1From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene or Brigadier General James Mitchell Varnum or Brigadier General … (Washington Papers)
Capt. Duplessis has just delivered me yours of this Morning from Burlington. Every account from Philada confirms the Report that the Enemy mean to make a speedy Move. I shall not be disappointed if they come out this Night or very early in the Morning. You will therefore push forward, the Rear Brigades with all possible expedition and the Moment that the Troops and Baggage have all passed, let...
2From George Washington to Brigadier Generals Samuel Holden Parsons, Enoch Poor, and James Mitchell Varnum, 29 March 1777 (Washington Papers)
The Situation of our Affairs again compells me to call upon you in express, and positive Terms to hasten the Troops of your State (those Inlisted for the Continent I mean) to Peeks Kills, or head Quarters, without one moments loss of time. I do not mean by this to interupt the Inoculation of them; but, that nothing which can facilitate the March of the whole, or part (under proper Officers)...
3From George Washington to Brigadier General James Mitchell Varnum, 22 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have received your favors of 20 & 21st Inst. by this Express I shall write to Majr Genl Greene from whom you will receive your Instructions respecting your Operations on that shore. I am at a loss to determine upon what Principle the Powder was strew’d over the fort at Red bank as I expected that if an Evacuation was found necessary it might be brought off & if that was impracticable I...
[ Whitpain Township, Pennsylvania ] October 28, 1777 . Orders Varnum to Woodbury to cooperate with those already there for the relief of Fort Mifflin and the garrison at Red Bank. LS , in writing of H, George Washington Photostats, Library of Congress.
5George Washington to Brigadier General James Mitchell Varnum, 14 May 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Morristown [ New Jersey ] May 14, 1777. Orders Varnum to forward recruits despite the opposition of the Rhode Islanders. LS , in writing of H, The Huntington Library, San Marino, California.
6From George Washington to Brigadier General James Mitchell Varnum, 28 October 1777 (Washington Papers)
You are, as soon as the weather will permit, to proceed to Woodberry with the Brigade under your command. Your most convenient route will be from this to Bristol, thence to Mount Holly, thence to Haddonfield and thence to the place of your destination. You will be circumspect on your march, to prevent being surprised or intercepted. The design of your expedition is to aid and give greater...
7From George Washington to Brigadier General James Mitchell Varnum, 7 October 1777 (Washington Papers)
I desire you will immediately on the receipt of this detach Col: Green’s and Col: Angel’s regiments with their baggage, with orders to throw themselves into the fort at Red-bank upon the Jersey-shore. This important post commands and defends the Chevaux de frize and unless kept in our possession, our vessels of war must quit their station and thereby leave the enemy at liberty to weigh the...
8From George Washington to Brigadier General James Mitchell Varnum, 1 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
I hope this will find you arrived safe at Red Bank with your detatchment. By letters from the Baron Arendt, who has retired for a few days to the Jersey Side for the benefit of his health, I understand that what they principally fear at Fort Mifflin is a surprise by Night, or a lodgment upon the upper end of the Island, by which they may cover themselves before morning, and open a Battery upon...
9From George Washington to Brigadier General James Mitchell Varnum, 4 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
The inclosed I had written to Colo. Green before your favor of yesterday reached my hands. I am happy in receiving so favorable a report, as your Letter contains, of the situation of the Forts—I most devoutly wish that the exertions of your self and Officers may be Crowned with the success that so good a cause, and such labours, deserve. My letters to Comodore Hazelwood, & Colo. Green, go...
10From George Washington to Brigadier General James Mitchell Varnum, 19 March 1779 (Washington Papers)
In answer to your letter of the 9th Inst. I would observe; that the sentiments contained in mine of the 14th of February Ulto were of a general nature; not pointed at any particular corps, or description of Officers; had reference barely to a prudence and circumspection of language before the soldier, and recommended severe or adequate punishment in case of licentious behaviour. I inclose you...
11From George Washington to Brigadier General James Mitchell Varnum, 8 October 1777 (Washington Papers)
I send you the foregoing duplicate of mine of yesterday to prevent any delay or disappointment from miscarriages; as it is of the utmost importance no time should be lost in forwarding the detachment to the place of its destination. The army here marches this morning from hence to the Baptist meeting house in Montgomery Town ship; whither you will direct your course by the shortest rout and...
12From George Washington to Brigadier General James Mitchell Varnum, 8 October 1777 (Washington Papers)
I this Evening received your favor of this date. The Regiments under Cols Greene & Angel are to proceed to Red Bank according to orders. I desire to be informed of their precise amount by this Express at day light tomorrow, and that you & Genl Huntingdon will join me with the Remainder, as early as you can. I am Sr Yr Most Obed. Sert LS , REgVM . This letter has not been found.
13From George Washington to Brigadier General James Mitchell Varnum, 18 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
A Body of the Enemy marched last night from Philada and crossed the Bridge at the middle ferry and proceeded to Chester. Their numbers are variously reported from 1500 to 3000 but I imagine the former is most likely, altho’ some people from the City think they are much lessened upon their lines. They this day embarked their Horses from Chester on Board Brigs and Ships. This would seem as if...
14From George Washington to Brigadier General James Mitchell Varnum, 16 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
I imagine from yours of last Evening by Major Ballard that the Fort was totally evacuated last night. As Major Fleury is wounded, you may probably want an Engineer below. I have therefore sent Monsr L’Aumois the Bearer of this. He is recommended as a Gentleman of Abilities in his profession. I am Dear Sir Yr most obt Servt P.S. It is not intended that Monsr L’Aumois should interfere with Capt....
15From George Washington to Brigadier General James Mitchell Varnum, 8 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
Yours of the 6th relieved me from much anxiety, as it was confidently reported that the firing upon the 5th was upon Fort Mifflin. I am pleased to hear of the Success of your Cannonade against the Enemy’s shipping, and I am very certain if we had more heavy Cannon mounted upon travelling carriages to move up and down the Beach occasionally, that we should annoy and distress them exceedingly....
16From George Washington to Brigadier General James Mitchell Varnum, 9 April 1778 (Washington Papers)
However contrary to my wish and inclination it is to refuse the requests of my Officers, there are cases in which duty requires a sacrifice of my feelings—it is upon this principle that I find myself under the disagreeable necessity of disapproving the application which you have made for leave of absence —for I cannot think myself warranted in suffering the Army to be deprived of its best...
17From George Washington to Brigadier General James Mitchell Varnum, 31 October 1777 (Washington Papers)
The Loss of our heavy Cannon on the North River, and the possibility however remote, of our losing those which are in the Forts on Delaware, in which case we should be totally divested of an essential defence against the Enemys Ships—make it adviseable to remove from Red bank and Fort Mifflin all the large Calibers that can possibly be spared from their necessary defence, to some Place of...
18From George Washington to Brigadier General James Mitchell Varnum, 9 October 1777 (Washington Papers)
I received your Letter early this Morning by the return of the Express. Since the Order given for the march of Colo. Green’s & Angels Regiments some circumstances have cast up, which from appearances, make so large a number of Continental Troops at Red Bank unnecessary, I therefore desire that you will on receipt of this, send the express to Colo. Angel to return immediately with his Regiment,...
19From George Washington to Brigadier General James Mitchell Varnum, 19 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
In Consequences of advices recd since I wrote you last night, I have ordered Genl Huntington to march to your Assistance. You will please to direct the detatchment that went first down to Fort Mifflin under the command of Colonel Smith to return to Camp, they are in so much want of Necessaries that it is impossible for them to remain longer. Let the Militia that are with you be put in the best...
20From George Washington to Brigadier General James Mitchell Varnum, 12 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
I am sorry to find from yours of Yesterday, that the fire of the Enemy had made so great an impression upon the Works of Fort Mifflin, that you thought an evacuation would be necessary. As I have not yet heard that the measure was determined upon, I hope it is not carried into execution. If it is not, it is the unanimous opinion of a Council of General Officers now sitting, that the Fort be...
21George Washington to Brigadier General James Mitchell Varnum, 7 October 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Pawlins Mill [ Pennsylvania ] October 7, 1777 . Orders Varnum to “the Baptist meeting House in Montgomery Township” to meet main Army. Df , in writing of H, Papers of George Washington, Library of Congress. Fitzpatrick dates this letter October 8, 1777 ( GW John C. Fitzpatrick, ed., The Writings of George Washington (Washington, 1931–1944). , IX, 333).
22From George Washington to Brigadier General James Mitchell Varnum, 14 February 1779 (Washington Papers)
I received your favor of the 29th Ultimo. It is no easy matter, and always requires great efforts of judgement, to extinguish a general spirit of complaint, without punishing the principal offenders; for soldiers are restrained, more by fear, than by argument; by severe and well timed example, than by cool and lenient measures. I could wish there were no reasons to suppose that the soldiers...
23From George Washington to Brigadier General James Mitchell Varnum, 7 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
From various accounts I am convinced that the Enemy are upon the point of making a grand effort upon Fort Mifflin. A person in confidence of one of their principal artificers thinks it will be to day or tomorrow. No time is therefore to be lost in making that Garrison as respectable as your numbers will admit, for should the attack commence before they are reinforced, it may probably be out of...
24From George Washington to Brigadier General James Mitchell Varnum, 12 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
Since I wrote to you at One O’Clock this day yours dated twelve last Night came to hand. This has occasioned an alteration in the sentiments of myself and the Council, who find it impossible, from your representation, to give timely releif to the Fort. We therefore are now of opinion that the Cannon and Stores ought immediately to be removed, and every thing put into a disposition to remove...
25From George Washington to Brigadier General James Mitchell Varnum, 6 March 1777 (Washington Papers)
The necessity I am under for Troops obliges me to desire You to call upon the several Continental Colonels in your State in the most peremptory manner to make Returns of the Men they have inlisted, and to march all those that have had the Small pox immediately to join the Army here. If any of their Companies are not complete, proper Officers must be left behind to make up the deficiency, and...
26From George Washington to Brigadier General James Mitchell Varnum, 15 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have received your Letter of yesterday inclosing the opinion of Major Thayer the present Commandant at Fort Miflin respecting the defence of that Post —and am happy to find that he and Major Fleury coincide in their Sentiments as to the practicability of maintaining it, in spite of the Enemys Land and floating Batteries —Their Perseverance however may expose them to falling a Sacrifice in...
27From George Washington to James Mitchell Varnum, 10 July 1782 (Washington Papers)
Colonel Olney deliver’d me your favor of the 23 June—I am much indebted to that Gentleman for his close attention to the good of Service whilst in your State—He has certainly proved himself a valuable Officer. Tho’ your State have not fully complied with the desires of Congress some Credit is due them for what they have done I am sorry I cannot say so much of the other States—but tho’ the...
28From George Washington to Brigadier General James Mitchell Varnum, 10 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
I am pleased to find by yours of the 8th that proper dispositions were formed for the Reception of the Enemy at Forts Mercer and Mifflin and that the Garrisons were so full of confidence. We already hear a firing which we suppose a prelude to something more serious. I sincerely wish you sucess; but let the event be fortunate or otherwise pray let me have the speediest intelligence. I am Dr Sir...
29From George Washington to Brigadier General James Mitchell Varnum, 3 March 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have the pleasure of congratulating you upon your appointment to the Rank of Brigadier General in the Continental Army. Your Commission shall be forwarded to you, as soon as it comes to my hands. It will bear date from 21st last Month. I beg you will make use of your utmost Exertions, to raise and equip the two Battalions allotted to your State, which, by a letter from Govr Cook, I hope will...
30From George Washington to Brigadier General James Mitchell Varnum, 13 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
I wrote you two Letters yesterday, the first contained positive orders to maintain the Fort on Mud Island at all events, the second in consequence of subsequent advices from you gave discretionary powers to evacuate the post—and a Copy of it was sent to guard against miscarriage—I refer you to its Contents and repeat that I would have a show of defence kept up as long as possible, by such a...
31From George Washington to Brigadier General James Mitchell Varnum, 3 April 1777 (Washington Papers)
Not having been favoured with an Answer to my letter to you on the 3d Ulto I flattered myself that the Order it contained “that you would have innoculated all the Recruits of the two Regiments to be raised by Rhode Island as fast as they inlisted,” had been executed. But a letter from Governor Cook dated the 18th Ulto informs me that You are taking Methods to have the Regiments innoculated as...
32From George Washington to Brigadier General James Mitchell Varnum, 21 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
Upon perusing the Petition hand’d by you this Morning in favor of Lieutenant Peck—I have given orders that he may be released from his Arrest. The Nature of the Charge exhibited against this Gentleman is very weighty, & which, the excellent Character he has hitherto borne, could only induce me to overlook—I hope this Instance will sufficiently warn him, & prevent his doing any thing in future...
33From George Washington to Brigadier General James Mitchell Varnum, 11 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
Your Favors of 9th & 10th Instant, I have duly received. I think we may reasonably hope, that from the good disposition of the Troops in your Quarter, & the Zeal & Activity of the Officers & men, Join’d to the present very advanced & cold Season, which must greatly retard if not prevent the Operations of the Enemy; Matters may terminate with you agreeable to our Expectations—this must have the...
34From George Washington to Brigadier General James Mitchell Varnum, 6 October 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have yours of Yesterday informing me that the detatchment under your command will be at Coryells Ferry this Evening. I desire you will cross immediately upon the Rect of this and proceed by the nearest Rout to Hilltown Township near the Heights of which we shall move our Encampment. As soon as you arrive upon your Ground send me a Messenger to let me know exactly where you are. I am Sir Yr...
35From George Washington to James Mitchell Varnum, 10 March 1783 (Washington Papers)
I have had the honor to receive your favor of the 21st Ulto—and beg your acceptance of my particular acknowledgements for the honoroable & flattering manner in which you have spoken of me, in the dedication to your Oration, delivered before our Brethren at Providence. The Sentiments which you have expressed in your Oration, I have read with pleasure and am with great esteem & regard Dr Sir Yr...
36From George Washington to Brigadier General James Mitchell Varnum, 14 May 1777 (Washington Papers)
Yours of the 6th instant this moment reached me, inclosing returns of the batalions raising in your state. You must continue to send them forward with all expedition, whatever affect it may have in the opinions of those you mention. Their presence in this quarter cannot be dispensed with; and it is impossible to neglect a certain and pressing danger, in order to guard against a precarious and...
37From George Washington to Brigadier General James Mitchell Varnum, 19 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
The Gens. St Clair, Knox and Kalb returned to Camp this Evening, they are all clear in their opinions that keeping possession of the Jersey Shore at or near Red Bank is of the last importance. I have therefore determined to make such an addition to the reinforcement that marched this morning under Genl Huntingdon, that I am in hopes you will be able to give an effectual Check to the Force...
38To George Washington from Brigadier General James Mitchell Varnum, 9 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
Previous to the Rect of your Commands of Yesterday, I had sent an additional Reinforcement of a Capt. two Subs., three Serjeants and fifty Rank & File into Fort Mifflin. I have been at Fort Mifflin to day; The Enemy are prepared to open a Battery of five Guns, I take them to be Eighteens or Twenty fours, this Night, or tomorrow Morning, In Conjunction with their two Howitzers, besides two...
39To George Washington from James Mitchell Varnum, 21 August 1781 (Washington Papers)
Upon the foregoing System, each Battalion of Infantry consisting of five hundred Rank and File, a very considerable Reduction of Officers, will be necessary. I have ever esteemed it a Misfortune that by the last Arrangement a large Number of Officers retired upon halfpay, without being liable to a Recall into Service. Rapid Promotions are extremely injurious to the Service. The Appointment of...
40To George Washington from Brigadier General James Mitchell Varnum, 12 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
The Garrison holds out; tho’ the Enemy continue to batter with great Success upon the Works, but few Men are killed and wounded. The Troops are extremely fatigued. I shall send one Hundred fresh Troops this Night, &, all that I have tomorrow Night, if the Fort should remain defensible—The most fatigued will be taken from the Garrison. Colo. Smith will be unable to return to his Command for...
41To George Washington from Brigadier General James Mitchell Varnum, 1–4 April 1777 (Washington Papers)
Your Excellency’s Commands of the 3rd March last, I received the 18th of said Month; Agreeable to which I called upon the Colos. for a Return of their Battalions; I have finally got them. On the 28th ultimo your Excellency’s orders of the 6th of the same Month was received. The Troops who have had the small Pox will march on Monday next, about one hundred and forty or fifty as appears by the...
42To George Washington from Brigadier General James Mitchell Varnum, 10 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
The Enemy this Morning opened against us with five Batteries. At two this afternoon, no Man was killed or wounded. The Cannonade and Bombardment have continued feebly since that Hour. I suppose the Rain has prevented their being more brisk—They have thrown some Shot among our Shipping: Theirs remain below us. They have made but little Impression upon the Works or Pallisades. I have just...
43To George Washington from Brigadier General James Mitchell Varnum, 7 July 1778 (Washington Papers)
I arrived here Yesterday morning on my Way from Rhode Island. I found Mrs Varnum in a distressed Situation, having been robbed of every Article Cloathing, except a morning undress which she had on. I am detained here by a severe Inflamation in the Face, occasioned by a Cold after drawing a troublesome Tooth. I hope to join my Brigade soon, but fear I shall be laid by for several Days. Genl...
44To George Washington from Brigadier General James Mitchell Varnum, 20 March 1778 (Washington Papers)
Upon the pernicious Principle that Officers have a Right to leave the Service when they please I must mention the within mentioned for Discharges, And am your Excellency’s most obdt Servant ALS , DNA : RG 93, Records Relating to Military Service. Varnum enclosed a 20 Mar. letter from Capt. David Smith of the 8th Connecticut Regiment ( DNA : RG 93, Records Relating to Military Service). Smith...
45To George Washington from Brigadier General James Mitchell Varnum, 13 April 1777 (Washington Papers)
The 5th Instant I received your Excellency’s Favor of the 12th Ulto; As I had previous thereto virtually comply’d with the Contents, can now only say, I delivered the inclosed Orders to Colonels Crary & Angell. From the first of January last, to the Rect of your Favor of the sixth, of March, the particular Command of the Post at Howland’s Ferry, Tiverton, devolved upon me by Order of General...
46To George Washington from Brigadier General James Mitchell Varnum, 15 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
I was a great part of last light in Fort Mifflin; It is greatly shattered, but very defensible, had we the Men mentioned in my letter of yesterday. I shall send two Hundred Militia in this Night, They will be able to Work, & fight upon Occasion. What put it into the Enemy’s Head, I cant say, But they kept up a constant Cannonade and Bombardment all the Night, so as to prevent, in a great...
47To George Washington from James Mitchell Varnum, 21 February 1783 (Washington Papers)
I take the Liberty of inclosing to your Excellency a short Oration, delivered upon an Occasion that has ever been deemed sacred to the Influence of all the social Virtues. I persuade myself therefore, your Excellency will not be displeased at finding the Name of Washington in the Dedication. By an Error of the Press the last Leaf is deranged, but it is not in my Power to furnish a better Copy,...
48To George Washington from Brigadier General James Mitchell Varnum, 20 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
Upon my Arrival at Red Bank last Evening, I found that Colo. Greene had recd the same Acct wch I mentioned to your Excellency in my Letter of Yesterday; he was farther informed that the Enemy were actually crossing the Ford, In Consequence, he had given Orders for an Evacuation. The Powder, by Capt. Duplissis, was strewed over the Fort—Hower, upon an Apprehension that your Excellency might...
49To George Washington from Brigadier General James Mitchell Varnum, 5 October 1777 (Washington Papers)
I am now, with the Troops under my Command, fifteen Miles from Morristown, & thirty five from Coryell’s Ferry, which we shall be able to reach Tomorrow Evening. We left King’s Ferry on Wednesday Morning last, & have made no Halt, excepting half the Day, Yesterday. The Detachment consists of one Hundred & four Officers, Twenty one Staff and Eleven Hundred & Twenty six Noncommissioned Officers &...
50To George Washington from Brigadier General James Mitchell Varnum, 29 January 1779 (Washington Papers)
Letter not found : from Brig. Gen. James Mitchell Varnum, 29 Jan. 1779. GW wrote Varnum on 14 Feb. : “I received your favor of the 29th Ultimo.”