3441VI. George Washington to Colonel Stephen Moylan, 21 November 1780 (Washington Papers)
At nine OClock in the morning of 24th Friday you will parade with your regiment at Totawa bridge, furnished with two days provisions; and you will detail parties towards the New Bridge and thence upwards to the bridge near Demeries and downwards as far as you think necessary to answer the purpose, to secure all the crossing places on the Hackensack and prevent any person going with...
3442From George Washington to William Lord Stirling Alexander, 9 October 1782 (Washington Papers)
I am favored with your Lordships Letter of the 6th inclosing a Copy of General Sullivans to you. I have never tho’t it well to despise Information of an Enemy’s Designs——but I must freely confess to your Lordship, that I have but little apprehensions of Danger, from the Quarter of Canada—the advanced season of the Year, were no other Obstacles in the Way, I should judge sufficient to deter the...
3443From George Washington to Colonel Stephen Moylan, 25 July 1778 (Washington Papers)
I recd yours of the 23d by Major Washington. I think the best position for the Cavalry, to answer the purposes of foraging and covering the Country, will be about Hackensaik New Bridge. You then have an oppertunity of drawing supplies from the Country between the North River and Hackensaik and Hackensaik and Pasaic as your Station will be central. You also hinder the inhabitants from carrying...
3444From George Washington to Charles Carter, 12 January 1788 (Washington Papers)
I find that an extract of my letter to you, is running through all the news papers; and published in that of Baltimore with the addition of my name. Altho’ I have no dis-inclination to the promulgation of my Sentiments on the proposed Constitution (not having concealed them on any occasion) yet I must nevertheless confess, that it gives me pain to see the hasty, and indigested production of a...
3445From George Washington to William Hartshorne, 14 September 1785 (Washington Papers)
Colo. Wm Fitzhugh of Maryland has this day requested me, to enter his name for one share of the Potomac navigation; of which I give you this information: he has also deposited in my hands ten pounds for the first & second advances thereon; which I will pay you when I come next to town, or to your order at any time. I should take it very kind of you to forward the enclosed letter by the first...
3446From George Washington to the U.S. Senate, 29 March 1796 (Washington Papers)
I send herewith a copy of the Treaty of Friendship, Limits and Navigation, between the United States and his Catholic Majesty, which has been ratified by me with your Advice and Consent. A copy of the Treaty will be immediately communicated to the House of Representatives: it being necessary to make provision, in the present Session, for carrying into execution the Third and Twenty first...
3447To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 24 March 1784 (Jefferson Papers)
Your letter of the 15th. came to my hands the 22d. at the moment the Governor and some other company came in. I can do no more at present than to acknowledge the receipt of it, but will take the first leisure moment to write fully to you on the points it contains. Capt. Barney informs me that he has two packages on board, from the Marqs. de la Fayette; the enclosed to him contains a request to...
3448From George Washington to James McHenry, 27 April 1788 (Washington Papers)
Not having sent to the Post office for several days your favor of the 20th inst. did not get to my hand till last night. I mention this circumstance as an apology for my not giving it an earlier acknowledgment. As you are pleased to ask my opinion of the consequences of an adjournment of your Convention until the meeting of ours, I shall [(]tho’ I have meddled very little in this political...
3449From George Washington to Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 30 September 1776 (Washington Papers)
Having received authentic advice from Long Island, that the Enemy are recruiting a great number of men with much success, and collecting large quantities of Stock, throughout the Island, for their support, I have directed Brigadier General Clinton forth with to repair to Fairfield to meet Genl Lincoln on his march hither with a part of the Troops lately voted by the Massachusetts State to...
3450From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 19 November 1792 (Washington Papers)
I have run over the four numbers of Genl Green’s letters to Congress—herewith returned—and find nothing contained in them, unmarked by you, which ought, in my opinion, to be withheld from the Public. Even those of the 3d of Novr 1780—tho’ quite unnecessary, might pass with an explanatory note on the then value of our paper currency. It probably is best to [leave] out the scored part of No. 1,...
3451From George Washington to Lund Washington, 20 December 1785 (Washington Papers)
Having come to a fixed determination (whatever else may be left undone) to attend to the business of my plantations; and having enquired of Geo: Washington how far it would be agreeable to him & his wife to make this place a permanent residence, (for before it was only considered as their temporary abode, until some plan could be settled for them) & finding it to comport with their...
3452From George Washington to François-Joseph-Paul, comte de Grasse-Tilly, 15 September 1781 (Washington Papers)
I had the Honor to receive your Excellencys Letter of the 4th of this Month—soon after my Arrival at this Place—I am at a loss to express the Pleasure which I have in congratulating your Excellency on your Return to your former Station in the Bay—And the happy Circumstance of formg a Junction with the Squadron of the Count DeBarras—I take particular Satisfaction in felicitating your Excellency...
3453From George Washington to the Governor and Council of North Carolina, 26 August 1790 (Washington Papers)
I entreat you to be persuaded that nothing could have been more agreeable to me than the proofs contained in your affectionate address of the friendly sentiments entertained by you for my person as well as for the government which I have been appointed by my Countrymen to administer —And I reciprocate with heartfelt satisfaction your congratulations on the completion of the union of all the...
3454From 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...
3455From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 27 August 1793 (Washington Papers)
You would oblige me by draughting an answer to the enclosed Address from Richmond (Virginia). If you can, conveniently do it, to go by the Post of tomorrow, it would be wished; if not, it will do very well against Friday’s Post. If you are not engaged & will take dinner with me to day I should be glad of your Company—Govr Blount & Genl Pickens will be here. Yours always & sincerely ALS , DLC :...
3456From George Washington to David Forman, 25 February 1782 (Washington Papers)
I received last Evening your favor of the 23d and thank you for the information contained in it. As I have made it an invariable practice not to give permission for any Citizens to go within the Enemy’s Lines on private business; without liberty is first obtained from the Executive of the State to which they belong, I must refer the Persons mentioned in your Letter to the Civil Authority for...
3457From George Washington to Daniel Parker, 18 September 1783 (Washington Papers)
Be so good as to receive from Colo. Smith, Fifty Guineas which were left in his hands, for my use, by the Count Del Vermé; and apply them to my Credit in payment for the Pipe of Wine (which was to be sent to Virginia) with the other things—if they could be got, agreeably to my former letter of the 12th. You would do me a favor by requesting Mr Frauncis to enquire if a good Cook, German I...
3458From George Washington to Joseph Trumbull, 2 November 1775 (Washington Papers)
The news of your recovery, has given your friends a great deal of Joy. we had little hopes of seeing you again from some late accts of your health. I have given Captn Wadsworth a draft on the Treasury for 120,000 Dollars agreeable to your request, although the State of our Cash is by no means able to bear such a pull upon it. besides this, Mr Avery on the 20th Instt got a Warrt for 20, M...
3459From George Washington to Daniel Carroll of Duddington, 28 November 1791 (Washington Papers)
Your letter of the 21st came to my hands on thursday afternoon. By the Post of next morning I was unable to answer it; and this is the first opportunity that has offered since by wch it cd be done. It would have been better, & given me more satisfaction, if you had made your Appeal to the Commissioners; to whom all matters respecting the Federal district and City are now committed; but as you...
3460From George Washington to Major Peter Scull, 5 January 1778 (Washington Papers)
A few days ago I recieved your Favor of the 27th Ulto. I wish it had been on any other subject than that of your resignation, and am extremely sorry the situation of your Affairs should have made such an application necessary. I must request, Sir, if it can be done, that you will not entertain an idea of it. It is no time for Officers of merit in which class I consider you, to leave the Army....
3461From George Washington to Tobias Lear, 23 November 1790 (Washington Papers)
With some difficulty (from the most infamous roads that ever were seen) we have got to this place, and are waiting dinner; but have no expectation of reaching Baltimore to Night. Dunn has given such proofs of his want of skill in driving, that I find myself under a necessity of looking out for another Coachman. Before we got to Elizabeth Town we were obliged to take him from the Coach & put...
3462From George Washington to William Livingston, 24 June 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have received your Excellency’s Letter of the 18th—And being much concerned for the Occasion, I am much obliged by a Communication of its Contents. My Instructions to Colo. Dayton were very pointed, strict and positive to prevent every Intercourse with the Enemy by Way of Elizabeth-Town, or any of the Jersey Posts, informing him that no Communication was to be held with the Enemy but by the...
3463From George Washington to Samuel Powel, 15 June 1785 (Washington Papers)
I have been honoured with your favour of the 25th of April, but have not yet had the pleasure to see Doctr Moyes—On the 22d Instt I shall look for him—I pray you to be assured that, it is unnecessary for you to apologize to me for the introduction of any Gentleman of whom you entertain a favourable opinion; for, such as you may conceive to be worthy of my civilities, will always meet a ready...
3464From George Washington to Robert Morris, 4 February 1783 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to acknowledge the recet of your Letter of the 28 January inclosing one Thousand Dollars (in Notes) for Coll Varick—whose Receipt shall be obtained and transmitted agreably to your desire. I cannot omit mentioning that the Officer of the Detachment sent from Phila. with Marine Prisoners—Reports—that no Arrangemint having been made for their Subsistence on the Road—both Guard &...
3465From George Washington to Richard Platt, 31 March 1781 (Washington Papers)
I send you herewith an application to the Civil Authority for impress Warrants to procure Teams for the transportation of flour &c. I wish you to send proper Persons of Your Department to negotiate this business, and to use every exertion to have the Stores brought on, as soon as possible. The Cloathing for Philadelphia may be forwarded by these Teams, without any expence, to Ringwood, or some...
3466From George Washington to John Hancock, 3 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
Your Favor of this date with its inclosures is now before me. At the same time that I express my thanks for the high mark of confidence which Congress have been pleased to repose in me by their Resolve authorizing me to send an Officer to command the northern Army, I should wish to be excused from making the appointment. For this, many Reasons might be mentioned, and which, I am persuaded will...
3467From George Washington to Robert Morris, 31 December 1776 (Washington Papers)
Our Affairs are at present in a most delicate—tho’ I hope a fortunate Situation: But the great & radical Evil which pervades our whole System & like an Ax at the Tree of our Safety Interest & Liberty here again shews its baleful Influence—Tomorrow the Continental Troops are all at Liberty—I wish to push our Success to keep up the Pannick & in order to get their Assistance have promised them a...
3468From George Washington to Colonel William Malcom, 20 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have received your favours of the 12th and 16th. You express a desire in the former to make a visit to Head Quarters to represent the state of the Garrison—Unless the necessity be very urgent I wish you to defer it awhile, as the arrival of the Convention troops at the North River will make your presence at the Fort very necessary. While they are near and passing the River, you will see the...
3469From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 21 March 1793 (Washington Papers)
For carrying into execution the provisions in that behalf made by the Act, entitled, “An Act making appropriations for the support of Government for the year one thousand seven hundred & ninety three.” I do hereby authorise you the said Secretary of the Treasury to agree and contract with the President, Directors and Company of the Bank of the United States for a loan or loans to the United...
3470From George Washington to Myles Cooper, 15 April 1774 (Washington Papers)
As your letter (& accot) to Mr Custis, was receivd by him posterior to the one written to me, & not immediately given into my hands, (as the young Gentn since his marriage has been good part of his time in Maryland) I could not make you the enclos’d remittance much sooner. You will now receive a Draft on Messrs Osgood Hanbury & Company for £65 Sterling, which please to dispose of, & with the...
3471From George Washington to the Board of War, 16 June 1780 (Washington Papers)
I am honored with your letters of the 12th and 13th. I am much obliged to you for the step you took respecting the city-horse; their services here at this juncture will be extremely useful. I write to His Excellency the President requesting they may be sent forward. I shall have no objection to Lt. Col. Conolly’s having the indulgence he asks though I should wish his going in to be postponed...
3472From George Washington to Timothy Pickering, 1 August 1796 (Washington Papers)
Your letters of the 26th and 27th Ulto were received by the Post on friday last. Forwarding without further direction, the Commission appointing Mr Davis Attorney for the District of Massachusetts in place of Mr Otis, after satisfactorily ascertaining those points which had occasioned the hesitation, was perfectly conformable to my intention. I rejoice to find by the account you have given of...
3473From George Washington to Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de Rochambeau, 31 December 1781 (Washington Papers)
My last to Your Excellency was on the 16th inst. I have since that received information that an embarkation has taken place at New York—It is said to consist of three British Regiments and a detachment of Hessian Grenadiers. They may have sailed by this time, but of this I have no certain accounts. They are to be convoyed by two Ships of the Line and two or three Frigates. It is conjectured...
3474From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 20 December 1779 (Washington Papers)
The distress of a great part of the troops for want of Cloathing, particularly in the essential article of shoes, which would render them useless, should circumstances require the activity of the army, induces me to request your exertions to give the Clothier the assistance he may stand in need of for bringing on his supplies—These have been delayed much longer than I expected for want of the...
3475From George Washington to James Clinton, 17 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
I some time ago upon the representation of Mr Rensalaer the Commy of Stores at Albany gave him an unlimited order upon the Dy Commy of Hides for as much Leather or Hides as were absolutely necessary for the business of the Department. I am informed that the first draft he made was for 900 Hides, a quantity that to me seems far greater than there could possibly be occasion for, at one time at...
3476From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 25 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have just recd intelligence from two different quarters that the Fleet, which sailed on the 19th and 20th instants from the Hook, contained only the Invalids of the Army bound for Europe—the Officers of the reduced Regiments, and the families of several public and private Gentlemen. perhaps all outward bound Vessels might have taken the benefit of Convoy, which may have swelled the fleet to...
3477To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 13 October 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
In the selection of Characters to fill the important offices of Government in the United States I was naturally led to contemplate the talents and disposition which I knew you to possess and entertain for the Service of your Country.—And without being able to consult your inclination, or to derive any knowledge of your intentions from your letters either to myself or to any other of your...
3478From George Washington to Colonel William Malcom, 7 December 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have to acknowlege the reciept of your two favors of the 2d & 5th Inst. I do not doubt but that every thing has been done towards completing the works, which was in the power of an active intelligent and good officer. But as the fort is not now within the protection of the army, it is therefore necessary to augment the number of garrison troops; and as these will be accompanied by a...
3479From George Washington to Colonel Armand, 12 January 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have recd your favor of yesterday. On my part there is not the smallest objection to your accompanying Colo. Laurens to France, but the permission must come from Congress. The offer which you make of equipping your Corps with Cloathing & Accoutrements (the cost of wch to be repaid in three or 4 Years, and the interest annually) is generous; and among many other proofs of your Zeal & ability...
3480From George Washington to Comfort Sands, 25 May 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have this moment received a Letter from General Heath of which the inclosed is a Copy. Why Sir are the Troops without Provisions? Why are the deposits which have so often, and so long ago been required by General Heath, and pressed by myself, neglected? Why do you so pertinatiously adhere to all those parts of the Contracts as are promotive of your own Interest & convenience (several of...
3481From George Washington to James McHenry, 6 August 1783 (Washington Papers)
After a tour of at least 750 Miles (performed in Nineteen days) I returned to this place yesterday Afternoon, where I found your favor of the 31st Ulto intimating a resolution of Congress for calling me to Princeton, partly as it would seem, on my own account, and partly for the purpose of giving Aid to Congress; but the President not having sent on the Resolution I am left ignorant of the...
3482From George Washington to Norman MacLeod, 10 July 1795 (Washington Papers)
Your letter of the 9th of March, and the works which accompanied it, I have had the pleasure to rec⟨eive⟩—but not that of seeing Mr Wilson; wh⟨o⟩ either from his own engagements, or knowledge he obtained of mine, must have been prevented from calling. For the books I thank you. You much over rate any civilities which chance may have enabled me to shew you in the course of the War between Great...
3483From George Washington to Thomas Nelson, 2 August 1798 (Washington Papers)
Your letter of the 27th Ulto came to my hands by the last Post, and I thank you for the Offer you have made me of your Services as one of my Aids de Camp; But as you will have seen by the reservation made in my letter to the President of the U. States (which I perceive is published in the Gazettes) that my coming forward depends upon contingencies; so, the appointing of my Aids, will be...
3484From George Washington to Henry Knox, 10 April 1794 (Washington Papers)
After giving the application contained in the Memorial of Doctr White (herewith returned) all the consideration it deserves, you will report what you think can & ought to be done for the protection of the District of Mero under present circumstances. I am &c. Df , DLC:GW ; LB , DLC:GW . On the memorial presented by James White, which requested federal assistance in the defense of the Mero...
3485From George Washington to Major General Artemas Ward, 26 June 1776 (Washington Papers)
Being in the greatest distress here for Arms without the most distant prospect of obtaining a Supply, and as Several have been lately brought into Boston belonging to the Highlanders That have been taken, I request that you will immediately forward the remaing Two Hundred Carbines which in my Letter of the 28 Ulto I desired to be kept at Boston to the person at Norwich to whose care the others...
3486From 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...
3487From George Washington to Azariah Dunham, 5 April 1780 (Washington Papers)
By a return made to me this day by the Asst Commy of Issues, I find that there are not more than four days Meat in the Magazine —This is a circumstance so alarming, that I request you to make me an immediate return of the quantity of Meat within your district, more particularly of what is within a short distance of Camp, and I must further request you to make use of every exertion to have it...
3488From George Washington to James Parr, 28 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
I am pleased to find by a letter from His Excellency president Reed that you have accepted of the command of the Corps of Rifle Men which are to be raised in Pennsylvania and that there is a probability that the Men will be obtained—As their services are immediately wanted, you will be pleased to send them to Camp in parties from 20 to thirty under the charge of an Officer. I observe by the...
3489From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 12 January 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have yours of the 9th inclosing the proceedings of the Court Martial who set upon Strang. In my opinion the Sentence should be confirmed & executed. It gives me great pleasure to find that your Troops are in so great fordwardness, to move down on both sides of the River. I think the diversion which you will create, will be attended with the most happy Consequences to us and distress to the...
3490From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 30 September 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have the Honor to transmit to you a Copy of the proceedings of our Commissioners at their late Meeting at Tappan, with Copies of the powers presented by the British Commissioners, and the several papers which passed between them ’till their Seperation on the 28th—by which you will see their Business has been brot to a speedy & undecisive Issue. Inclosed are Copies of Letters which passed...