171From George Washington to George Reid, 10 July 1782 (Washington Papers)
I am favored this moment, with your Letter of the 2nd Inst. The intelligence communicated therein appears to me, to be vague & not perfectly founded; it ought however to have so much influence upon our conduct as to excite unusual vigilance & preparation in order to baffle any of the barbarous designs of the Enemy should they attempt to carry them into execution. For my own part, I am more...
172From George Washington to Colonel George Baylor, 28 March 1777 (Washington Papers)
I am glad to discover by your favour of the 26th Ulto that You have a prospect of getting your Horses. We want them much—Inclosed is a Letter to Mr Finnie the Depy Quart. Mast. Genl directing him to supply you with the Continental Rations for Horse. Mr James Mease of Philada, the Clothier General, will furnish you with Cloathing whenever You call upon him & send for them—I presume the Men will...
173From George Washington to George Clinton, 31 March 1794 (Washington Papers)
(Private) Dear Sir, Philadelphia Mar. 31st 1794. Your favor of the 20th instt, with its enclosures, came duly to hand; and for which you have my particular thanks. As there are those who affect to believe that Great Britain has no hostile intention towards this Country, it is not surprizing that there should be found among them characters who pronounce the Speech of Lord Dorchester to the...
174From George Washington to Colonel George Baylor, 25 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
I received your Letter of the 18th by this days post. I have never doubted of your assiduity and industry to raise your Regiment, and am but too well satisfied of the difficulties you have met with. I wish you to come on, with Such Men as you have ready, and that you will leave proper Officers to recruit the Troop you mention to be deficient, and also the Remainder of the Regiment, if you...
175From George Washington to George Lewis, 18 January 1795 (Washington Papers)
Herewith you will receive Plats, and descriptions of two tracts of land which I hold in Kentucky, on the Waters of rough Creek. If you have any knowledge of the land in the part of the country these are said to lye in: or if your brother John or any other, within your reach has, I shd be obliged to you for such information respecting them as can be obtained. I wish also to know in what part of...
176From George Washington to George Mason, 13 December 1784 (Washington Papers)
My brother John is much in want of four, five or six hundred pounds which he is desirous of borrowing on Interest. If it is in your power to supply him, I will become security for the fulfilment of his agreement. He seems to have little expectation that money in these times, can be had at the common interest; & his own words will best express what he is willing to allow. “I believe I mentioned...
177From George Washington to George Clinton, 28 February 1796 (Washington Papers)
To the enclosed, I answered in a note, that the whole of the business to which it related, was entrusted to you: from whom, if application was made, complete information might be obtained. A few days afterwards, Mr Cooper applied to me personally; intimated that the land was valuable; that he was desirous of purchasing; and would give a good price for it. I answered as before, and added that...
178From George Washington to George Clinton, 10 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have with great pleasure received your Excellency’s favr of the 7th: Your plan of ordering the Militia to bring out 40 days flour of their own will be a great releif to the Commy General who is only under apprehensions on account of that Article. Of Meat, he gives me assurances of any quantity that may be required. The Quarter Master General is making every preparation for Camp equipage. We...
179From George Washington to George Measam, 2 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
The situation of the army with respect to blankets stockings and shoes is so distressing that I am to desire you will forward on those articles from Springfield & Hartford with all possible dispatch; particularly the shoes, for want of which a great part of the men would be incapable of marching any distance, should it become ever so necessary. You will therefore send on the shoes in the first...
180From George Washington to George Clinton, 24 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
Inclosed you have Colo. Butlers Journal of his expedition against Unadilla and Anaquaga You will perceive from that the Route he pursued and the difficulties he met from the Waters, even at this Season. Perhaps this may be of some service to you in forming a decisive opinion upon the Chemung expedition. Be pleased to return this Journal and Colonel Hartleys when you have done with them. I am...
181From George Washington to George Clinton, 24 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
That I might be more convenient to the Works at West point, I removed my quarters to this place on Monday last. I have only to add upon this subject, that I shall be happy to see Your Excellency here, as often as your leisure will permit. There has been no Official account received from Charles Town as yet that I know of; but I have no doubt but that there has been an Action there, and that...
182From George Washington to George Gilpin, 4 February 1791 (Washington Papers)
A pressure of public business just at the moment Mr Roberdeau was about to leave this, allowed me no time to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 28th Ulto—and now I have little more than to thank you for the communication which was given by it. As the exactitude of the District called for a Scientific character I have engaged Mr Ellicot to make the Survey, and hope that every aid...
183From George Washington to Brigadier General George Weedon, 29 March 1778 (Washington Papers)
Inclosed you will receive a copy of a Resolution of Congress, respecting the Rank of the Brigadiers in the Virginia Line—by this you will perceive they have given General Woodford the precedence he claimed. In my letter of the 15th, I mentioned my sentiments upon this subject and that it was my Opinion the parties interested should acquiesce in whatever decision might be given concerning...
184From George Washington to Brigadier General George Clinton, 26 April 1777 (Washington Papers)
I wrote you on the 23d Inst. communicating Intelligence lately received respecting the Enemy’s designs up the North River—A letter from Genl McDougall this moment received, places their Intentions beyond the power of misconception —Several Transports have anchored at Dob’s ferry—& mean, in my Opinion, to divert our Attention, if possible, from their Movements towards the Delaware—At any rate...
185From George Washington to George Washington Parke Custis, 13 June 1798 (Washington Papers)
It is now near four weeks since any person of this family has heard from you, although you were requested to write to some one in it, once a fortnight, knowing (as you must do) how apt your Grandmama is to suspect that you are sick, or some accident has happened to you, when you omit this? I have said, that none of us have heard from you, but it behooves me to add, that from persons in...
186From George Washington to George Clinton, 27 November 1793 (Washington Papers)
(Private) Dear Sir, Philadelphia 27th Novr 1793 Not having the letters at hand, I am unable to refer to dates; but the one with which you were pleased to favour me, dated sometime in September, did not reach my hands before I had left this City. Immediately, however, upon the receipt of it (at my own house in Virginia) I put it under cover to the Secretary of War with directions to answer it...
187From George Washington to George Washington Motier Lafayette, 31 March 1796 (Washington Papers)
Your letter of the 28th instt was received yesterday. The enclosures which accompanied it, evidence much discretion; and your conduct therein meets my entire approbation. In the early part of this month, I put a letter into the hands of Colo. Hamilton, inviting you to this place; and expected, until your letter of the above date was received, to have embraced you, under my own roof, tomorrow...
188From George Washington to George Clymer, 17 June 1776 (Washington Papers)
I was this Evening honoured with yours of the 15 Inst., and It is with no small degree of pain that I am under the necessity of Informing you It is out of my power at this time to comply with the request made by your Honourable body. The many Important works carrying on for the defence of this place against which there is the highest probability of an Attack being made in a little time, will...
189From George Washington to George Clinton, 20 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have just recd the inclosed from Albany. It serves to shew the hostile intentions of the Indian Enemy, and consequently the necessity of counteracting them as vigorously as possible. I am with great Esteem Your Excellency’s most obt Servt LS , in Tench Tilghman’s writing, CSmH ; Df , DLC:GW ; Varick transcript , DLC:GW . GW enclosed the letter from Indian agent James Deane to Maj. Gen....
190From George Washington to George Gilpin, 16 October 1785 (Washington Papers)
I think your proposition is a very good one—If any question should come before the Board on wch you have not already given your opinion, it may as well be decided at the Falls as elsewhere; your going thither therefore, in the first instance, will certainly expedite the business which occasions (at least in part) the meeting. Indeed it wd seem now (for I do not recollect the cause which...
191From George Washington to George Clinton, 7 May 1781 (Washington Papers)
I had the honor to receive, last night your Excellency’s letter of the same date. In consequence of Brigadr Clinton’s information of the 30th Ulto I instantly ordered 50 Barrels of flour, & 34 of Meat (being every Barrel of the latter we had on hand) to be sent to Albany; for a partial releif of the Garrison of Fort Schuyler—I know it was very inadequate, but it was our all, since which not a...
192From George Washington to St. George Tucker, 30 May 1797 (Washington Papers)
Your favor of the 24th Ulto, from Winchester, came duly to hand; but presuming you were on a Circuit, I have allowed time for the completion, to offer you my acknowledgment of its receipt. My Sollicitude for the establishment of a National University in this Country, has been great, and unceasing; but as the sentiments of the Legislature have not been in unison therewith, I had postponed the...
193From George Washington to George Clinton, 14 June 1783 (Washington Papers)
In conformity to Mr Izard’s request, I take the liberty to enclose to your Excellency a Letter from Mrs Delancy to him, describing the outrages which have been committed in the County of West-Chester, I am well assured that every species of licentiousness and disorder hath, and will meet with your displeasure; and I have therefore informed Mr Izard, that measures have been taken, for the...
194From George Washington to George Augustine Washington, 17 May 1787 (Washington Papers)
After short stages and easy driving, I reached this City on Sunday afternoon. Only 4 states—viz. Virginia, South Carolina, New York and the one we are in, are as yet, represented; which is highly vexatious to those who are idly, & expensively spending their time here. I hope the fine rains which have watered this part of the Country were not confined to it; or rather, that the Clouds which...
195From George Washington to George Clinton, 23 May 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with your Excellency’s Letter of Yesterday, with its Inclosures respecting Mr Murson. Sensible of the Impropriety of suffering persons of his Character to remain in the Country at this Time, I inclose to your Excellency a permission to Capt. Pray who commands at Dobbs Ferry—to pass Mr Muirson within the Enemys Lines—The Time for his going in I submit to your Excellency...
196From George Washington to George Clinton, 11 September 1783 (Washington Papers)
It was with great concern I heard of your Indisposition—later accts say you were upon the recovery—and nothing would give me more pleasure than the confirmation of it from under your own hand. I am not able to give you any information on the point you requested, at our parting. Congress have come to no determination yet respecting the Peace Establishment, nor am I able to say when they will. I...
197From George Washington to George Clinton, 12 March 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have received the letter which Your Excellency did me the honor to write the 7th inst: with the depositions of Capt. Laurence and Thomas Minor—relative to Col. Holdridges seisure of the schooner General Howe. As I am informed that a complaint on the same subject has been laid before Congress—and am ignorant what orders they may have given in consequence—I have given conditional directions to...
198From George Washington to George Savage, 17 March 1786 (Washington Papers)
I have received your letter of the 18th ulto, & one thousand bushels of Indian corn, and six bushels of peas, which your Schooner Molly and Betsey took in, on my acct at a Plantn of the deceased Mr Custis on Pamunky. I have paid Mr Whitney, the skipper, twenty five pounds three shillings for freight of the same and taken his receipt therefor. I am Sir ⟨Your⟩ Most Obed. Servt ALS , owned (1970)...
199From George Washington to Captain George Dawson, 25 January 1781 (Washington Papers)
Through a variety of channels representations of too serious a nature to be disregarded, have come to us that the American naval prisoners in the harbour of New York are suffering all the extremities of distress from a two crowded and in all respects disagreeable and unwholesome situation on board the prison-ships—and from the want of food and other necessaries. The picture given us of their...
200From George Washington to George Clinton, 18 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
I received your Excellency’s favour of yesterday in the Evening—Previous to that, I had written you a second letter on the subject of the expedition to Anaquaga; informing you, among other particulars, that Col. Cortlandts regiment was immediately to proceed to Poughkepsie and that the Col. himself would wait upon you to consult you fully on the measures proper to be taken. The representation...
201From George Washington to George Clinton, 17 August 1783 (Washington Papers)
Under the urgent necessity of making immediate preparations for occupying the Western Posts as soon as they shall be evacuated by the Enemy, which was stated very fully in the Letter I had the honor to address to your Excellency a few day ago by Col. Humphrys; I consider myself obliged to request in the most pressing manner that you will advance five hundred Pounds or a larger sum if...
202From George Washington to George William Fairfax, 17 July 1763 (Washington Papers)
We were a good deal disappointed in the promised Visit—A constant Watch was kept untill the accustomed Bell gave the signal for Dinner, and said it was time to look no more—We do not readily comprehend the cause of the disappointment, but as Water seems not to be the Element favourable to our wishes, we hope you will no longer trust to so uncertain a conveyance, but give us the pleasure of...
203From George Washington to George Weedon, 15 September 1781 (Washington Papers)
Major General the Marquis de la Fayette has refered to me your letter of the 13th. I am not yet so fully informed of the state of our magasines in this quarter, as to be able to say, when it will be in my power to send you a reinforcement of fire-arms. I find cartridges and powder so very scarce, as to render the utmost æconomy necessary. I shall however, order you over as much as can be...
204From George Washington to Colonel George Baylor, 1 March 1777 (Washington Papers)
Your several favours of the 31st Jany & 7th Febry are now before me. I am happy in being informed that the Govr of Virga has consented that their Muskett-factory shall equip yr Regimt with Carbines & Pistols. I have no doubt of your keeping the Workmen closely to their duty; nor of your using your best Endeavours to purchase proper horses. As I am not acquaintd with all the Gentlemen mentioned...
205From George Washington to George Clinton, 30 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
Yesterday I was honored by the Receipt of your Excellency’s Favor of the 28th inst. Sensible of the Importance of supporting the Northn & Western Frontier of your State, Measures were taken for that Purpose, by calling for the Militia of the State of Massachusetts, as early as the Resolution for drawing down the Regular Troops was adopted—and my Letter of the 25th June, requesting Governor...
206From George Washington to George Clinton, 11 July 1782 (Washington Papers)
Colonel Lutterloh, Commissy Gen. of Forage waits upon your Excellency to represent the state of the Army respecting forage, and to sollicit such aid from your Legislature as may be necessary for keeping up the supplies, untill the Financier shall be enabled to take more effectual measures for the purpose. Give me leave to inform your Excellency that the Horses & Ox Teames of the Army are...
207From George Washington to George Clinton, 1 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
I had proceeded thus far in order to look out for a proper place to arrange the Army when I recd the provoking account that the Enemy’s Fleet left the Capes of Delaware yesterday and steered Eastward again. I shall return again with the utmost expedition to the North River, but as a sudden stroke is certainly intended by this Maneuvre, I beg you will immediately call in every Man of the...
208From George Washington to George Lewis, 9 April 1797 (Washington Papers)
Your letter of the 31st Ult. from Culpeper County, came to my hands late at night on the 5th instt; and the enclosure for your brother Fielding was sent to him early next morning. The melancholy occasion of your writing has filled me with inexpressable concern. The debt of nature however sooner or later must be paid by us all, and although the seperation from our nearest relatives is a heart...
209From George Washington to George Clinton, 16 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
I am favd with yours of the 15th containing the disagreeable account of the further ravages committed by the Indians. I will immediately order one Regiment to be held ready for the frontier service, and if, upon making a general arrangement of the Army, I find that more can be spared, I will make an addition to the number. As I am unacquainted with the direction of Anaquaga I shall be obliged...
210From George Washington to George Clinton, 6 March 1779 (Washington Papers)
The annexed Letter written previous to the Receipt of Your Excelly’s favor of the 3d inst. will serve as an Answer to the principal part of its contents. The intelligence I have to communicate to Your Excelly is I apprehend, no more than will have already been transmitted to you by the Delegates of your State. It is in brief as follows—That the King of Spain has declared he will not be an...
211From George Washington to George Clinton or Philip Van Cortlandt, 29 October 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to transmit your Excellency the proceedings of the Court Martial upon Joshua Smith; by which you will perceive out of four charges exhibited against him the Jurisdiction of the Court was only found competent to one, of which they have acquitted him for want of sufficient evidence. As he was brought out of Your State into this for trial, I have thought proper to send him back...
212From George Washington to George Clinton, 5 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
I shall be exceedingly obliged to you for information, either from your own knowledge or that of others, whether there is a possibility of marching a Body of troops from the head of Susquehannah across the Country to Niagara. Among many other Routes pointed out for carrying the War into the Indian Country, when circumstances will permit, the above has been mentioned as one. The distance...
213From George Washington to George Fraser, 27 January 1756 (Washington Papers)
You are really appointed to Captain Hoggs Company as Captain Peachy told you; and I am sorry to say, as it is disagreeable to you, that you must abide by this regulation; and repair to the Company with all convenient dispatch. If it is absolutely necessary for you to go by Fort Cumberland; I must recommend diligence, as your presence may be wanting—As to your having Fort Duty this year, it is...
214From George Washington to George Augustine Washington, 11 September 1783 (Washington Papers)
My last letter to you, was dispatched without the enclosed; wch was forgot at the time of Sealing it. Since then, I have received your letter of the 23d of August, & am very sorry to find by it that you still continue so much indispos’d. Doctr Craik will write to you by this opportunity, & will, I presume, give you his opinion of the propriety of giving the Air & Climate of Rhode Island a...
215From George Washington to Colonel George Baylor, 27 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have directed General Putnam to detach a brigade on the West side of the river, to take post somewhere near Clarks town —You will join this Brigade with the cavalry under your command and act with it ’till further orders. I am Dr Sir Your most Obedt servant. Df , in Alexander Hamilton’s writing, DLC:GW ; Varick transcript , DLC:GW . For these orders, see GW to Israel Putnam, this date .
216From George Washington to George Clinton, 30 June 1781 (Washington Papers)
In fullest confidence I inform you that I intend to make an attempt by surprise upon the enemy’s posts on the North End of York Island on Monday Night. Should we be happy enough to succeed and be able to hold our conquest, the advantages will be greater than can be well imagined: But I cannot flatter myself that the Enemy will permit the latter, unless I am suddenly and considerably...
217From George Washington to George Clymer and John Nixon, 14 August 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with yours without date —I am much obliged not only by the candid manner in which you have laid before me the State of the Bank, but by your assurances of using every possible exertion to afford a supply of Bread to the Army, as far as your circumstances will admit. Of this although I do not entertain a doubt, I cannot help expressing my apprehensions that we shall be under...
218From George Washington to George Mason, 10 May 1776 (Washington Papers)
The uncertainty of my return, and the justice of surrendering to Mr Custis, the Bonds which I have taken for the Monies raised from his Estate and lent out upon Interest. As also his Moiety of his deceased Sister’s Fortune (consisting of altogether of Bonds &c.) obliges me to have recourse to a friend to see this matter done, and a proper memorandum of the transaction made. I could think of no...
219From George Washington to George Walker, 26 January 1797 (Washington Papers)
Your letter of the 24th instt was received this day. It was not, I conceive, the intention of the Law which established the seat of the general government, that the President of the United States should enter into the detail of the business for the execution of which Commissioners were appointed. But it certainly is his duty, when charges of malpractice, or improper conduct are exhibited...
220From George Washington to George Read, 26 February 1778 (Washington Papers)
Capt. Lee and several Officers who are sent to apprehend Deserters inform me that there are numbers of disaffected Persons in your State, who make a practice of harbouring those people. They are encouraged to do this, knowing there is at present no law to punish this crime, which is most pernicious to the Service. I have for this Reason taken the liberty to address the Legislature of your...