4471To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 24 August 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
The President sends to the Secretary of State two letters which he has received from Baltimore, written by persons from St. Domingo. The President has no knowledge of the writer of the letter in English; but he wishes the Secretary of State to consider it, and if he thinks the circumstances therein mentioned deserve attention, the Secretary will communicate to the President such answer thereto...
4472From George Washington to Lieutenant Colonel Francis Barber, 14 July 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have received your favour of yesterday, and am obliged to you for the intelligence, it contains. I beg you will continue your endeavours to procure every information, you can, concerning the enemy’s situation and designs, as well with respect to their naval as to their land force, which, at this time, is peculiarly important. For this purpose, I send you a number of questions, which you will...
4473From George Washington to Benjamin Franklin, 18 August 1776 (Washington Papers)
I have been honourd with your favour of the 16th, and the several Inclosures contained therein, which are now return’d with my thanks for the oppertunity of perusing them —I also Inclose you a Letter from Lord Howe, sent out (with others) by a Flag in the Afternoon of yesterday. with it comes a Letter for Lieutt Barrington, who if not among those who broke their Parole, & went of for Canada,...
4474From George Washington to Richard Washington, 20 September 1759 (Washington Papers)
Inclosd you will receive a Bill (promisd in my last of the 7th May) which please to receive and place to my Credit —Since mine of the above date your agreable favour of the 26th March covering Invoice of Sundries pr the desire is come to hand as has the Goods also in good Order which is more than most of the Importers by that Ship can boast great part of her Cargoe being damagd—thrô the...
4475From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 22 January 1778 (Washington Papers)
An officer of Genl Glovers Brigade arrived here yesterday and informs me that he left twelve Waggons load of Cloathing at that place, which he had under his Charge from Boston with directions to bring it on to this Army. He alledges in excuse for leaving it, that the Waggons would not come any further, but it does not appear that he took any pains to procure others. The Army being in the...
4476From George Washington to Colonel Israel Shreve, 16 January 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have recd your favr of the 14th I am in hopes you will execute the whole of your Business without being under the necessity of making a collection by military force. You may make up any deficiency in Flour by Indian Corn or Meal. I am Sir Your most obt Servt LS , in Tench Tilghman’s writing, TxHU . GW signed the cover. The letter is addressed to Shreve in Burlington County, New Jersey.
4477From George Washington to the Pennsylvania Supreme Executive Council, 20 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
A few days since I was honored with your favour of the 8th instant. It is my constant endeavour to cultivate the confidence of the governments of the several states by an equal and uniform attention to their respective interests, so far as falls within the line of my duty and the compass of the means with which I am intrusted. With a consciousness of this, it is natural that my sensibility...
4478From George Washington to Lieutenant Colonel Samuel Smith, 23 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
You will proceed with the detachment under your command to Dunks’s ferry on Delaware, if you find in your progress the way clear & safe. When arrived there, you will take the safest & most expeditious method of conducting the detachment to fort Mifflin; by water would be easiest & least fatiguing to your men; and if practicable & safe, will certainly be most eligible: otherwise you will cross...
4479From George Washington to Brigadier General Nathaniel Heard, 12 June 1780 (Washington Papers)
As there is a large number of horses and Cattle in the vicinity of the enemy which they will no doubt convert to their own benefit—and without making compensation to the owners, the good of the service and a regard to the individuals to whom they belong require that they should be immediately removed. The rules of war justify this precaution and good policy forbids us to leave so valuable a...
4480From George Washington to Robert Morris, 12 September 1776 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with your favr of the 7th Inst. upon the Subject of Tents for this Army. That you might receive proper Information of the Number wanted, I directed the Quarter Master General to return you an Estimate, whose Office it is to provide them. His Report you will find in the inclosed Letter which I beg leave to refer you, and requesting that the greatest Dispatch may be used in...
4481From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 18 October 1792 (Washington Papers)
(Private) My dear Sir Phila. Octobr 18th 1792. I did not require the evidence of the extracts which you enclosed me, to convince me of your attachment to the Constitution of the United States, or of your disposition to promote the general Welfare of this Country. But I regret—deeply regret—the difference in opinions which have arisen, and divided you and another principal Officer of the...
4482From George Washington to Stockbridge Indians, 2 September 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have received your letter by your Captain with your kind Tenders of a Months Service if needed—In Answer I inform you that the Circumstances of the Campaign are such, that at present I have no Ocassion for your Aid—but should Genl Heath find Need of your Assistance, I will be glad you will do him the like Service as you have offered to me, if he shall write to you for that Purpose. In Answer...
4483From George Washington to the Board of War, 6 February 1780 (Washington Papers)
In a letter which I wrote to Congress a few days ago, I took the liberty to recommend uniting the remains of the late Count Pulaski’s legion—Colo. Armands Corps—and a small troop of Horse under the command of Capt. Bedkin. The whole to be under the command of Colo. Armand. Should Congress determine upon the measure—Colo. Armand wishes the Resolve, for the incorporation of the Corps, should be...
4484From George Washington to John Penn, 22 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have received Your favor of the 12th Instant. I was exceedingly sorry for Major Taylor’s resignation—and used my interest to dissuade him from it, as I deemed him a valuable Officer—capable of rendering his Count⟨ry⟩ good Service. But The Major having resigned, I do not see how he can be reintroduced, more especially after so long an absence. Attempts of this sort when they have succeeded,...
4485From George Washington to Lord Stirling, 20 January 1775 (Washington Papers)
Your Lordships favour of the 31st of October never came to my hands till a few days ago & then unaccompanied with any Printed Lists of the fortunate Prizes as mentiond in yr Letter. some time ago I came across one of these Lists in a Gentns possession by wch I found that out of the Six Tickets wch I kept on my own Acct two of them were fortunate—viz. One of £200—No. 58 in the division of...
4486From George Washington to John Mathews, 22 May 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have been hond with your Excelly two Favors of the 15th of March & 11th of April. I am happy to Observe the good Disposition of the State over which you preside—their Exertions seem to me in proportion to the Distresses in which they have been involved—The Act for Recruitg your Line I hope may be attended with happy Consequences. Our Affairs at this moment are placed in a most critical...
4487From George Washington to Major General Joseph Spencer, 21 April 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have yours of the 14th Instant. When I wrote to Genl Varnum expressing my surprise that my Orders for innoculation had not been sooner carried into execution, I was not acquainted with the Circumstances that necessarily retarded it. I do not apprehend that there is any immediate danger from the Enemy at Newport, their sending away their Vessels is a plain indication that they mean either to...
4488From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 11 December 1785 (Washington Papers)
I have been favoured with your letter of the 25th of November by Major Farlie. Sincerely do I wish that the several State Societies had, or would; adopt the alterations that were recommended by the General meeting in May 1784. I then thought, and have had no cause since to change my opinion, that if the Society of the Cincinnati mean to live in peace with the rest of their fellow Citizens,...
4489From George Washington to Robert Morris, 2 February 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with yours of the 26th ulto preparing a plan of providing the Officers with Cloathing—I approve of it generally, and think it will have a happy effect. I will only beg leave to make this remark, that the amount of two Months pay of subalterns will be scarcely sufficient to enable them to purchase a sufficiency of the Articles necessary for the genteel equipment of an...
4490To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 1 January 1794 (Jefferson Papers)
I yesterday received with sincere regret your resignation of the office of Secretary of State. Since it has been impossible to prevail upon you, to forego any longer the indulgence of your desire for private life; the event, however anxious I am to avert it, must be submitted to. But I cannot suffer you to leave your Station, without assuring you, that the opinion, which I had formed, of your...
4491From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 1 May 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with your Excellency’s favors of the 20th and 23d ulto. I shall take as early measures as circumstances will admit for having an enquiry into the conduct of Colo. Brodhead and the Deputy Quarter Master at Fort pitt. Mr Fowlers Charges are so very diffuse, that I shall be obliged to call upon him to specify them more particularly, and I apprehend there will then be a...
4492From George Washington to Major Henry Lee, Jr., 25 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have your favr of the 21st: No occurrence has happened since I wrote to you last, except the evacuation of Stoney and Verplanks Points, which took place on the 22d. I have not heard from Rhode Island since the 15th when Genl Gates wrote me that the enemy were seemingly making every preparation for evacuating that place also —Should Count D’Estaing reach the Hook without touching at the...
4493From George Washington to Colonel Oliver Spencer, 29 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
I am informed by Colonel Malcom in a letter of the 25th in[s]tant of your arrival and that you were to take the command of the new corps. He has declined the service. It appears from his letter that the officers and men are dissatisfied in their present situation—the latter in particular have expressed a desire to be distributed among the regiments belonging to the States where they have been...
4494From George Washington to John Marshall, 5 May 1799 (Washington Papers)
With infinite pleasure I receiv’d the news of your Election. For the honor of the District, I wish the Majority had been greater; but let us be content; and hope, as the tide is turning, the current will soon run strong ⟨in our⟩ favor. I am sorry to find that the publication you allude to, should have given you a moments disquietud⟨e⟩. I can assure you, it made no impression on my mind, of the...
4495From George Washington to a Board of General Officers, 11 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
The Book you will herewith receive contains the Journals and proceedings of Congress for the year 1776. Among these—and agreable to the pages marked below, you will find all the Resolutions that I am possessed of, respecting the Regiments and Officers of Artillery now in Camp—and also the establishment of the Army for 1777. I have the Honor to be with great respect and esteem Genn Yr Most...
4496From George Washington to Philemon Dickinson, 15 May 1781 (Washington Papers)
You may be assured that nothing would give me greater pleasure than to interest myself in a matter which concerned you or your friend, could I do it with propriety, but, unfortunately, the request which you make cannot, from the present circumstances of Affairs, be complied with by me. As I have never had the least correspondence with Don Galvez or any of the spanish Commanders, except a...
4497From George Washington to Thomas Harwood, 27 December 1791 (Washington Papers)
Be pleased to pay to Thomas Johnson, David Stuart, and Daniel Carroll esquires, Commissioners of the Federal district, or to their order, or the order of any two of them—twenty-four thousand Dollars, in part of the Seventy-two thousand dollars given by the Assembly of Maryland, towards the defraying the expences of the public Bu[i]ldings within the said District. LB , DLC:GW . As the state of...
4498From George Washington to Thomas Sim Lee, 22 March 1781 (Washington Papers)
Your Excellency’s favor of the 18th ulto came to Head Quarters during my visit to Count de Rochambeau at Newport from whence I only returned two days ago. You may be assured that every attention shall be paid to the Exchange of Colo. Marbury in his due turn, more than that I cannot promise without deviating from a Rule of conduct which I myself had ever observed and which has lately been...
4499From George Washington to Robert Morris, 28 October 1783 (Washington Papers)
I heard to day, with great pleasure, that Mrs Morris & you intended to Princeton; and would be here at the time of the Public Audience which is to be given to the Dutch Minister. I pray you to be assured, that you could make no Family more happy, than you would do mine, by lodging under their roof—and that nothing in my power shall be wanting, to make Mrs Morris’s time pass as agreeably as...
4500To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, [21 March 1792] (Jefferson Papers)
To morrow I shall be engaged all day, but will, in the course of it, fix a time to view the Big bones at Doctr. Wisters. I hope Mr. Blodget does not begin to hesitate concerning the loan?—And I hope the Commissioners, when they are about it, will build a Stone bridge and a compleat one, over Rock Creek—it will be the cheapest in the end.—Yrs. sincerely, RC ( DLC ); addressed: “Mr. Jefferson”;...
4501From George Washington to Jeremiah Wadsworth, 9 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
Should a co-operation with the French fleet take place, it will be indispensible to our measures to have in stock a considerable quantity of good ship-bread, and a much larger quantity of rum than usual. You will however, and at all events, turn your immediate attention to these two objects; so as to have in readiness, and as soon as possible, such quantities of these articles, as from your...
4502From George Washington to William Livingston, 8 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
Intelligence has been sent me by a Gentleman living near the enemy’s lines, and who has an opportunity of knowing what passes among them, that four parties had been sent out with orders to take or assasinate Your Excellency—Governor Clinton—Me and a fourth person, name not known. I cannot say that I am under apprehension on account of the latter, but I have no doubt they would execute the...
4503From George Washington to Abraham Yates, Jr., 12 September 1776 (Washington Papers)
I yesterday received the favor of your Letter of the 9th with Its several Inclosures and am extremely happy that your Honbe Body had anticipated my recommendation by resolving on an Augmentation of Six hundred men to the Garrisons in the Highlands—the Importance of those posts demands the utmost attention, and every exertion to maintain them. The Vessels for the removal of the Sick are not yet...
4504From George Washington to Samuel McDowell, Sr., 20 October 1792 (Washington Papers)
Your letter of the 6th of April, inclosing a copy of the Constitution formed for the State of Kentucky, did not get to my hands ‘till I was about leaving this place to go to Mount Vernon, and I embrace the earliest opportunity, after my return to the seat of Government, to acknowledge the receipt of it, and to thank you for the transmission. I am Sir, with esteem Your most Obedt Servt. Df , in...
4505From George Washington to Jean-Baptiste de Gouvion, 2 September 1781 (Washington Papers)
You will proceed with all convenient dispatch to the Camp of the Marqs de la Fayette in Virginia, and receive further orders from Genl Duportail or the Marquis. You will let your rout be by Christiana bridge—the head of Elk—the lower ferry on Susquehanna—Baltimore—Elk ridge landing—Bladensburg—& George Town—From George Town you will go by the best waggon Road to Fredericksburg by Falmouth...
4506From George Washington to Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, Baron [von] Steuben, 4 February 1782 (Washington Papers)
It would give me much pleasure in answering your letter of this date, if I could deliver such an opinion as would perfectly accord with the wishes of yourself, and the Gentn who are had in contemplation as Assistant Inspectors—But despairing of this, I shall submit such an one as candor, and a desire of information may require. My opinion has uniformly been that throwing the Inspectorate &...
4507From George Washington to Timothy Pickering, 24 December 1782 (Washington Papers)
The bad state of affairs in your Department, is such as makes your presence indispensably necessary with the Army; The complaints of all, from the Major General to the lowest Staff Officer entitled to keep a Horse, are agravated to the highest possible degree, on account of the continual want of Forage—As a specimen of the distress, which has fallen under my own observation, you may be...
4508From George Washington to William Livingston, 10 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor of yours of Yesterday. I am sorry that you construed a part of my last letter into any kind of reflection upon the exertions of your State. I could not mean it as I am conscious they do not deserve it—As it happened from several particular Circumstances that the two thousand Militia voted to reinforce this Army could not leave the State, I only meant to urge the necessity of...
4509From George Washington to Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 27 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
I receiv’d your favor of Yesterday, & immediately sent one of my Aids to represent the Subject of it to the Commissary of Forage & Quartermaster Genl as far as it related to them—they declare that nothing of the Kind has happen’d within their knowledge, but say, they cannot be answerable for the conduct of many of their Deputies as they are not to be depended on, & it is out of their power to...
4510From George Washington to John Hancock, 9 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
The inclosed Copy of a Letter from the Commissary General of provisions & the information you will receive from Majr Hoops will convince Congress of the distress & confusion prevailing in that Department. Without something is done in aid of Mr Trumbull immediately, this Army must be disbanded—If the present difficulties continue, it is impossible it can exist. I entreat Congress to take the...
4511From George Washington to William Savage, 28 June 1768 (Washington Papers)
In compliance with the Bond given to Mr Fairfax and myself, as Trustees for the use of Mrs Savage, we think it incumbent on us to request payment of the sum therein stipulated, for the purposes therein expressed. This demand we are induced to make, on full conviction that it is not in our power to release the Bond (of which, possibly, you may hereafter be convinced) without forfeiting the...
4512From George Washington to Ezra Stiles, 1 April 1782 (Washington Papers)
On my way from Philadelphia to this place, I had the pleasure to receive your favor of the 20th of March, covering an Oration delivered by Mr Tutor Meigs on the Surrender of Lord Cornwallis—I entreat, you will make that Gentleman sensible of the high gratification I have received from his ingenious performance; and that you Will be convinced of the ardent passion I have for the promotion of...
4513From George Washington to Lieutenant Colonel Udny Hay, 15 May 1780 (Washington Papers)
Upon looking to a General Return of Qr Masters Stores I find there were 1200 lb. of Oakum and 164 Barrels of Tar at Albany the 7th January last —As the repair of the Boats upon the north River was delayed for want of the above Articles you will be pleased to order them down, and set every hand who understands the Business to work upon the Boats —I am exceedingly anxious to have them put in...
4514From George Washington to Major General Robert Howe, 20 September 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have this moment recd your favs. of the 19th and 20th My Accounts from New York by way of Staten Island agree in the main with yours, and General Wayne just now informs me that he is of opinion that the evacuation of both Verplanks and Stoney points is in agitation. You must exercise your own judgment in pitching upon a position, I have only one general Rule to lay down for you, which is, to...
4515From George Washington to Joseph Chandler, 21 January 1783 (Washington Papers)
By an accidental conveyance I recd some time ago the Representation you was pleased to address to me on the 25 Ulto respecting the apprehension of Lt Stone of the 1st Masstts Regt for the murder of Capt. Hitchcock of the same Regt, having been until then, totally unacquainted with the circumstances of that unhappy affair some time has been unavoidably consumed in investigating & pointing out...
4516From George Washington to Nicholas Cooke, 15 November 1775 (Washington Papers)
Cambridge , 15 November 1775 . “Inclosed you have a Copy of instructions given to Genl Sullivan on his departure for Portsmouth New Hampshire.” LS , in Stephen Moylan’s writing, NjMoHP ; Varick transcript , DLC:GW . The contents of this letter are nearly identical to the third, fourth, and fifth paragraphs of GW’s letter to Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., of this date. See Circular Instructions for...
4517From George Washington to Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 12 November 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with your Excellency’s favor of the 5th. The operations to the Southward have been of so much longer duration, than was at first apprehended, and no certain accounts being yet received, that have come to my knowlege, induces me to think, that the probability of an attempt against the enemy in this quarter, more especially considering the advanced state of the season, is a...
4518From George Washington to John Hanson, 26 September 1782 (Washington Papers)
The following Intelligence I rece’d yesterday from Canada—It being of great importance to the United States and in my Judgement bearing the marks of great Authenticity I think it proper to communicate it to your Excellency and Congress. "Septr 3. 1782—Dispatches are lately received by General Haldiman from the Ministry—the following is what I have collected of the Contents—That a reinforcement...
4519From George Washington to Joseph Woodbridge, 5 August 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have received your favr of the 24th of last Month and am obliged by the offer which you have made of the Cannon saved out of the Wreck of the Culladen—such Guns would be valuable to the Continent; but you must know our difficulties in regard to making payment—If you will however let me know your lowest price and longest Credit, I will endeavour to make a Contract with you, on terms which...
4520From George Washington to Robert Lewis, 31 August 1794 (Washington Papers)
Your letter of the 19th Instt has been received, & I will answer such parts as require it. The money in your hands, belonging to me, may be lodged in Alexandria, & made subject to Mr William Pearce (my manager) his order. This will answer all the purposes of your coming down, if he is advised thereof—At the sametime write, & transmit me the accts, that I may see who have paid, and who are...