251From 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...
252From George Washington to the Board of War, 8 February 1780 (Washington Papers)
The inclosed is an Estimate of Ordnance and Ordnance Stores, which I think it expedient to have lodged at Pittsburgh, ready to answer any favorable opportunity which may present itself, for carrying on operations against the Enemy’s posts to the Westward. I do not know whether there is any practicable Road at this Season for Sleds, if there is, it would be much the easiest and cheapest mode of...
253From George Washington to the Board of War, 10 February 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have, agreeable to the Resolve of Congres⟨s⟩ of the 12th Novemr, formed a regimental arrangement of the eleven Companies of Artificers at pres[ent] acting in a detached manner under the direction of the Quarter Master General —who I have consulted on the occasion, as being better acquainted with the merits of the Officers, and the nature of the service, than I could possibly be. —I have...
254From George Washington to the Board of War, 15 February 1780 (Washington Papers)
I find by a Resolution of the 9th Instant, of which I received a Copy last night, that Congress have been pleased to determine the Quota of Troops to be furnished by the respective States the ensuing Campaign —and that the Non-Commissioned Officers & privates in the additional Corps—Artillery & Cavalry and the Regimented Artificers in the departments of the Quarter Master General & Commissary...
255To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of War, with Reply, 15 February 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Williamsburg, 15 Feb. 1780 . Encloses a roster of Col. Marshall’s officers, together with a recommendation of some cadets and others for commissions to complete officers for the corps of artillery, and requests that commissions be issued according to the dates specified. Signed by Innes and Lyne. Countersigned: “Feb. 17th. 1780. The Board Advise that commissions be issued accordingly. Th:...
256To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of War, with Reply, 15 February 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Williamsburg, 15 Feb. 1780 . Encloses a letter from Lt. Col. Porterfield stating objections to the new quartermaster’s arrangement; these objections seem proper and will be given consideration if the executive approves. Signed by Innes and Lyne. Countersigned: “In Council Feb. 16. 1780. The board approve of giving Colo. Porterfield 200. Dolls. ⅌ month in Addition to the 600 Doll. ⅌ month...
257From George Washington to the Board of War, 18 February 1780 (Washington Papers)
Your letter of the 15th, came to hand this morning. It is to be regretted that circumstances should have interposed to diminish the command proposed for Col. Armand. When the idea was formed of Uniting the legion late Pulaski’s to his corps I had no intimation that Congress had determined on its reduction. I would hope however, that the order of the Board for its suspension will arrive in...
258To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of War, 18 February 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Williamsburg, 18 Feb. 1780 . Encloses a plan of forming the detachment of troops to be sent to South Carolina, with an estimate of camp apparatus needed. This plan proposes augmentation of garrison regiment to man the forts intended to be erected, and retention of part of artillery regiment for a laboratory, which must be established to equip artillery in the field. Two letters are enclosed to...
259To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of War, 18 February 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Williamsburg, 18 Feb. 1780 . Col. Wells has purchased pork costing over £340,000 for the use of the troops; he has been furnished about £118,000; for much of the difference he has been obliged to give his private notes, and he says he will have to sell some of the pork to support his credit. The pork must be had for the troops, but the treasury is so low it will not admit of a draft. Northern...
260To George Washington from the Board of War, 22 February 1780 (Washington Papers)
The board do themselves the honor to forward returns of Maj. Lee’s Corps, Von Heers Corps, Schots Corps—& of five Companies of the German Regiment, which are all the returns they have, of those requested in your Excellencys favors of the 15th & 18th instant. Col. Armand is now in the City, & is directed to have a return of his Corps prepared; which will be forwarded as soon as finished—but...
261George Washington to the Board of War, 23 February 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Morristown [ New Jersey ] February 23, 1780 . Asks that noncommissioned officers be supplied with swords as stated in regulations. States need for “drums fifes and standards.” Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
262From George Washington to the Board of War, 23 February 1780 (Washington Papers)
By the regulations the non-comissioned officers are to be armed with swords as a mark of distinction and to enable them the better to maintain the authority due to their stations—This necessary arrangement has not yet been carried into execution— By some returns I have seen there appears to have been a considerable number of Hessian hangers at Albany, though I find no mention of them in the...
263George Washington to the Board of War, 26 February 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Morristown [ New Jersey ] February 26, 1780 . Disapproves of court-martial authorized by the Board of War. Sends authorization for new hearing. Suggests that the judge advocate be more “explicit and particular in designating the circumstances of the crime and of the evidence.” Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
264From George Washington to the Board of War, 26 February 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have received the inclosed proceedings of a General Court Martial held by order of the Board —As I am not informed of any provision having been made for vesting the power of appoin[tin]g Courts Mar⟨tial⟩ in the Board (which is too confined in many respects), I should not think myself at liberty to confirm the proceedings of the present Court, were there no objection to the manner of the...
265From George Washington to the Board of War, 27 February 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with yours of the 22d accompanied by the Returns of sundry of the additional and detached Corps, from which, and from those which I had been enabled to collect in and near the Army I have furnished the respective States with a tolerably accurate account of the deficiencies of their Quotas. I have informed them, that should any more Men appear to their Credit upon a full...
266To George Washington from the Board of War, 28 February 1780 (Washington Papers)
We have been honoured with your Excellency’s Letter of the 23d I have given Orders to the Comissy Genl of Military Stores in Consequence. As many Colours as possible shall be provided but until we recieve the Articles from France, of which we have lately had agreeable Accounts, we cannot have the Standards prepared agreeably to the Plan proposed vizt to have two for every regt—one the Standard...
267From George Washington to the Board of War, 3 March 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have lately had several applications from the Subalterns of the Massachusetts line respecting mistakes which they say happened in the arrangement settled at West point, and confirmed by Congress and agreeable to which their Commissions were issued. As I have no Copy of that arrangement I am unable to determine upon the propriety of their complaints—I shall for that Reason be obliged by a...
268To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of War, 3 March 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Williamsburg, 3 Mch. 1780 . Capt. Weasy of the vessel from Bermuda awaits a final determination of his case which was submitted to the executive some days ago. He seems to have been influenced by his compassion for the American prisoners of war to come under a flag of truce. It seems proper to allow him the privileges of trade hitherto permitted to the Bermudans by acts of Congress and...
269To George Washington from the Board of War, 4 March 1780 (Washington Papers)
We beg to apologize for omitting the Acknowledgment of your Excellency’s Favour of the 8th of Feby relative to the Ordnance & Stores to be lodged at Fort Pitt. Immediately on reciept of that Letter Orders were given for the provision of the Articles which are now ready to proceed when the roads will admitt. If any offensive Operations are intended in that Quarter we wish to be favoured with...
270From George Washington to the Board of War, 6 March 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with yours of the 28th ulto. It gives me great pleasure to find by your letter and by one which I recd a few days ago from Mr Lovell that we have favorable account⟨s⟩ from France on the subject of supplies of Cloathing and other stores —I have directed the Adj⟨t⟩ General to call for an exact return of the drum⟨s⟩ and fifes wanting which shall be transmitted to the Board as...
271From George Washington to the Board of War, 8 March 1780 (Washington Papers)
Inclosed you have Returns of Arms and Accoutrements wanting by the 2d and 4th Regiments of Light Dragoons —The Articles of sadlery could, I beleive, have been procured in Connecticut, but the Dy Qr Mr General there did not think himself at liberty to proceed in the Business, without a special order, and therefore transmitted the Returns to the Quarter Master General for his direction—who,...
272To George Washington from the Board of War, 10 March 1780 (Washington Papers)
The Board have been duly honored with Your Excellency’s Letter of the 26 Ulto. The Court Martial which is the Subject of it, was ordered by Virtue of the Authority given them in the Inclosed Resolution of Congress, which they would have Transmitted, had they not taken it for granted, that you were regularly furnished with all the Resolutions of Congress relating to the Army. The Board have...
273From George Washington to the Board of War, 14 March 1780 (Washington Papers)
In answer to Your Letter of the 4th Instant which I had the Honor of receiving the 12th—I beg leave to inform You, that from the diminution of our force at Fort pitt by the expiration of the Men’s inlistments and the impracticability of replacing them from hence there is no prospect of our undertaking shortly any offensive operations in that Quarter. I would not wish this however to delay the...
274To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of War, with Reply, 16–17 March 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Captain Minnis of General Mulenburgh’s family, who belongs to the 1st. Virginia Continental Regiment, being destitute of active employment, owing to the deficiency of the Virginia Line, has been called on to resume his command in his Regiment, and his company therein being extremely thin, he requests to be honored with the charge of a proportion of the recruits raised under the act concerning...
275To George Washington from the Board of War, 17 March 1780 (Washington Papers)
We have been favoured with yours of the 8th Instant. We have the Honour to enclose a Copy of the Paragraph in our Letter of the 18th Ulto to Otis & Henley relative to the Cloathing for Colo. Sheldon’s Regt. The Measures we have been enabled to take for the Equipment of the Cavalry have been very much confined by the situation of the Public Finances which are in so miserable a Condition that we...
276To George Washington from the Board of War, 20 March 1780 (Washington Papers)
The board do themselves the honor to inclose copies of some letters which they have recd on the subject of the Supplies of the Army. They are exceedingly concerned that the prospects from some of them, are so unpromising. And are much alarmed for the consequences; nor can they conjecture what may be the event, unless the late regulations in the finances produce a favorable change in our...
277Board of War to Board of Trade, 21 March 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Williamsburg, 21 Mch. 1780 . Recommendation of the purchase of a suit of colors from Jesse Taylor. Signed by Barron and Lyne. Counter-signed: “Approved. Th: Jefferson.” Tr in Board of War Letter Book ( MiU-C ), 1 p.; printed in Official Letters Official Letters of the Governors of the State of Virginia , ed. H. R. McIlwaine , ii , 109.
278Board of War to Board of Trade, 21 March 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Williamsburg, 21 Mch. 1780 . Mr. North has arrived with a valuable cargo. Order to purchase “all that part of the cargo that will be serviceable to the Troops”; also recommendation of purchase from Abraham Jones of 31 hats, 30 firkins of butter for the navy, “also a thousand weight of Rice.” Countersigned: “Mar. 21st. 1780. Approved except as to the butter, which is supposed not to be included...
279To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of War, 21 March 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Williamsburg, 21 Mch. 1780 . Agreement with Mr. Moody for himself and others for compensation for labor in the service of the state for five years. Signed by Innes and Barron. Countersigned: “Mar 23. 1780. The Executive agree to the Articles of contract proposed by the Board of War with Mr. Moody restraining the determination of the term to five years or the end of the war if it shall sooner...
280To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of War, 22 March 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
The Board of War wish to be informed by his Excellency whether the Henry Galley now at Hampton under repair and one side finished, shall be completed, and furnished for the protection of that post. As Vessells bound to Sea frequently make that their Harbour when wind bound and if not protected by a Galley or some other vessell of force they must, if chased up by the enemy, fall into their...
281Board of War to Board of Trade, 22 March 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Williamsburg, 22 Mch. 1780 . Enclosing a charge to be paid to Col. Harrison for clothing furnished for his regiment. “The articles … appear to have been well bought, and we hope you will not think the Colo’s. Zeal, which has led him to expend his own money, and risque his own interest, to promote the public weal, an improper one.” Also requesting the purchase of clothes for Capt. Ragsdale in...
282To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of War, with Reply, 23–25 March 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
The Quarter Master General informs us, that for want of proper Offices and Store houses, The State not only incurs a considerable expence for rents but that the public property from the impossibility of procuring proper accommodations for Storage suffers very great detriment. We take liberty to recommend that your Excellency would direct such houses on the lot purchased by the Executive of Mr....
283From George Washington to the Board of War, 25 March 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with your favors of the 10th 15th 17th and 20th Instants. The Resolve of Congress empowering the Board to order General Courts Martial occasionally had never been transmitted to me, to which account I hope they will place my former doubts upon the propriety of the measure—There is an error in dating the Copy of the Resolve with which you were pleased to furnish me, it now...
284To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of War, with Reply, 25 March 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Williamsburg, 25 Mch. 1780 . Before issuing orders for the privateersmen at King William Courthouse to be delivered to the flag from New York, the Board wish instructions concerning the British prisoners of war. Signed by Innes and Lyne. Reply follows: “In Council Mar. 25th. 1780. The Board are [of] opinion that all the prisoners of War belonging to this State (excepting only Governor...
285To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of War, 25 March 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
We return your Excellency the Letters from Governour Rutledge which you did us the honor to send for our Perusal. No exertion of ours has been wanting to accelerate the march of the Detachment of Troops intended for Charles Town. But we must take Liberty to assure your Excellency that unless the Board of Trade receive your peremptory Orders to comply with the Schedule of Necessaries furnished...
286Board of War to ——, 25 March 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
War Office, Williamsburg, 25 Mch. 1780 . Sell or immediately exchange the six horses reported totally unfit for service by Captain Charles Fearer and replace them with suitable mounts. Signed by James Innes and George Lyne. Countersigned by TJ. RC (Mrs. Earl McMillen, Atlanta, Georgia, 1963); 1 p.; in a clerk’s hand except for signatures.
287Board of War to Charles Porterfield, 29 March 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Williamsburg, 29 Mch. 1780 . Appointment to command the detachment of Virginia troops, consisting of “volunteers of the State Garrison Regiment, The greater part of Marshalls Corps of Artillery and two Troops of Nelsons horse,” to be under Porterfield’s “absolute controul and Command” and to be prepared “to march on the Shortest notice” to Charleston, S.C.; also instructions for procedure....
288From George Washington to the Board of War, 30 March 1780 (Washington Papers)
Upon receiving information that the enemy are preparing to send a reinforcement to the southward, I have determined to detach Major Lees Corps, both Horse and Foot to that quarter, and have written to the commanding Officer to put them in readiness as expeditiously as possible. As they will undoubtedly want many matters to equip them for so long a march, I have directed the Officer to repair...
289To George Washington from the Board of War, 30 March 1780 (Washington Papers)
The great distress of the Army for want of Blankets induced the board sometime since to attempt to import them from New York. this however they would have been very averse to, if they had not been absolutely certain there were no other possible means of procuring them. Previous to their taking this step, they applied to Congress for a secret Committee to confer with them on the measure; and...
290To George Washington from the Board of War, 31 March 1780 (Washington Papers)
The board have recd a letter from Col. Wood at Charlotteville, wherein he mentions “that he is well assured that the Offering pardons to all deserters from the Virg. Line who will surrender themselves at that post by a given time, would be productive of good effects; & that we should recover a great number of Men by it, who otherwise may probably seek an asylum in the New Country.” The board...
291From George Washington to the Board of War, 3 April 1780 (Washington Papers)
I had Yesterday afternoon the Honor to receive Your Letter of the 30th of March, and agreeable to your request I inclose a permit for the Goods in charge of Captain Bowman. This mode of obtaining supplies is certainly justifiable from the unhappy situation of our affairs & the necessity of having them; but at the same time, for reasons which will readily occur to the Board, I very much wish...
292To George Washington from the Board of War, 3 April 1780 (Washington Papers)
The board have the honor of transmitting to your Excellency, the copy of a letter from Maj. Lee. At the instance of Baron Steuben, & considering that enlistments went on but slowly, the board consented that the dismounted Dragoons of his Corps, should be increased to three Troops, because they were taught to believe that the Corps would be more perfect in its formation; and that its reputation...
293To Thomas Jefferson from the Board of War, 5 April 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Williamsburg, 5 Apr. 1780 . Encloses Maj. Quarles’ return of men raised in his last tour; Quarles “complains extremely” of inattention of county lieutenants to the execution of laws which fall within their departments. He has also applied for compensation for his services; six hundred dollars per month is recommended. Signed by Innes and Barron. Countersigned: “April 5. 1780. I approve of the...
294From George Washington to the Board of War, 7 April 1780 (Washington Papers)
I take the liberty to transmit the inclosed letter for Colo. Blane to Your care, as I do not know with certainty where he is. It is on the state of our provision Supplies, which is most alarming. By the Issuing Commissary’s Return of today and the Return of the State Superintendent Colo. Dunham—It appears that the whole of the provision of the meat kind which they both have in & in collecting...
295Inventory of Supplies for the Virginia Line, with Jefferson’s Instructions, [7 April 1780] (Jefferson Papers)
Inventory of necessaries to compleat the Officers and soldiers of fifteen Regiments on continental establishment with Clothing for 435 Officers, 6810 non Commissioned Officers and privates. Yds Seven Quarter Cloth fit for Regimentals 2610 Linen Allowing 6 shirts each 9035 Stockings one half Silk 6 pair each 2610 pair Stuff fit for summer Vests and Breeches 7430 Best shoes 870 Pr. but twice...
296From George Washington to the Board of War, 9 April 1780 (Washington Papers)
I was the evening before the last, honored with yours of the 31st ulto and 3d instant, the latter inclosing the Copy of a letter from Major Lee, to the Board, on the subject of promoting Captains Peyton and McLane of his Corps to the Rank of Majors, and assigning the reasons on which his propositions were founded. In January last, Major Lee transmitted to me a letter from Capt. McLane to him...
297To George Washington from the Board of War, 13 April 1780 (Washington Papers)
The board request your Excellency’s opinion upon the Subject of the inclosed memorandum of Genl Green; dictated by the necessities of the Public. The boats mentioned are about 70, or 80 in number, & will command £14.00. or £1500 each. and not more than 100 barrels of Tar will be wanted for several months to come. I have the honor to be with the highest respect Yr Excellencys Most Obed. Hble...
298To George Washington from the Board of War, 17 April 1780 (Washington Papers)
The board have the honor to inclose the copy of a letter from Coll Broadhead for your Excellency’s consideration. The Military Stores are already forwarded agreeable to your request of sometime ago; And the board have reported to Congress, that six blank commissions should be sent to Col. Broadhead, to be filled up with the Names of such faithful Indians of the Delaware Tribe, as he shall...
299From George Washington to the Board of War, 18 April 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have the Honor to transmit You the Arrangement of Harrison’s—Lamb’s, Crane’s & proctor’s Battallions of Artillery, on which You will be pleased to issue Commissions. The Relative ranks of the Field Officers & of all Captains as well those belonging to separate Companies as to the Battallions are set down after the Regimental arrangements, with the proper numbers against each, by which their...
300From George Washington to the Board of War, 23 April 1780 (Washington Papers)
I had yesterday the honor to receive your Letters of the 13th & 17th Instant, with their inclosures. With respect to the Boats and other articles which make the subject of the first, I beg leave to inform the Board that I do not know that there will be any objection to selling them, except such a part of the Tar as they may think it necessary to keep. The state of our Treasury & the necessity...