3951George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, Thomas Jefferson, Henry Knox, and Edmund Randolph, 18 April 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
The posture of affairs in Europe, particularly between France and Great Britain, places the United States in a delicate situation; and requires much consideration of the measures which will be proper for them to observe in the War betwn. those Powers. With a view to forming a general plan of conduct for the Executive, I have stated and enclosed sundry questions to be considered preparatory to...
3952From George Washington to Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de Rochambeau, 31 March 1781 (Washington Papers)
I last night received your Excellency’s favor of the 27th announcing the return of the Squadron under the command of the Chevalier Des Touche to the Harbour of New-Port. A few minits before your Letter reached me, the inclosed, which His Excellency the Minister of France had the goodness to send under an open cover to me, informed me of the action which had happened on the 16th off the Capes...
3953From George Washington to Lieutenant General Rochambeau, 10 October 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have duly received your Excellency’s favours of the 25th and 30th of Septembr and am much obliged to you for the different informations you do me the honor to communicate. We have to regret that this Campaign has not been productive of such important advantages as we had reason to flatter ourselves, but we must hope for better successes the next. The operation of the Spaniards in the...
3954From George Washington to Brigadier General Peter Muhlenberg, 20 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
You will have every thing in readiness and as soon as you hear that two divisions of the Convention troops have crossed at Fishkill you will begin your march by the above Route. You will either send your sick to Fishkill or lodge them at Robertsons House as the Surgeons shall advise. On your arrival at Middle brook you will be shewn the Ground alloted for your Troops to hut on. I am Sir Your...
3955From George Washington to the Massachusetts Council, 1 February 1777 (Washington Papers)
I was a few days ago honoured with your favs. of the 4th and 17th last Month: I cannot but think, that altho your Inducements for granting an additional Bounty to the Troops to be furnished by your State, were certainly meant to serve the Cause, that you will find them most prejudicial in the End. One reason will be that by your departing from the Bounty prescribed by Congress, the Troops in...
3956From George Washington to Samuel Powel, 18 January 1788 (Washington Papers)
Having nothing, either interesting or entertaining in these parts to communicate—our faces being turned to the Eastward for news—I felt no inclination to give you the trouble of perusing a dull scrawl, merely to acknowledge the receipt of your obliging favor of the 12th Ult., & to thank you for the information it conveyed, being in hopes that a little time might be productive of occurrences...
3957From George Washington to James Davidson, 10 July 1773 (Washington Papers)
Please to send me two Seins of Eighty fathom long each, agreeable to the directions you receivd last year, but with this difference. Let them be Ten feet wide at the ends or Wings (instead of Seven as the last ware) and be something narrower Meshd, especially on the Wings, as the Herrings (for which kind of Fishery they are intended) get fastend in them, and give us some plague in disengaging...
3958From George Washington to Lieutenant Colonel Robert Ballard, 18 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
Having recd information that the State of Virginia have determined to fill their Regiments by Recruits, I have directed the 1st 5th and 9th Regiments to be incorporated for the present, and the supernumerary Officers to proceed to Virginia to superintend the recruiting Service. You are therefore to proceed, with such supernumerary Officers, to Virginia, and, upon your arrival there, wait upon...
3959From George Washington to John Bradford, 5 August 1776 (Washington Papers)
Yours of the 29th Ultmo is duly Received—for the future I must desire all Warlike Stores and Necessaries for an Army taken by the Armed Vessels in public Service may be safely stored under care of the different Agents till they receive Orders from proper Authority. you will please to enjoin it upon the different Commanders of the Continental Cruisers to be particularly carefull that no...
3960From George Washington to Colonel Rufus Putnam, 20 December 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have your favr of the 18th inclosing a Return of the number of Men in your Regt of Light Infantry, and the quantity of Cloathing which each detachment has drawn from the Regiment to which it properly belongs in the line; from which it is evident, that you have not had justice done to you. When the distribution of Cloathing was made at West point, it was in the following proportion. ¾ the...
3961From George Washington to David Bell, 28 October 1755 (Washington Papers)
I have Ordered Ensign Fleming to Repair to Captain Hoggs Company with eight good men; which I expect you will see immediately complied with. He is to account with you for his recruiting money before he leaves you. You are hereby ordered, peremptorily, to be at this place with what men you have, or can enlist by the 1st of December. Your late disobedience of Orders has greatly displeased me—It...
3962From George Washington to Major General Johann Kalb, 25 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
Be pleased to march early tomorrow morning to the Ground where you were before incamped, near Fishkill. My reason for this is, that I have certain intelligence that the large fleet which sailed the 20th had no troops on board but the Invalids—the officers of the drafted Regiments, and the families of private Persons. The transports, on board which the troops are embarked, yet remain in the Bay...
3963From George Washington to Colonel Daniel Morgan, 7 December 1778 (Washington Papers)
On receipt of this letter you will proceed with the Brigade under your Command to middle Brook, where your Ground will be pointed out to you by the Quarter Master Genl: Colo. Clark has orders to relieve the Guard at Mr Erskines, & I shall give Colo. Febiger instructions before I leave this place. I am Sir Your Mo: Obet Servt LS , in Richard Kidder Meade’s writing, PWacD : Sol Feinstone...
3964From George Washington to William Heath, 26 May 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have received your Letter of the 25th containing the Dispatches from Sir Guy Carleton; and the other Papers mentioned therein. I return those belonging to the British Officers on Parole at Dobbs Ferry, who may be permitted to go into the Enemy’s Lines—In future you will be pleased in the first instance to grant Flags to all such Persons as shall have Passports for the purpose from Congress,...
3965From George Washington to Timothy Pickering, 6 August 1783 (Washington Papers)
I wrote to you from Saratoga on the 26th Ulto to have all the Boats fit to be used in the western Waters repaired for that service; but since my return from the Northward I am informed the number will be very inferior to my expectation, especially as I directed early in the year to have them got in repair, and recollect no Counter-Order since that time. I have therefore to request that One...
3966From George Washington to Colonel Daniel Morgan, 28 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have just received your Letter by the Dragoon —as your Corps is out of supporting Distance I would have you confine yourself to observing the motions of the Enemy—unless an opportunity offers of intercepting some small Parties—and by no means to come to an Engagement with your whole Body unless you are tempted by some very evident advantage—Genl Greenes Aide de Camp has already written you...
3967From George Washington to Samuel Loudon, 10 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
For the Benefit of the Army, & the Encouragement of the Inhabitants—you will be pleased to publish the inclosed Proclamation in your useful Paper. I am sir your St By his Excellency Geo. Washington Esqr. Genl & Commander in Chief of the Allied Army. A Proclamation Be it known—That Every Day, during the Time the Army remains in its present Position, from Day Break till Noon, Two markett Places...
3968From George Washington to Edmund Randolph, 26 August 1790 (Washington Papers)
I am exceedingly sorry for the cause of your detention in Philadelphia, of which your letter of the 24 inst. informed me. But as I expect to leave this place on monday next for Virginia, it would not be in your power to arrive here, by that time, after the rect of this. There will therefore be no necessity for your leaving Mrs Randolph in her present situation to meet me in New York. I am Sir...
3969From George Washington to James McHenry, 4 August 1798 (Washington Papers)
The enclosed letter from Doctr Brown (of Port tobacco) to Doctr Craik, was this day put into my hands by the latter; who speaks favourably of the Medical abilities of the former. I wish to be considered in no other light than as a Vehicle of the application to the President, through you; for of Doctr Brown I have no knowledge, and of his fitness I can say nothing. One thing however, merits...
3970From George Washington to John Jay, 31 December 1778 (Washington Papers)
I had the honor of addressing Congress some time since on the subject of General Du Portail and the Gentlemen with him —He informs me that his affair has not yet been decided and is extremely anxious that it should be in some way or other—He assigns many powerfull reasons to show that it is very interesting to him, if he is not to continue in our service, to return to france as speedily as...
3971From George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 11 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
I am favd with yours of the 6th instant inclosing a Return of the Troops under your command. From the accounts which I had received, I expected that the Connecticut Regiments had been much fuller. That the persons who are draughted should procure substitutes of any kind to releive themselves is not to be wondered at; but that the Officers who are appointed to receive the Draughts should suffer...
3972From George Washington to William Heath, 17 June 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have to reply to your three favors of the 15th. A Copy of your Application in favor of Colo. Greatons Appointment to be a Brigadier, is submitted to the Consideration of the Sectry at War, with my Approbation—and the promotion will probably take place. The Commandg Officer of the post at Dobbs Ferry, should undoubtedly be furnished with a public Horse for the purpose of sendg by Land such...
3973From George Washington to Lund Washington, 20 September 1783 (Washington Papers)
Mrs Custis has never suggested in any of her Letters to Mrs Washington (unless ardent wishes for her return, that she might then disclose it to her, can be so construed) the most distant attachment to D.S.— but if this should be the case, and she wants advice upon it; a Father Mother, who are at hand, & competent to give it, are at the same time most proper to be consulted on so interesting an...
3974From George Washington to Jonathan Boucher, 20 October 1768 (Washington Papers)
This Letter will be delivered to you by Jacky Custis, who has been detained from School longer than was intended, owing first to his own ill health, and then to his Mamma’s; who did not care to part with him till she had got the better of an Indisposition which confined her some days. He now promises to stick close to his Book, and endeavour by diligent study to recover his lost time—he will...
3975From George Washington to an Unknown Person, 6 January 1778 (Washington Papers)
I recd yours of the 20th decemr inclosing a letter from Colo. Marbury’s Freind to Majr Molleson. It was immediately forwarded and I hope will have the desired effect. I am Sir Yr most obt Servt LS , in Tench Tilghman’s writing, PHi : Etting Papers. The letter may have been intended for Maryland governor Thomas Johnson. Luke Marbury of Prince Georges County, Md. served in 1776 as a captain of...
3976From George Washington to Joseph Reed, 28 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with your Excellencys Letter of the 18th inst. and observed with much Pleasure the Train into which the recruitg the proposed Rifle Corps is thrown—& hope they will soon be obtained. As this Body of men will be exceedingly essential to our Designs, & may be very usefully employed in Detatchments, I have to beg of your Excellency that you will be pleaced to give Orders, that...
3977From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 7 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
You will immediately proceed to Harford, and take the command of Poors—Pattersons and Learneds Brigades till further arrangements can be made. You are to hold the troops in a state of preparation to march at the shortest notice; and upon certain advices from Major Genl Gates of the british army appearing off Boston you will put them instantaneously in motion, and march by the shortest and most...
3978To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, 14 October 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
Enclosed is the duplicate of my last. The calamity which has befallen Philadelphia & seems in no wise to abate renders it more essential than ever for the heads of Departments to Assemble, that proper measures with respect to the public Offices & Papers may be adopted. It is time also, if the President can with propriety interpose, to decide something with respect to the meeting of Congress....
3979From George Washington to William Greene, 18 July 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have the pleasure to congratulate you on the arrival of a French fleet at Sandy Hook under the command of Admiral Count d’Estaing for the purpose of co-operation with the American forces. Accounts from New-york speak of a Cork fleet which is hourly expected and for whose safety the enemy are extremely alarmed. It is probable that this fleet, as well as other vessels, to avoid the Count...
3980From George Washington to the Board of War, 2 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
In mine of the 29th ulto I barely expressed our want of shoes. I did not then know the extent of our wants, or that there was not a single pair in the hands of the Cloathier at Camp to supply them. A considerable part of the Army is now returned unfit even for fatigue duty in these stony Grounds, and should circumstances require a move we must inevitably be deprived of the services of a number...
3981From George Washington to Benjamin Harrison, Sr., 5 February 1783 (Washington Papers)
By a Letter I have lately receiv’d from Brigadier General Mulenberg, I find he has reported the proceedings respecting Captain Fox to your Excellency, and requested your farther directions. I am also informed by that General Officer, that there are two obstacles which still greatly oppose & retard the success of collecting your Recruits, viz. the want of Provisions to support and carry them to...
3982From George Washington to John Francis Mercer, 27 March 1785 (Washington Papers)
Mr Stone gave me your favor of the 20th. When I had the pleasure of seeing you at this place, I informed you fully, & truly, of my want of money—I am at this moment paying 7 prC. interest for a pretty considerable Sum which I borrowed in the State of New York (through the means of the Governor) —& not being able to obtain a surety of holding it for more than one year from the establishment of...
3983From George Washington to John Hancock, 10 August 1782 (Washington Papers)
Your Excellency will be informed by B. Genl De Choisey, who does me the Honor to be the Bearer of this, that the Marquis De Vaudruiel, with a fleet of his most Christian Majesty’s Ships of War, may be soon expected in the Harbour of Boston. By a Correspondence which has passed between the Marquis & the Count de Rochambeau (a Copy of which I have been favored with by the latter) I am informed...
3984From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 23 March 1793 (Washington Papers)
Pay, or cause to be paid to the Secretary of State or to his order, the sum of Thirty nine thousand five hundred Dollars, which, in addition to five hundred Dollars furnished to Colo. Humphreys on the 14th of Augt 1790, will complete the sum of forty thousand Dollars for the third year’s allowance under the Act concerning intercourse with foreign Nations. LB , DLC:GW . Thomas Jefferson...
3985From George Washington to Archibald McCallister, 1 January 1782 (Washington Papers)
Archibald McCallister Esqr. was appointed a Lieutenant in the Maryland line early in the Commencement of the present War and from the Certificate which he has obtain’d from his Commanding officer (upon his resignation) it fully appears, that during his continuance in the Army of the United States he acted with the Bravery & good Conduct of an Officer and the Reputation of a Gentleman. I can...
3986From George Washington to Beverley Randolph, 4 April 1791 (Washington Papers)
The enclosed letter to Colonel Carrington, requesting him to meet me at Richmond on the 11th of the present month, is transmitted to your Excellency’s care to ensure the certainty of it’s conveyance, and I beg leave to request, if there is no other immediate and direct opportunity, that you may cause it to be forwarded to him by express. I have the honor to be, with great regard and esteem,...
3987From George Washington to Meshech Weare, 5 December 1782 (Washington Papers)
I am honored with your favor of the 25th Ulto by Lt Colonel Johnson—I have no doubt, but there has been a great deal of illicit Intercourse between some of the Inhabitants of Vermont, and the Enemy in Canada—but as the Gentleman you referred to, could not state the transactions in so explicit a manner, as to fix the charge on Individuals so that they may be proceeded against; I have desired...
3988From George Washington to Charles Dick, 29 October 1755 (Washington Papers)
You are, so soon as you arrive here, to give such directions as you shall see necessary about driving the Cattle to Fort Cumberland—You are to send up Doctor Walker, or go yourself there, to see them killed and properly salted. Whichever of you remains here, must purchase such a quantity of Pork, as you imagine will be necessary for the Troops, upon the most reasonable terms you can; and...
3989From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 25 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
I was favoured with your two letters of yesterdays date about noon. I have received accounts, corresponding with those of Mr Putnams, so far as his respects the regiments actually imbarked, and the fleet which sailed on the 19 and 20th Instant. As the troops which have embarked still continue in the harbour you will keep the strictest look-out imaginable on the river, and give me the earliest...
3990From George Washington to Andrew E. Belknap, 8 October 1798 (Washington Papers)
Your letter of the 20th Ult. came duly to hand. William Herbert Esqr. of Alexandria will receive, distribute, & collect the money agreeably to the subscription I sent you; but it will be necessary to accompany the Books with the original Paper, or a copy thereof for his information with respect to the subscribers; & Instructions. You will please to recollect that I am in possession already of...
3991From George Washington to Capel & Osgood Hanbury, 11 September 1762 (Washington Papers)
On Board the America Captn Lewis I have Shipped you Twelve hhds of Master John Parke Custis’s Tobacco on which please to make Insurance so as to receive Ten pounds pr hhd in case of Loss. The amount of Sales when the Tobacco is received & Sold must be placed to his Credit. I am Gentn Yr mo. obedient ALB , DLC:GW . GW noted at the end of his copy of the letter, “Sent to New York—to go by the...
3992George Washington to Comte de Rochambeau, 26 August 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Teaneck, New Jersey ] August 26, 1780 . Is concerned that Captain Pierre Landais failed to bring more arms; trusts they will arrive on the Ariel . Hopes that the second French division will not be held in blockade. Fears that internal troubles in Ireland and England will not directly aid American cause. Sends news of the Comte de Guichen’s plans to sail to Jamaica. Agrees that the British...
3993From George Washington to Brigadier General Jacob Bayley, 15 March 1780 (Washington Papers)
Inclosed you will find a duplicate of my letter of the 9th which I have thought proper to forward by Colo. Little lest the original may have missed you. I was a few days ago favd with yours of the 16th ulto. Altho’ my intelligences from Canada are of a different complexion from yours, I will not undertake to say that your fears of an attack are groundless—but I do not look upon myself at...
3994From George Washington to Major General Horatio Gates, 2 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
The inclosed from Doctr Gordon, came under cover to me in the order you will receive it. immediately upon the receipt of your Letter of the Ulto, I sent it to Genel Green, who informs me that he hath written very urgently to Mr Hughes to continue in Office, but hears, or fears, he will not do it. The Letter for Genl Lee you will please to forward, or deliver, if he is expected soon. I am Sir...
3995From George Washington to William Pearce, 12 July 1795 (Washington Papers)
Your letter of the 5th, and the reports of the preceeding week, have been received. I am glad to hear your wheat harvest is secured. If it yields well it will be fortunate as there is no doubt of the price being good. The Indian corn will have no cause to complain from the want of heat, for some days past. If nothing more than I foresee at present, happens to prevent it, I shall leave this...
3996From George Washington to William Fitzhugh, 5 August 1798 (Washington Papers)
My present want of a riding horse is great, but if I should be called to the field it will be much greater. As I am much out of the way of seeing, or hearing of such as would answr my purposes—especially in the latter case—and know that you are a good judge of the parts, and general symmetry of a horse of figure. You would do me a favour if such an one as hits your own taste should fall in...
3997From George Washington to John Sinclair, 20 January 1799 (Washington Papers)
On the 10th of last July I had the honor to write you a pretty long letter on various subjects—and hearing, some considerable time afterwards, that the Ship (Suffolk) by which it had been sent, was Captured by a French Cruiser, from whence none of my letters ever reach[ed] their Address—I did, not long since, transmit a duplicate; which, though unaccompanied with the early Wheat that the above...
3998From George Washington to Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 28 August 1780 (Washington Papers)
I was a few days ago honored with yours of the 9th: since the receipt of it, I have seen Commissary Cheever, and have had an opportunity of making particular enquiry into the state of the Arms at Springfield. He tells me, that the repair, of such of the old Muskets as are worth the trouble and expence, is going on as fast as the circumstances of want of hands and want of money will admit. The...
3999From George Washington to La Luzerne, 15 February 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of Your Excellency’s letter of the 4th which only reached me late on the 13th. Sincerely desirous of doing every thing in my power by which the interest of his christian Majesty inseparable from that of these States can in any manner be promoted, and still more in a point so essential as that which makes the subject of your letter, I should not...
4000From George Washington to Capel & Osgood Hanbury, 4 November 1768 (Washington Papers)
Of this date I have drawn upon you in favour of Mr James Gibson for One hundred pounds Sterling which please to pay, & place to Account of Mr John Parke Custis. Since my coming to this place I have receivd a Letter from you by Captn Young (Inclosing another for Mr Custis, with an Acct of the Sales of some of his Tobacco) which I shall take an oppertunity of answering sometime hence. In the...