1To George Washington from Major John Clark, Jr., 29 November 1776 (Washington Papers)
The Bearer of this a Private in Colo. Rawlins’s Regiment made his escape from the Enemy in New York yesterday, he is an intelligent Fellow, and brings information that upwards of ten thousand of the Enemy embarked on Sunday last, under the Command of General Clinton, the place of their destination uncertain; some of them informed him they were gone to Carolina, others say to the Eastward....
2To George Washington from Maj. John Clark, 25 September 1777 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Maj. John Clark, Jr., 25 Sept. 1777. GW wrote Clark on 29 Sept. : “I recd yours of the 25th from Elizabeth Town.”
3From George Washington to Major John Clark, Jr., 29 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
I recd yours of the 25th from Elizabeth Town by John Meeker. I inclose you a passport for him and for John Hendricks and Baker Hendricks both of whom Colo. Dayton informs me can be usefull, to us. The Colo. also informs me that these people and some others who have done us services in this way have never been paid for their risque and trouble, I therefore desire you will make them such...
4To George Washington from Major John Clark, Jr., 6 October 1777 (Washington Papers)
Cadwalader Jones a Quaker on whom I can rely, is just returned from Philadelphia, & informs me that about 2000 Hessians crossed the Schuylkill at the lower ferry Yesterday on their way towards Chester, that he was informed by Friends in the City at Yearly-meeting that Brigadier Agnew was killed & one or two other Generals mortally wounded, it was the current report in the City, that the Rebels...
5To George Washington from Major John Clark, Jr., 6 October 1777 (Washington Papers)
I wrote you by Express at 5 this Evening which I hope you have reced—A Gent. an intimate acquaintance this moment arrived from Philadelphia (his name I must conceal for particular reasons) which place he left at 11 oClock this Day—& confirms what I wrote you & further Ads—Gen. Knyphausen is wounded in the hand—Genl D[e]peisters son an A.D.C. is killed as also Cols. Abercrombie, Bird, Walcot, &...
6From George Washington to Maj. John Clark, 7 October 1777 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Maj. John Clark, Jr., 7 Oct. 1777. Clark in his letter to GW of 18 Nov. refers to: “your Letter of the 7th of October.”
7To George Washington from Maj. John Clark, 22 October 1777 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Maj. John Clark, Jr., 22 Oct. 1777. GW’s secretary Robert Hanson Harrison wrote Clark on 23 Oct.: “His Excellency received last night your favor of Yesterday” ( DLC:GW ).
8To George Washington from Major John Clark, Jr., 27 October 1777 (Washington Papers)
By two persons just from Philadelphia I have received the following information Vizt that the Enemy brought on shore thirty three Boat load of wounded Soldiers and Seamen on the 23d Inst. and that they have taken several Companies of Marines from on board to do duty as Foot, they curse Fort Mifflin heartily, & say, it has given them more trouble, than any thing they ever met with. the Shipping...
9From George Washington to Maj. John Clark, 27 October 1777 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Maj. John Clark, Jr., 27 Oct. 1777. Clark’s letter to GW of 27 Oct. is docketed in part “Ansd same date.”
10To George Washington from Major John Clark, Jr., 3 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
This moment my Spy from Philadelphia came to me he is an exceeding intelligent Fellow, I counterfeited the Quaker for once, & wrote a few lines to Sr Wm informing him the Rebels had plundered me, & that I was determined to risque my all in procuring him intelligence, that the bearer wou’d give him my name; a noted Quaker, who I knew had assisted him. The Letter was concealed curiously & the...
11From George Washington to Major John Clark, Jr., 4 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have just receiv’d your favor of 8 OClock last Evening & think you have fallen upon an exceeding good Method of gaining Intelligence, & that too much Caution cannot be made use of both on Accot of the safety of your friend & the Execution & continuance of your design which may be of service to us. In your next I’d have you mention that General Gates now having nothing to do to the Northward,...
12To George Washington from Major John Clark, Jr., 4 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
Your agreeable favor came to hand a few Minutes ago. I thank you for your approbation of my conduct, and shall not fail to do as you have directed; in return, I expect immediate intelligence of every design—from the Enemy. I am just returned from below Marcus Hook, & Chester, have carefully viewed every Ship of War & Transport in the River at these places, & can assure you there is not a...
13To George Washington from Major John Clark, Jr., 8 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
Capt. Little late of Philada has just returned from the neighborhood of New Castle—he fell in with Lieut. Linsey of Blands dragoons, who had just taken two Captain’s belonging to the Enemy’s fleet: one of them was under orders to sail for England in a packet, and came ashore to take leave of the inhabitants who are continually supplying them with every necessary. Lindsy says if he had had only...
14To George Washington from Major John Clark, Jr., 12 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
This will inform you I left New Castle Yesterday Evening, at which place there lay about one hundred sail of Men of War & Transports, chiefly of the later, one large Ship of Force at the mouth of Christiana—Day before Yesterday thirty five sail of Transports hove in sight & soon after taking advantage of the Flood, moved up & joined the Fleet at Chester—The Inhabitants say they had no Troops...
15From George Washington to Maj. John Clark, 13 November 1777 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Maj. John Clark, Jr., 13 Nov. 1777. Clark’s letter to GW of 12 Nov. is docketed in part “Ansd 13th.”
16To George Washington from Major John Clark, Jr., 16 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
Having received information that the Enemy were landing at Chester I immediately dispatched an intelligent person to bring information, he is just returned and informs me there has not been any on shore & that there are not above three or four hundred on board. & those are a part of the Invalids left on Staten Island I am also informed by a Gentleman who viewed all the Transports as the came...
17To George Washington from Major John Clark, Jr., 16 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
I am sorry to acquaint you of the disagreeable News of the evacuation of Fort Mifflin—I’ve just seen two persons from Philadelphia the news of the Fort being taken was bought by three Light Horsemen into the City at 12 oClock—the Enemies Lines are compleat from Delaware to Schuylkill—They were at a quarter of a pound of Beef allowance ⅌ Man—great Betts were held of their quitting the City—an...
18To George Washington from Major John Clark, Jr., 17 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
This moment I have seen a Gentleman (a Friend) who left the City Yesterday Evening, the report of the evacuation of Fort Mifflin was generally believed by the Citizens—’twas also said the Troops on board the Transports at Chester wou’d immediately land in the Jersey shore and march to attack red bank—a Captains Guard are on the West side Schuylkill—on the East, the seventy first Regiment and a...
19To George Washington from Major John Clark, Jr., 17 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
Col. Tilghmans Letter I have received. The Enemy are gone over to Jersey I will endeavour to get an exact account of the numbers & transmit you in haste I am your Excellency’s Obedt Hble servt a Gentleman of credit says they marched in a solid Column & were an hour & half crossing Derby Bridge, without any impediments. ALS , DLC:GW . Although this letter is undated, its context suggests that...
20To George Washington from Major John Clark, Jr., 18 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
Col: Fitzgeralds favor of 6 oClock last Evening I received. A Young fellow of Character has been recommended to me (by a Gentleman of my acquaintance in whom I can entirely confide) as a suitable person to give information of the Enemy’s designs—He is now in the City—& will be with you so soon as he makes the discoveries I have ordered—If they attempt Redbank, by throwing our Troops from the...
21From George Washington to Major John Clark, Jr., 18 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
I am favd with yours of this date, and send you Fifty dollars for the purposes you mention. I beg I may have the most instant intelligence of any accounts that you may obtain, because I beleive that some move of consequence is in Agitation among the Enemy. I shall for that reason be obliged to you for remaining a few days longer at your present station, as I can put more dependance upon having...
22To George Washington from Major John Clark, Jr., 18 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
A few Minutes ago one of my Friends came to me & informs me about 5000 of the Enemy crossed from Philadelphia at the Middle Ferry; they are on the Chester Road encamped a few Miles from Chester—they have a great many Baggage Waggons & a number of Field pieces, one of the Officers waiters assured my Friend the whole Army were moving on—others of the Privates say they are going to cross the...
23To George Washington from Major John Clark, Jr., 18 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
The bearer of this has been employed by me to bring intelligence of the Enemy’s movements at Chester, from which place he has just arrived, & informs me the Enemy have been busy since their arrival putting their Horses on board, & embarking Troops, a Ship, & a Brig, were loaded & hauled of from the Wharf into the Channel before he came away, he immagines they have at least 3000—are encamped at...
24From George Washington to Maj. John Clark, 19 November 1777 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Maj. John Clark, Jr., 19 Nov. 1777. Clark’s third letter to GW of 18 Nov. is docketed in part “Answd 19th.”
25To George Washington from Major John Clark, Jr., 19 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
I am informed by a person in this place that Lord Cornwallis commands the party that came down from Philadelphia they compleated their embarkation about Sunset Yesterday the following Regiments are with his Lordship Vizt the 5th 15th 17th 33d 77th & 56th exclusive of the Hessians & Light Infantry with 12 pieces of Cannon & several Howitz, the Troops went from this with the greatest reluctance,...
26To George Washington from Maj. John Clark, 20 November 1777 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Maj. John Clark, Jr., 20 Nov. 1777. Clark wrote GW on 22 Nov. that the “Day before Yesterday I wrote to you.”
27To George Washington from Major John Clark, Jr., 22 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
This will inform you one of my Spies has this moment come to me from Philadelphia, he delivered the Dispatches to Sr Wm & has been through his Army says those remaining at Philadelphia do not exceed 5000, the Soldiers much fatigued & grumble at the severe duty they are obliged to do & are exceedingly averse to the service their Redoubts have from two to three Feild pieces in each, in front at...
28To George Washington from Major John Clark, Jr., 22 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
A few Minutes ago my Spy whom I expected had waited on you Yesterday, came to me, he left Philadelphia after 12, this Day, confirms the account, transmitted you in my Letter of this Date, & says the Troops from Jersey, have not returned, that the Enemy have their Waggons paraded along the line, where they are encamped, that they are busy hauling Fascines up from the Neck, that a number of...
29To George Washington from Major John Clark, Jr., 24 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
I am this moment returned [from] Mr Philip Prices near the lower Ferry, at which place I thought to have taken a view of the River, but was prevented by the thickness of the Air occasioned by a Smoak on Province Island, I immagine the Enemy are about to evacuate it, by a Person of distinction from Philadelphia (a Friend) this Evening, I am informed, the Enemy are exceedingly alarmed, Orders...
30From George Washington to Major John Clark, Jr., 25 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
Your two favors of the 22d & that of the 24th Instant have been duly received. I thank you for your exertions to procure intelligence and hope they will be continued. I have inclosed you a List of Questions to which I wish the most satisfactory Answers that can be obtained. You will direct your Emissaries & Spies particularly on these Head, and will request their pointed attention to them. I...
31To George Washington from Major John Clark, Jr., 26 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
Yours of the 25th I received, and will strictly adhere to the contents thereof—this moment my Friend from Philadelphia came to me and informs me he left the City this Evening—previous to his departure he viewed the Wharfs & Streets none of which have any Cannon on, this Day upwards of thirty Sail of Transports came up the River, above one hundred now ly opposite the City—several of which have...
32From George Washington to Major John Clark, Jr., 27 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have yours of Yesterday and am obliged for the particular information which you give to the points I gave you in charge. As I have now got the necessary information as to the Enemy’s Works, position &ca what your Friends will particularly attend to, will be, the Return of Lord Cornwallis and his Troops, and what appear after that, to be their intentions. Whether to sit down in quarters for...
33To George Washington from Major John Clark, Jr., 29 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
Your Favor of the 27th I received last Night and will pay a particular attention to your request—By a Gentleman of veracity (a worthy Friend) who left Philadelphia the Evening before last, I am informed that General Howe is Billeting his Troops on the Citizens, two to every Housekeeper, which has occasioned a universal murmur among the Citizens—By a person who left the City Yesterday Evening,...
34To George Washington from Major John Clark, Jr., 1 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
A few Minutes ago my Friend Mr J. F. returned from the City, in which, he says there are a great many Troops Billeted, the Streets remain without any Cannon in them six or seven Frigates have got up, none ly above Mark⟨et⟩ Street Wharf, neither do they carry above twenty Guns each, the Transports have not as yet unloaded but a little Suga⟨r⟩ and a few pieces of Linnen—Lord Cornwallis has at...
35To George Washington from Major John Clark, Jr., 3 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
Col: Laurens Letter came to hand this morning. I am sorry a Guard of Militia under the Command of Colonel Warner took up one of my Friends going into Philada which has prevented my getting some very material intelligence as I had formed a channel through which every thing in that way wou’d have come with secrecy & for that purpose had sent a little provision to my Correspondent in Philada from...
36To George Washington from Major John Clark, Jr., 3 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
One of my Spies this moment arrived from the City, which place he left this Day at 12, oClock—he confirms the account transmitted you this Day at one oClock with respect to the Enemy pressing Horses & Carriages—but seen no Boats &c. on Carriages—he went thro the greatest part of the City assures me Troops are quarter’d in almost every House—they are pulling down a great many frame Buildings...
37To George Washington from Maj. John Clark, 9 December 1777 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Maj. John Clark, Jr., 9 Dec. 1777. In his letter to Clark of this date , GW wrote: “I am favd with yours of 8 OClock this Morning.”
38From George Washington to Major John Clark, Jr., 9 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
I am favd with yours of 8 OClock this Morning. I fancy your intelligencer is mistaken as to the number of wounded; but they had a pretty warm brush with Morgans Corps, in which he thinks he killed and wounded a good many —Genl Potter is gone over to the West side of Schulylkill again, be pleased to represent the matter of the provision to him and let him know it is my desire that Colo. Rankin...
39To George Washington from Maj. John Clark, 15 December 1777 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Maj. John Clark, Jr., c.15 Dec. 1777. On 16 Dec. GW wrote Clark that “Your Messenger went away before I got home yesterday, or I should have answered your letter.”
40From George Washington to Major John Clark, Jr., 16 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
Your Messenger went away before I got home yesterday, or I should have answered your letter. Altho’ I would not grant permission to all those who want to go into Philada to get paid for what they were plundered of, you may allow it to those on whom you can depend and from whom you expect any intelligence in return. I have directed that all passes granted by you shall be sufficient for the...
41To George Washington from Major John Clark, Jr., 18 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
I wrote you sometime since, concerning some Provision I had sent by a Spy, taken by Warners Militia, & deposited in the hands of Col. Rankin—Your Excellency was kind enough to request me to give General Potter, a state of the matter, & let him know, “’twas your desire, that it shou’d be delivered to the guard,” all this has been done by me, Mr Trumbal waited on him Yesterday, but to no...
42To George Washington from Major John Clark, Jr., 19 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
since the reception of your favor I dispatched several Spies into the City, to endeavor to find the intended hour of the Enemy’s march; one of them this moment returned from Philada, which place he left at three oClock this afternoon, at that time, they were leading about three hundred Horses covered with Blankets on the Commons, & were very busy throwing up a ditch from the Road above Middle...
43To George Washington from Major John Clark, Jr., 20 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
I wrote you last Night, & informed you that I expected a Spy from the City every hour —he has this moment come to me, & brings intelligence that near 1000 of the Enemy, crossed over to Jersey yesterday with six feild pieces from 4 to 6 pounders, with design to let the Country people have the benefit of the Market, the Militia hitherto having prevented—this Day, about 30 Waggons escorted by 100...
44From George Washington to Major John Clark, Jr., 21 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
I was yesterday favd with yours of the 18th and 19th and last night with that of the 20th The inclosed, which you will be kind enough to carry or send to Genl Potter immediately, as it is of consequence, among other things directs him to look into the matter of Mr Trumbulls provision and to have it restored to him. Genl potter is somewhere between Radnor and Merion Meeting. If you will...
45To George Washington from Major John Clark, Jr., 21 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
I am honored with yours of this Date, a Spy from the City & the Express arrived a few Minutes ago, the former confirms the account of the Enemy’s intention to plunder, they intend to visit Derby, Marple & Springfield Townships this Week, so says “Mr Nat. Vernon in confidence to Mr Joshua Humphreys of Philada.” Yesterday six large flat bottom’d Boats (with about 70 Privates) returned from...
46To George Washington from Major John Clark, Jr., 22 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
A large Body of the Enemy are on their march to Derby, where they must have arrived by this time, the number uncertain, but you may rely are formidable, they certainly mean to forage where I mentioned in my Letter of Yesterday—at 8 this morning about 20 Dragoons of the Enemy came up to the Fox Chase, to give the alarm, & then took the route to Derby—I have alarmed Morgan—the Genl is rode out...
47To George Washington from Major John Clark, Jr., 22 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have just returned from Springfield, having met one of my Spies on the Road, he informs me Genl Sr Wm Howe Sr Wm Erskine & a number of other Generals are with the party at Derby, refreshing the Troops—they have a very formidable Body with them—my Spy was taken by their advanced Guard one Mile this side Derby, on the Springfield Road—& carried to the Generals at Derby—they’ve made great many...
48To George Washington from Maj. John Clark, 22 December 1777 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Maj. John Clark, Jr., 22 Dec. 1777. Clark says in the postscript of his letter to GW of 23 Dec. that “I wrote you by Express last Evening.”
49To George Washington from Major John Clark, Jr., 23 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
One of my Spies has just come from General Howes quarters at Mr Prices, he went down the private Road from Garrets undiscovered ’till he got to the General quarters almost, his Troops are encamped all along the Road from the Ferry, to the high Ground on this side Derby, at Justice Parkers on Springfield Road, their picket on this side, is kept at the intersection of the Providence, &...
50To George Washington from Major John Clark Jr., 25 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
This morning a party of the Enemy with a few Field pieces moved from Derby towards Chester, near the White Horse Tavern they fell in with a small party of our Troops, and a pretty smart Skirmish ensued, the Enemy played their Artillery so warm, that our Troops were soon obliged to give way, we have one man killed, & another wounded with a Cannon ball—& we have taken two prisoners, with their...