1From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 5 November 1779 (Washington Papers)
I am much indebted to you for your obliging favors of the 7th & 24th of last month, and offer my thanks for the several agreeable pieces of intelligence contained in the latter. No part of which believe me Sir, gave more sincere pleasure than the acct of your appointment to the States of Holland—No person (if you will permit me to say as much) is more impressed with the importance of those...
2From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 29 September 1779 (Washington Papers)
You will permit me to beg your protection to the inclosed Carolina letters—Should you know of any conveyance shorter than the established Post I shall be obliged by your sending them in that line. We have little from this quarter to engage your attention, unless we should give you report and conjecture. By a Vessel in 52 days from Amsterdam to Boston, we are told that before the Captn left...
3George Washington to Henry Laurens, Joseph Spencer, and Nathaniel Scudder, 20 August 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
West Point, August 20, 1779. Suggests combining duties of muster department with those of inspectorship. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. These men were members of a committee of Congress on the mustering department.
4From George Washington to Richard Henry Lee, Henry Laurens, and Thomas Burke, 5 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to transmit to your care an Open Letter for Brigadr General Scott, by which you will perceive that I have directed the Levies in Virginia to be formed into three Batallions and to be officered & marched under his command, to reinforce the Southern Army, as soon as circumstances will possibly permit. I give you this trouble, lest these directions should interfere with any...
5From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 20 March 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have to thank you and I do it very sincerely, for your obliging favors of the 2d & 16 Inst. & for their several inclosures, containing Articles of intelligence. I congratulate you most cordially on Colo. Campbells precipitate retreat from Fort Augusta—what was this owing to—it seems to have been a surprize even upon Williamson. But I rejoice much more on acct of his disappointed application...
6George Washington to Henry Laurens and Thomas Burke, 18 March 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Middlebrook [ New Jersey ] March 18, 1779 . Discusses exchange of prisoners. Believes that civilian prisoners should not be exchanged at this time. Raises question as to mode of delivery of prisoners. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Laurens was a member of Congress from South Carolina; Burke was a member of the same body from North Carolina.
7From George Washington to Thomas Burke and Henry Laurens, 18 March 1779 (Washington Papers)
I am honored with your letter of the 15th with its inclosures—and shall with pleasure give you my opinion on the points which you have been pleased to suggest. With respect to the negotiation on the subject of an Exchange of Prisoners—I think the propositions held out on our part are substantially right, and, on general principles of justice and policy ought to be adhered to—How far the...
8From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 17 February 1779 (Washington Papers)
Altho I have delayed till now to give you the trouble of a line, I am not the less impressed with a sense of your politeness and civilities to me while I had the honor of being under your roof. I shall think myself very happy if any poor Cottage, of which I happen to be Master, can be favourd with your Company. We have nothing new in this quarter—but are told that something great and good is...
9From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 18 December 1778 (Washington Papers)
I received your official Letter of the 8th Instant, advising that your relinquishment of the Presidency would soon take place, which I see has happened; and assuring me of the respect and esteem you should always retain for me. Permit me in turn, Sir, to assure you in the language of the most unfeigned sincerity, that I hold myself under great obligations for the very polite & satisfactory...
10From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 7 December 1778 (Washington Papers)
I had the honor of receiving yours of the 2d at this place. I have forwarded the Brevet to Capt. Simonot, and shall take such measures in regard to Colo. Fleury’s letter as shall seem proper, upon my arrival at Middle Brook, for which I set out again tomorrow. Upon leaving Elizabeth-town I directed Colo. Harrison to inform you of the intelligence I had received, and which I thought demanded my...
11From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 4 December 1778 (Washington Papers)
Between Fredericksburg and this place, where I arrived yesterday afternoon, I had the Honor to receive Your Excellency’s several favors of the 26th 27th & 28th in due order, with their several Inclosures, which shall have my attention. My being on the road from the time of their coming to hand till yesterday, prevented me from acknowledging them before. As many inconveniences would attend the...
12George Washington to Henry Laurens, 27 November 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Fredericksburg [ New York ] November 27, 1778 . Acknowledges receipt of copies of treaties with France. States that commissioners have been appointed for exchange of prisoners. Discusses plans for winter quarters. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
13From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 27 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
I was yesterday honored with your favor of the 20th with its several inclosures—Congress will be pleased to accept my acknowledgements for the communication of the treaties between his Most Christian Majesty and the United States—The resolve respecting the exchange of Prisoners has been transmitted to Sir Harry Clinton, and I have appointed commissioners if he thinks proper to meet his at...
14From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 26 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
Mr John Dodge will have the honor of delivering this Letter to your Excellency—His history is—that he is a native of Connecticut—and about eight years ago, as he informs me settled in the Country between Detroit and Pitsburg as an Indian trader—That he carried on commerce till January 1776, when, for his attachment to our cause and the measures he had taken to promote it, he became obnoxious...
15From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 23–24 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
Your Excellency’s Letter of the 18th with the inclosure referred to, came to hand yesterday. I had before received the intelligence contained in Mr Dean’s Letter—and in consequence, made part of the detachments, which have been mentioned in my late Letters. It is highly probable—that the late incursions and outrages were committed by the parties comprehended in Mr Deane’s intelligence—and I...
16From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 23 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
John Temple Esqr. will have the honor of presenting this to your Excellency. I do not know what Mr Temple’s views are; but it seems he has some application to make to Congress. I never had till now the pleasure of a personal acquaintance with him, but from the terms in which Mr Bowdoin speaks of him, as your Excellency will perceive by the inclosed letter, and from other recommendations I have...
17George Washington to Henry Laurens, 21 November 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Fredericksburg [ New York ] November 21, 1778 . Requests Congress to promote Pierre Penet’s brother to captain by brevet. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
18From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 21 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
I had the honor of your Excellency’s two favors of the 14th & 15 Inst. with their several inclosures. The consideration of Doctor Conolly’s case, with the resolution of Congress, I have transmitted to Sir Henry Clinton. In my letter of the 16th I communicated to your Excellency the attempt on Fort Alden, by the savages. I have since received the inclosed dispatches confirming that disagreeable...
19From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 21 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
This will be delivered you by young Mr Penet, brother to the Gentleman, who was in a partnership with Mr Plierne. That Gentleman has importuned me to recommend his brother to Congress for an appointment by brevet to the rank of Captain, which he observes will have no effect in this country, as his brother will immediately return to France, which he makes an essential condition of the...
20From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 20 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
Mr Wheelock will have the honor of presenting this letter to your Excellency. He waits on Congress upon the affairs of a regiment, under the command of Colonel Bedel, which it seems was raised in the Coos Country—or at least has been kept up since March last, upon the recommendation of the Marquis Fayette, when at Albany. This Corps according to the inclosed state by Mr Wheelock, who is the...
21George Washington to Henry Laurens, 19 November 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Fredericksburg [ New York ] November 19, 1778 . States that Colonel Armand wishes Congress to commission officers who served in his corps, and that Armand intends to leave for France. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
22From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 19 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
Col. Armand will have the honor of delivering you this—He waits upon Congress on the affairs of his corps; particularly with respect to commissions for his officers and a settlement of accounts; and has signified to me his intention to return to France, so soon as these matters can be adjusted. In a letter of the 31st of August, I stated the manner in which his appointments have been made, and...
23From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 18 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
Count Kolhowski, who will have the honor of delivering you this, is a Polish officer, who is desirous of entering into our service. I inclose Your Excellency two letters in his favour from Doctor Franklin and Mr Deane; added to which he is recommended to me by Count Pulaski, as a brave and useful officer, who served under him in Poland. He wishes him to be placed in his legion with the rank of...
24George Washington to Henry Laurens, 16 November 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Fredericksburg [ New York ] November 16, 1778 . States that Brigadier General Du Portail, since his furlough from France expires soon, wishes to be employed by Congress. LS , in writing of H, Papers of the Continental Congress, National Archives.
25George Washington to Henry Laurens, 16 November 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Fredericksburg [ New York ] November 16, 1778 . Transmits news of attack on Cherry Valley. Believes that only way to prevent such attacks is to carry on an offensive war against Indians. LS , in writing of H, Papers of the Continental Congress, National Archives.
26From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 16 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
By the time this reaches you General Du Portail will probably be at Philadelphia. One part of his business is to prosecute the directions given him, some time since, for forming a plan for the defence of the River Delaware, to be submitted to Congress. Another part is to understand from Congress, what may be their views and wishes with respect to his further continuance in America and that of...
27From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 16 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
I had the honor of receiving your favour of the 6th, yesterday, with the inclosed copy of a letter from the President of the Council of New Jersey, relative to an expected attack upon the Western frontier of that state. I have just received a letter from General Hand, giving intelligence of an attack upon Colonel Alden’s regiment at Cherry-Valley, effected by surprise, in consequence of which,...
28George Washington to Henry Laurens, 14 November 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Fredericksburg [ New York ] November 14, 1778 . Discusses advantages and disadvantages of proposed Canadian expedition. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
29From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 14 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
This will be accompanied by an Official Letter on the subject of the proposed Expedition against Canada —You will perceive I have only considered it in a Military light—indeed I was not authorized to consider it in any other, and I am not without apprehensions, that I may be thought in what I have done, to have exceeded the limits intended by Congress—But my sollicitude for the public welfare...
30From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 14 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
I do myself the honor to transmit you the copy of a letter of the 10th instant, which I recd yesterday from Sir Henry Clinton, on the subject of exchanging the prisoners of the Convention. Should the proposition be agreeable to Congress, I shall be glad to receive powers to enter into a negotiation as soon as possible, as it may probably releive our Officers, upon parole, from the disagreeable...
31George Washington to Henry Laurens, 13 November 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Fredericksburg [ New York ] November 13, 1778 . States that Baron von Steuben waits upon Congress on the subject of the inspectorship. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
32From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 13 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
Baron De Steuben will have the honor of delivering you this. He waits upon Congress on the subject of the Inspectorship, which he is extremely anxious should be put upon some decided footing. He appears to be sensible of some difficulties in the plan formerly proposed and which I had the honor some time since to transmit my observations upon; and desirous that they should not prove an...
33From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 12 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
Inclosed I have the honor to transmit the Copy of a letter from Brig: General Hamilton to Genl Heath. I did not chuse to grant the request without the concurrence of Congress; tho’ at the same time I think it may be safely done. It will save the trouble and expence of another escort at a future day. I shall be glad of the determination of Congress as speedily as possible as the Flag Vessell...
34From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 11 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
On Wednesday afternoon I received a Letter from the Honble Mr Lee & Mr Lovell, of the Committee for foreign affairs, inclosing a plan and sundry Resolutions of Congress for attacking Canada the next Campaign, in conjunction with the forces of his most Christian Majesty; and requesting my observations upon the same, to be transmitted to Congress—and a Copy to be delivered to the Marquiss De la...
35From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 6 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
On Wednesday Evening I received your Excellency’s favors of the 30th ulto & 1st Inst. with their several inclosures. I will direct the best & cheapest disposition, I can, to be made of the cavalry for their accommodation in Quarters—and will instruct the Forage Master on the occasion. The remittance to the Pay Master which you mention, I presume has come to hand, having been applied to by him,...
36From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 31 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
Your Excellency’s favor of the 23d Instant, was delivered me yesterday, with the Resolution respecting Monsieur L’Eclise. As soon as I am notified of the place of his residence, I will give the necessary directions, for carrying into execution the humane & benevolent intention of Congress towards him. I take the liberty to inclose a Letter from Doctor Connolly, representing his situation, His...
37From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 29 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
Yesterday forenoon I had the honor to receive your favor of the 23d Instant, with a Resolution of Congress of the preceding day, appointing Major General Gates to command in the Eastern district. A copy of the Resolution was immediately forwarded to him at Hartford, with a request that he would repair to Boston in compliance with it. Your Excellency’s letter to him, was also dispatched by the...
38From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 26–27 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
I had the honor of your letter of the 22d Instant with its several inclosures to-day, at noon. I shall pay a proper regard to the act of Congress respecting Monsr de Vrigny. For information on the second resolve, for obtaining a return of the re-inlistments, I must beg leave to refer Congress to my letter of the 24th. I have complyed with the intention of the 3d, and transmitted the act to Sir...
39From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 24 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
The letter, which I had the honor of addressing to you the day before yesterday, would inform Congress of the embarkation and sailing of a considerable detachment of the enemy from New York; and of the measures I had taken, in expectation of—and upon the happening of the event. Whether this will be succeeded by a further embarkation, or by a total evacuation of the posts, which they hold...
40From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 22–23 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have been Honoured, in due order, with your favors of the 13 & 16 Instant; the former came to hand on Sunday Evening —the latter to day. The several matters, which are the Objects of them, shall have my attention, as far as it shall be practicable. With respect to the practices complained of by Governor Livingstone, the Extract from his Letter, transmitted by Congress, conveyed the first...
41George Washington to Henry Laurens, 21 October 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Fredericksburg [ New York ] October 21, 1778 . Introduces Lieutenant Colonel Mauduit du Plessis, who wishes to leave country. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress
42From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 21 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
The Chevalier Mauduit Du Plessis will have the honor of delivering you this letter. In expectation that the war is at a conclusion in this Country and that another is kindling in Europe; he has determined to return to France to offer his service to his own Country. He waits upon Congress to obtain their concurrence for this purpose: I have given him a handsome certificate of his conduct in our...
43From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 18 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
I am honored with yours of the 9th inclosing a Resolve to extend the Embargo and to prevent forestalling provision. I hope the latter will have the desired effect, for unless that most infamous practice of raising the prices of the necessaries of life can be stopped, it will be impossible for any Funds to subsist the Army. Inclosed you have the Copy of a petition from the Refugees in New York...
44From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 14 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
Since I had the Honor of addressing you on the 6th Instant, by favor of the Marquiss Fayette, I received your Letter of the 2d with it’s Inclosure. I do myself the honor of transmitting you an Account of the Engagement, between the French and British Fleets on the 27th of July, as published by the British Admiralty Board; I received a printed Copy of it last night from New-York, which I have...
45From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 6 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
This will be delivered to you by Major General the Marquis de la fayette, the generous motives which first induced him to cross the Atlantic, and enter the Army of the United States, are well known to Congress—Reasons equally laudable now engage his return to France, who in her present circumstances claims his services—His eagerness to offer his duty to his Prince and Country, however great,...
46George Washington to Henry Laurens, 3 October 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Fishkill [ New York ] October 3, 1778 . Sends information concerning enemy’s movements in New Jersey. LS , in writing of H, Papers of the Continental Congress, National Archives.
47From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 3 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
Your favor of the 23d Ult. came to my hands at Fredericksburg the Afternoon before I left it for this place. I thank you for the transmission of Mr Beresfords intelligence, tho I have not the smallest Idea that any thing more than a deception, is meant by it; and, that Mr Williams is either a voluntary Agent, or the innocent instrument, for carrying it on. Yet, as the case may be otherwise,...
48From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 3 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
I am honored with your favour of the 27 of September, with the inclosed resolves of Congress; a copy of which has been transmitted to Major General Lincoln, for his information and direction. Being separated from my papers, I am uncertain, whether I mentioned in my last, that the enemy in the Jerseys having received a reinforcement and made some forward movements, I had thought it expedient to...
49From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 29 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
The following is an extract of a letter of the 17th inst. which I had the honor to receive from the Count D’Estaing. “I intreat you to promote the exchange of prisoners already planned by Mr Gerard. The unhappy persons taken before the commencement of Hostilities cannot be fully regarded as prisoners—their lot is dreadfull—The mode adopted for exchanging them by means of your Commissary,...
50From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 23 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
Since I had the honor of addressing you on the 12th Instant, I have received your several Favors of the 10th—12th & 16th with the Resolutions, to which they allude. I transmitted the British Commissioners the Resolve of the 4th Instant, respecting the Convention Troops, the morning after it came to hand; and also wrote to Sr Henry Clinton upon the subject of passports. I have not received his...