1From George Washington to Brigadier General William Smallwood, 13 April 1778 (Washington Papers)
Since writing to you yesterday I have been conversing with the Commy General of purchases who informs me that there are considerable quantities of provision at the Head of Elk and Charles town which will lay very much exposed if you are suddenly withdrawn from Wilmington. I would therefore only have you send off what Baggage and Stores you conveniently can, and wait my farther orders for...
2From George Washington to William Smallwood, 12 August 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have recd your favr of the 30th ulto covering extracts of the several laws passed by your Legislature for compleating their line and Rolls of the Men recruited in consequence. I entertain not the least doubt of your exertions or of those of the Gentlemen who have been employed under you. It is only to be lamented that the circumstances of the times neither enable us to make prompt and proper...
3From George Washington to Brigadier General William Smallwood, 11 August 1779 (Washington Papers)
I transmit You three Letters No. 1—2 & 3 from Mr Bedlow at New Windsor —by which you will perceive the conduct of which Mr Geery One of the Assistant Clothiers at Newburg, is suspected or said to be guilty. As I am determined to inquire into all such practices and to prevent them as far as possible—I must request the favor of you as you are at Windsor to send for Aaron Fairchild, who is...
4From George Washington to Brigadier General William Smallwood, 30 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
In consequence of the directions of Congress, I wrote you on the 23d Instant by Express, requesting you & Colol M. Gist to repair immediately to Maryland to arrange—march & conduct the Militia of that State which Congress had called for, Twelve Hundred & Fifty of which were to assemble at Baltimore [and] at Hartford Towns, and Seven hundred & fifty more at George Town on the Eastern Shore...
5From George Washington to Brigadier General William Smallwood, 20 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
I was yesterday favd with yours of the 15th by Capt. Cosden. I am sorry to hear that you did not find your Brigade in that order, as to discipline &ca that you could have wished, but I hope your attention to it in person will soon work the necessary reform. I most sincerely wish that the success of the recruiting Service had been such, that all our Brigades would have made a more respectable...
6From George Washington to Brigadier General William Smallwood, 20 December 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have reconsidered the point, with respect to placing General Gist on the Court Martial for the trial of Genl Arnold, in your room—and as there are reasons to induce me to wish, that the Court first appointd should suffer no change but such as very pressing circumstances require—it is my desire that you should continue, if it can be done without an essential injury to You. The Trial I hope...
7From George Washington to Brigadier General William Smallwood, 19 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
With the Division lately commanded by Genl Sullivan, you are to March immediately for Wilmington, and take Post there. you are not to delay a moment in putting the place in the best posture of defence, to do which, and for the security of it afterwards, I have written in urgent terms to the President of the Delaware State to give every aid he possibly can of Militia —I have also directed an...
8George Washington to Brigadier General William Smallwood and the Field Officers of the Maryland Line, 2 March 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Middlebrook [ New Jersey ] March 2, 1779 . Encloses arrangement of rank in Maryland Line by a board of general officers. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
9From George Washington to William Smallwood, 8 July 1782 (Washington Papers)
Altho’ the Levies of Maryland are considered as part of the Southern Army, & you an Officer under the immediate orders of Majr General Greene It is my wish, nevertheless, to receive regular Reports of the Progress you make in the Recruiting Service—and every other matter & thing relative to your Command—without these Reports I am unacquainted with my own strength, and how to make that...
10From George Washington to Brigadier General William Smallwood, 22 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
The Enemy marched out of Philada this morning early with a considerable Body. Their intent is said to be to forage, but lest they may have something further in view, I think it proper to put you upon your guard. They incamp this Evening near Derby. I have this day recd information that the Troops which were embarked some days ago, and were said to be destined for New York are designed to land...
11From George Washington to Brigadier General William Smallwood, 18 April 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have this moment recd yours of yesterday by Capt. patton. Suffering so audacious an insurrection as that you mention, to go unpunished or to gain any head, will be of so dangerous a tendency, that I desire you will immediately take the most effectual means to suppress it. As you have scarce any Baggage to incumber you, you may, if the Case requires it, send what little you have, somewhere...
12From George Washington to Brigadier General William Smallwood and the Field Officers of the Maryland Line, 2 March 1779 (Washington Papers)
Inclosed you have the settlement of rank in the Maryland line by a board of General-Officers, after a full representation and investigation of the different claims. You have also an explanation of the former powers of the State of Maryland to the Commander in Chief, respecting the disputes existing in your line. You will be pleased to compare the abovementioned settlement with the resolve of...
13From George Washington to Brigadier General William Smallwood, 7 January 1778 (Washington Papers)
The inclosed to Govr Johnston, on the subject of compleating and Cloathing the Troops of Maryland, is left open for your inspection. After reading, be pleased to seal and transmit it to the Governor with the Returns for which I have referred him to you. The Officers in this Camp are anxious to come in for a share of the Baggage taken in the prize Brig. That justice may be done to all, I...
14From George Washington to Brigadier General William Smallwood, 1 March 1778 (Washington Papers)
Yours of the 27th ulto was delivered to me by Express and that of the 28th by Colo. proctor, who saw the British Ships and Craft on their return, they had passed Marcus Hook. He says it was reported that they had burnt Salem, he does not know the truth of this, but he saw a great smoke in that quarter. When I heard last from Genl Wayne he was at Haddenfield, and I hope will return safe with...
15George Washington to Brigadier General William Smallwood, 19 May 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Valley Forge, May 19, 1778 . Discusses crimes and court-martial of Jetson, a Loyalist. Denies request to send flour to supporters of Revolution in Philadelphia. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
16From George Washington to Brigadier General William Smallwood, 30 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
I recd your favr of yesterday by Colo. Fleu⟨ry.⟩ After sending off the prisoners of War to Lancast⟨er,⟩ I think you had better endeavour to disencumber yourself of the Tories by examining them, and if any of them appear insignificant in themselves or confined for trifling crimes, dismiss them. I have no objection to your permitting Cap⟨t.⟩ Walbe and the purser to go to Philada upon Parole⟨.⟩...
17From George Washington to Brigadier General William Smallwood, 21 February 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have been duly favoured with yours of the 10th instant. You intirely misconceived my intention, with respect to the mode proposed of furnishing your division with shoes. I did not mean, that a shoe manufactory should be established for the purpose; but only, that you should contract with private persons, in the way of barter, to furnish you with such a number of shoes, and to be paid for...
18From George Washington to Brigadier General William Smallwood, 17 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
From a variety of accounts, all concurring, I am fully of opinion that the Enemy are making preparations to evacuate Philada. It is my wish to draw all the continental force together, that I may be able to act immediately as circumstances may require. Was it not for the safety of the Stores at the Head of Elk, I should order your division to join directly, but as the Stores now there and...
19From George Washington to Brigadier General William Smallwood, 12 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
Captain Spyker has this morning sent in his resignation, accompanied with your certificate of his merits. I am sorry to find by this, that there are a number of officers in your brigade whose situation you suppose may lead to a similar conduct. I had conceived hopes that an evil so destructive to the service, would have been stoped, by the half-pay establishment which Maryland has given, and...
20From George Washington to Brigadier General William Smallwood, 17 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
As it may be dangerous for the Troops under your command to act alone, and the service may be more advanced by drawing Our Whole Force together, I earnestly request, that you will form a junction with the Main Army as soon, as you possibly can. We shall be at Warwick Furnace, on French Creek to Morrow Evening. The Enemy are now posted near the White Horse Tavern on the Road leading from...
21From George Washington to Brigadier General William Smallwood, 15 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
I herewith transmit you a copy of the arrangement of the field officers and captains, in the Maryland line, as settled by the board of General officers, ordered the 8th instant for that purpose. You will also receive their report containing the reasons on which it is founded. The inconveniences and confusion we have felt from the undecided state of rank, makes it necessary to conclude on...
22From George Washington to Brigadier General William Smallwood, 3 January 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have been regularly favd with yours of the 28th and 30th of December and of the 1st instant. I congratulate you upon the prize that has fallen into your hands, and the more so as she turns out more valuable than you at first expected. That her Cargo may be removed and secured with all possible expedition, I have sent Colo. Biddle to assist you, he will take down with him all the Waggons that...
23From George Washington to Brigadier General William Smallwood et al., 21 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have the Honor of transmitting you a Copy of the Arrangement of the Field Officers in your line by the Board of General Officers—and of the Captains Lieutenants &c. &c. by the Committee appointed for the purpose—both of which are confirm’d; and I have to request that you will digest the whole regimentally as soon as possible and return the arrangement to me that it may be sent to the Board...
24From George Washington to Brigadier General William Smallwood, 6 March 1778 (Washington Papers)
I am favd with yours of the 3d instant and am sorry to find that what I meant merely as a joke has been taken by you in a serious point of light. I can assure you I never had the least suspicion that any part of your time was sacrificed or your duty neglected on account of the Ladies who fell into your hands. As it has been thought expedient to detain them a considerable time for the security...
25From George Washington to Brigadier General William Smallwood, 8 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
I received yours of the 6th with a return of such officers as you thought might be preferably employed in the recruiting service in Maryland. I find however that you have in some instances mentioned several as equally qualified—you will be pleased to make the discrimination, and give them orders to proceed to Governor Johnston at Annapolis, to receive his instructions. As I shall have letters...
26From George Washington to Brigadier General William Smallwood, 12 April 1778 (Washington Papers)
I recd yours by Mr Burrell, who I believe has found his son in more agreeable circumstances than he expected. Upon a full consideration of all circumstances I have determined to withdraw the main Body of your division from Wilmington, and to leave a Feild officer and two good Captains with about 150 Men who can be depended upon, to act as patrols from Wilmington to Duck Creek, and, in...
27From George Washington to Brigadier General William Smallwood, 13 January 1778 (Washington Papers)
Since writing to you this morning on the subject of the prize Brig Symetry, the Regulations of the Feild Officers of the division for conducting the Sale and disposing of the Cargo was laid before me with a letter from the Regimental Surgeons and Mates to Docr Cochran. These Gentlemen feel themselves so much hurt by the discrimination made by these Regulations between them and the Officers of...
28From George Washington to Brigadier General William Smallwood, 1 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
Mr Francis Wade who has been lately appointed Deputy Qr Mr General for the State of Delaware and three Counties in Maryland, has applied to me for a letter of introduction to you. As his Business will lay among a number of disaffected and refractory people he will probably sometimes want your advice and assistance to enable him to execute his duty. Mr Wade is represented to me as an honest Man...
29From George Washington to Brigadier General William Smallwood, 15 August 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have received Your Letter of the 13th—and thank you for the pains you have taken with respect to Mr Geary. If Mr Hanson or he himself has returned I request that you will get a sight of the Books—that you may discover whether the Articles have been charged to him. At any rate—whether they are charged or not, you will be pleased to enumerate the Articles and direct him by my order to make an...
30From George Washington to Brigadier General William Smallwood, 12 February 1779 (Washington Papers)
Upon considering the contents of your letter of yesterdays date—it appears to me proper that they shd be communicated to Baron de Kalb. I give you notice of this in compliance with your request that you may have an opportunity of transmitting him a Copy—I will only remark that there are some general Reflections at the close of the letter which were perhaps better omitted—if you agree with me...
31From George Washington to Brigadier General William Smallwood, 28 January 1778 (Washington Papers)
I recd your favr of the 26th ⅌ Express, inclosing Returns of the Maryland Companies of Artillery and the law of that State for recruiting their Battalions. Their Bounties are generous but I very much fear that nothing short of drafting will have the desired effect—The Congress having ordered Hazens Regt to the Northward for a particular purpose I have directed Major Taylor to march...
32From George Washington to Brigadier General William Smallwood, 25 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
I am to request that you will immediately detach the first Brigade of the Troops under your command, with all their Baggage Artillery &c. to join this Army. With the second and their baggage &c. you will move to some strong grounds in the neighbourhood of Chad’s ford and take a position, from whence you will have it in your power either to cover the stores at the Head of Elk in case an attempt...
33From George Washington to Brigadier General William Smallwood, 28 March 1778 (Washington Papers)
I was yesterday favd with yours without a date, inclosing the proceedings of a Court Martial held upon Colo. Hall of Maryland. Inclosed you have Copy of my opinion which is published in the General Orders of this day. I am informed that there still remains a considerable quantity of Hay between Chester and Wilmington upon the River side, particularly at one John Smiths near Marcus Hook. I...
34From George Washington to Brigadier General William Smallwood, 23 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
On the march to day I was honored with a Letter from Congress transmitting Sundry Resolutions for calling out reinforcements of Militia to repel the threatned invasion by the Enemy, who have arrived high up in the North East part of Chesepeak Bay. Such as respect the Militia of Maryland and which make the Subject of this Letter, you will find inclosed. I request, that immediately after receipt...
35From George Washington to William Smallwood, 6 October 1787 (Washington Papers)
When I had the pleasure of being at your house last fall, you gave me reason to believe that you would become the purchaser of my land adjoining yours, in Charles County—And if I recollect rightly, was to have written me on that subject from Annapolis. I am still disposed to part with this tract; and wish you could make it convenient to be the purchaser thereof. I told you in the conversation...
36From George Washington to Brigadier General William Smallwood, 16 February 1778 (Washington Papers)
The distress of this army for want of provisions is perhaps beyond any thing you can conceive; and unless we strain every nerve to procure immediate relief, a general mutiny and dispersion is to be dreaded. Our nearest Magazines are at Dover and the Hd of Elk; and it is absolutely necessary, by a vigorous effort, to push on all the provisions at those places, for the present subsistence of the...
37From George Washington to Brigadier General William Smallwood, 29 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
I was yesterday favd with yours of the 27th as I was with those of the 22d and 25th: I imagine the Ships you saw going down were only empty transports and Victuallers for which having no use, they think it safer to send them aw⟨ay tha⟩n let them lay crouded in the docks of Phila⟨da⟩ where a single Vessel taking fire might prove destructive of the whole. The Enemy, who were only out upon a...
38From George Washington to Brigadier General William Smallwood, 18 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
A long time since, you wrote to me, asking my directions whether you should come on to join the army, with second division of the troops of your state; or should stay behind to forward the remaining recruits—in answer to which I recommended to you to accompany the second division. I expected ere this to have had the pleasure of seeing you at Camp, and I am intirely at a loss to conceive what...
39From George Washington to Brigadier General William Smallwood, 5 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
In your last of the 2d Inst., with which I w⟨as⟩ favoured, you advised me that the motions of the enemies ships were closely watched: That 40 sail had passed Wilmington and anchored two miles below New-Castle. As it is of much consideration t⟨ mutilated ⟩ the number that have passed thro’ the Chiveax de frize, and their present position , I would therefore wish to have the matter attended to...
40From George Washington to Brigadier General William Smallwood, 12 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
Having more maturely considered ⟨the⟩ situation and circumstances of the Enemy, since Colo. Hamilton wrote you this Morning, It appears to me, that the Forces under your command, can not be employed to so much advantage in anyway, as by falling on the Enemy’s Rear and attacking & harrassing them, as Often as possible. I am persuaded many advantages will result from this measure. It will...
41From George Washington to Brigadier General William Smallwood, 1 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
I recd yours of the 30th May. A person, who I sent down to Chester to observe the Movement of the Fleet, left that place on Sunday at dusk, he informs me that upwards of one hundred sail had come down from Philada and that they had not stopped near Wilmington, but proceeded towards the Capes. If this is so, it is a plain proof that they have no design to land any body of Men to molest our...
42From George Washington to William Smallwood, 19 June 1783 (Washington Papers)
In ansr to Your favor of the 2nd Ulto I need only inform you, that Congress having taken measures in their Resolution of the 26th of May, for the eventual reduction of our force, & the Honble Secry at War having undertaken to carry that Resolution into execution so far as relates to the Troops South of the Delaware; it is probable you will have received his Orders on the subject, before this...
43From George Washington to Brigadier General William Smallwood, 19 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have received your favour of the 17th instant, inclosing the proceedings of a General Court Martial held by your order. The character you give of Jetson, makes him so atrocious, that I regret his trial and sentence are not more clear and regular. There could be no more proper object for an example; if it could be made with propriety, than the circumstances you mention designate this man to...
44From George Washington to Brigadier General William Smallwood, 5 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have been favoured with your’s of this date and approve of your coming on. With respect to the Stores taken in the prize, I wish you to give direction to Mr Wade to have them brought on to the Army. The Salt, and Tea will be particularly useful. The party, who took them will be paid for such Articles as the public get. I am Dr Sir Yr Most Obedt sert P.S. On reflection the Sloop & Cargo must...
45From George Washington to William Smallwood, 1 September 1782 (Washington Papers)
By accounts which I have just received by the way of New York, I have no doubt, but Charlestown has been before this time evacuated. You will therefore, immediately upon the receipt of this, put all the Recruits for the Maryland Line under march for the Army under my Command. Your own presence, I conceive, will be necessary in Maryland to superintend the Recruiting Service. I am sir with great...
46From George Washington to Brigadier General William Smallwood, 30 April 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have been favord with yours of the 27th Inst. I had received the Resolution of Congress of the 23d extending my former powers. From your representation of the character of John Derrick, he seems a proper object to make an example of. You will be pleased to transmit me the proceedings of the Court Martial against him, that I may determine upon them. This I do not desire from the smallest...
47George Washington to Brigadier General William Smallwood, 8 March 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Morristown [ New Jersey ] March 8, 1777. Instructs Smallwood to order all officers and men not needed for recruiting to repair to camp. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
48From George Washington to William Smallwood, 24 August 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have duly received your favor of the 9th Inst. together with the enclosure from the Marquis de la Fayette of the 6th. Long before this time, I flatter myself the 3d Regt and all the Levies & Recruits which have been raised for the Maryland Line have marched to join the Army—If by any accident they have been detained beyond your expectations, I must urge in the most pressing Manner, that they...
49From George Washington to Brigadier General William Smallwood, 25 February 1778 (Washington Papers)
I yesterday received your Two favors of the 15th and 21st Instant. I thank you much for the trouble you took in procuring the several Articles, which came by Serjeant Sprigg. The Caledonian pistols and both Swords I return—The latter are too small. I wish to be informed by the earliest opportunity of the prices of the other Articles, that I may transmit you the Money. I will order the...
50From George Washington to Brigadier General William Smallwood, 3 May 1777 (Washington Papers)
Your favour of 24th of April I received Yesterday, with the arrangements &ca inclosed. It is with concern I understand, that the recruiting Service has been so materially injured by the ineffectual Measures fallen upon by your Legislature and the removal and resignation of Officers. Until the Regiments, or at least a Majority of them join us, it will not be in my power to fix the Rank referred...