3901From George Washington to William Thornton, 7 December 1799 (Washington Papers)
Your favour of the 5th instant was received last night. Not sending up to the Post Office every day, is the cause of its not getting to hand in time for my answer by the Mail of this day. Enclosed is a list of such fruit Trees as my Gardener has chosen. Be so good as to have them sent to the care of Colo. Gilpin in Alexandria, who will receive—take care of—and give me notice of their arrival:...
3902From George Washington to Robert Townsend Hooe, 18 July 1784 (Washington Papers)
Hearing that you have a Vessel bound to some port in Spain, I am induced to ask if it is safe & practicable to bring from thence a good Jack Ass, to breed from—The late Don Juan de Miralles, resident from the Court of Spain at Philadelphia, promised to procure one for me; but in his death I met a disappointment. Another Gentleman of his nation, not long since, has also given me a promise—but...
3903From George Washington to Brigadier General William Maxwell, 9 February 1779 (Washington Papers)
In answer to your letter of yesterdays date —I have to inform you that no blankets can be issued, until I have obtained an exact return of the quantity in Store—and the deficiences of the Troops on the other side of Hudsons River—As soon as these points are ascertained in order to an equal and general distribution—no time will be lost in furnishing the quotas to the Troops —I am Sir &. Df , in...
3904From George Washington to Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 12 April 1777 (Washington Papers)
As you are appointed in the Arrangement of the Army to command a Brigade of Pensylvania Troops, I desire, that you will hold yourself in readiness and repair to my Head Quarters, as soon, as a General Officer arrives at the post where you now command. Your presence here, will be materially wanted, and I persuade myself, you will lose no time in complying with my requisition, when the...
3905From George Washington to Major General Philip Schuyler, 30 September 1776 (Washington Papers)
Your Favors of the 20th & 25th with their several Inclosures I received this Morning. The Letters for Congress with the Rest of the Papers I shall transmit them by the Earliest Opportunity. I cannot conceive That their Resolution of the 14th was Calculated or designed in the smallest Degree to give You Offence. The Application for Stores had been made, as a Requisition from General Gates,...
3906From George Washington to Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 28 December 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have received your favour of the 26th—mentioning the sailing of the second Fleet—General Parsons sends me intelligence by which it appears that this Fleet contained the long talked of Embarkation. As there is now hardly any probability that any thing will be attempted here in the course of the Winter it is unnecessary to keep the men under your command any longer in their present...
3907From George Washington to Colonel Joseph Ellis, 24 February 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have sent over ⟨Captn Lieut. Symonds⟩ to take the charge of some peices of heavy Artillery; with which I have directed him, to give the Enemy’s shipping near the City all the annoyance in his power, while the rivers continues in its present situation. He will stand in need of a body of infantry to cover the Artillery in this opperation and to Aid in throwing up some little work that may be...
3908From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 17 December 1778 (Washington Papers)
I inclose you the copies of two letters for your consideration. The one my letter to Mr Wadsworth on the quantity of provision which he may be able by his utmost exertions to lay in at Albany, and on Connecticut river from No. 4 (or fort Charles) up to the lower Co’os inclusively, by the first day of February next; and whether he could keep a large army to the Northward regularly supplied? In...
3909From George Washington to Warner Lewis, 30 April 1775 (Washington Papers)
I shall be much obliged to you for the interest due on your Bond in Novr last, to wit £40 —It is not in my power to attend the meeting of Merchants in Williamsburg this Spring, but Colo. Fielding Lewis will do me the favour to negotiate my business this Court. I am with respectful compliments to Mrs Lewis & your Family —& with very great esteem Dr Sir, Your most Obt Servt LB , DLC:GW . For...
3910From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 16 December 1780 (Washington Papers)
In answer to your favor of yesterday, I have to observe; that it appears to me there can be no propriety, in arresting an Officer, in ordinary cases, a long time before he can be brought to tryal; And that in the instance of Major Reed, upon his being brought before the Court, they would be the proper Judges, whether the Proceedings should be postponed, ’till further evidence was obtained. In...
3911From George Washington to Brigadier General Peter Muhlenberg, 1 March 1779 (Washington Papers)
The State of Virginia having granted a gratuity of six Months pay to her Officers, and such of her Men as come under the description of the Act for that purpose, of which I inclose you an extract, His Excellency the Governor has requested me to furnish him with Returns specifying the Names and Ranks of the Officers and Names of the non Commd and privates. Be pleased therefore to communicate...
3912From George Washington to Samuel Gray, 3 May 1777 (Washington Papers)
Being unacquainted with the places proper for establishing magazines of Flour in Ulster and where that from the River should be removed, you will receive directions from Generals McDougall and Clinton upon the Subject, to whom I have written. I am Sir, &ca N.B. This Letter has respect to one written by Mr Trumbull to Mr Gray, leaving the place where the Stores should be deposited with the...
3913From George Washington to Benjamin Tallmadge, 4 April 1783 (Washington Papers)
I have received your favor of the 31st Ulto—As yet no official information of a general Peace has yet arrived, I can undertake to make no definitive arrangements for taking possession of the City of New York—and can only say at present, that, for the reasons you suggest, I think there will be a propriety in your going early into Town whenever the communication shall be opened, whether with or...
3914To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 18 October 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
I did not require the evidence of the extracts which you enclosed me, to convince me of your attachment to the Constitution of the United States, or of your disposition to promote the general welfare of this Country. But I regret—deeply regret—the difference in opinions which have arisen, and divided you and another principal Officer of the Government; and wish, devoutly, there could be an...
3915From George Washington to John Hancock, 25 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
I last night had the Honor of your favor of the 24th with Its inclosures. No Letters came for you from Genl Schuyler, and therefore, agreable to your request, I transmit you a Copy of the One I received from him, and of the material papers, which it covered. Among the Copies, you will find Genl Burgoyn’s instructions at large to Lt Colo. Baum, pointing out the Objects of his Command, when he...
3916From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 25 February 1799 (Washington Papers)
Private My dear Sir Mount Vernon 25th Feby 1799. Your private letter of the 16th instant came duly to hand, & safe: and I wish you at all times, and upon all occasions, to communicate interesting occurences with your opinions thereon (in the manner you have designated) with the utmost unreservedness, to me. If the augmented force was not intended as an interroram measure, the delay in...
3917From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 21 March 1777 (Washington Papers)
I was last night honoured with a Letter from Congress of the 17th Inst. covering Sundry Resolutions. They have determined to adhere to those formed sometime ago respectg Lt Colo. Campbell & the Hessian Feild Officers; Yet I am not able to conclude certainly, whether they mean to hold them as Sureties for the future safety & good treatment of Genl Lee ’till his Exchange is really effected, or...
3918From George Washington to Jonathan Boucher, 14 October 1769 (Washington Papers)
I congratulate you upon your easy passage over the Sickly Months: We have had a much more troublesome time of it in this Family, but are now tolerably well recoverd of those disorders which prevaild pretty generally in this part of the Country. Business of an unexpected kind, will detain me so long at home, as to leave no time to spend on the Road otherwise we shoud with great pleasure call...
3919From George Washington to Thomas Coleman Martin, 3 October 1797 (Washington Papers)
I have already erected a thrashing Machine on Mr Bookers plan, and was on the point of putting up one or two more when I received a letter from a Gentleman of my acquaintance informing me that you had invented one which did more execution with less force. This had induced me to suspend the erection of those in Mr Booker’s plan until I can receive better information relative to yours, and this...
3920VIII. George Washington to Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 21 November 1780 (Washington Papers)
On Friday —morning, at Sun rising you will march the division under your command to a mile below Acquaquenack Bridge, advancing a Regiment a Mile or two in your front towards New Ark, and remain in this position ’till Retreat beating. You will then renew your march, slowly, a Mile or two forward and till it is quite dark and there halt till further orders. These will reach you in all...
3921From George Washington to Colonel Moses Hazen or the Officer Commanding His Regiment, 25 February 1781 (Washington Papers)
You will be pleased to direct a discreet Subaltern of your Regt with a proper party to proceed to Danbury and execute the within order—You will fill up the Blank with the name of the Officer. I am &. Df , in Tench Tilghman’s writing, DLC:GW ; Varick transcript , DLC:GW . The order, addressed “To [ ] of Colo. Hazens Regt,” reads: “You will proceed with the party under your command to Danbury,...
3922From George Washington to Anne-César, chevalier de La Luzerne, 31 March 1781 (Washington Papers)
I was last evening honored with your Excellency’s favor of the 27th covering an open letter for the Count de Rochambeau, by which, you have been so good as to make me the earliest communication of the action on the 16th between the French and British Fleets off the Capes of Chespeak. By the inclosed you will be informed of the return of the forms into the harbour of Newport. I must confess to...
3923From George Washington to Archibald Cary, c.22 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
I very sincerely lament that the situation of our service will not permit us to do justice to the merits of Major Monroe, who will deliver you this, by placing him in the army upon some satisfactory footing. But as he is on the point of leaving us and expresses an intention of going to the Southward where a new scene has opened, it is with pleasure I take occasion to express to you the high...
3924To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, [8 April 1794] (Hamilton Papers)
Annexed to your Statemen⟨t⟩ of “Principles and course of Procee⟨d⟩ings” I have given the certificat⟨e⟩ required. I am yours always ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. For background to this letter, see the introductory note to H to Frederick A. C. Muhlenberg, December 16, 1793 . See also H to the Select Committee Appointed to Examine the Treasury Department, March 24, 1794 ; H to...
3925From George Washington to Guy Carleton, 30 July 1782 (Washington Papers)
In reply to your letter of the 25th I have to inform your Excellency, that Major General Heath, second in Command with two Aids de Camp, will have the honor of meeting an Officer of equal Rank, of your Excellency’s appointment, at the house of Mr Phillips on the 5th day of August next—At that time General Heath will receive from your Officer the proceedings of the Court Martial on Captain...
3926From George Washington to Major General Stirling, 25 July 1778 (Washington Papers)
I desire that you and the General Officers upon the Court Martial would meet here at five OClock this Afternoon, when the other General Officers will be assembled, to consider of some measures that respect the Army at large. I would submit it to the Court, whether it would not be more convenient to adjourn to the plains, where the Witnesses may be attending their respective duties, and be at...
3927From George Washington to Tench Tilghman, 14 September 1785 (Washington Papers)
Mr Rawlins brought me your letter of the 31st Ulto, and I thank you for sending him. He is to furnish me with a design for my Room, and an estimate of the cost; after which I shall be better able to make an estimate of his conscience. When Mr O’Donnell has determined on his plan, I shall expect to hear from you. Enclosed is the Packet mentioned in my last for Mr Smith of Carlisle, wch I pray...
3928From George Washington to Clement Biddle, 15 October 1788 (Washington Papers)
The enclosed ought to have accompanied my last letter to you but in the hurry of making up my dispatches by the mail it was omitted. I am Dr Sir Yr Obedt Servt P.S. If the Black India Paduasoy’s are strong and lasting, Mrs Washington begs you will send her as much (of that which is good) as will make her a Gown without a Petticoat. ALS , CSmH ; LB , DLC:GW . See GW to Biddle, 13 Oct. 1788 ....
3929From George Washington to Tobias Lear, 30 March 1796 (Washington Papers)
Your former letters prepared us for the stroke, which that of the 25th instant announced; but it has fallen heavily notwithstanding. It is the nature of humanity to mourn for the loss of our friends; and the more we loved them, the more poignant is our grief. It is part of the precepts of religion and Philosophy, to consider the Dispensations of Providence as wise, immutable, uncontroulable;...
3930From George Washington to the Committee at Headquarters, 23 June 1780 (Washington Papers)
The enemy are now in full force bending their march towards Morris Town, and by my last advices had advanced beyond Springfeild. They were vigorously opposed by our advanced Corps. But what could the Valour of a hand full do against so infinite a superiority of numbers? The enemy can effect any particular object they may attempt. Besides the Army they can have no other in this state than our...
3931From George Washington to Major General Lafayette, 19 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
This Letter will be delivered to you by Monsr Laneville, to whom, I have no doubt, you will shew civility, as he appears to me to be a Gentn of sense & science. I hope, however, he will come too late to afford you any aid—I say so, because I could wish he may find the work already done, of which, I have some hope from Genl Sullivans last Letter. I have lately received a horse for you from...
3932From George Washington to Benjamin Harrison, Sr., 15 January 1782 (Washington Papers)
Unacquainted as I am with the cause of my friend Nelson’s resignation, I shall say nothing respecting it—but as the event has taken place, permit me to congratulate you, and my Country on your late appointment to the Government; and to assure you that you have few friends who wish you more honor and satisfaction in managing the Reigns of it than I do—You have certainly embarked on a troubled...
3933From George Washington to Anne-César, chevalier de La Luzerne, 15 September 1781 (Washington Papers)
Inclosed I have the pleasure to transmit a letter from the Count DeGrasse; and am happy to inform your Excellency that the Rhode Island f leets under Count De Barrass have arrived, for particulars respecting the movements & junction of the fleets I must refer you to the enclosed. I am with great respect Your Excellency’s most obedt Humble Ser vant AAE .
3934From George Washington to Thomas McKean, 10 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have to acknowledge the Honor done me in the Receipt of your Excellencys Favor of the 3d instant—covering the Resolutions of Congress of the 2d—The Corps of Rifle Men, requested from the State of Pensylvania, I am anxious to obtain, as I am more & more sensible of the important Benefit we may derive from their Services in our approach to New York. Your Excellency’s agreable Favor of the 6th...
3935From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 23 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
Inclosed you have an extract of a letter this instant received from Genl Maxwell at Elizabeth-town —to what end the commotion he speaks of tends, is uncertain; but as the Army and our posts on the North River (for security of the communication between the Eastern & Southern States) are the only objects we can attend to without hazarding more than Military prudence will warrant[.] I cannot...
3936From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 2 March 1779 (Washington Papers)
The forgoing list being submitted to me by you, for consideration, I shall observe that if the articles therein contained, are intended as an extra provision for the ensuing campaign and wholly designed for such troops as may proceed by the way of Wyoming, I think the quantity too great, and that the following deduction may be made; as an expedition of this kind, should be as little encumbered...
3937From George Washington to John Langdon, 3 May 1777 (Washington Papers)
Yesterday morning Mr Champney delivered me your very agreeable favour, containing the Account of the Arrival of the Amphitrité with a large train of Field Artillery and other Military Stores from France. Mr Champney went immediately on to Philadelphia. I have wrote to Congress, pressing the necessity of the immediate removal of these truly valuable Articles from Portsmouth, to a place of...
3938From George Washington to the Continental Congress Marine Committee, 1 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
This will be delivered you by Major Blodget, who has served with reputation in the army since the commencement of the war in the capacities of Brigade Major & Aide De Camp to General Greene—The late arrangement of the army unavoidably places the Gentlemen in this line, of former appointment on a footing comparitively so disadvantageous as in addition to other motives to have determined Major...
3939From George Washington to Brigadier General John Lacey, Jr., 11 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
Brigadier General Potters return from the Westward, affords me an opportunity of releiving you in the command of the pennsylvania Militia, which must have been fatiguing, considering the smallness of your numbers, and the constant motion which you have consequently been obliged to be in. As General Potter is in a great measure a stranger to the Country and to the people among whom he is to...
3940From George Washington to Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 4 November 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have received information of the Guards (and some add other Troops) advancing to Kings Bridge—This though on the contrary side of the river, is in the vicinity of your Camp. Boats hid at Spiten devil and which can be brought up Harlaem river may under cover of Night land Troops at the Slote—Nyack or the Hook before Ten OClock without discovery unless a very good look out is kept They have...
3941From George Washington to Pierre L’Enfant, 28 November 1791 (Washington Papers)
Your letter of the 21st instant came duly to hand, as did one of the same date from Mr Carroll of Duddington on the same subject. A Copy of my answer to the latter is enclosed, by which you will perceive I have proposed an accomodation. As a similar case cannot happen again (Mr Carrolls house having been begun before the Federal District was fixed upon) no precedent will be established by...
3942From 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...
3943From George Washington to Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de Rochambeau, 24 June 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have looked with anxious impatience my dear count, for those dispatches from your court, the arrival of which to you was to be the moment of our interview at Phila. I have been in such dayly expectation of this event that I have not Ventured more than fifteen miles from this place Lest your summons should arrive here in my absence. the season of operating in this quarter is flying away...
3944From George Washington to Lieutenant General Rochambeau, 8 September 1780 (Washington Papers)
The great preparations of General Clinton have hitherto resulted in nothing more than the sailing of a Fleet of about ninety Vessels of different sizes for Europe with a few invalids —We are however still amused with rumours of an embarkation; but these now go upon a new and more probable ground—a descent upon Virginia—We have just received the most disagreeable advices from General Gates of a...
3945From George Washington to Brigadier General Jedediah Huntington, 16 April 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have just recd your favor of this date —I have not had any advice from the Commanding Officer at Paramus of the matter which it communicates, & therefore must request you to give me the best intelligence you can get From that quarter —If you have any Militia horse with you they may be serviceable, while the enemy are out, & enable you the better to give me an account of their movements—You...
3946From George Washington to Brigadier General William Maxwell, 29 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have recd yours of the 28th from Trenton. The Arms out of which you were to have been supplied had come on as far as sussex Court House, but for some reason or other Genl Gates ordered them back to New Windsor. I have sent up and ordered them down in the most express manner. Untill they arrive I cannot supply you. You say you think Bordentown a more suitable place for your main Body than...
3947From George Washington to Michael Jenifer Stone, 15 June 1785 (Washington Papers)
I have ⟨re⟩ceived your letter of the 3d Instt, and have sent it to Mr Hartshorne the Company’s Treasurer for Entry—he being authorized by the Board of Directors to receive Subscriptions until the deficiency is made up. The 15th of next ⟨Mon⟩th, or before, the Sum of five pounds on each share ⟨is⟩ to be paid to the Treasurer, and on or before the first day of October next, the further Sum of...
3948From George Washington to Brigadier General James Hogun, 1 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
The Honble the Congress having, by a Resolve of the 23d Septemr directed the two Regiments of North Carolina at present under the command of Colo. Clarke to proceed to South Carolina, I have put them under march, and have ordered Colo. Clarke upon his arrival in Philada to put himself under your command and deliver to you the Route which has been given to him by the Quarter Master General. You...
3949From George Washington to Major General Philip Schuyler, 5 December 1775 (Washington Papers)
Your much esteemed Favour of the 22d Ultimo covering Colonel Arnold’s Letter, with a Copy of one to General Montgomery, and of his to you I received Yesterday Morning. It gave me the highest Satisfaction to hear of Colonel Arnold’s being at point Levi, with his Men in great Spirits after their long and fatiguing March, attended with almost insuperable Difficulties, and the discouraging...
3950XII. George Washington to Lieutenant Colonel David Humphreys, 22 November 1780 (Washington Papers)
You are immediately to proceed to West Point & communicate the business committed to you, in confidence to Majr Genl Heath, & to no other person whatsoever —from thence you will repair to the Detachmt at the White Plains, on friday next, taking Measures to prevent their leaving that place, before you get to them. And in the course of the succeeding Night you may inform the Commanding Officer,...