31George Washington to William Livingston, 4 May 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Middlebrook [ New Jersey ] May 4, 1779 . Thinks that an increase in pay of the New Jersey Militia would cause discontent in the Continental Army and in other state militias. Urges Livingston to complete the battalions in New Jersey. Df , in writings of Richard Kidder Meade and H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
32From George Washington to William Livingston, 8 October 1777 (Washington Papers)
I yesterday received certain intelligence that the enemy had proceeded up Hudson’s River from New-York and landed a body of men at Verplanks point a few miles below Peeks-Kill. This movement fully explains those appearances which lately induced General Dickinson to apprehend a second incursion into the Jerseys; and gives reason to beleive that, instead of that, the enemy meditate a serious...
33From George Washington to William Livingston, 21 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
I do myself the Honor to inclose you a Resolve of Congress which I have just received, directing me to call on you for one thousand Militia from the State of New Jersey to releive a like number of the Militia of the State of New York at present in garrison at the Forts upon Hudsons River, who are to march to the reinforcement of the Northern Army. The requisition makes no mention of any...
34From George Washington to William Livingston, 23 March 1779 (Washington Papers)
The possibility of the Enemys making incursions into this state has suggested the expediency of fixing Signals at places calculated to communicate the most speedy alarm to the Country; and of appointing convenient posts for the Militia to assemble at for Orders. I was therefore induced to request Lord Stirling a few days ago, from his more intimate acquaintance with the Country, to see the...
35From George Washington to William Livingston, 10 March 1780 (Washington Papers)
Since I had the Honor of writing to Your Excellency on the 26 Ulto—I have obtained Returns of Moylan’s & Sheldon’s Regiments of Light Dragoons, in which I find there are some Men belonging to the State of New Jersey. I inclose a particular Return of them, specifying the Terms of their engagements. I have the Honor to be with the greatest respect & esteem Your Excellency’s Most Obedt servant...
36From George Washington to William Livingston, 3 July 1782 (Washington Papers)
From the enclosed information of Captain Stevens, there is reason to apprehend the business of driving Cattle to the Enemy is carrying on with great artand assiduity—it would be a happy circumstance if the Villains concerned in it could be detected; I have therefore to propose to your Excellency that you will be pleased to take such precautions as you shall judge best calculated to learn...
37From George Washington to William Livingston, 5 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
I had the honor of receiving your Excellencys favor of the 21 Septr this morning. By what means it has been So long delayed, I cannot conceive. The conduct of Crowel appears to me to have forfeited the protection he derived from the flag and to justify in point of right the detention of his person and the confiscation of the Vessel and her effects. The obligation of a flag is reciprocal. On...
38From George Washington to William Livingston, 9 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to inclose your Excellency the examinations of two of the inhabitants of this state David Urmston & Bn Pound taken before Brigadier General Knox—The practice of seducing the soldiery and aiding them in deserting to the enemy has arisen to such an alarming height, that unless some severe examples can be made it must be attended with the most pernicious consequences. How far the...
39George Washington to Jonathan Trumbull, George Clinton, and William Livingston, 27 September 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
[ West Point ] September 27, 1779 . States that if the French fleet is in reality off the coast, it will be necessary for states to supply men and provisions. LS , in writing of H, The Huntington Library, San Marino, California.
40From George Washington to William Livingston, 26 August 1780 (Washington Papers)
In mine of the 20th instant, I desired Your Excellency to discharge the whole of Colo. Seely’s Militia, except about one hundred for the purpose of a Guard at Morris Town, and to direct the September Class to hold themselves in readiness to come out upon the shortest notice. I would only wish you to continue those orders, but not to call out the Classes, except about one hundred Men for the...
41From George Washington to William Livingston, 2 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
General Greene has informed me that he addressed your Excellency some time since upon the subject of Waggons, and suggested that it would be necessary, owing to the difficulties of procuring them in the ordinary way, for the Legislature to authorise Col. M. Foreman to impress them in cases of exigency. I would take the liberty to add, that it appears to me indispensibly necessary for the...
42From George Washington to William Livingston, 21 December 1779 (Washington Papers)
The situation of our army at this time compared with that of the enemy makes it necessary we should be very much upon our guard. They have more than double our force collected at New York and we are mouldering away dayly. They have been some time past making a show of embarkation; but whether it is sincere or a mere feint to lull us into security is not easy to tell. But If they really design...
43From George Washington to William Livingston, 16 March 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have received your Excellencys letter of the 8th of this month, in favor of Capn Fitzrandolph. The Captains known zeal and usefulness entitle him to consideration; and I shall be very well pleased, if we can effect any thing towards his relief or releasement. At present commissioners from the enemy, and on our part, are sitting at Amboy, for the purpose of an exchange of prisoners. Should...
44From George Washington to Brigadier General William Livingston, 28 June 1776 (Washington Papers)
Since Writing the above we have certain Advice that a Fleet of 130 Sail left Halifax the 9th Inst. bound to Sandy Hook—And We have little doubt but General How is arrived there within these few days in the Grey Hound —A Moments Time therefore is not to be lost—The Plan proposed by your Provincial Congress of raising the Men as Volunteers upon a Bounty appears to me to be totally inadequate to...
45From George Washington to William Livingston, 8 March 1777 (Washington Papers)
I this Moment had the Honour to receive your two favours of the 3d Inst. With pleasure I will forward your Letters to Mr Jay by the first Opportunity. How can an Assembly of Gentlemen, Eyewitnesses to the distresses & Inconveniences that have their principal source in the Want of a well regulated Militia, hesitate to adopt the only remedy that can remove them! And stranger still, think of a...
46From George Washington to William Livingston, 24 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
I am honored with yours of the 22d. It gives me great pleasure to find that your Legislature have undertaken to procure a Quantity of Blankets and other Cloathing, by Civil Authority, which mode ought ever to be adopted instead of the Military. I have given orders to have all the Officers, who were vested with powers to collect these Articles, immediately recalled, except Colo. Forman, for...
47From George Washington to William Livingston, 17 December 1782 (Washington Papers)
I am favord with your Excellencys Letter of the 7th of this Month. I Should be very happy in using every endeavour in my power to procure the release of Mr Reading and would apply to Sir Guy Carleton in his behalf if such an application was like to be attended with the desired effect but Sir Guy’s Command does not extend to Canada—on which the Posts in the back Country are dependant—General...
48From George Washington to William Livingston, 4 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have received the honor of your two letters, both of the 1st instant. I have generally been so happy as to agree with your Excellency in sentiment on public measures; but an instance now occurs, in which there happens to be a difference of opinion. I am extremely apprehensive that very disagreeable consequences may result from an increase of the standing pay of the militia. It would create...
49From George Washington to William Livingston, 18 June 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have received advice which appears to be direct, that the Legislature of this State has determined on a draft from the Militia to serve for the Campaign under their own Officers, instead of b⟨eing⟩ incorporated with their Continental batallions. This mode if adopted, will be attended with so many inconveniencies, if followed by the States in general, will be so absolutely pernicious to all...
50From George Washington to William Livingston, 18 June 1782 (Washington Papers)
I perceive by your Excellency’s letter of the 10th, that I have not been fully understood by Mr Lott—when that Gentleman applied to me for permission for himself and Son in Law Mr Livingston to go into New York, my Answer, as nearly as I can recollect, was "I thought he had been well acquainted with my determination, not to give passports to Citizens, unless they should previously have...
51From George Washington to William Livingston, 3 September 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have the Honor to inform your Excellency that the Operations of the present Campaign are tendg very seriously to the Southward—& that a large Detatchment of the American Army—with the whole of the French Troops, are now on the March for Virginia—As the Article of Supplies for the Army which will be collected in that Quarter, & which will probably be large, will be a Matter of the last...
52From George Washington to William Livingston, 7 December 1779 (Washington Papers)
You have both obliged and amused me, by your communication of the 27th. I have not seen the piece to which you allude; but I should be more surprised had you been suffered to escape without paying a tax so antient and customary. When one is over rated in this way, it is very natural to complain, or to feel disgust at the ingratitude of the world; tho’ I beleive with you, that to persevere in...
53George Washington to William Livingston, 21 December 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Morristown [ New Jersey ] December 21, 1779 . States reasons that make it probable that British will attack Army’s winter quarters. Asks Livingston for support if this should happen. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
54George Washington to William Livingston, 9 May 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Middlebrook [ New Jersey ] May 9, 1779 . States that two men found guilty of encouraging desertion have been sent to Livingston. Urges that they be severely punished. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
55From George Washington to William Livingston, 2 February 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to acknowlege the receipt of your favour of the 26 ulto. The recent detection of the wicked design you mention gives me the most sensible pleasure, and I earnestly hope you may be alike successful in discovering and disappointing every attempt, that may be projected against you, either by your open or concealed enemies. It is a tax, however, severe, which all those must pay,...
56From George Washington to William Livingston, 1 August 1780 (Washington Papers)
From our present advices a considerable part of the Enemy’s force are gone to Rhode Island with a view of reducing the Armament from France. We can give them no succour from hence by detaching, on account of the distance and the difficulty there would be if not impracticability, of subsisting the Troops with bread. There is no other mode which promises them relief, so far as it may depend on...
57From George Washington to William Livingston, 3 February 1777 (Washington Papers)
I am favor’d with yours of 1st Inst., & shall be happy to hear that your House will adopt the Measures you propose recommding to them. Our Army is in much the same situation as when I had the pleasure of seeing you here, we have lately had two Skirmishes with large Bodies of the Enemy, in which they have little to boast of, & would have had Less , had not a Colonel of ours behav’d Ill in each,...
58From George Washington to William Livingston, 22 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have been favor’d with your letter of the 13th inst. I must refer you for the particular circumstances attending the surprize of Colo. Baylor’s Regiment to those Officers and men who made their escape, and who are now in the Jersey’s. Those persons also in whose houses the Dragoons were quartered, may be able to assist in your report to Congress. And should any deserters have come from the...
59From George Washington to William Livingston, 9 March 1777 (Washington Papers)
The Council of Safety of Pennsylvania has done me the honour to communicate to [me a] piece of Intelligence of Importance, which they received from Colo. Gurney: A Copy of which is inclosed. I wish it may rouse the Gentlemen of your Assembly to prepare for the worst Event—In my Opinion the present Time is of infinitely greater Worth than is generally supposed. Vain and useless will all our...
60From George Washington to William Livingston, 22 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
The inclosed is a letter to you in your official character; this you will be pleased to receive as private and confidential—to explain, for your own satisfaction the reasons which will oblige me to draw off Maxwells brigade from its present position and will prevent my replacing them by other troops. I have for a long time past been preparing for a decisive expedition against the six nations,...
61From George Washington to William Livingston, 16 December 1778 (Washington Papers)
Till now I have not had a moments time to reply to your Excellencys several favors of the 12th 14th and 15th Inst. I find every disposition not only to afford security to the people of Monmouth, and lessen the duty of their militia; but, to prevent the illicit trade and correspondence complained of between the disaffected in that County, and the City of New-York, could it be effected by any...
62From George Washington to William Livingston, 31 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
It being of great importance to prevent the Enemy from Supplies of Forage and provisions I must take the liberty of requesting the interposition of your interest & authority for this purpose, and that the most speedy & suitable measures may be adopted & pursued either by your direction or that of the Legislature or Council for the removal of All that lies within the vicinity of the Jersey...
63From George Washington to William Livingston, 20 January 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor of your several favors of the 9. 12th 13th 14th and 15th instants. I am pleased to find that your legislature have fixed a price circumscribing the avarice of your farmers, who like their neighbours are endeavouring to take every advantage of the necessities of the Army. I have mentioned to Mr Commissary Blaine what you say respecting Wilsons not having employed a sufficient...
64From George Washington to William Livingston, 14 February 1777 (Washington Papers)
Your two favours of the 6th and 10th Inst. I had the honour to receive this Evening—Nothing would give me greater pleasure than to have it in my Power fully to comply with the request contained in the former. The first question proposed is easily solved by a sight of the emaciated bodies of all our Prisoners when they have returned—The second admits of equal Proof, as well in the fate of...
65From George Washington to William Livingston, 11 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
I was favor’d with yours of the 7th in[stant] this morning. You will perceive by the enclosure from Colo. Biddle the Forage Master General to the Army the prices that have been given for hay in the different States and that the proper measures will be used to exempt Somerset County from her proportion of Forage. The last accounts from Rhode Island was of the 6th with the news of the Enemy’s...
66From George Washington to William Livingston, 30 November 1776 (Washington Papers)
I have the pleasure and honor of acknowledging the Rect of yours of the 27th. Genl Williamson gives me small Encouragement to hope for much Assistance from the Militia of this State, indeed some of the Counties, if they were willing, are intimidated from coming in, as the Enemy have possession of the Country. I hope the four Regiments, to be raised to serve till the first of April, will be...
67From George Washington to William Livingston, 4 July 1778 (Washington Papers)
I had the honour to inform you on the ground of action of the advantage over the Enemy on the 28th Ult. I could not then be particular in their killed, as the burying parties were not come in. They have returned 245 killed. Besides the Enemy left behind them at Monmouth Court House, 4 wounded Officers and 40 privates exclusive of those we took on the field of battle. The prisoners taken since...
68From George Washington to William Livingston, 11 February 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have with pain heard of the irreconcileable Uneasinesses prevailing in the 1st N. Jersey Battalion, originating, as I am credibly informed, in the appointment of Colo. Newcomb to the Command of it. Notwithstanding I believe that Colo. Newcomb is a Gentleman of great Goodness and Integrity, and can not entertain the slightest doubts of his Bravery, yet I am too well persuaded that he is not...
69From George Washington to William Livingston, 4 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
It is essential that some good pilots should be ready to go on Board the French fleet the moment it appears perfectly acquainted with the entrance into New York harbour. Wm Van Drill who resides in your State I am informed is one of the best that can be had. I shall be much obliged to your Excellency immediately to engage Mr Van Drill to go down to Monmouth and join Major Lee at English town...
70From George Washington to William Livingston, 11 May 1777 (Washington Papers)
I am this day honoured with yours of the 2d instant, as I was a few days ago with that of the 30th April. previous to the Rect of it, I had desired Mr Boudinot, to demand Mr Fells release for that of Mr Hugh Wallace, Colo. Philipse or Mr Jauncey whose paroles we have and who are all Counsellors of the State of New York. If they refuse this, I shall call upon one of those Gentlemen to return to...
71From George Washington to William Livingston, 7 March 1782 (Washington Papers)
General Forman has applied to me for permission for Mrs Provost to go into New York in search of some property she has there, taking with her some person whom he would chuse, and from whom he makes no doubt of obtaining some very usefull intelligence on his return. As Mrs Provost & the Gentleman intended to go with her are both Citizens of New Jersey and as the ostensible reason of their going...
72George Washington to William Livingston, 13 February 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
New Windsor [ New York ] February 13, 1781 . Will discuss question of New Jersey prisoners with commissary of prisoners. Explains rules of exchange concerning militia and civilians. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress; LS , in the handwriting of H, William Livingston Papers, MS Division, New York Public Library.
73From George Washington to William Livingston, 16 April 1777 (Washington Papers)
I am honored with yours of the 14th. I dont know whether Colo. Duyckink comes under the Civil or Military Jurisdiction, but from the following State of the facts on which I ordered him to be secured, you will be able to form a Judgment, and if you think, he falls within the line of civil Authority, I will most cheerfully give him up to you. Colo. Duyckink, some time in the Winter came...
74From George Washington to William Livingston, 18 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have your Excellency’s favor of the 7th: It will always be my wish, whenever it is in my power, to afford protection to every part of the State of New Jersey by means of the Continental Army, as I would ever avoid calling out the Militia but upon exigencies. The lower part of the County of Bergen must from its situation remain exposed to the Enemy while they keep a garrison in New York; but...
75From George Washington to Brigadier General William Livingston, 8 July 1776 (Washington Papers)
Your favour of yesterday with the Inclosures is recieved. Col. Puttnam went over yesterday & after doing what is necessary at Bergen will proceed to Eliza. Town & from thence to Amboy—He is our principal Engineer & may [be] depended upon for Skill & Industry. The Deserter whose Examination you sent was brought over last Evening—two others from the Fleet came up this Morning—their Accounts...
76From George Washington to William Livingston, 9 June 1781 (Washington Papers)
I am honored with your Excellency’s favor of the 1st Instant. Upon examining the state of Ammunition, with reference to the proposed operations, it is found impossible to furnish more than fifteen Thousand Musket Cartridges for the Use of the State of New Jersey; especially at a time, when, we are obliged to sollicit a loan of Powder from the Eastern States, and when, the supply of lead in...
77From George Washington to William Livingston, 24 January 1777 (Washington Papers)
The irregular and disjointed State of the Militia of this province, makes it necessary for me to inform you, that unless a Law is passed by your Legislature to reduce them to some order, and oblige them to turn out in a different Manner from what they have hitherto done, we shall bring very few into the Feild, and even those few, will render little or no Service. Their Officers are generally...
78From George Washington to William Livingston, 25 March 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have been duly honoured with your Excellency’s favors of the 14 18 & 21st. Insts. I am sorry to find that the few troops with Colo. Foreman, have become a subject of uneasiness. They are ordered to join Colonel Shreve’s regiment for the present and to act with him. Colo. Foreman five or Six weeks since transmitted through my Hands a memorial to Congress respecting his Salt works—offering a...
79From George Washington to William Livingston, 29 June 1776 (Washington Papers)
Since Col. Reed left this I have Received certain Intelligence from the Hook that about forty of the Enemies Fleet have arrived there, and others now in sight that there cannot be a doubt but the whole fleet will be in this day and tomorrow, I beg not a moments time may be lost in sending forward such parts of the Militia as Colo. Reed will mention. We are so very weak at this post that I must...
80From George Washington to William Livingston, 22 February 1778 (Washington Papers)
Your favour of the 16th instant came duly to hand. I cannot but be highly sensible of the fresh proofs given of that zeal which yourself in particular and the State of New Jersey in general, have so uniformly manifested in the common cause, and of the polite regard you have in repeated instances, shown to my applications. I lament the additional load of business heaped upon you from the...