Papers of the Continental Congress, National Archives.
13George Washington to John Hancock, 14 September 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Near Germantown [ Pennsylvania ] September 14, 1777. Is directing Major General Israel Putnam to send a second detachment of one thousand men to camp. LS , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
14George Washington to John Hancock, 17 September 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Yellow Springs [ Pennsylvania ] September 17, 1777. Discusses situation of enemy and American efforts to secure reinforcements. LS , in the writing of H, Papers of the Continental Congress, National Archives.
15George Washington to John Hancock, 5 October 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Near Pennypackers Mill [ Pennsylvania ] October 5, 1777. Describes the “unfortunate” attack on Germantown. Df , in writings of Robert Hanson Harrison and H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
16George Washington to John Hancock, 7 October 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Near Pennypackers Mill [ Pennsylvania ] October 7, 1777 . Reports American losses at Germantown and estimates British losses. Intends to rest the men and wait for reinforcements. Reports on naval forces on the Delaware. Asks for more general officers. Recommends Brigadier General Alexander McDougall for promotion. Urges speedy completion of inquiry into Major General Arthur St. Clair. Reports...
17George Washington to John Hancock, 22 October 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Whitpain Township, Pennsylvania ] October 22, 1777 . Regrets that Hancock is forced to retire as President of Continental Congress because of poor health and the pressure of private affairs. LS , in writing of H, George Washington Photostats, Library of Congress.
18From George Washington to John Hancock, 25 June 1775 (Washington Papers)
Upon my Arrival here this Afternoon I was informd that an Express was in Town from the provincial Camp in massachusets Bay; and having seen among other papers in his possession a Letter directed to you as president of the Congress I have taken the Liberty to open it. I was induced to take that Liberty by several Gentlemen of New York who were anxious to know the particulars of the Affair of...
19I. Notes for Letter, 10 July 1775 (Washington Papers)
The time of my arrival. The Situation of the Troops—Works—& things in genl—Enemy on Bunkers Hill. The almost impossibility of giving up the present Incampment in the Face of the Enemy, & after so much work has been bestowd notwithstanding our Situation from the devidedness of it, & length of our lines &ca is by no means desirable. The exceeding difficulty of getting returns of the Forces &ca...
20II. Letter Sent, 10–11 July 1775 (Washington Papers)
I arrived safe at this Place on the 3d Instt, after a Journey attended with a good deal of Fatigue, & retarded by necessary Attentions to the successive Civilities which accompanied me in my whole Rout —Upon my Arrival, I immediately visited the several Posts occupied by our Troops, & as soon as the Weather permitted, reconnoitred those of the Enemy. I found the latter strongly entrench’d on...
21From George Washington to John Hancock, 14 July 1775 (Washington Papers)
Since I did myself the Honour of addressing you the 10th Instt nothing material has happened in the Camp. From some authentick & later Advices of the State of the Ministerial Troops & the great Inconvenience of calling in the Militia in the midst of Harvest, I have been induced for the present to waive it; but in the mean Time recruiting Parties have been sent throughout this Province to fill...
22From George Washington to John Hancock, 21 July 1775 (Washington Papers)
Since I did myself the Honour of addressing you the 14th Instt, I have received Advice from Govr Trumbull, that the Assembly of Connecticut had voted, & that they are now raising two Regiments of 700 Men each, in Consequence of an Application from the Provincial Congress of Massachusetts Bay. The Rhode Island Assembly has also made an Augmentation for this Purpose: these Reinforcements, with...
23From George Washington to John Hancock, 21 July 1775 (Washington Papers)
I am particularly to acknowledge that Part of your Favour of the 10th Instt wherein you do me the Honour of determining to join the Army under my Command. I need certainly make no Professions of the Pleasure I shall have in seeing you—At the same Time I have to regret that so little is in my Power to offer equal to Col. Hancock[’s] Merits & worthy his Acceptance. I shall be happy in every Oppy...
24From George Washington to John Hancock, 21 July 1775 (Washington Papers)
Since closing the Letters which accompany this I have received an Account of the Destruction of the Light House, a Copy of which I have the Honour to inclose & of again assuring you that I am with great Respect, Sir Your most Obed. Hbble Serv. P.S. I have also received a more authentick Account of the Loss of the Enemy in the late Battle than any yet receivd. Doctr Winship who lodg’d in the...
25From George Washington to John Hancock, 27 July 1775 (Washington Papers)
Nothing material has occurr’d in either Camp since I had the Honour of addressing you on the 21st Instt by Express. But on Tuesday 3 Men of War & 9 Transports sailed out of Boston Harbour & stood a Course about E.S.E. One Groves who came out of Boston the same Evening informed the Officer at one of the Out Posts, that the Transports had on Board 600 Men & were bound to Block Island, Fishers...
26From George Washington to John Hancock, 4–5 August 1775 (Washington Papers)
I am to acknowledge the Receipt of your Favour of the 24th July accompanied by 284 Commissions, which are yet much short of the necessary Number. I am much honoured by the Confidence reposed in me of appointing the several Officers recommended in mine of the 10th ult.; and shall endeavour to select such Persons, as are best qualified to fill those important Posts. General Thomas has accepted...
27From George Washington to John Hancock, 31 August 1775 (Washington Papers)
The inclosed Letter came under s⟨uch⟩ a Direction, & Circumstances as led me to supp⟨ose⟩ it contained some interesting Advices, either respecting a Supply of Powder; or the Cloathing lately taken at Philadelphia: I therefore took the Liberty of breaking the Seal; for which I hope the Service & my Motives will apoligize. As the filling up the Place of vacant Brigadier General, will probably be...
28From George Washington to John Hancock, 7 September 1775 (Washington Papers)
I do myself the Honour of addressing you in Consequence of an Application from the Commissary General, who is by my Direction taking all proper Precautions on the Approach of Winter. I desired him to commit to writing such Proposals as his Experience & Knowledge of the Country might intitle him to make, which he has done in the Paper which I have the Honour to inclose. The Difficulty of...
29From George Washington to John Hancock, 21 September 1775 (Washington Papers)
I have been in daily Expectation of being favoured with the Commands of the Honbl. Congress, on the Subjects of my two last Letters. The Season now advances so fast, that I cannot any longer defer laying before them, such farther Measures, as require their immediate Attention, & in which I wait their Direction. The Mode, in which the present Army has been collected, has occasioned some...
30From George Washington to John Hancock, 30 September 1775 (Washington Papers)
The Revd Mr Kirtland the Bearer of this having been introduced to the Honle Congress can need no particular Recommendation from me: But as he now wishes to have the Affairs of his Mission & publick Employ put upon some suitable Footing, I cannot but intimate my Sense of the Importance of his Station, & the great Advantages which have & may result to the United Colonies from his Situation being...
31From George Washington to John Hancock, September 1775 (Washington Papers)
A Gentleman this Instant ⟨put the⟩ Inclosed Gazette (containing ⟨the Addre⟩ss & Petition of the Lord Mayor, ⟨Aldermen⟩, & Commons of the City of London) into my hands, desiring I would forward it to you. I accordingly ⟨do⟩ so, and am with very great ⟨regards⟩ and esteem, Sir Yr Most Obedt & Most Hble Serv⟨t⟩ ALS , PHi : Conarroe Collection. The manuscript is torn in several places. This is...
32From George Washington to John Hancock, 5 October 1775 (Washington Papers)
I was honoured with your Favour of the 26th ult: late the Night before last, and a Meeting of the General Officers having been called upon a Business which will make a considerable Part of this Letter, I took the Oppy of laying before them those Parts of yours which respect the Continuance, & new modelling the Army—the Fuel, Cloathing & other Preparations for the ensuing Winter. They have...
33From George Washington to John Hancock, 12 October 1775 (Washington Papers)
I am honoured with your several Favours of the 26th, & 30th September, & 5th October. The Contents of which I shall beg Leave to notice in their respective Order. Previous to the Direction of Congress to consult the General Officers on the best Mode of continuing, & providing for the Army during the Winter, I had desired them to turn their Thoughts upon these Subjects, & to favour me with the...
34From George Washington to John Hancock, 24 October 1775 (Washington Papers)
My Conjecture of the Destination of the late Squadron from Boston in my last has been unhappily verified by an Outrage exceeding in Barbarity & Cruelty every hostile Act practised among civilized Nations. I have inclosed the Account given me by Mr Jones a Gentleman of the Town of Falmouth of the Destruction of that increasing & flourishing Village. He is a very great Sufferer & informs me that...
35From George Washington to John Hancock, 30 October 1775 (Washington Papers)
The Information which the Gentlemen who have lately gone from hence can give the Congress of the State & Situation of the Army would have made a Letter unnecessary if I did not suppose there would be some Anxiety to know the Intentions of the Army on the Subject of their Re-inlistment. Agreeable to the Advice of those Gentlemen & my own Opinion, I immediately began by directing all such...
36From George Washington to John Hancock, 2 November 1775 (Washington Papers)
I could not suffer Mr Randolph to quit this Camp with out bearing some testimony of my duty to the Congress, although his sudden departure (occasioned by the death of his worthy relative, whose loss as a good Citizen, and valuable member of Society is much to be regretted) does not allow me time to be particular. The Inclosed return shews at one view what reliance we have upon the Officers of...
37From George Washington to John Hancock, 8 November 1775 (Washington Papers)
The immediate occasion of my giving the Congress the trouble of a Letter at this time, is to inform them, that in consequence of their Order signified in your Letter of the 20th Ulto, I laid myself under a solemn tye of secresy to Captn McPherson, and proceeded to examine his Plan for the destruction of the Fleet in the Harbour of Boston with all that care and attention which the Importance of...
38From George Washington to John Hancock, 11 November 1775 (Washington Papers)
I had the honour to address myself to you the 8th Inst. by Captain Macpherson, Since which, I have an account of a Schooner Laden Chiefly with fire wood being brought into Marblehead, by the armed Schooner Lee Captain Manly. She had on board the Master, a midshipman, two Marines, & four Sailors, from the Cerberus man of war, who had made prize of this Schooner a few days before, and was...
39From George Washington to John Hancock, 19 November 1775 (Washington Papers)
I received your favors of the 7th & 10th instant with the Resolves of the Honble Congress, to which I will pay all due attention—As Soon as two Capable persons Can be found, I will dispatch them to Nova Scotia, on the Service resolved on in Congress —the Resolve to raise two Battallions of marines will (if practicable in this Army) entirely derange what has been done; it is therein mentiond...
40From George Washington to John Hancock, 28 November 1775 (Washington Papers)
I had the honour of writeing to you the 19th Instant. I have now to inform you that Henery Knox Esqr. is gone to New york, with orders to forward to this place, what Cannon & Ordnance Stores, Can be there procured, from thence, he will proceed to General Schuyler, on the Same business, as you will see by the inclosed Copy of instructions which I have given him —it woud give Me Much...
41From George Washington to John Hancock, 30 November 1775 (Washington Papers)
I had the honour to write you the 28th Instant by Captain Joseph Blewer—Last evening I received the agreeable account of the Schooner Lee, Comanded by Captain Manly haveing taken & Carried in to Cape Ann a Large Brigantine bound from London to Boston Loaden with Military Stores, the Inventory of which I have the pleasure to inclose you —Cape Ann is a very open Harbour and accessable to Large...
42From George Washington to John Hancock, 4 December 1775 (Washington Papers)
I had the honor of writeing to you the 30th Ulto incloseing Inventory of the Military Stores, taken on board the Brig Nancy, by Capt. Manly of the Armed Schooner Lee—I have now to inform you that he has Since sent into Beverly, a Ship named the Concord, James Lowrie Master, from Grenock in Scotland bound to Boston. She has on board dry goods & Coals to the value of £3606.9.7 Stg Shipd by...
43From George Washington to John Hancock, 7 December 1775 (Washington Papers)
I wrote you the 4th instant by express to which I beg you will be reffered—my fears that Broughton & Sillman woud not effect any good purpose were too well founded, they are returned, & brought with them three of the principal inhabitants from the Island of St Johns. Mr Collbuck is president of the Council, acted as Governor[.] they brought the Governors Commission, the Province Seal &a &a. as...
44From George Washington to John Hancock, 11 December 1775 (Washington Papers)
Captain Manly of the Lee Armed Schooner has taken & sent into Beverly, two prizes Since I Last wrote you (which was the 7th instant) one of them is the ship Jenny, Captain Forster who Left London late in October, he has, very unfortunatly, thrown all his paper over board; is not yet arrived at Camp, if he does, before I close this, I will Let you Know what information I get from him; his...
45From George Washington to John Hancock, 14 December 1775 (Washington Papers)
I received your favour of the 2d instant with the Severall resolves of Congress therein inclosed—The resolves relative to Captures made by Continental armed vessells only want a Court establishd for trial, to Make them Complete, this I hope will be Soon done, as I have taken the Liberty, to urge it often, to the Congress. I am Somwhat at a Loss to Know whether I am to raise the two Battalions...
46From George Washington to John Hancock, 14 December 1775 (Washington Papers)
The Two french Gentlemen who will appear before you with this, brought recommendations to me from Governor Cooke of Providence, their names are, Messieurs Pennet & Depliurne. They propose a plan for supplying this Continent with Arms & Ammunition, which appears to me very eligible, as I am not acquainted with the extent of Schemes already formed by Congress for the attainment of these...
47From George Washington to John Hancock, 16 December 1775 (Washington Papers)
the information Containd in the above comeing So Many different ways, Corroborated by Severall vessells haveing Salid this day from Boston, I thought it my duty to transmit it to you, tho Halifax is the place given out for their destination, it is possible they may be bound else where, I Shall communicate this inteligence to Governors Cooke & Trumbull, & to the Convention of Newyork for their...
48From George Washington to John Hancock, 18 December 1775 (Washington Papers)
Captain Manly of the Lee armed Schooner took & Sent into Beverly the sloop Betsey, A. Atkinson Master, She is an armed vessell, dispatchd by Lord Dunmore with Indian Corn, Potatoes & Oats for the Army in Boston—the paquetts of Letters found on board I have the honour to send you with this, by Captain James Chambers, they being of So Much importance that I do not think, it woud be prudent, to...
49From George Washington to John Hancock, 19 December 1775 (Washington Papers)
Since writing you of this date, the Letter herewith Inclosed was put into my hands by Mr Eustice, who is in part the subject of it; thinking it necessary that you should be acquainted with the contents, & a safe oppertunity offering by Mr Irwin. I do myself the honour of Inclosing it, to shew more fully to Congress the views of Lord Dunmore. I am Sir Yr Most Obedt Sert ALS , DNA:PCC , item...
50From George Washington to John Hancock, 25 December 1775 (Washington Papers)
I had the honour to address myself to you the 19th instant, Since which I have received undoubted information—that the genuine instructions given to Connolly have not reached your hands—that they Are very artfully Concealed in the tree of his Saddle & coverd with Canvas So nicely, that they are Scarcely discernable—that those which were found upon him are intended to deceive—if he was...