1To George Washington from General Henry Clinton, 30 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
I am commanded by his Majesty to communicate to the Congress, and to the commander in chief of their troops, certain acts of Parliament in favor of America, which have lately received the Royal assent; in consequence of which I have deputed an officer of rank, Colonel Patterson, Adjutant General to the Army under my command, to have the honour of transmitting to you, Sir, those bills, with...
2From George Washington to General Henry Clinton, 31 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
I had the Honor last night, to receive your Favor of the 30th Inst. I am sorry, that I cannot see the necessity of the interview, which you propose. If you or Lord Howe have any dispatches for Congress and think fit to transmit them to my care, they shall be forwarded by the earliest Opportunity: If you have any for me of a military nature (for none other can come properly under my...
3To George Washington from General Henry Clinton, 3 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
I am directed to transmit to Congress, and the Commander in chief of their troops, printed Copies of three Conciliatory acts of Parliament; Let me add my most sincere wishes that they may produce the desireable effect which is hoped from them. I have the honor to be sir your most obedient and most humble sert Copy, DNA:PCC , item 152; copy, DNA:PCC , item 169; two copies, P.R.O. , 30/55,...
4To George Washington from Henry Clinton, 3 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
Letter not found : from Henry Clinton, 3 June 1778. On 6 June, GW wrote to Clinton acknowledging receipt of “your two Letters of the 3d Instant.” The first, enclosing Parliament’s conciliatory acts, appears above; the second, apparently “on the subject of prisoners,” as GW says in his letter to Clinton of 6 June, has not been found.
5From George Washington to General Henry Clinton, 6 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
On thursday I received the favor of your two Letters of the 3d Instant. The packet addressed to the president of Congress has been forwarded to him. In consequence of your Letter on the subject of prisoners, and a Note to Mr Boudinot from Mr Loring, I authorised Lt Colo. Hamilton, One of my Aids, to meet the latter ⟨and⟩ to make such propositions for an exchange, as the situation of the...
6To George Washington from General Henry Clinton, 9 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
The Earl of Carlisle, Mr Eden and Governor Johnston, three of the Commissioners for restoring peace between Great Britain and America, are arrived in his Majesty’s Ship Trident and are come to Philadelphia. Docr Ferguson, the Secretary to the Kings Commission, will be dispatched tomorrow Morning with a letter from their Excellencies to Congress. I am therefore to request that a passport from...
7From George Washington to General Henry Clinton, 9 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
At nine oClock this evening, I had the honor, to receive your Excellency’s letter of this date. I do not conceive myself at liberty to grant the passport, which you request, for Doctor Ferguson, without being previously instructed by Congress, on the subject. I shall dispatch a copy of your letter to them; and take the earliest opportunity of communicating their determination. I have the honor...
8From George Washington to General Henry Clinton, 20 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
I do myself the honor of transmitting you the inclosed letters from General Philips, which came under cover to my care. I must also take the liberty to commit to your care, the letter addressed to the Right Honourable the Earl of Carlisle &ca with two others for Governor Johnstone and Mr Eden, and to request that they may be conveyed to them by the earliest opportunity. Your letter, covering...
9To George Washington from General Henry Clinton, 18 July 1778 (Washington Papers)
Having promised my old friend Major General Phillips to ask permission for Him to pay me a Visit at New York, I have therefore to request the favor of your being so obliging to grant him a passport for that purpose, and that you will be so good to forward the Enclosed to that Gentleman. I have the Honor to be, Sir your most Obedient and most humble Servant Copy, P.R.O. , 30/55, Carleton...
10From George Washington to General Henry Clinton, 16 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
I transmit you the inclosed Copies of sundry Resolutions of Congress, by their order, and take the liberty to request your Answer to the last of them, on the subjects of passports by the earliest opportunity. I was much concerned to hear, that one of my patroles fired on a Flag coming from your lines on Monday Evening. I shall do every thing in my power to prevent the like mistake on any...
11To George Washington from General Henry Clinton, 19 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
Nothing but his Majesty’s positive Instructions of which I send you an Extract, could have induced me to trouble you or the American Congress again on the Subject of the Troops detained in New England in direct Contravention of the Treaty entered into at Saratoga. The Neglect of the Requisitions already made on this Subject is altogether unprecedented among Parties at War. I now however repeat...
12To George Washington from General Henry Clinton, 10 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
It is not necessary at present to resume the Consideration of the principal Questions relating to the Convention of Saratoga, I wish merely to bring under Review the Resolution of Congress of the 21st of May, enclosed in your Letter of the 23d to Sir William Howe. It appears to me different from the Practice of all Nations or Parties at War, and in some Degree tending to increase the Hardships...
13From George Washington to General Henry Clinton, 14 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
I received your Excellencys letter of the 10th instant thro’ Mr Clarke. I have transmitted Congress a copy of your proposition relative to an exchange of the troops of Convention and shall do myself the honor to communicate their decision the moment it is made known. Mr Clarke has my permission to proceed by the most convenient route to the troops of Convention. I have the honor to be with all...
14To George Washington from General Henry Clinton, 19 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
I received Your Excellency’s letter of the 14th Instant, acquainting me that You had transmitted to Congress my proposition relative to an exchange of the Troops of Convention. In consequence of Your letter to Mr Clarke I have sent Major Bruen, Deputy Quarter Mr General of the Army to King’s Ferry with the Money & Necessaries, mentioned by Mr Clarke for the use of the Troops under the Command...
15From George Washington to General Henry Clinton, 27 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
I do myself the honor of transmitting to your Excellency the inclosed Copy of an Act of Congress of the 19th instant, in answer to the proposition made in your letter of the 10th. In order to negociate an Exchange on the principles therein mentioned, Lieutenant Colonels Harrison and Hamilton, of the Army under my command, will meet Colonels O’Hara and Hyde at Amboy, on Monday the 7th of...
16To George Washington from General Henry Clinton, 2 December 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have received your letter of the 27th of last month relative to the Exchange of Prisoners proposed by me in mine to Your Excellency of the 10th and in consequence thereof I shall send Two Commissioners to meet the like number on Your part, at the time and place appointed, when I hope both parties will enter upon the business proposed, with that zeal which the importance of the Object may...
17George Washington to Sir Henry Clinton, 26 December 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Philadelphia, December 26, 1778 . Asks Clinton to place Brower and Lozier, who were accused of killing a Loyalist, on same footing with other prisoners of war. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
18From George Washington to General Henry Clinton, 26 December 1778 (Washington Papers)
Inclosed I send Your Excellency Mr Beatty’s representation of the case of Brower and Lezier, two soldiers in the service of these states, who it appears are suffering under a confinement of peculiar severity, without any sufficient cause for so injurious a discrimination—I am persuaded I need only call your attention to the situation of these men to induce you to order them relief and to have...
19To George Washington from General Henry Clinton, 23 January 1779 (Washington Papers)
I was honoured with your Letter of the 26th of last Month, with its enclosure. In order to prevent the irregularities, which, under the pretence of Reconnoitring, would otherwise be committed by individuals in every Army, it has been the custom in Europe (if I recollect right) that any Infantry patroling without a Non Commissioned Officer should be liable, if taken by the Enemy, to be treated...
20From George Washington to General Henry Clinton, 5 February 1779 (Washington Papers)
I do myself the honor to inclose the Copy of a Resolve of Congress of the 28th ulto respecting the Exchange or Return of Officers, as well British as American, who may have actually violated their Paroles. That the intentions of the Resolve may be the more readily and effectually carried into execution, I would propose that our respective Commissaries of prisoners may meet at such time and...
21To George Washington from General Henry Clinton, 9 February 1779 (Washington Papers)
Being desirous of forwarding the Clothing, Stores &c., belonging to the Troops of the Convention, and also a Cargo of Wine and other Refreshments for their Comfort, to Charlotteville in Virginia, I am to request you will be so obliging to send me the necessary Passports for the Ships mentioned in the Margin to proceed to Richmond on James River, for that purpose. And as I wish at the same time...
22George Washington to Sir Henry Clinton, 14 February 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Middlebrook, New Jersey ] February 14, 1779 . Encloses passports for ships bound for Hampton Roads. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
23From George Washington to General Henry Clinton, 14 February 1779 (Washington Papers)
I am honored with your letter of the 9th instant. You will find inclosed three passports for the ships you mention in the Margin, to proceed to Hampton Road, there to receive further directions from His Excellency the Governor of Virginia—I prefer this mode to that of giving passports immediately for Richmond, as when they are arrived at Hampton, the Governor can regulate their future progress...
24To George Washington from General Henry Clinton, 27 February 1779 (Washington Papers)
Wishing to take the Opportunity of the Cloathing Ships going to Virginia to remit £10,000, Sterling to Major General Phillips, for the Use of the Troops of the Convention of Saratoga, I am to request you will be so obliging to send me the necessary Passports for the safe Conveyance thereof in the Brig Lady Howe, Henry Steady, Master. And I am also to trouble you with a Repetition of the...
25From George Washington to General Henry Clinton, 1 March 1779 (Washington Papers)
You have herewith inclosed a passport for £10,000 Stg on board the Brig Lady Howe; for Hampton road in Virginia. I have also transmitted a passport for the Schooner Argyle, Magnus Crosbie Master, but confined it to the same place. It is a much shorter passage from Hampton road to Alexandria or George-Town on the Potowmack; and as either of these places are nearer to Fort Frederick and...
26George Washington to Sir Henry Clinton, 14 March 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Middlebrook [ New Jersey ] March 14, 1779 . Proposes a general cartel for exchange of prisoners. Will send commissioners to meet British commissioners “at such time and place as shall be judged convenient.” Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
27From George Washington to General Henry Clinton, 14 March 1779 (Washington Papers)
It is much to be regretted that all the attempts which have been made to establish some general and adequate rule for the exchange of prisoners, have hitherto been ineffectual. In a matter of so great importance, too much pains cannot be taken to surmount the obstacles that lie in it’s way, and to bring it to a satisfactory issue. With an earnest desire to effect this—The Honorable The...
28To George Washington from General Henry Clinton, 31 March 1779 (Washington Papers)
My having been absent from New York for some Days past, has prevented me from sooner acknowledging Your Letter of the 14th Instant. Let me assure You, Sir, that my Wishes coincide sincerely with those which you express, for the completion of a purpose equally urged by Justice & humanity. Allow me to say that I am happy to find the direction of this Affair is now entirely reposed in Military...
29From George Washington to General Henry Clinton, 4 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
I had not the honor to receive your Excellency’s letter of the 31st ulto before yesterday evening. From this circumstance and some others that have occurred, I am sorry to inform you that the proposed meeting of Commissioners cannot take place at so early a day as you have mentioned. I am under the necessity of requesting that it may be deferred ’till Monday the 12th instant, when Colonel...
30To George Washington from General Henry Clinton, 5 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
In my Letter of the 31st of last Month, I acquainted you that, in consequence of the proposal made to me in yours of the 14th, I should send down Colonel Hyde and Captain André to Staten Island this day, as Commissioners on my part, to meet the like number on your’s, for the purposes therein mentioned, either at Amboy, or Elizabeth Town, as you might wish; But as one of the Gentlemen has been...
31George Washington to Sir Henry Clinton, 25 August 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
West Point, August 25, 1779. Criticizes Lieutenant Colonel Ludwig Wurmb’s treatment of Captain Abner Haywood, who had been sent with a flag to the British lines. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
32From George Washington to General Henry Clinton, 25 August 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to inclose the copy of a letter from Major General Heath, accompanied by a report from Captain Heywood, lately sent by him with a flag to your lines, representing the treatment he met with, from Colonel Wurmb, the commanding officer. Persuaded, that you will reprobate so gross a violation of a flag, I have no doubt, that you will take effectual measures to discountenance the...
33From George Washington to General Henry Clinton, 4 September 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor of taking the earliest opportunity to transmit your Excellency two letters from Major Genl Phillips and one from Major General Baron de Reidisel which came inclosed to me from Major General Phillips. I have the honor to be with due respect Your Excellency’s most obt Sert P.S. I take the liberty to inclose a Letter for Cornet Fitzhugh, which if there is nothing improper in it,...
34To George Washington from General Henry Clinton, 8 September 1779 (Washington Papers)
Having occasion to remit £10,000, Sterling in Specie to Virginia for the Troops of the Convention of Saratoga; and wishing also to send by the same Conveyance that carries this Money, a quantity of Wine and other Refreshments for their Use, I am to request you will be so obliging to send me the necessary Passports for the safe conveyance thereof, in the Brigantine Patsey, of about 180 Tons...
35From George Washington to General Henry Clinton, 14 September 1779 (Washington Papers)
You will herewith find a passport for the safe conveyance of the money and necessaries for the use of the troops of Convention, which your Excellency requested in your letter of the 8th instant. I inclose the within letter at the desire of Mrs Harnage. I have the honor to be your Excellency’s most obt servt LS , in James McHenry’s writing, P.R.O. : 30/55, Carleton Papers; Df , DLC:GW ; Varick...
36To George Washington from General Henry Clinton, 29 September 1779 (Washington Papers)
Upon receiving Your Letter of the 14th Ultimo, I transmitted the papers that accompanied it to His Excellency Lieut. General Knyphausen, who has sent me Col: Wurmb’s answer thereto; and in justice to that Gentleman, who is an Officer of distinguished merit, I have the honor to enclose the same, together with a translation thereof, for your perusal, by which You will perceive that his conduct...
37To George Washington from General Henry Clinton, 9 November 1779 (Washington Papers)
When Mr Loring, my Commissary of Prisoners, addressed the enclosed Letter to Mr Beatty, he received one in return from Mr Skinner informing him that Mr Beatty was absent. That the purport of Mr Loring’s Letter may be known, I enclose it to you, Sir, requesting the necessary steps may be taken to enforce the just Requisition it contains. Mrs Maxwell, the Lady of Lieutt Maxwell of the 31st...
38From George Washington to General Henry Clinton, 20 November 1779 (Washington Papers)
I had the Honor on the 16th Inst. to receive Your Excellency’s Letter of the 9th—In answer to such parts of it, as respect the matters contained in Mr Loring’s Letter to Mr Beatty, I beg leave to refer you to the inclosed Copy of his Answer to Mr Loring. It will be perfectly agreable to me, for Mrs Maxwell, the Lady of Lt Maxwell, to join her Husband in Virginia when an Opportunity offers. In...
39George Washington to Sir Henry Clinton, 19 January 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Morristown [ New Jersey ] January 19, 1780 . Explains reasons for delay of return of certain prisoners on parole. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
40From George Washington to General Henry Clinton, 19 January 1780 (Washington Papers)
The severity of the weather has occasioned unavoidable delay to the Gentlemen who came out with the propositions concerted between Major General Phillips and themselves which will put it out of their power to complete their business and return in the time limited by their paroles. Persuaded that your Excellency will readily excuse their exceeding their permission a few days they have taken the...
41From George Washington to General Henry Clinton, 5 July 1780 (Washington Papers)
In Your Excellency’s absence from New York, I had the honor on the 2d of June to address a Letter to His Excellency General Knyphausen. The final answer to the propositions it contained being referred to Your Excellency, and as I have not been yet honoured with it—I take occasion to inclose You a Copy of the Letter and request that You will favour me with your determination on the several...
42To George Washington from General Henry Clinton, 19 July 1780 (Washington Papers)
In answer to the Letter you addressed to His Excellency General Knyphausen on the 2d June last, and of which You have been so good to inclose me a Copy in Yours of the 5th Instant, I have the honour to inform Your Excellency that I have no objection to receive at New York under Your appointment Mr Pintard, or a person You may nominate as a Commissary in behalf of prisoners. With regard to my...
43To George Washington from General Henry Clinton, 19 July 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to inclose to Your Excellency a Report concerning the Situation of the Troops of Convention in Virginia, not doubting but it will attract your attention and procure them redress. You cannot but be informed, Sir, that our conduct towards your Prisoners here is humane and liberal, and I am persuaded your wish must be to maintain this System of Benevolence towards Men who have...
44From George Washington to General Henry Clinton, 26 July 1780 (Washington Papers)
Your Excellency’s dispatches on the subject of the Troops of Convention have been received. I am exceedingly obliged by the favourable sentiments You are pleased to entertain of my disposition towards prisoners, and I beg leave to assure You, Sir, that I am sensible of the treatment, which those under your direction have generally experienced. There is nothing more contrary to my wishes, than...
45From George Washington to General Henry Clinton, 26 July 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have been duly honoured with Your Excellency’s Letter of the 19th Instant, and am pleased to find that the proposition I had the honor of communicating to General Knyphausen and afterwards to Your Excellency on the 5th of this month, for mutually appointing Agents for prisoners has met your approbation. I should have been happy if You had delineated in your Letter, your ideas at least, of...
46From George Washington to General Henry Clinton, 26 August 1780 (Washington Papers)
In a letter I have lately received from Major General Lincoln, he transmitted the inclosed for Your Excellency, which I have taken an early opportunity of forwarding. I find by General Lincolns letter to myself, that he proposes to meet General Phillips on the 12th of next Month at Elizabeth Town, which will be perfectly agreeable to me. I shall direct our Commissary of Prisoners to be there...
47To George Washington from General Henry Clinton, 19 September 1780 (Washington Papers)
Major General Phillips, who goes to Elizabeth Town to meet Major General Lincoln, is entrusted and Instructed from me with every thing relating to a General Exchange of Prisoners of War, as well as of the Troops of Convention, and also with all matters relative to the Commissaries of Prisoners and their Instructions, who it is intended should reside with the respective Armies. It is probable...
48To George Washington from General Henry Clinton, 26 September 1780 (Washington Papers)
Being informed that the King’s Adjutant General in America has been stopt under Major General Arnold’s passports, and is detained a prisoner in your Excellency’s Army, I have the honor to inform You, Sir, that I permitted Major André to go to Major General Arnold at the particular request of that General Officer; You will perceive, Sir, by the inclosed paper that a Flag of Truce was sent to...
49From Alexander Hamilton to Sir Henry Clinton, [30 September 1780] (Hamilton Papers)
It has so happened in the course of events, that Major André Adjutant General of your army has fallen into our hands. He was captured in such a way as will according to the laws of war justly affect his life. Though an enemy his virtues and his accomplishments are admired. Perhaps he might be released for General Arnold, delivered up without restriction or condition, which is the prevailing...
50From George Washington to General Henry Clinton, 30 September 1780 (Washington Papers)
In answer to Your Excellency’s letter of the 26th instant, which I have had the honor to receive, I am to inform you, that Major André was taken under such circumstances, as would have justified the most summary proceedings against him. I determined, however, to refer his case to the examination and decision of a Board of General Officers; who have, on his free and voluntary confession and...