1801From George Washington to Claude Gabriel, marquis de Choisy, 20 October 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have received the Letter which you did me the Honor to write this Morng & am much indebted to you for the Arrangements which you were so good as to make relative to the surrendering Troops. I have ordered a Continental Officer to go & take charge of the Arms &c. and the persons of the several Departments will receive the Effects that Regard them. I have the Honor to be &c. DLC : Papers of...
1802From George Washington to Claude Gabriel, marquis de Choisy, 22 October 1781 (Washington Papers)
The Quarter Master General is authorized by me to take charge of all the horses captured at Gloucester, as part of the public property which falls under his department—I request that you will be pleased to give positive orders to prevent the exchange or release of any of them—and in case any horses have been inadvertently removed by either means, that you will be so good as to direct how they...
1803From George Washington to Fairlie Christie, 25 May 1795 (Washington Papers)
With much sensibility I received your polite letter of the 25th of March from Kingston. I thank you, Sir, for the plants which are mentioned in the list which accompanied it. Presuming they arrived at Norfolk with the letter, I have requested a Gentleman of my acquaintan⟨ce⟩ at that place, to forward them to my Garden at Mount Vernon on Potomack River, near Alexandria Virginia; and I feel...
1804George Washington to Captain James Christie, [4 June 1779] (Hamilton Papers)
[ Pompton, New Jersey, June 4, 1779. ] Instructs Christie to inform Major General Alexander McDougall of the present position of the Army at Pompton. Orders Christie to secure information on McDougall’s defenses. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
1805Instructions to Captain James Chrystie, 4 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
To proceed immediately to West Point To inform the Garrison where we are—two divisions at Pompton—one near Mr Lot’s about ten miles in the rear of the others—the whole to move this night at moon rising—by way of Ringwood & to press forward with all possible diligence. To assure them that I am determined at the utmost hazard to support the fort and that I expect it will hold out to the last...
1806From George Washington to Angelica Schuyler Church, 6 February 1791 (Washington Papers)
As the letter, which you were pleased to address to me on the 27th of November, relates to an event of public import, yet to be determined, and on which the decision may be governed by circumstances not yet considered, I can only do myself the honor to acknowledge the receipt of it—and to express the respectful consideration with which I am Madam Your most Obedt Servt ALS , CSmH ; LB , DLC:GW...
1807From George Washington to Elijah Churchill, 1 May 1783 (Washington Papers)
George Washington Esquire General and Commander in Chief of the Forces of the United States of America &c. &c. &c. To All to whom these presents shall come, sendeth Greeting. Whereas it hath ever been an established maxim in the American Service, that the Road to Glory was open to All, that Honorary Rewards and Distinctions were the greatest Stimuli to virtuous Actions, and that distinguished...
1808From George Washington to Henry Churchill, 9 August 1759 (Washington Papers)
I am desird in a Letter which I have just received from Colo. Bassett, to send to you for a Chesnut horse that he has lately purchased—the bearer awaits on you for the purpose. I was in hopes we should have had the pleasure of seeing you at Mount Vernon in yo[ur] way up—Mrs. Washington (who joins in her Compliments) impeaches you of a breach of promise in failure of this, and I don’t know a...
1809From George Washington to Jeremiah Wadsworth, 18 October 1782 (Washington Papers)
You will be pleased to direct the issuing Commissary to the Troops under the command of Colo. Sheldon, to remove his Store to the House of Mr Rundle in C antits , for the greater convenience of supplying those Troops. I am Gentmn Yr most obt Servt MH .
1810From George Washington to Colonel Joseph Cilley, Jr., 9 March 1780 (Washington Papers)
A General Court Martial is to be held at Springfeild on the 15th April next for the trial of Mr Isaac Tichenor Dy Commy of purchases at Coos on sundry Charges exhibited against him by Colonel Hazen, and for the trial of Jacob Bailey Esqr. Dy Qr Mr Genl at Coos on a charge of neglect of duty exhibited against him by Mr Tichenor. After going thro’ the before mentioned trials, part of the Members...
1811From George Washington to the Citizens of Alexandria, Virginia, 1 July 1793 (Washington Papers)
The very polite invitation which you have given me in the name of the Citizens of Alexandria, to celebrate with them the approaching Anniversary of American Independence —is received by me as a mark of attention meriting my warmest thanks—and as the best proof I can give of my feelings on the occasion will be to accept the invitation, I shall accordingly have the pleasure of meeting them at...
1812From George Washington to the Citizens of Augusta, Georgia, 19 May 1791 (Washington Papers)
I receive your congratulations on my arrival in Augusta with great pleasure—I am much obliged by your assurances of regard, and thank you, with unfeigned sincerity, for the favorable sentiments you are pleased to express towards me. Entreating you to be persuaded of my gratitude, I desire to assure you that it will afford me the most sensible satisfaction to learn the progression of your...
1813From George Washington to the Citizens of Baltimore, 17 April 1789 (Washington Papers)
The tokens of regard and affection, which I have often received from the Citizens of this Town, were always acceptable; because, I believed them, always sincere. Be pleased to receive my best acknowledgments for the renewal of them, on the present occasion. If the affectionate partiality of my fellow Citizens has prompted them to ascribe greater effects to my conduct & character, than were...
1814From George Washington to the Citizens of Boston, 27 October 1789 (Washington Papers)
The obligations, which your goodness has imposed upon me, demand my grateful acknowledgements—Your esteem does me honor, and your affection communicates the truest pleasure—by endeavoring to deserve, I will indulge the hope of retaining them. Over-rating my services, you have ascribed consequences to them, in which it would be injustice to deny a participation to the virtue and firmness of my...
1815From George Washington to the Citizens of Camden, South Carolina, 25 May 1791 (Washington Papers)
The acknowledgements which your respectful and affectionate address demands I offer to you with unfeigned sincerity—I receive your congratulations with pleasure, and, estimating your welcome of me to Camden by a conviction of its cordiality, I render those thanks to your politeness and hospitality, to which they are so justly entitled. Your grateful remembrance of that excellent friend and...
1816From George Washington to the Citizens of Columbia and Granby, South Carolina, 25 May 1791 (Washington Papers)
I am much obliged by your professions of respect and affection, and I am truly grateful for your kind regards and good wishes. Replying to them with sincere acknowledgement, I desire to assure you that I shall always remember with pleasure your polite attentions. LB , DLC:GW . GW arrived late on 22 May 1791 at Columbia, S.C., and was forced to remain there until 4:00 A.M. on 25 May because of...
1817From George Washington to the Citizens of Fayetteville, North Carolina, 26 April 1791 (Washington Papers)
It is due to your goodness, and to my own feelings, that I should express the sensibility excited by your address, and that I should acknowledge the grateful pleasure with which I receive it. My best services are more than compensated by the affectionate partiality of my fellow-citizens—and my most anxious wishes are gratified in observing the happiness which pervades our country. The very...
1818From George Washington to the Citizens of Fredericksburg, 14 February 1784 (Washington Papers)
With the greatest pleasure, I receive in the character of a private Citizen, the honor of your Address. To a benevolent Providence, and the fortitude of a brave and virtuous army, supported by the general exertion of our common Country, I stand indebted for the plaudits you now bestow. The reflection however, of having met the congratulating smiles and approbation of my Fellow-Citizens, for...
1819From George Washington to Citizens of Greene County, Tennessee, 8 September 1798 (Washington Papers)
Having once more engaged in the arduous duties of public life, (after I had retired therefrom with the most ardent wishes and pleasing hopes that no circumstances would occur to call me from my peaceful abode during the few remaining years of my life) I cannot be insensible to the approbation of my fellow Citizens. And, while I thank you, Gentlemen, for your warm & friendly Address, permit me...
1820From George Washington to the Citizens of Marblehead, 2 November 1789 (Washington Papers)
The reception with which you have been pleased to honor my arrival in Marblehead, and the sentiments of approbation and attachment which you have expressed of my conduct, and to my person, are too flattering and grateful not to be acknowledged with sincere thanks, and answered with unfeigned wishes for your prosperity. Avoiding to dwell on the diminution of pleasure, which the mention of your...
1821From George Washington to the Citizens of Newburyport, 30 October 1789 (Washington Papers)
The demonstrations of respect and affection which you are pleased to pay to an individual, whose highest pretension is to rank as your fellow-citizen, are of a nature too distinguished not to claim the warmest return that gratitude can make. My endeavors to be useful to my country have been no more than the result of conscious duty—Regards like yours would reward services of the highest...
1822From George Washington to the New London, Connecticut, Citizens, 2 September 1793 (Washington Papers)
The motives which have induced a public expression of your sentiments at the present juncture, are such as naturally operate upon good Citizens, when points which materially concern the happiness of their Country are the subjects of discussion. Your approbation of my conduct on the occasion, to which it relates, could not fail to give me particular pleasure, and to serve as a support to my...
1823From George Washington to the Citizens of New York City, 9 May 1789 (Washington Papers)
The affectionate address presented by the Magistrates and the general joy testified by the Citizens of New York, on my arrival in this Metropolis, have filled my mind with the mingled emotions of gratitude and satisfaction. In accepting the momentuous trust which has been spontaneously committed to me by a free people; it was not enough to have felt a consciousness of having acted in...
1824From George Washington to Nicholas Cruger and the Citizens of New York City, 12 August 1793 (Washington Papers)
Your letter (to me), conveying to me the resolutions of the Citizens of New York, at their late meeting, affords me much satisfaction. The approving voice of my Fellow Citizens can never be heard by me, with indifference. That of the Inhabitants of your respectable metropolis, must always give particular pleasure. A unanimity so perfect as appears to have prevailed among them, upon an occasion...
1825From George Washington to the Citizens of Portsmouth, 2 November 1789 (Washington Papers)
I am sensibly impressed with your friendly welcome to the Metropolis of New Hampshire, and have a grateful heart for your kind and flattering congratulations on my election to the Presidency of these United States. I fear the fond partiality of my countrymen has too highly appreciated my past exertions, and formed too sanguine anticipations of my future services—If the former have been...
1826From George Washington to the Citizens of Prince William Parish, South Carolina, 11 May 1791 (Washington Papers)
My best thanks for your cordial welcome and affectionate address are not more justly due than sincerely offered. I am much indebted to your good wishes, which I reciprocate with grateful regard. LB , DLC:GW . GW and his party on 10 May lodged at O’Brian Smith’s plantation in St. Bartholomew’s Parish and the next afternoon reached Pocotaligo, S.C., “where a dinner was provided by the...
1827From George Washington to the Citizens of Richmond, Virginia, 28 August 1793 (Washington Papers)
Among the numerous expressions of the public sense, in favor of the measures which have been adopted for the observance of neutrality in the present war of Europe, none is more grateful to me, than that of the Inhabitants of Richmond & its vicinity. The manner in which it is conveyed, lays claim to my affectionate acknowledgements. In recollecting the anticipations wch were entertained of a...
1828From George Washington to the Citizens of York, Pennsylvania, 3 July 1791 (Washington Papers)
I receive your congratulations with pleasure, and I reply to your flattering and affectionate expressions of esteem with sincere and grateful regard. The satisfaction which you derive from the congeniality of freedom with good government, clearly evinced in the happiness of our highly favored country, at once rewards the patriotism that atchieved her liberty and gives an assurance of its...
1829From George Washington to Richard Claiborne, 15 December 1784 (Washington Papers)
I have received your letter of the 17th ulto. It would interfere with no views of mine, to give you a field to speculate in, if I was sufficiently master of the business, & had leisure for these kind of communications: but the truth is, I do not turn my thoughts to matters of that sort, & if I did, the business in which you want to be informed is too much in embryo—& depends too much on...
1830From George Washington to Richard Claiborne, 21 November 1779 (Washington Papers)
By a letter just received from Col. Gouvion, I am sorry to find that the Works at Stoney and Verplanks points are kept back for want of assistance in the Qr Mrs line —He mentions that Capt. Mills[’]s company of Artificers ordered there by Genl Greene is called for to join the Pennsylvania Division—From the importance of the work he is engaged in, I have directed him to keep them —it may...
1831George Washington to Major Richard Claiborne, 23 June 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Rockaway Bridge [ New Jersey ] June 23, 1780 . Instructs Claiborne to proceed to Morristown to check on removal of stores and baggage. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
1832From George Washington to William Charles Cole Claiborne, 30 May 1797 (Washington Papers)
Your letter of the 22d Ult. has been duly received, and I pray you to accept my thanks for the favourable sentiments you have been pleased to express for me, and of my Administration of the Government. If all our Citizens were actuated by the principles you profess, it would much promote the happiness and prosperity of our Country. I have not unpacked the Papers yet, which I brought from...
1833From George Washington to Richard Claibourne, 23 June 1780 (Washington Papers)
You will proceed forthwith to Morris Town and inform your self of the measures taken to remove the stores and baggage of the army from Morris and from Succussunni toward Sussex Court house and the North River and you will take such additional measures as appear necessary to remove them effectually and with the greatest expedition. The flour and salted meat except what the Commissaries think...
1834From George Washington to Major General Arthur St. Clair, 23 March 1779 (Washington Papers)
For the more speedy assembling of the Militia upon an emergency I have agreed with the Feild Officers in this and the next County to erect Beacons upon the most conspicuous Hills, the firing of which is to be the signals for the⟨m⟩ to repair to their different alarm posts. You will be pleased therefore to order a party from your division consisting of an Officer and 24 Men with Axes and four...
1835From George Washington to David & Francis Clark, 17 September 1790 (Washington Papers)
From the best judgment I can form of the repairs and alterations to be made in my old Coach (under the statement & opinions given in your letter of the 13th instt) I feel most inclined to give you the following directions for your procedure that no delay or disappointment may happen. The colour is to be as at present; but to be neatly painted and highly varnished. The Seasons (which are now on...
1836From George Washington to David & Francis Clark, 9 September 1790 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to David & Francis Clark, 9 Sept. 1790. On 13 Sept. 1790 David Clark of the firm of David & Francis Clark of Philadelphia wrote to GW and mentioned having received “Your favor of the 9th Instant.” GW probably sent this letter to Clement Biddle in Philadelphia and asked his friend to deliver it to the carriage makers (see Tobias Lear to GW, 26 Sept. 1790, n.7 ).
1837From George Washington to Jonathan Clarke, 14 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
I received your favor of the 13th instant. General Scott has my instructions that you may proceed by the most convenient route to Cambridge or the troops of Convention. And that nothing may be wanting which can add to their ease and comfort, you may if you choose it signify to Sir Henry Clinton that I will receive at Kings ferry the necessaries and money you mention and take immediate measures...
1838From George Washington to Oliver Clarke, 29 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have received your favour of the 29th of June which a multiplicity of business has prevented my answering before. There can be no doubt that you are entitled to the year’s pay allowed to supernumerary officers—This is expressly provided for by a resolve of Congress of the 22d day of May 1779; agreeable to which I have requested General Gates to order you payment on application — I am only...
1839From George Washington to Thomas Clarke, 25 January 1785 (Washington Papers)
In your name & behalf Mr Laurens, as he passed thro’ this State last Month on his way from the seat of Congress to Charleston —presented me a very handsome gold headed cane: & accompanied it with such favorable sentiments of your good wishes towards the American revolution—& the flattering opinion you entertained of me, as to induce me, contrary to my usual custom, to accept of it. With this...
1840From George Washington to George Rogers Clark, 8 June 1781 (Washington Papers)
I this day received your favors of the 20th and 21st of May by Capt. Randolph and am sorry to find that your intended expedition against Detroit stands upon so precarious a footing. When Govr Jefferson first proposed the plan to me he only asked for the Artillery and Stores and an Artillery Officer, but as I wished to give every support in my power to the undertaking which I deemed of great...
1841From George Washington to George Rogers Clark, 25 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
At the request of His Excellency Govr Jefferson I have already given orders to the Commandant of Fort Pitt to afford you every assistance in his power in the procuration of your intended expedition. I, a few days ago, received a piece of intelligence from New York which it may be material for you to know—It is—that Colo. Conolly who formerly lived upon the Ohio, who was taken in the year 1775...
1842From George Washington to John Clark, 6 October 1794 (Washington Papers)
Your favor of the 27th ulto was put into my hands in the moment I was leaving the City of Philadelphia, and I have had neither leizure or opportunity of acknowledging the receipt of it since, till now. I thank you for your polite offer of attending me to the field, but my going thither, or returning to the Seat of Government in time for the meeting of Congress, depends upon circumstances not...
1843From George Washington to John Clark, 14 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
Your agreable Favor of the 19th ulto ⅌ Genl Viominil—with its very pleasing Attendant, is come safe to Hand—for which you will please to accept my warmest Thanks. That our Enemies Consignments are so often diverted from the Point of their Intention, is matter of very pleasing Satisfaction to me—and you may be assured Gentlemen that I am particularly rejoiced that Fortune has so often cast her...
1844From George Washington to Major John Clark, Jr., 18 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
I am favd with yours of this date, and send you Fifty dollars for the purposes you mention. I beg I may have the most instant intelligence of any accounts that you may obtain, because I beleive that some move of consequence is in Agitation among the Enemy. I shall for that reason be obliged to you for remaining a few days longer at your present station, as I can put more dependance upon having...
1845From George Washington to Maj. John Clark, 27 October 1777 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Maj. John Clark, Jr., 27 Oct. 1777. Clark’s letter to GW of 27 Oct. is docketed in part “Ansd same date.”
1846From George Washington to Major John Clark, Jr., 16 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
Your Messenger went away before I got home yesterday, or I should have answered your letter. Altho’ I would not grant permission to all those who want to go into Philada to get paid for what they were plundered of, you may allow it to those on whom you can depend and from whom you expect any intelligence in return. I have directed that all passes granted by you shall be sufficient for the...
1847From George Washington to Major John Clark, Jr., 4 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have just receiv’d your favor of 8 OClock last Evening & think you have fallen upon an exceeding good Method of gaining Intelligence, & that too much Caution cannot be made use of both on Accot of the safety of your friend & the Execution & continuance of your design which may be of service to us. In your next I’d have you mention that General Gates now having nothing to do to the Northward,...
1848From George Washington to Maj. John Clark, 13 November 1777 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Maj. John Clark, Jr., 13 Nov. 1777. Clark’s letter to GW of 12 Nov. is docketed in part “Ansd 13th.”
1849From George Washington to Major John Clark, Jr., 27 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have yours of Yesterday and am obliged for the particular information which you give to the points I gave you in charge. As I have now got the necessary information as to the Enemy’s Works, position &ca what your Friends will particularly attend to, will be, the Return of Lord Cornwallis and his Troops, and what appear after that, to be their intentions. Whether to sit down in quarters for...
1850From George Washington to John Clark, Jr., 24 January 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have been favored with yours of the 13 Inst. I hope you will determine without delay, whether you will accept the appointment of auditor, and if you do, that you will repair as soon as you possibly can to the Army to enter upon the duties of it. An office of this nature has been long thought expedient, and for want of it, I am persuaded the Public have suffered greatly as well as many...