1From George Washington to Major John Taylor, 28 January 1778 (Washington Papers)
Previous to yours of the 26th inst: I had received directions from the Board of War to send part, or if they could be spared, the whole of Colo. Hazens Regt to Albany. Their numbers are so reduced that it is not worth while to make a division, and I therefore desire that you will immediately march with all that are fit for duty. As your nearest Rout will be thro’ Bethlehem you will cross the...
2From George Washington to Lieutenant Colonel John Taylor, 27 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have rec’d your letter of the 20th & am much obliged to you for the intelligence it contains. You cannot promote the service more than by continuing your exertions to get information of whatever passes with the enemy, particularly at New York & in the river. It is of great importance that we should get immediate notice of any embarkation—the sailing of any troops out of the harbour or the...
3From George Washington to Lieutenant Colonel John Taylor, 5 August 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have duly received Your two favors of the 30th of July and 2d Instant with the papers—and thank you for the same and the intelligence transmitted. As I am persuaded your best endeavours will be directed to obtain all the information you can respecting the Enemy—I shall not trouble you with any particular request upon the present occasion—except with one, which is, that if at any time the...
4From George Washington to Lieutenant Colonel John Taylor, 10 August 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have been duly favored with your letter of the 6th inst. The plan you have laid for obtaining intelligence appears to be very well calculated for the end at present. I wish you to turn your inquiries as far as possible or practicable to the ascertaining the extent of the preparations which the enemy may be making to procure waggons—Whether the Inhabitants of Long Island—York Island—and...
5From George Washington to Lieutenant Colonel John Taylor, 12 August 1779 (Washington Papers)
Your favor of the 7th came to my hands about an hour ago by Mr Garrison with whom I have had a good deal of conversation and think his scheme, if it can be brought to bear, is a very good one—He will relate to you the substance of our discourse, which will save me a recital of it. I have only to request the favor of you to give it yr aid and that you will be so good as to fix a compensation...
6From George Washington to Lieutenant Colonel John Taylor, 28 August 1779 (Washington Papers)
The period is now come (in the arrival of the enemy’s reinforcement ) when intelligence is interesting and important. The first point to be ascertained, as nearly as possible, is the amount of the reinforcement, and whether it consists of complete Corps or of Recruits. If of the former, what the particular Regiments are? The next matter, which I would wish you to endeavour to become acquainted...
7From George Washington to Lieutenant Colonel John Taylor, 8 September 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have this morning recd yours of the 5th with the News papers and the counterfeit Bill inclosed. I thank you for the very material intelligence which your letter contains, and shall be further obliged by your communicating the true destination of the intended embarkation, if you can come to a knowledge of it. Whenever the person you mention chuses to return he may be assured of my protection,...
8From George Washington to Lieutenant Colonel John Taylor, 19 September 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have recd your favr of the 17th and am exceedingly obliged to you for the intelligence it contains. I send inclosed two half Johannes. Should you expend any more for the same purposes I will immediately remit it to you. Be pleased to endeavour to learn whether the Vessels, preparing to take the Cavalry on board, are square rigged, or sloops and schooners; we may judge of the Voyage by being...
9From George Washington to Lieutenant Colonel John Taylor or Major Samuel Hayes, 10 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
It is yet a matter of uncertainty whether His Excellency the Count D’Estaing will come to the Northward with intent to operate, or return to the West Indies. Should he determine upon the former and New York should be the object, the possession of Staten Island will be absolutely necessary: to accomplish which, we should be previously well informed of the Strength of the Enemy upon it—what...
10From Alexander Hamilton to Lieutenant Colonel John Taylor, [29 October 1779] (Hamilton Papers)
[ Great Egg Harbor Landing, New Jersey, October 29, 1799. The description of this letter in the dealer’s catalogue reads: “… is sending clothing to Taylor by pilot boat. ‘I am getting sick & cant say any more.’” Letter not found. ] ALS , sold by G. A. Baker & Company, Inc., May 4, 1943, Item 25. When this letter was written, H and Brigadier General Louis Le Bèque Du Portail were at Great Egg...