1From George Washington to Board of War, 4 November 1783 (Washington Papers)
Major Allen McLane late of the Continental Army under my command informs me that John Pierce Esquire pay master General and Commissioner of Army accounts Doth not consider himself authorized by the resolution of congress, and construction of the Honorable board of war to adjust his claims to half pay for life and refers the Major to Lieut. Col. H. Lee to be provided for with the other officers...
2From George Washington to Board of War, 19 November 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have received your Favor of the 9th—Respectg the Cloathing—I think it my Duty to inform you that the Southern Army from the Supply that has been sent them from York Town & is now going on under the Care of the Detatchment under Comand of Genl St Clair, with what Genl Greene has been able to obtain, will probably go near to be pretty well covered—a few small Articles such as Overhals & small...
3From George Washington to Board of War, 27 October 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have received your Letter of the 13th respecting the Stores of Cloathg arrived in Boston from France—their Transportation from Boston I think will be attended with too great Risque to be hazarded—as the Fleet of Count de Grasse will probably not remain long on these Coasts after this Time. Of the Cloathing which is ordered on by Land—such part as is designed for the Troops on the North River...
4From George Washington to Board of War, 28 September 1781 (Washington Papers)
The Inclosed Letter from Doctr Craick of the Hospital, is of so much Importance, that I cannot omit to transmit it to your Board—& to enforce it with my Warmest Desire that its Request may be complied with in the shortest Time possible—The Exhausted Condition of this State admits no Relief—our only Hope is from you—the Importance of the Soldiers life to our Service, is too well known to you,...
5From George Washington to Board of War, 23 September 1781 (Washington Papers)
By the best accounts which we can obtain the Enemy’s Works at York are already more respectable than we had reason to suppose, and as they continue to strengthen them with unremitting labour, we must look forward to a very serious operation. Genl Knox has for these reasons thought it prudent to increase his requisition for Shot and Shells. His letter accompanies this and I must intreat the...
6From George Washington to Board of War, 7 September 1781 (Washington Papers)
Agreable to my Promise to you in Phila I have consulted Doct. Craig on the Subject of the Hospital Appointments—Inclosed is the Answer I have received—which I do myself the honor to transmit to you—And am Gentlemen Your most Obet Servt DLC : Papers of George Washington.
7From George Washington to Board of War, 5 August 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with your favors of the 17th and 26th ulto the first enclosing three plans for filling the present Vancancies and making future promotions in the Medical Line and which you were pleased to submit to my opinion—That I might obtain as extensive a knowledge as possible of the sentiments of the Army upon this matter, I committed the plans to the General Officers and desired...
8From George Washington to Board of War, 21 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
I was last Evennig favored with yours of the 16th instt—inclosing Copies of two Letters from B. Genl Knox to your Board on the Subject of forwarding military Stores to the Army—Circumstancd as I am at this Moment, with many surroundg Doubts & Uncertainties, from too many Reasons, it is impossible for me to fix on any certain Point of Time, at which I should wish to have the Stores in Camp—I...
9From George Washington to Board of War, 16 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
I very much approve and am exceedingly obliged by the Resolutions which have been entered into by the Board for the supply of my table, and which have been communicated to me by Mr secretary Carleton. I have for a long time past seen the advantages which would arise from having a trusty person about me in the character of a Steward, and have endeavoured without effect to procure such an one....
10From George Washington to Board of War, 9 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with your favors of the 26th ulto and 3d Inst. the Resolve of Congress to which you refer in the last was not inclosed, but I have recd the Original from the president—Give me leave to thank you for the attention which you promise to pay to my wants—It is necessary you should be informed, that besides the Articles which it will be in your power to procure and forward from...
11From George Washington to Board of War, 28 June 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with your favors of the 17th and 22d instants. It ought to be presumed that Mr Verna the British Dy Commy of prisoners comes to Elizabeth Town no oftner than his business requires, and except there can be proof stronger than suspicion that under cover of his office he carries on a correspondence with disaffected persons in Philada it will be indelicate to charge him with...
12From George Washington to Board of War, 21 June 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with your favors of the 4th, 5th, and 7th instants—My desire of making myself fully acquainted with the important subject of the last has prevented my answering it before this time. The principle on which you proceeded, of estimating the number of Rations, by the full compliment of the Continental Battalions and Corps, was certainly the only true one, and I find that your...
13From George Washington to Board of War, 9 June 1781 (Washington Papers)
Inclosed is a list of promotions due upon the resignation of Colo. procter and an account of Vacancies in the 2nd and 3d Regiments of Artillery. These promotions are agreeable to the mode of preferment established previous to the Resolve of the 25th of May. You will oblige me by having the Commissions immediately made out and all but Lt Colo. Carringtons forwarded here. I have the honor to be...
14From George Washington to Board of War, 8 June 1781 (Washington Papers)
I am honored with yours of the 1st instant inclosing Colo. Brodheads representation of the State of Affairs to the Westward, which I make no doubt are in much the same situation as those in every other quarter. If the requisitions of Men and supplies are not in any tolerable degree complied with by the States it is impossible for me to furnish Garrisons for the Frontier posts and support them....
15From George Washington to Board of War, 6 June 1781 (Washington Papers)
I was yesterday honored with your favor of the 25th ulto. Your first and second reasons for removing the Convention troops from their present places of confinement are unobjectionable; but I think they will be equally safe in Pennsylvania as they would be in Massachusetts, and, all circumstances considered, I am opinion that they had best be halted for the present in that State. The Board...
16From George Washington to Board of War, 30 May 1781 (Washington Papers)
Inclosed are the Copies of the letters and papers from the Marquis de la Fayette transmitted in yours of the 26th. I have recd Mr Carletons letter of the 22d inclosing one from Capt. swan on the subject of what he conceives an injury respecting his Rank. As he states no particulars, I do not know upon what he founds his claim to the Majority of the 1st Regt—But of this I am certain, that the...
17From George Washington to Board of War, 29 May 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with your favors of the 13th 14th. and 17th. instants. My late absence from the Army prevented my acknowledging them sooner. If the Uniforms which were fixed upon for the troops of the States of North and South Carolina have not been ordered from Europe, I do not see that any inconvenience can attend the proposed alterations. I think, however, the Lace ought to be dispensed...
18From George Washington to Board of War, 16 May 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with your favors of the 2d and 8th Inst. The first did not reach me till yesterday. I have immediately made application to Sir Henry Clinton for permission to send Tobacco to Charles Town, but I apprehend it will not be granted, as I think a request of a similar nature has been heretofore refused. Inclosed you have some additions to the arrangements of the Penna line—They...
19From George Washington to Board of War, 8 May 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with your favors of the 30th April and 1st Instant. After a conference with Mr Cornel I ordered as much Cloathing as could possibly be shared from hence to be immediately forwarded to the southward with one thousand Muskets and one thousand Cartouch Boxes which appeared as many as could be sent from hence upon a comparison of our own probable wants with our stock on hand....
20From George Washington to Board of War, 1 May 1781 (Washington Papers)
Your favr of the 21st ulto reached me on the 28th—Should there be no Naval Officer of Capt. Willings Rank who has a prior right of exchange, I shall be very glad to see his effected, as he has been peculiarly severely treated by the enemy, but if Lt Colo. Rogers is a continental prisoner of War I cannot consistently permit him to be exchanged for Capt. Willing solely, without making a...
21From George Washington to Board of War, 26 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
I received a representation, see General Knox’s letter of 23d of April of which the inclosed is a Copy, from General Knox, upon his being informed that the Board had directed the Military Stores at Fishkill to be delivered over to the Dy Qr Mr—and Mr Rud’dock and his Assistants to be dismissed—General Knox has so fully pointed out the utility and indeed necessity of keeping up such a post as...
22From George Washington to Board of War, 20 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
Inclosed is an estimate of Military Stores which will be necessary at Fort Pitt—it is formed partly upon the requisition of the Commanding Officer of Artillery there—but chiefly upon a presumption that a considerable quantity of the larger species of Stores will be expended by Colo. Clarke in an expedition against Detroit—At the request of the State of Virginia, I gave an order upon the...
23George Washington to the Board of War, 13 April 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
New Windsor [ New York ] April 13, 1781 . Asks Board to supply hard money to officers on Long Island who have been exchanged but are detained for lack of funds. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
24From George Washington to Board of War, 13 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
The Commissary of Prisoners informs me that there are still a number of officers on Long Island who have been exchanged, but are detained there for want of money to pay their board, not having been able to negotiate the bills which he received for that purpose. This is a most painful circumstance, both as it affects the officers and our public credit. If it were possible to find a sufficient...
25From George Washington to Board of War, 4 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
The inclosed was delivered to me a few days ago by General Hand, being the first intimation I ever had upon the subject. It appears to me the powder had better be removed from Lancaster either to Philada or to some Magazine lower down the Country where it may be properly taken care of, for you must undoubtedly know that if the Casks be not turned every now and then the Nitre will subside and...
26From George Washington to Board of War, 30 March 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with your favor of the 22d instant inclosing the heads of two plans for the incorporation of the departments of Qr Mr General and Commissaries General of purchases and Issues and that of the Commissary of prisoners in some degree, the whole to be under the direction of the Quarter Master General—If there is an absolute necessity for such a reform, I do not hesitate in...
27From George Washington to Board of War, 23 March 1781 (Washington Papers)
Upon my return from Newport three days ago, I found your favor of the 3d. I look upon the procuring shoes and Accoutrements to be so much more essential than that of Caps that I would not wish the matters carried into execution while there is the least danger of its interfering with the manufacture of those necessary articles. I recommended the measure upon a presumption that there would be...
28To George Washington from the Board of War, 3 March 1781 (Washington Papers)
The Board have to acknowledge the Reciept of your Excellency’s Letters of January 10th, 31st & Feby 19th & 23d. The two first should have been answered sooner but the first was mis laid & we waited to have the Determination of Congress on the Subject of the second which is not yet recieved. It is a standing Instruction to the Commissaries of Hides to make Leather Caps out of all Leather which...
29From George Washington to the Board of War, 19 February 1781 (Washington Papers)
I was duely honored with your favor of the 23d of January —The disturbances in some lines of the Army, and the remote situation of others, prevented the new arrangements from coming to hand so early and regularly, as they would otherwise have done—they are now chiefly got in, and you will find, under cover, those of the New Hampshire—Massachusetts—Rhode Island—Connecticut—New York—New Jersey...
30From George Washington to the Board of War, 19 February 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have directed B. Gen. Knox to have prepared at Philadelphia, with as much expedition as possible, a small battering train. He informs me that he shall send Lt Col. Stevens to Philadelphia for this purpose. I beg the favor that you will afford every assistance to Lt Col. Stevens which the means you may possess will admit, According to the orders given by General Knox. The success of the...
31To George Washington from the Board of War, 17 February 1781 (Washington Papers)
There are about four hundred of the Oneidas & Tuscaroras in & about Schenectady who from their Attachment to the Cause of the United States have been under the Necessity of abandoning their Settlements & taking Refuge under the Protection of the United States. These People are extremely wretched being destitute of Clothing & but precariously supplied with Provisions. It is unfortunately but...
32To George Washington from the Board of War, 13 February 1781 (Washington Papers)
The Situation of the British & German Prisoners of War for Want of Cloathing is very distressing, & that Misery is chiefly produced by a total Neglect of the Enemy to send them Supplies. The Prisoners in Philada Gaol are perishing with Disease & Nakedness. The putrid Fever rages among them to a great Degree & we find ourselves extremely embarrassed in our Endeavours to establish a separate...
33From George Washington to the Board of War, 31 January 1781 (Washington Papers)
Not having been as yet made acquainted with the Mode proposed for remounting the Regiments of Dragoons, or whether it is expected that the Horses for this service will be furnished by the Continent, or the States to which the Regiments are now assigned—I could wish to be informed of the intentions of Congress & that Measures might be adopted to put the Cavalry on a respectable footing for...
34George Washington to the Board of War, 12 January 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
New Windsor [ New York ] January 12, 1781 . Asks board to issue commissions to the officers appointed by Colonel Charles Armand in Armand’s corps. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
35From George Washington to the Board of War, 12 January 1781 (Washington Papers)
Congress having authorised me to appoint officers for Col. Armands corps, I have given him directions for the purpose, as he is, better acquainted than I am, with the characters, that will suit him. I am to request on his furnishing the Board with an arrangement that they will be pleased to issue commissions. He expects to go to France and dispatch being necessary to his plan, I Have thought...
36From George Washington to the Board of War, 10 January 1781 (Washington Papers)
We have so constantly experienced the want of Hats, than which no part of dress is more essential to the appearance of a soldier, that I have been endeavouring to find out a substitute for them, which could be procured among ourselves—I have seen none so likely to answer the purpose, and at the same time of so military an air as a leather Cap which was procured in the year 1777 for the 6th...
37From George Washington to the Board of War, 5 January 1781 (Washington Papers)
I do myself the honor to inclose you the Returns of Colo. Sheldons Regt of Cavalry agreeable to your letter of the 23d Novemr last and have the honor to be with great Respect Gentn Yr most obt Servt You have also the Returns of Moylans. Df , in Tench Tilghman’s writing, DLC:GW ; Varick transcript , DLC:GW . The enclosed returns have not been identified, but the board wanted information on the...
38To George Washington from the Board of War, 23 November 1780 (Washington Papers)
The board being called upon to make provision of clothing, Arms, accoutrements, Horse furniture &ca for the Cavalry; have the honor to request that you will be pleased to order returns to be made to them of the Articles necessary to be procured for each corps under your Excellency’s immediate command. They would Also wish to have returns of the Strength of the corps in horses & men—and of the...
39To George Washington from the Board of War, 21 November 1780 (Washington Papers)
Captain McIntire the Bearer represents to the Board that from some former Orders of ours he does not think himself at Liberty to leave the Western Department & join the main Army & has desired a Letter to your Excellency containing our Assent to his serving in the Army under your immediate Command. We have represented to him the Embarrassments which will attend his Promotion or Command in the...
40From George Washington to the Board of War, 7 November 1780 (Washington Papers)
I am honored with yours of the 31st ulto in consequence of which I yesterday issued a General Order of which the inclosed is a Copy. I was induced to give so considerable an extent of time to the operation of the order, because many of the Officers who are the objects of it, are at a distance from the Main Army. I shall be obliged by your care of the inclosed for Major Genl Greene, Colo....
41From George Washington to the Board of War, 4 November 1780 (Washington Papers)
[ Preakness, 4 Nov. 1780 ]. With his “Military Chest being totally exhausted,” GW seeks money that will enable fifteen officers involved in a recent prisoner exchange to reach their homes. “Their long and patient sufferings entitle them to attention and to every assistance in getting themselves and Baggage forward. … P.S. There may perhaps be a few more Gentlemen than those I have named in the...
42From George Washington to the Board of War, 31 October 1780 (Washington Papers)
You will oblige me by forwarding the inclosed to Colo. Wood, as expeditiously as possible. It contains orders to send down Brigadiers Genl Spetch and de Gall of the Convention troops, to whose exchanges sir Henry Clinton has consented. The Gentlemen are both old and infirm and it is therefore to be wished that they may accomplish their long Journey before the severity of the season sets in. I...
43George Washington to the Board of War, 25 October 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Totowa, New Jersey ] October 25, 1780 . Distrusts information that was given to board by a supposed British deserter who may well be a spy. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
44George Washington to the Board of War, 21 October 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Preakness [ New Jersey ] October 21, 1780 . Asks Board to explain what is meant by “the line of the army.” Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
45To George Washington from the Board of War, 18 October 1780 (Washington Papers)
When Capt. Joel was committed to our Charge we thought it proper to examine him & among a Variety of Matter of an unimportant Nature he informed us of there being a Major General in the Service of America who was in British pay. As we conceived this to be a Tale calculated to magnify his Importance or to extract Money from the public we contented ourselves with mentioning the Circumstance to...
46From George Washington to the Board of War, 12 October 1780 (Washington Papers)
I beg leave to inclose You the Commissions of Lts Emerson & Baxton of the 11th Massachusetts Regiment which it seems are wrong. Mr Emerson is intitled to rank, it is reported, from the 7th of November 1777 and Mr Baxton also as a Lieutenant from the same date. It seems unfortunately that there are many Errors in the Captains & Inferior Officers Commissions in this line, occasioned by the...
47From George Washington to the Board of War, 15 September 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have received the honor of Your Letters of the 7th & 9th Instt and, in consequence of the former I wrote to sir Henry Clinton on the 11th for the permit You request. As soon as it comes to hand it shall be forwarded to the Board. It is much to be wished that circumstances would admit greater supplies sent for the prisoners, as I am very apprehensive they are materially wanted. Unfortunately...
48To George Washington from the Board of War, 9 September 1780 (Washington Papers)
The board forwarded a letter yesterday from Col. Wood, to your Excellency, which contained some papers from Brig. Hamilton for New York. If they are permitted to go in, Lt Conolly Coan of the 62nd British regt, who brought them to this place—& who is permitted to return to Ireland, his native Country, by Congress, for the benefit of his Health—wishes still to be the bearer of them, as (he...
49To George Washington from the Board of War, 7 September 1780 (Washington Papers)
The Board are desirous of sending by a Flag about fifteen hundred Shirts & fifty Barrells of Flour & a Quantity of Medesins to the Prisoners at Charles Town. We beg your Excellency therefore to procure Permission from Sr Henry Clinton for the Schooner Blazing Starr Burthen Ten Tons Thomas Smith sailing Master Charles McCarthy Flagg Master & two Seamen to enter the Harbour of Charles Town with...
50From George Washington to the Board of War, 5 September 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have received Mr Stoddart’s Letter of the 28th of August, with a Copy of the Resolution of the 12th, to which it refers. I see, for the reasons mentioned, that there will be a good deal of difficulty in making out the List of the Officers directed by the Act—and I am sorry that I have it not in my power to give the Board the assistance I could wish; but such as I can render they shall most...