101From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 16 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
Since I had the honor of addressing you to day by Captain Riley, I received a Letter from General Sullivan, a Copy of which you have inclosed. From this it appears the Count D’Estaing had not returned with his Squadron on the 13th Inst.—and there is reason to fear from the violence of the Weather ever since, that he has not yet got in. This accident has much deranged our views—and I shall be...
102From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 19 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
I do myself the honor to transmit you a Copy of a Letter from General Sullivan, dated the 17th Instant, which I just now received with the Letter Inclosed. It appears that Count D’Estaing was still out with his fleet—but yet that the General was in high spirits and entertained the strongest hopes of success. I flatter myself they are well grounded— and that in the course of a few days he will...
103From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 20 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
I am now to acknowledge my obligations for your favor of the 31st Ulto & for its several Inclosures. The conduct of Governor Johnstone has been certainly reprehensible—to say no worse of it—and so I think the world will determine. His Letters to Messrs Morris and Reed are very significant and the points to which they conclude quite evident. They are, if I may be allowed so to express myself,...
104From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 21 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
Your Favor of the 16th, with the several papers to which it referred, came duly to hand on Wednesday Afternoon. I this minute received from General Sullivan the Letter I have now the honor of forwarding you, with One addressed to myself. A copy of the latter is also inclosed. The General seems to have been very near the Enemy’s lines—& on the point of opening all his Batteries. Things appear...
105From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 21 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
I do myself the honor of transmitting to Congress the inclosed Memorial of Colo. Rawlings, presented in behalf of himself and the Maryland Officers, who were under his command in the year 1776. The facts which are stated in it, are generally true—and I can not but feel myself exceedingly interested in favor of these Gentlemen. The conduct of this whole Corps, when Fort Washington was attacked...
106From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 24 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
I had yesterday the honor to receive your favor of the 20th Instant. I take the liberty of transmitting you a Copy of a Letter, which this minute came to hand from Genl Sullivan, advising of the Count D’Estaing’s arrival. He omitted to inclose the Admirals Letter to which he refers and therefore, I can give no further intelligence than what the Copy contains. From the suffering of the fleet...
107From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 25 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
If it be practicable, and convenient for Congress to furnish me with some Specie (gold, as more portable, would be most convenient) valuable purposes I think would result from it. I have always found a difficulty in procuring Intelligence by the mean of Paper money. and I perceive that it increases. The period is critical & interesting, and the early knowledge of an Enemys intention, and...
108From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 25 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
Inclosed you will be pleased to receive a Copy of a Letter of the 23d Instant from General Sullivan, which came to hand about half after three OClock this morning, with the several papers to which it refers, Copies of which are also transmitted. By these Congress will perceive, our prospects are much changed with respect to the operations against Rhode Island, and that the issue, as things are...
109From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 31 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
I would take the liberty to inform Congress, that Colo. Armand is come to camp with his Corps and has applied to me for Commissions for his Officers. By the Resolution for establishing the Corps it was to be officered out of the Foreigners then commissioned in our service, who were not, nor could be provided for in any of the Regiments. Instead of this, there are only three Officers in his...
110From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 1 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
I do myself the honor of transmitting you a Copy of a Letter I this minute received from General Sullivan. I congratulate Congress on the repulse of the Enemy—and only wish our Troops may be able to effect a retreat, which seems the most eligible measure they can pursue, in the present situation of things. I have the Honor to be with the greatest respect & esteem sir Yr Most Obedt servt LS ,...
111From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 4–5 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have been duly honored with your favors of the 28th, and that of the 30th Ulto with the several Inclosures, to which they refer. Congress may rely, that I will use every possible means in my power to conciliate any differences that may have arisen, in consequence of the Count D’Estaings going to Boston—and to prevent a publication of the protest upon the occasion. Several days before the...
112From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 4 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
I had the pleasure to hear this morning by a Letter from General Sullivan of the 31st Ulto, that he had effected a retreat to the main, the preceding night, without any loss, either of men or Stores. As he has written to Congress fully upon the subject, and I feel their anxiety to hear it, I shall not detain Major Morris longer than to observe, that I think the retreat a most fortunate—lucky...
113From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 4 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
I am your debtor for two Letters bearing date the 28th & 29th Ulto —The contents shall be the subject of a future address. Feeling myself interested in every occurrance that tends to the honor of your worthy Son; and sensible of the pleasure it must give you to hear his Just plaudit, I take the liberty of transcribing a paragraph of General Greens Letter to me (giving some Acct of the conduct...
114From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 7 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
I take the liberty of laying before Congress the inclosed Copies of a paragraph and Schedule, contained in a Letter from General Heath, which I lately received. These will apprize Congress, if they are not already informed, of the supplies of provision and wood wanted by the Count D’Estaing; and will naturally lead to a consideration of the ways and means to be pursued for furnishing them, as...
115George Washington to Henry Laurens, 12 September 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
White Plains [ New York ] September 12, 1778 . Transmits a copy of report of “a Board of Officers” on proposed Canadian expedition. Discusses importance of project and problems involved. LS , in writing of H, Papers of the Continental Congress, National Archives.
116From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 12 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
I do myself the honor of returning to Congress the report of their Committee on the subject of an Inspectorship, transmitted in your Letter of the 20th Ulto, which was not received till the 31st—with such observations as have occurred to me, in considering the matter, and which I have made with a freedom, that I trust will be agreable to Congress. I wish it had been in my power to have...
117From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 12 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
Inclosed, I have the honor to transmit Congress a copy of the report of a Board of Officers, who were appointed by me to consider what would be the most eligible plan for invading Canada; in case our future prospects and circumstances should justify the entreprise. The pains which General Gates has, for some time past, taken to inform himself on the subject, and the knowlege, which General...
118From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 12 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
A few days ago I wrote, in haste, a Letter to you by Major Morris, and took the liberty of returning the gold you were so obliging as to send me by Jones —For your kind intention of forwarding that sum, and goodness in bringing Congress acquainted with my want of specie you will please to accept my sincere and hearty thanks—These are also due to you for your polite attention in forwarding, for...
119From 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...
120From 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,...
121George 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.
122From 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,...
123From 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...
124From 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,...
125From 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...
126From 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...
127George 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
128From 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...
129From 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...
130From 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...
131From 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...
132From 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...
133From 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...
134From 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,...
135From 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...
136From 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...
137George 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.
138From 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...
139George 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.
140From 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...
141From 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...
142George 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.
143George 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.
144From 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...
145From 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,...
146From 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...
147George 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.
148From 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...
149From 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...
150George 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.