1From George Washington to Captain Benjamin Tallmadge, 1 March 1777 (Washington Papers)
In answer to yours of the 20th last Month I must inform you, that the Order respecting the Colour of Horses, particularly excepted to Whites or those near White, as being too conspicuous for the purpose of reconnoitering, for which the Light Horse will be much used. I would not wish to have even dark Greys, if others equally good could be got, but if they cannot, you may purchase them, and...
2From George Washington to Captain Benjamin Tallmadge, 20 March 1777 (Washington Papers)
I just now received your letter of the 16th instant, by Lieutenant Bolden. You have rightly construed the permission, contained in mine of the first instant, respecting the raising a troop of dark greys. It was my intention that this should be done in case a sufficiency of horses of the ordinary colour could not be readily obtained. With respect to money, I cannot at this time conveniently...
3From George Washington to Maj. Benjamin Tallmadge, 14 January 1778 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Maj. Benjamin Tallmadge, 14 Jan. 1778. John Laurens docketed Tallmadge’s letter to GW of 12 Jan. : “answd 14th Ref. for particulars to C[olone]l Pulaski.”
4From George Washington to Major Benjamin Tallmadge, 20 February 1778 (Washington Papers)
I am glad to be informed by your Letter of the 9th Inst. that you are established in quarters, where you are likely to have means of putting your men and horses into good Condition; As you have been so successful in contracting for boots and Leather Breeches, I would not have you confine your views in these articles, to the precise number that may be wanted by your Regiment; but wish that you...
5From George Washington to Major Benjamin Tallmadge, 10 March 1778 (Washington Papers)
Annexed is a Copy of my last Letter, which from the tenor of yours of the 7th inst. I am inclined to think you have not received—it was sent by the return of the Dragoon, who brought me your Letter of the 9th February—The Legislature of New Jersey certainly never meant that the Law regulating the Prices of Necessaries should have a retrospective view and invalidate anterior Contracts —you will...
6From George Washington to Major Benjamin Tallmadge, 14 April 1778 (Washington Papers)
I scarce know which is greatest, my astonishment or vexation, at hearing of the present low Condition of your horse —To have them in good order against the period, wch is now just at hand, you were exempted from the fatiegues of a Winter Campaign, & permitted to retire to the best quarters the Country afforded for the express purpose of recruiting them. I depriv’d myself of the advantages of...
7From George Washington to Major Benjamin Tallmadge, 13 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
I received your favor of the 4th Inst. by Colo. Sheldon. I do not censure the conduct of Officers or hurt their feelings in the smallest degree thro’ choice. When I do it, I always regret the occasion, which compelled me to the measure. How far the conduct of the generality, or of Individual Officers in your Corps may have been reprehensible and deserving the reproof and charges contained in...
8From George Washington to Major Benjamin Tallmadge, 25 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
I shall be glad to see you upon the business mentioned in yours of this date. If Colo. Sheldon is acquainted with W—— and the circumstances as you have related them to me, let him come also—You should be perfectly convinced of the Integrety of W—— previous to his imbarking in the business proposed—this being done I shall be happy in employing him—but there will be an impropriety in his coming...
9From George Washington to Major Benjamin Tallmadge, 25 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have received your letter of the 23d inst: the deficiency of remounts is an evil which does not admit of immediate remedy—as I cannot at present authorise the completing your number by purchase. The same reason will render it necessary for you to make the best use of those horses, which you say are so much reduced —it gives me pain, but I cannot forbear attributing the ill-state of the...
10From George Washington to Major Benjamin Tallmadge, 18 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
I wish you would request the person whom you formerly recommended to me—& who Genl Scott tells me, is to correspond with you, to ascertain the following facts with as much precision, and expedition, as possible. What Corps (without having regard to numbers) are left upon York Island, and the Posts at and about Kings Bridge. What Corps are upon long Island. Whether any new works are erecting...
11George Washington to Major Benjamin Tallmadge, 29 November 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Fishkill [ New York ] November 29, 1778 . Discusses arrangements for obtaining information from Samuel Culper. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Tallmadge, a major in the Second Continental Dragoons, managed the secret service of the Army around New York City from 1778 until the end of the war. Abraham Woodhull of Setauket, Long Island, who used the...
12From George Washington to Major Benjamin Tallmadge, 29 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
I am favoured with your letter of this date with one from C——. His account has the appearance of a distinct and good one, and makes me desirous of a continuance of his correspondence. At the same time, I am at a loss how it can be conveniently carried on, as he is so scrupulous respecting the channel of conveyance. At the station, to which your regiment is going, it would be too circuitous and...
13From George Washington to Major Benjamin Tallmadge, 17 December 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have your favr of the 11th inclosing a letter from C——. when I desired an interview with him I did not know his peculiar situation. I now see the danger that so long an absence would incur and I must leave it intirely to you to manage the correspondence in such a manner as will most probably ensure safety to him and answer the desired end. I am &ca. Df , in Tench Tilghman’s writing, DLC:GW ;...
14From George Washington to Major Benjamin Tallmadge, 2 January 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have recd your favr of the 23d ulto inclosing a letter No. 5 from C——. I have no new instructions to give him and therefore if you see or write to him only desire him to comply as near as possible with those already sent to him. There are regular Expresses established between Danbury and the Head Quarters of the Army and you therefore need not in future send a special Messenger the whole...
15From George Washington to Major Benjamin Tallmadge, 18 January 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have your favr of the 8th inclosing No. 6 from C——. Your former inclosing C——s No. 5 came also safe. The Dragoon was detained a few days to recruit his Horse and to get some repairs to his Accoutrements. I am Dear Sir Your most obt Servt LS , in Tench Tilghman’s writing, NHi : George and Martha Washington Papers; Df , DLC:GW ; Varick transcript , DLC:GW . The letter designated “No. 6,” which...
16From George Washington to Major Benjamin Tallmadge, 5 February 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have your favr of the 28th ulto inclosing C—— No. 7. Altho’ he does not at present purpose giving any further intelligence untill the middle of March, yet I hope if any thing of importance should come to his knowledge in the mean time he will communicate it. If you have an opportunity of letting him know this, be pleased to signify it to him. I am Your most obt Servt LS , in Tench Tilghman’s...
17From George Washington to Major Benjamin Tallmadge, 21 March 1779 (Washington Papers)
With this Letter you will receive Fifty Guineas for S—— C——r, which you will cause to be delivered as soon as possible, with an earnest exhortation to use them with all possible ĩconomy, as I find it very difficult to obtain hard money. I wish C—— could fall upon some more direct channel by which his Letters could be conveyed, as the efficacy of his communications is lost in the circuitous...
18From George Washington to Major Benjamin Tallmadge, 30 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have been duly favoured with your letter of the 21st instant, and its inclosure. The plan for opening the communication by way of Staten Island may be delayed till C. hears further from me on the subject. However, I would have him to keep his eye upon such persons as he may think worthy of confidence. Should Brown be released from the Provost, and return to Burgen; and appear fully adequate...
19From George Washington to Major Benjamin Tallmadge, 29 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
Press S—— C—— to contrive if possible some expeditious way of communicating his intelligence to me. If he could open a channel by the way of Bergen & the English Neighbourhood it is probable the situation of the army may facilitate it—but I would have him act cautiously. In all his Letters let him mention the Naval as well as Land strength. What is going forward—& whether the preparations are...
20From George Washington to Major Benjamin Tallmadge, 13 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
Your letter of yesterday with the inclosures from C——r came duly to hand —Should suspicions of him rise so high as to render it unsafe to continue in N—— Y—— I would by all means wish him to employ some person of whose attachment and abilities he entertains the best opinion, to act in his place, with a request to be critical in his observations rather than a mere retailer of Vulgar reports. To...
21From George Washington to Major Benjamin Tallmadge, 27 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
Your letter of yesterday came safe to my hands, and by the Dragoon who was the bearer of it I send you Ten guineas for C——r. His successor (whose name I have no desire to be informed of, provided his intelligence is good, & seasonably transmitted) should endeavour to hit upon some certain mode of conveying his information quickly; for it is of little avail to be told of things after they have...
22From George Washington to Major Benjamin Tallmadge, 27 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
I observe what you say respecting your position at Bedford—and the fatigue of the horse —with regard to the first, when Bedford was pointed out, it was descriptive only of a central place between the two rivers, and as near the enemy as you could with military prudence take post for the purpose of covering the inhabitants, & preventing the ravages of small parties. The judgment of the Officer...
23George Washington to Major Benjamin Tallmadge, 5 July 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New Windsor, New York ] July 5, 1779 . Regrets loss of papers and money. Will try to replace guineas. Instructs Tallmadge to inform George Higday of the loss, as Higday’s life may be in danger as a result. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
24From George Washington to Major Benjamin Tallmadge, 5 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have just received your letter of the 3d—the loss of your papers was certainly a most unlucky accident—and shows how dangerous it is to keep papers of any consequence at an advanced post—I beg you will take care to guard against the like in future —If you will send me a trusty person I will replace the guineas. I observe yourself and other officers have lost some cloathing— Though I have not...
25From George Washington to Major Benjamin Tallmadge, 25 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
All the white Ink I now have (indeed all that there is any prospect of getting soon) is sent in Phial No. I. by Colo. Webb. the liquid in No. 2 is the Counterpart which renders the other visable by wetting the paper with a fine brush after the first has been used & is dry—You will send these to C——r Junr as soon as possible & I beg that no mention may ever be made of your having received such...
26From George Washington to Major Benjamin Tallmadge, 27 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
Your Letter of the 25th came safe—the Ink I sent a day or two ago by Colo: Saml Webb who I hope has delivered it safe e’re this. I shall examine your dictionary the moment I am at leizure thanking you in the mean while for the trouble you have had in preparing it. I am Dr Sir Yr Most Obedt ALS , in private hands. GW signed the cover of this letter and addressed it to “Majr Talmadge Light...
27From George Washington to Major Benjamin Tallmadge, 14 August 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have your favors of the 11th by Capt. Edgar, who has got an order for the Arms necessary for the dismounted Dragoons. I have wrote to Colo. Sheldon by this opportunity respecting the inlistment of Men to fill up the Regiment provided they can be obtained upon the terms of serving on foot untill there shall be a necessity or conveniency of mounting them —If you can procure a proper person to...
28From George Washington to Major Benjamin Tallmadge, 28 August 1779 (Washington Papers)
The period is now come (in the arrival of the enemys reinforcement ) when the intelligence of C——r Junr may be interesting and important—To delay his communications till they are matters of public notoriety, is answering no valuable purpose but to be early—precise—and well informed in the several accts transmitted, is essential—To know as nearly as may be the amount of the enemy’s...
29From George Washington to Major Benjamin Tallmadge, 7 September 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have recd yours of the 4th inclosing C—— letter No. 22. and also that of the 5th. You may detain Brown in his present employ, and I will inform General Parsons that it is by my order. I have not heard that the enemy have any parties upon Long Island cutting Wood for the Garrisons of New York and Rhode Island. I think they were busy at that work, at this time last year. Be pleased to direct...
30From George Washington to Major Benjamin Tallmadge, 22 September 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have been expecting for some time past a communication from C——. The period which he had fixed was the 11th instant. If you know the cause of his silence—or have had any intimations from him I wish to be informed of them. Very interesting events have taken place which must and have produced circumstances in New-York—deserving of his notice—That he has gone so far beyond his promise makes me...
31From George Washington to Major Benjamin Tallmadge, 24 September 1779 (Washington Papers)
I this morning received your letter of the 22d with its several inclosures. It is not my opinion that Culper Junr should be advised to give up his present employment. I would imagine that with a little industry he will be able to carry on his intelligence with greater security to himself, and greater advantages to us—under cover of his usual business, than if he were to dedicate himself wholly...
32From George Washington to Major Benjamin Tallmadge, 2 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have recd yours of the 30th Sepr by Mr Helmerharsen to whom I have granted a Warrant for 5000 dollars to be accounted for by Colo. Sheldon. The State of the military Chest will not allow of a further sum at this time. When this is expended, be pleased to make a Return of the Names of the Men inlisted, and you may draw a further Sum. I am anxious to hear what effect the Count D’Estaings...
33From George Washington to Major Benjamin Tallmadge, 6 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
I received last evening your letter of the 3d with its inclosure. In your first communication with C——, and you will make it as soon as possible, I shall want to be as perfectly ascertained ⟨as⟩ the nature of the inquiry will ad⟨mit—viz.—⟩The quantity and quality of the ⟨provisions⟩ in New-York—comprehending their whole stock—whether in magazines, or on ship-board. He will be particular as to...
34From George Washington to Major Benjamin Tallmadge, 8 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
It is very interesting at this moment to be well informed of the Enemy’s shipping which may take place in the Sound—I wish you therefore to station an intelligent officer in such a situation as may be perfectly adopted for this purpose—He is to be careful in observing the size & number of all Vessels and whether there may be Troops on board, either in coming to, or going from New York, and in...
35From George Washington to Major Benjamin Tallmadge, 9 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have your favr of the 7th inclosing a letter for Major Jameson who is in south Carolina. It shall be forwarded by the first opportunity. Should a certain operation take place, it will be necessary to establish a very regular communication with Long Island. These plans are better settled personally than by letter, I shall be glad to see you at Head Quarters. After leaving some person who can...
36Instructions to Major Benjamin Tallmadge, 17 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
C——Junr to remain in the City, to collect all the useful information he can—to do this, he should mix as much as possible among the Officers and Refugees, visit the Coffee Houses and all public places. He is to pay particular attention to the movements by land and Water in and about the City—especially— How their transports are secured against an attempt to destroy them—whether by armed...
37From George Washington to Major Benjamin Tallmadge, 30 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have your favr of the 28th. I send you by your dragoon a small quantity of the counterpart, of which we must be as saving as possible. I have heard nothing from Rhode Island, at which I am much surprised, especially if the Vessels bound to the Westward had troops on board. General Howe does not seem to think that, that matter was perfectly clear. I am Dear Sir &. Df , in Tench Tilghman’s...
38From George Washington to Major Benjamin Tallmadge, 2 November 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have duly received your favor of the 1st instant, with its inclosures. The piracies upon the inhabitants of Long-Island of which you complain, are in their very nature injurious to our cause, and altogether injustifiable. For these and other reasons I wish to see them effectually restrained; and shall, to this end communicate the recent instance you have mentioned to Governor Clinton and...
39From George Washington to Major Benjamin Tallmadge, 6 December 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have been favored with your letter of the 3d—and the papers which it mentioned. It would be a very desirable thing as we are circumstanced at present, could a channel of communication be opened across the North river—or by way of Staten Island. If C—— can fall upon a line which he thinks he may safely trust, I wish it to be adopted: but if this cannot be accomplished, he will continue his...
40From George Washington to Major Benjamin Tallmadge, 5 February 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have received two letters of yours from Wethersfeild—one dated the 15th January—the other without a date —By Colo. Blaine, who I expect will be the Bearer of this, I send twenty Guineas, and two Phials containing the counterpart and Stain for C—— junior, which I wish may be got to him, with as much safety and dispatch as the case will admit of conveniently. It is my further most earnest...
41From George Washington to Major Benjamin Tallmadge, 8 March 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have received your favor[s] of the 20th and 26th Feby Inclosed you will find an acceptance of Capt. Shethars Resignation, which ought of right to have been indorsed upon his Commission—I shall be glad to be informed whether the interposition of the Civil authority in regard to granting and extending furloughs is confined to the State of Jersey, because I would take occasion to mention the...
42I. From George Washington to Major Benjamin Tallmadge, 19 May 1780 (Washington Papers)
Your favor of the 8th reached me a few days ago. As C—— junr has totally declined and C—— Senr seems to wish to do it, I think the intercourse may be dropped, more especially as from our present position the intelligence is so long getting to hand that it is of no use by the time it reaches me. I would however have you take an opportunity of informing the Elder C—— that we may have occasion...
43From George Washington to Major Benjamin Tallmadge, 11 July 1780 (Washington Papers)
As we may every moment expect the arrival of the French Fleet, a revival of the correspondence with the Culpers will be of very great importance. If the younger cannot be engaged again, you will endeavour to prevail upon the elder to give you information of the movements and position of the enemy upon Long Island —as whether they are all confined to the post at Brooklyn, or whether they have...
44From George Washington to Major Benjamin Tallmadge, 24 July 1780 (Washington Papers)
I yesterday recd your favr of the 22d with letters from the Culpers inclosed. I return you a Copy of that from Culper junr by which it appears that he does not incline to continue the correspondence. The old Gentleman may perhaps have it in his power now and then to give intelligence which may be material —You will therefore be pleased to desire him to communicate any matters which appear...
45From George Washington to Major Benjamin Tallmadge, 13 August 1780 (Washington Papers)
Your Letter of Yesterday, with the enclousures has this Moment come to hand by Express. You are undoubtedly right in your conjecture of the Author of the Letter addressed to Major DeLancey, the contents of which were suggested to him for communication. Notwithstanding any indiscretion of the person, in question, he may be employed to valuable purposes, and I am sufficiently apprized of the...
46From George Washington to Major Benjamin Tallmadge, 4 November 1780 (Washington Papers)
You would oblige me by ascertaining as soon as possible the following things. The number of Troops and different Corps that composed the last detachment which is supposed to have gone to the Southwd. The truth of the present report of another Imbarkation taking place—when it will happen—& to what amount in Men & Corps—and who is to commd the detachment. The present disposition of the remaining...
47From George Washington to Benjamin Tallmadge, 8 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have received Your Letter of the 6th Inst. The success of the enterprise proposed, must depend on the absence of the British Fleet, the secrecy of the Attempt, and a knowledge of the exact situation of the Enemy. If after you have been at the Westward, the circumstances, from your intelligence, shall appear favorable; You will be at liberty, to be the bearer of the inclosed Letter to His...
48From George Washington to Benjamin Tallmadge, 30 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
Your two favors of the 24th & 25th have been duly received. Fully impressed with the idea of the Utility of early, regular & accurate communications of the kind in contemplation—I shall make no difficulty in acceding to the proposal contained in Your Private Letter from N. Port of the 25th—But at the same time, I am engaging in behalf of the United States, a liberal reward for the services of...
49From George Washington to Benjamin Tallmadge, 31 May 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have duly received your favor of the 29th. The inclosed Letter for Colonel Sheldon, I entreat you will forward by the first safe conveyance. With great esteem & regard I am Dear Sir Your Very Hble Servt DLC : Papers of George Washington.
50From George Washington to Benjamin Tallmadge, 24 June 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have duly received your Favor of the 19th instant with its Inclosure. Be so good as to write me of the Chain of Express immediately on the Recept of this & inform when the Count de Rochambeau leaves Hartford—by what Rout he intends to come on & when he may be expected at my Head Quarters, which he will find at Peekskill. I am &c. DLC : Papers of George Washington.