1From George Washington to John Adam, 15 October 1780 (Washington Papers)
I understand Mr Skinner is gone to Philadelphia. You will keep the inclosed Letter for him till he returns, when You will take the earliest opportunity of delivering it to him. I desire to see him as soon as he arrives & have written to him for the purpose. You will inform the Officer who came with a flag to Elizabeth Town Yesterday—that he is not to wait for an Answer to the Letters he...
2XV. George Washington to Captain Judah Alden, 23 November 1780 (Washington Papers)
I impart to you in confidence that I intend to execute an enterprise against Staten Island to morrow night, for which reason I am desirous of cutting off all intercourse with the Enemy on the East side of the River. You will therefore tomorrow at Retreat beating set a guard upon any Boats which may be at the slot or Niack, and not suffer any to go out on any pretence whatever, till next...
3George Washington to Captain Judah Alden, 24 November 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Totowa, New Jersey ] November 24, 1780 . Asks Alden to send enclosed letter to Lieutenant Colonel David Humphreys. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Alden was a captain in the Second Massachusetts Regiment.
4From George Washington to Colonel Armand, 5 November 1780 (Washington Papers)
By the establishment of the Army agreeable to the Resolve of Congress of the 21st October, the partizan Corps under your command is to consist of three troops of mounted and three of dismounted Dragoons of 50 each—They are to be officered by my appointment subject to the approbation of Congress. I am also authorised to direct a mode for compleating, recruiting and supplying the Corps. As to...
5George Washington to Colonel Charles Armand, 27 November 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Passaic Falls [ New Jersey ] November 27, 1780 . Regrets that Armand plans to resign. Commends Armand for his services. Df , in writings of Tench Tilghman and H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
6George Washington to Colonel Ephraim Blaine, 23 November 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Passaic Falls, New Jersey ] November 23, 1780 . Refers case of Major Daniel Hale to Blaine. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Blaine was commissary general of purchases.
7From George Washington to the Board of War, 12 October 1780 (Washington Papers)
I beg leave to inclose You the Commissions of Lts Emerson & Baxton of the 11th Massachusetts Regiment which it seems are wrong. Mr Emerson is intitled to rank, it is reported, from the 7th of November 1777 and Mr Baxton also as a Lieutenant from the same date. It seems unfortunately that there are many Errors in the Captains & Inferior Officers Commissions in this line, occasioned by the...
8From George Washington to the Board of War, 31 October 1780 (Washington Papers)
You will oblige me by forwarding the inclosed to Colo. Wood, as expeditiously as possible. It contains orders to send down Brigadiers Genl Spetch and de Gall of the Convention troops, to whose exchanges sir Henry Clinton has consented. The Gentlemen are both old and infirm and it is therefore to be wished that they may accomplish their long Journey before the severity of the season sets in. I...
9From George Washington to the Board of War, 4 November 1780 (Washington Papers)
[ Preakness, 4 Nov. 1780 ]. With his “Military Chest being totally exhausted,” GW seeks money that will enable fifteen officers involved in a recent prisoner exchange to reach their homes. “Their long and patient sufferings entitle them to attention and to every assistance in getting themselves and Baggage forward. … P.S. There may perhaps be a few more Gentlemen than those I have named in the...
10George Washington to the Board of War, 21 October 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Preakness [ New Jersey ] October 21, 1780 . Asks Board to explain what is meant by “the line of the army.” Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
11From George Washington to the Board of War, 7 November 1780 (Washington Papers)
I am honored with yours of the 31st ulto in consequence of which I yesterday issued a General Order of which the inclosed is a Copy. I was induced to give so considerable an extent of time to the operation of the order, because many of the Officers who are the objects of it, are at a distance from the Main Army. I shall be obliged by your care of the inclosed for Major Genl Greene, Colo....
12George Washington to the Board of War, 25 October 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Totowa, New Jersey ] October 25, 1780 . Distrusts information that was given to board by a supposed British deserter who may well be a spy. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
13From George Washington to Colonel Philip Burr Bradley, 14 November 1780 (Washington Papers)
You are to take the charge of the Invalids and such other Detachments of the Connecticut Line, as were mentioned in the General Orders of the 13th as also of such of the Baggage as shall be sent from thence, to the Winter Quarters of the Troops: and proceed to King’s Ferry, keeping the Baggage in front of the Line of march, and causing the strictest regularity and order to be observed in it....
14From George Washington to Colonel Daniel Brodhead, 13 October 1780 (Washington Papers)
Your favors of the 18th and 21st of August reached my hands a few days before I sat out for Harford to meet the French Admiral and General. This has occasioned their remaining unanswered to this time. I have approved the sentences of the Court Martial against Capt. Beal—Peter Davis of the 9th Virginia and David Gamble of the 8th Penna Regiment—Gamble appearing to me the most proper object for...
15From George Washington to George Clinton, 6 November 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have received your several favo⟨rs of the 18th 30th⟩ and 31st Ulto. I congratulate you upon your safe return from yo⟨ur⟩ late excursion, and upon the success which attended ⟨Genl Rans⟩alaers attack upon the enemy in their retreat—It is to be ⟨regretted⟩ that your Excellency was not near enough with the Reinfor⟨cement to⟩ take advantage of their situation. The damage, which has ⟨been⟩ done,...
16From George Washington to George Clinton, 27 November 1780 (Washington Papers)
I take the liberty of ⟨inclosing your Excellency⟩ an extract of a letter which I have ⟨just received from⟩ Colo. Hay, and of assuring you at the ⟨same time that⟩ the prospects of the Army, especially of ⟨that part of it⟩ which is to winter in the Highlands, ⟨were never so alar⟩ming in respect to the want of Bread, as ⟨at this⟩ time. We carry with us, from this ground, tom⟨orrow,⟩ every pound...
17From 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...
18George Washington to George Clinton, 29 October 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Preakness [ New Jersey ] October 29, 1780 . Reports that Joshua Hett Smith has been acquitted and is being returned to West Point. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
19From George Washington to George Clinton, 6 November 1780 (Washington Papers)
The moment I receive⟨d⟩ you⟨rs of the⟩ 3d I gave Orders to General Heath to de⟨tach⟩ the remaining three Regiments of the York Brigade to Albany, there to put themselv⟨es⟩ under the command of Brigadier General Clint⟨on⟩ who has Orders to dispose of them as circumstances may require —should you receive ⟨any⟩ information that they are not necessary abov⟨e,⟩ you will be pleased to communicate it...
20From George Washington to George Clinton, 14 November 1780 (Washington Papers)
Since my letter, ⟨of the 5th, on the subject⟩ of the number of Men necessary ⟨to compleat the⟩ Quota of your State, I have recollected ⟨a matter⟩ in the composition of Colo. Lambs Regt ⟨which I⟩ wish had been attended to at that time—⟨Two inde⟩pendent Companies of Pennsylvania, consisting ⟨at⟩ present of only 39 Men, have been for some time past annexed to that Regiment, and are includ⟨ed⟩ in...
21From George Washington to George Clinton, 21 October 1780 (Washington Papers)
I do myself the honor to inclose Your Excellency the Copy of a Letter which has just come to hand from Mr Duer. Altho the testimony contained in it does not seem to be so direct as to make Mr Smith obnoxious to a Military process, Yet, agreable to Mr Duer’s request, I thought it necessary you should be apprised of it, that the State may be enabled to take the proper Measures for the public...
22From George Washington to General Henry Clinton, 16 October 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have received your two letters of the 9th and 13th. On the same principle upon which that of the 9th is founded, it has been my endeavour to conduct the correspondence between us on the terms which politeness and the nature of the intercourse demanded. In the affair to which you allude, I persuade myself all the attentions were observed, which the peculiarity of the circumstances would...
23From George Washington to General Henry Clinton, 20 November 1780 (Washington Papers)
I am authorised by Congress to propose a meeting of Commissioners for the purpose of “effecting an exchange of all Continental prisoners of War, now in your possession, and of the hostages given in Canada, as well as of all officers on parole, and officers violators of parole, and militia actually taken in arms and remaining prisoners of war, for an equal number of The Convention troops, and...
24From George Washington to General Henry Clinton, 16 November 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have to request a passport for the Sloop Carolina packet, Burthen Eighty Tons, John Durry sailing Master —Sheftall Shaftall Flag Master —One Mate and six Seamen, from the port of Philadelphia to Charlestown in South Carolina, laden with provision and Cloathing for the American Troops, prisoners of War there—and also a permit for her return to the port of Philadelphia. I have likewise to...
25George Washington to Sir Henry Clinton, 16 October 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Preakness, New Jersey ] October 16, 1780 . Complains about severity with which Charles, Earl Cornwallis, and Francis Rawdon-Hastings punish inhabitants who assist British deserters. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Francis Rawdon-Hastings, Marquis of Hastings.
26George Washington to Sir Henry Clinton, 20 November 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Passaic Falls, New Jersey ] November 20, 1780 . Proposes a meeting of commissioners for the exchange of prisoners. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
27From George Washington to General Henry Clinton, 22 October 1780 (Washington Papers)
In answer to my proposals for a Resident Commissary with the respective Armies, Major General Phillips has transmitted me another set of proposals substantially the same; except that they require these Commissaries to be appointed by the Commanders in Chief, each by his own authority. It is impossible for me to enter into such an agreement, as I have no power to act but by a derived authority...
28George Washington to Sir Henry Clinton, 21 October 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Preakness, New Jersey ] October 21, 1780 . Discusses proposal for a resident commissary of prisoners. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
29George Washington to Brigadier General James Clinton, 28 October 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Preakness [ New Jersey ] October 28, 1780 . Appoints Clinton to the command of “Albany and on the Frontier.” Sends general instructions. Df , in writings of George Washington, David Humphreys and H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
30From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene or Commanding Officer at West Point, 16 October 1780 (Washington Papers)
It is represented to be indispensably necessary in the course of Smiths trial, that Col. Lamb, Col. Livingston, & Mr Kearse the Qr Master should attend the Court Martial as Witnesses—I have to request that you will Notify them, their presence will be necessary on thursday Next, and give them directions to attend accordingly if possible. I am Sir with great esteem Your Most Obedt Hble Servt LS...
31George Washington to Colonel Thomas Craig, 21 November 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Totowa, New Jersey ] November 21, 1780 . Orders Craig to move his men to Elizabethtown. Df , in writings of Tench Tilghman and H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Craig was a colonel of the Third Pennsylvania Regiment.
32II. George Washington to Colonel Thomas Craig, 21 November 1780 (Washington Papers)
On thursday morning you will march with all the men of your detachment fit for duty to Springfield, where you will halt during the night and next day, ’till three oClock in the afternoon; at three oClock on friday, you will move towards Elizabeth Town, making a slow easy march to avoid fatiguing your men. At Elizabeth Town, you will receive further orders from a General Officer, which you will...
33XVI. George Washington to Major William Crane, 23 November 1780 (Washington Papers)
Captn Ogden will communicate to you in confidence (and more fully than I can do by letter) the business on which he is sent in the execution of which I must require your aid and best exertion —The Boats with the Army are inadequate to the purposes I have in view—more therefore must be provided at, and in the vicinity of Elizabethtown. they will be wanted tomorrow night by one o’clock at...
34George Washington to Major Samuel Darby, 22 November 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Preakness, New Jersey ] November 22, 1780 . Sends instructions for the “march” of the boats to Acquackanonck. Df , in writings of Tench Tilghman and H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Darby was a major of the Seventh Massachusetts Regiment.
35I. George Washington to Major Samuel Darby, 17 November 1780 (Washington Papers)
You will take charge of the Boats with the Army, and see that they are provided with Oars & held in the most perfect readiness for instant use. You will try them in the Water to see if they are quite tight, when full loaded; and you will ascertain the number of Men that each Boat will carry with tolerable convenience, & make report thereof to me. You will number the Boats, & put them into...
36IX. George Washington to Major Samuel Darby, 22 November 1780 (Washington Papers)
You have been directed to do everything necessary for putting the boats under your care in perfect order, muffling the oars &c. and the Quarter Master General has been desired to furnish you with all the necessary means. You will be pleased to distribute your boats into four equal divisions, as nearly as may be, both with respect to number and size, numbering the whole 1. 2. 3. &c. each of...
37From George Washington to William Denning, 2 November 1780 (Washington Papers)
I was a few days ago favored with yours of the 24th ulto. I have not the least doubt but there is too general an inattention to the care of Stores at most of our Magazines and distant posts, but it is much to be regretted that the Deputies residing at those places have so many plausible pretences for throwing the ill condition of what are found in their possession, upon those from whom they...
38From George Washington to William Duer, 21 October 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have transmitted a Copy of your letter of the 11th, which only reached me last evening, to Governor Clinton, as I did not think it contained evidence sufficient to support a military trial. It may however, added to other circumstances of a very suspicious nature, furnish the Legislature with good reasons for removing the Gentleman in question from Haverstraw, which, from its vicinity to our...
39From George Washington to William Fitzhugh, 22 October 1780 (Washington Papers)
The Gentn who will have the honor of presenting you with this letter, is Majr Genl Greene, a particular friend of mine, and one who I would beg leave to recommend to your civilities. He is going to take command of the Southern Army, and calls at Annapolis to make some arrangements with the State respecting its supplies which are turned into that direction. This Gentleman is so intimately...
40From George Washington to William Fitzhugh, 8 November 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have now the pleasure to congratulate you, Mrs Fitzhugh and the Cornet, on his exchange. It was compleated a few days ago, and the Commissary of Prisoners will forward the certificate or promulgation of it. The favourable prospect which at one stage of the campaign was held up to view, has vanished like the morning dew; leaving scarce a trace behind it but the recollection of past distresses...
41To Benjamin Franklin from George Washington, 9 October 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : New Jersey Historical Society; draft: Library of Congress I was very much obliged by the letter which you did me the honor to write me by our amiable young friend the Marquis De La Fayette, whose exertions to serve this Country in his own are additional proofs of his zealous attachment to our cause, and has endeared him to us still more. He came out flushed with expectations of a...
42George Washington to Benjamin Franklin, 9 October 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Bergen County [ New Jersey ] October 9, 1780 . States that the idea of a tour of Europe with Franklin after the war would be tempting if domestic affairs were not so urgent. Asserts that the American military and political situation is such that the country can only be saved by either peace or money from America’s allies. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
43From George Washington to Benjamin Franklin, 9 October 1780 (Washington Papers)
I was very much obliged by the letter which you did me the honor to write me by our amiable young friend the Marquis De La Fayette, whose exertions to serve this Country in his own are additional proofs of his zealous attachment to our cause, and has endeared him to us still more. He came out flushed with expectations of a decisive campaign and fired with hopes of acquiring fresh laurels, but...
44From George Washington to Major David S. Franks, 21 October 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have received your letter of the 16th with the request of which I should be happy to comply fully, did it not appear to me that the transactions at Philadelphia cannot well be investigated but on the spot; and the particular one to which you allude is so much of a civil nature, that I think you had best procure some sort of civil examination. I shall direct General Heath to have an inquiry...
45George Washington to Major David S. Franks, 21 October 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Preakness [ New Jersey ] October 21, 1780 . Discusses proposed court of inquiry into Franks’s conduct. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
46George Washington to Major General Horatio Gates, 22 October 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Preakness [ New Jersey ] October 22, 1780 . Has been directed by Congress to order a court of inquiry into Gates’s conduct as “Commander of the Southern Army.” States that Major General Nathanael Greene has been instructed to take over Gates’s command during inquiry. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
47From George Washington to Brigadier Generals John Glover and John Paterson, 14 October 1780 (Washington Papers)
It has been suggested in several applications I have received of late, that by some means or other many Errors took place in the arrangement of Your line by the Board of General Officers who sat at West point in July & August 1779— in the line of Captains & in the instance of the Inferior Officers , principally in numbering some of the Captains wrong in the order of their precedence in the...
48George Washington to Major John Mauritius Goetschius, 21 November 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Preakness, New Jersey ] November 21, 1780 . Is planning a move toward Elizabethtown. Instructs Goetschius to secure all “watercraft” on the Hackensack. Df , in writings of Tench Tilghman and H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Goetschius was a major in the New Jersey Militia.
49IV. George Washington to Major John Mauritius Goetschius, 21 November 1780 (Washington Papers)
Relying upon your prudence, I inform you in confidence that I have in contemplation a movement of some importance towards Elizabeth Town—in which you will be very useful by securing all the water craft on the Hackensack from the New Bridge downwards, and effectually guarding all the crossing places, fords &c., so that no person may be able to pass to the enemy with intelligence. You will begin...
50George Washington to Lieutenant Colonel Jean-Baptiste Gouvion, 21 November 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Preakness [ New Jersey ] November 21, 1780 . Orders Gouvion to reconnoiter British lines. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.