[ Totowa, New Jersey ] November 4, 1780 . Approves Smith’s decision to take the place of a retiring lieutenant colonel. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Smith was a lieutenant colonel in Spencer’s Regiment. In January, 1781, he became adjutant and inspector on the Marquis de Lafayette’s staff.
2George Washington to William Stephens Smith, 13 July 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
I have recieved, since my return to this place, the letter which you were so kind as to write on the 6th. of June, and am now to make you my acknowledgements for the information it contained. Very soon after I came to the government, I took measures for enquiring into the dispositions of the British cabinet on the matters in question between us: and what you now communicate corresponds very...
3From George Washington to William Stephens Smith, 19 November 1782 (Washington Papers)
In conducting the common business, at the Post of Dobbs’ Ferry (of which you have the superintendance), You will cause the Orders & Regulations contained in the several written Instructions which will be delivered to you by the present commanding Officer, to be duly attended to & observed—but I have thought it necessary to give you this private Instruction, hereby authorizing you to take such...
4From George Washington to Lieutenant Colonel William Stephens Smith, 14 March 1778 (Washington Papers)
I expected you would have been at Camp with the detatchment under your command before this time but I imagine the Weather and Roads have hindered you. I desire you will lose no time in marching after you receive this; and that you will bring with you all the Men of other Corps that are sufficiently recovered from the Hospitals and properly clad to do duty. I am &c. Df , in Tench Tilghman’s...
5From George Washington to William Stephens Smith, 14 May 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have received your favor of the 22nd of April. Having been informed that Colonel Vose wished to return to the Northward, Colonel Tupper was ordered to relieve him previous to the receipt of Your Letter—Nothwithstanding the Marquis had suggested that your being appointed to that Command would be exceedingly agreeable to the Regt. I did not think it could possibly be done, without involving...
6From George Washington to William Stephens Smith, 10 July 1782 (Washington Papers)
The enclosed (one for yourself & the other for Major Clarkson) comes in consequence of Generl Knox’s application. To give you such Letters, was My first intention; but not knowing who was to command the Forces destined for the Invasion of Jamaica, I had resort to the Certificates with which you were furnished; conceiving it would appear odd to write, & not be able to direct. or to direct to...
7From George Washington to William Stephens Smith, 30 May 1781 (Washington Papers)
I fully intended in my letter of the 14th to have desired you to return to this Army, but I might possibly in the hurry of Business have forgot to give the Gentleman who wrote it instructions to that purpose. Should this find you in Philadelphia, you will look upon yourself fully at liberty to return, or proceed to the southward, should your inclinations lead you to prefer that service to...
8From George Washington to William Stephens Smith, 24 June 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have this Moment received your Application to me requestg Liberty to join the combined Armies in the West Indies, for this Campaign. I applaud Gentlemen the noble & generous Ardor displayed on this Occasion—But having never taken upon me to grant Leave of Absence to Officers in the American Army, with out permission of Congress, your Application shall be conveyed to that Hono. Body—for their...
9From George Washington to William Stephens Smith, 1 May 1788 (Washington Papers)
I consider myself the more indebted to your obliging care in transmitting the letter of the Marquis de la Fayette, as by that means you have given me the double advantage of hearing from two of my distant, military friends at once. It is so long since I have had the satisfaction of holding any immediate intercourse with you, that I may be allowed to touch on a subject rather obsotute indeed,...
10From George Washington to William Stephens Smith, 6 December 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have to acknowledge the receipt of your two Letters of the 2nd & 3d inst. & to inform you that the matter which has been in agitation is suspended for the present—Notwithstanding which, I wish you to continue your efforts to obtain the best & most particular information in your power. A Command from Hazens Regt will be sent in a few days to relieve the Light Infantry Company at Dobbs’ Ferry....