31George Washington to John Jay, 16 August 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
West Point, August 16, 1779. States that England’s rejection of the Spanish offer of mediation “is more strongly tinctured with insanity than any thing she has done in the course of the contest, unless she be sure of very powerful aid from some of the Northern states.” Encloses a letter from Brigadier General Anthony Wayne concerning some of Wayne’s officers. Df , in writing of H, George...
32George Washington to John Jay, 17 August 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
West Point, August 17, 1779. Encloses for congressional approval names of men nominated to companies of Sappers and Miners. Discusses Baron von Steuben’s need for an extra allowance. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
33George Washington to John Jay, 21 August 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
West Point, August 21, 1779. Explains steps taken to provide Major General John Sullivan’s men with clothing. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
34George Washington to John Jay, 23 August 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
[ West Point ] August 23, 1779 . Sends news of capture of Powles Hook by Major Henry Lee. Mentions Lord Stirling’s cooperation. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
35George Washington to John Jay, 29 August 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
West Point, August 29, 1779. Reports British-Spanish rupture. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
36George Washington to John Jay, 7 September 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
West Point, September 7, 1779. Describes British troop movements in New York. Discusses probable British plans and advises building up American defenses in South. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
37George Washington to John Jay, 14 September 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
West Point, September 14, 1779. Sends news of sailing of three British regiments. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
38Enclosure: [Proclamation by George Washington], [April 1793] (Hamilton Papers)
By George Washington President of the U. S. of am⟨erica⟩ a Proclamation. Whereas every nation has a right to change and modify their constitution and Govt., in such manner as they may think most c⟨onducive⟩ to their welfare and Happiness. And Whereas they who a⟨ctually⟩ administer the governmt. of any nation, are by foreign nations ⟨to⟩ be regarded as its lawful Rulers , so long as they...
39From George Washington to Philip Livingston and John Jay, 29 June 1776 (Washington Papers)
Genl Washington presents his Complimts to Mr Livingston & Mr Jay—thanks them most cordially for their kind Information & Invitation; but is so exceedingly hurried just at this time, that it is not in his power to attend the examination of G. Forbes. He begs it may go on, and will take it exceedingly kind if Forbes and the examination when taken, be sent to head Quarters at half after four...
40From George Washington to John Jay, 20 February 1777 (Washington Papers)
Your Card of the 8th Ulto I have had the honour to receive, & thank you most sincerely for your kind congratulations on our late Successes, & the polite manner in which you are pleased to apply them to me. Would to God Sir, they may be of continuance. Appearances do not justifie the hope—But—prudence forbids my adding more, in a Letter. The filial duty which withdrew you from the Comee for the...
41From George Washington to John Jay, 1 March 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have been a little surprised that the several important pieces of intelligence lately received from Europe (such parts of it, I mean, as are circulated without reserve in conversation) have not been given to the public in a manner calculated to attract the attention and impress the minds of the people. As they are now propagated, they run through the country in a variety of forms, are...
42From George Washington to John Jay, 13 December 1778 (Washington Papers)
Since my last of the 7th I have been honored with your favors of the 5th 6th and 8th instants with their inclosures, to which the proper attention shall be paid. I have made the Report of the Committee on Canada Affairs the subject of a particular letter which I have the honor of transmitting by this conveyance. I am with the greatest Respect Yr Excellency’s most obt Servt P.S. Lieut. Colonels...
43From George Washington to John Jay, 13 December 1778 (Washington Papers)
In a letter which I had the honor of receiving from Congress dated the 2d instant was inclosed the Copy of one from Lt Colo. Fleury, upon the subject of which the president desired me to express “my Sentiments, as also of the Merits of Mr Fleury during his services in the Army.” I do not conceive that Congress should request a renewal of Colo. Fleury’s Furlough from the French Minister...
44From George Washington to John Jay, 13 December 1778 (Washington Papers)
It has not been in my power to return an answer to your favor of the 6th Instt till now. The letter met me on the road, seperated from my papers, and I did not reach this place till late on the 11th; since which I have been much employed, in attending to the disposition for hutting the Army; but in the mean time the objects of the dispatch have engaged my utmost consideration. The earnest...
45From George Washington to John Jay, 16 December 1778 (Washington Papers)
Since I had the Honor of addressing you on the 13th the Gentlemen appointed to meet Commissioners from Sir Henry Clinton have returned to Camp. Your Excellency will find by a Copy of their Report No. 7, which, with the other papers respecting the meeting, is inclosed, that an Exchange of prisoners has not taken place. As an exchange has not been effected, and Sir Henry Clinton has called for...
46From George Washington to John Jay, 18 December 1778 (Washington Papers)
On Wednesday I had the Honor to receive Your Excellency’s Letter of the 12th Instant, with the Inclosures. I very sincerely congratulate you, sir, on the honorable and important station you are chosen to fill. The opinion I entertain of your public character concurs with every personal consideration to make the choice pleasing to me. At the same time, that my warmest acknowledgements are due...
47From George Washington to John Jay, 31 December 1778 (Washington Papers)
I had the honor of addressing Congress some time since on the subject of General Du Portail and the Gentlemen with him —He informs me that his affair has not yet been decided and is extremely anxious that it should be in some way or other—He assigns many powerfull reasons to show that it is very interesting to him, if he is not to continue in our service, to return to france as speedily as...
48From George Washington to John Jay, 1 January 1779 (Washington Papers)
I take the liberty of transmitting to Congress the inclosed Letter with the papers which accompany it, which I received two or three days ago from His Excellency Governor Clinton. Mr McDowel’s application seems to merit relief—whether the Barn &c. were destroyed by accident or through design. In either case the injury is the same—and may equally call for reparation by the public in the first...
49From George Washington to John Jay, 12 January 1779 (Washington Papers)
The day I left Middle Brook I recd the two inclosed letters of the 8th Decemr from Major General Phillips to which I returned an answer dated the 25th which you have also inclosed. I imagined this would have put an end to any further applications of the same nature. But I yesterday recd the inclosed letters from Lord Stirling and Mr McHenry one of my Secretarys by which you will perceive that...
50From George Washington to John Jay, 21 January 1779 (Washington Papers)
Colonel Rawlins who as well as his officers in general distinguished himself at the affair of Fort Washington has remaining of his Regiment about fifty or sixty men and a few officers. As the latter are at present an expence to the Continent without being employed—and the Colonel after having deserved well of his Country and suffered a grievous captivity, has some claim to attention—I beg...
51From George Washington to John Jay, 27 January 1779 (Washington Papers)
I am to request that Congress will be pleased to give directions to have the military chest supplied with a sufficient sum of money to enable me to carry into execution their resolve of the 23 instant for recruiting the army during the war. Every moment is so precious, that it is to be wished notime may be lost in improving this important measure to the greatest advantage. In the papers from...
52From George Washington to John Jay, 29 January 1779 (Washington Papers)
I do myself the honor to inclose you the Extract of a letter which I recd a few days ago from His Excellency Governor Clinton, and which I am to request you to lay before Congress agreeable to his desire. I have only to add that the settlement and payment of such Accounts as are referred to in the letter, is highly beneficial to our public Credit, and satisfactory to those individuals, who...
53From George Washington to John Jay, 29 January 1779 (Washington Papers)
My long and unexpected stay in this city being attended with many inconveniences to the common business of the army, and in other respects—I feel myself under a necessity of requesting the permission of Congress to return; and if consistent with their views, I should be glad to set out for the camp at Middle-Brook, on monday next. There are several matters, which have been the subjects of...
54From George Washington to John Jay, 30 January 1779 (Washington Papers)
In consequence of the authority vested in me by Congress of “directing and superintending the military operations in these States,” I was led to make inquiry into the State of the Magazines to the Westward. From a late letter of Genl McIntosh’s to myself, and several to the Board of War, I find that he has been so much distressed for provision, that he has been obliged suddenly to disband all...
55From George Washington to John Jay, 8 February 1779 (Washington Papers)
I am honored with yours of the 3d and 5th instants with the Resolves of the 2d and 4th inclosed. I have dispatched orders to the Infantry of Count Pulaski’s Legion to march immediately from Minisink to Lancaster, at which place they will expect a Route and further orders for proceeding. The Horse of the Legion not being in this Quarter will receive orders from the Count himself. In obedience...
56From George Washington to John Jay, 19 February 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have been successively honored with your two favours of the 8th and 15th instant, with their several inclosures; to all which due attention shall be paid —The Court Martial in the case of the officers conducting the public works at Springfield, shall be immediately directed. A letter of the 11th Ultimo from General McDougall contains the following paragraph, “If Congress will order me one...
57From George Washington to John Jay, 23 February 1779 (Washington Papers)
Letter not found : to John Jay, 23 Feb. 1779 . Jay wrote GW on 2 March (first letter): “accept my thanks for your obliging Favor of the 23 Ult.”
58From George Washington to John Jay, 24 February 1779 (Washington Papers)
I transmit you herewith two letters the applications of General Glover and Colo. Wigglesworth for the acceptance of their respective resignations. Colonel Wigglesworth is particularly desirous to obtain a speedy answer that he may have it in his power to make some arrangements before his proposed departure for France. Congress will also be pleased to attend to General Glovers request for his...
59From George Washington to John Jay, 26 February 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have received the honor of your two favours of the 22d and 23d, with the several papers accompanying them. The measures necessary in consequence shall be immediately taken—I am much obliged by the communication of the intelligence from Martinico. Yesterday morning a detachment of the enemy from Staten Island made an attempt to surprise the post at Elizabeth town. On receiving information of...
60From George Washington to John Jay, 1 March 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have been a little surprised, that the several important pieces of intelligence lately received from Europe (such parts of it I mean as are circulated without reserve in Conversn) have not yet been given to the public in a manner calculated to attract the attention & impress the Minds of the people. As they are now propagated, they run through the Country in a variety of forms, are...
61From George Washington to John Jay, 1 March 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor herewith to transmit you, copy of a letter from General Maxwell, containing such particulars of information, as he omitted in his last, respecting the attempt of the enemy on the post at Elizabeth Town. I also inclose your Excellency a New-York paper of the 24th Ultimo. I am sir Your Excellency’s most obt and humble servt LS , in James McHenry’s writing, DNA:PCC , item 152; Df...
62From George Washington to John Jay, 3 March 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have received the letter which Your Excellency did me the honor to write of the 26th of last Month, together with the two resolves of Congress and the other inclosures referred to in it. A plan of offensive operations for the effectual relief of the Western frontier has been some time since determined upon and preparations are making in consequence. I endeavour to observe as much secrecy as...
63From George Washington to John Jay, 6 March 1779 (Washington Papers)
I herewith transmit your Excellency the last news papers, which I have obtained from New-York. I also inclose you an extract of intelligence, respecting a fleet of victuallers, with some troops, said to be preparing to sail for Georgia. The fidelity of the writer is hitherto unquestionable. The report of the 1500 troops from Rhode Island, I am induced to suppose without foundation. Some time...
64From George Washington to John Jay, 10 March 1779 (Washington Papers)
I had the honor of your Excellency’s letter of the 2d Inst. with its several inclosures. I have only at present to request the attention of Congress to the inclosed letter from James Reed, signing himself Brigadier General. Congress will be pleased to inform me, if he holds the rank of Brigadier General, that some measures may be taken in his case. I have the honor to be your Excellency’s most...
65From George Washington to John Jay, 11 March 1779 (Washington Papers)
I am to acknowlege the honor of your Excellencys favors of the 4th and 5th, and shall apply the Inclosures to their several intentions. The Baron Steuben transmitted me his proposed plan of regulations for the Infantry of the American army. I have returned it to the Baron, with such observations as occurred on different objects of the work, and my general approbation of the whole. If the plan...
66From George Washington to John Jay, 15 March 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have waited with anxious expectation, for some plan to be adopted by Congress which would have a general operation throughout the States for compleating their respective Battalions. No plan for this purpose has yet come to my knowledge, nor do I find that the several Governments are pursuing any measures to accomplish the end by particular arrangements of their own legislatures. I therefore...
67From George Washington to John Jay, 20 March 1779 (Washington Papers)
I am honored by yours of the 12th and 14th insts. with their inclosures. Colonel Wigglesworths certificate is transmitted to him; and I have published such parts of the resolve of the 5th, for payment of certificates given to the inhabitants for supplies, as relate to the future conduct to be observed by the officers of the line and staff. I take the liberty of laying before congress a...
68From George Washington to John Jay, 24 March 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have been honoured, in due order, with Your Excellency’s several Favors of the 15. 17 & 19 Instant with the Papers to which they refer. I shall direct the earliest Returns to be made, that circumstances will admit, of the Officers—Soldiers &c., who are the Objects of the Act of the 15th—and will transmit them to the Board of War. Captain Greene’s case shall also have my attention—and his...
69From George Washington to John Jay, 26 March 1779 (Washington Papers)
When I had the Honor of addressing Your Excellency on the 11th Instant, I transmitted some intelligence I had just received from General Maxwell, respecting Admiral Gambier’s preparing to sail from New York—and suggesting New London to be the Object of the expedition. How far events may justify this suggestion, I cannot determine; however, by advices which came to hand this Evening, from a...
70From George Washington to John Jay, 28 March 1779 (Washington Papers)
I do myself the Honor of transmitting to Your Excellency—Two of Rivington’s papers of the 24th and 25th, which I received last night. I fear from the accounts contained in the last of them, though I doubt not but that they are highly coloured, that our people have suffered in the affair, mentioned to have happened in the Southern quarter on the 4th Instant. Since my Letter of the 26th I have...
71From George Washington to John Jay, 29 March 1779 (Washington Papers)
I do myself the honor to transmit the inclosed extract of a letter which I have just received from General Maxwell. Whether the Report that the expedition from the East End of Long Island is laid aside, is true or false, I will not undertake to determine. I also inclose the latest New York paper. I have the honor to be with the greatest Esteem Your Excellency’s Most obt Servt. L , in Tench...
72From George Washington to John Jay, 2 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have had the Honor to receive Your Excellency’s two Favors of the 24th Ulto, with their Inclosures. I am much obliged by Your Excellency’s attention, in communicating the Act for supplying the Oneidas and Other friendly Indians with provision. Matters, in consequence, I flatter myself, will be so conducted, as not to disorder or injure our other arrangements in this Article. The Act...
73From George Washington to John Jay, 12 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with yours of the 4th and 7th instants. Inclosed you have the proceedings of the Court Martial held, by order of Congress, upon the Officers of the Elaboratory and Deputy Qr Mr at Springfield, upon a representation from the Council of Massachusetts. I also inclose a letter which I received two days ago from Majr Harnage in behalf of himself and Capt. Hawke both of the 62d...
74From George Washington to John Jay, 14 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have received your several favors of the 2d 3d and 28th of March, & 6th of April. I thank you for them all—but especially for the last, which I consider as a distinguishing mark of your confidence & friendship. Conscious that it is the aim of my actions to promote the public good, and that no part of my conduct is influenced by personal enmity to individuals, I cannot be insensible to the...
75From George Washington to John Jay, 15 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have only to acknowledge your Excellency’s favr of the 8th instant and to inclose you three New York papers of the 10th 12th and 13th instant. In that of the 10th you will find a political peice of a very singular complexion. I have the honor to be with great Regard and Respect Your Excellency’s Most obt Servt LS , in Tench Tilghman’s writing, DNA:PCC , item 152; Df , DLC:GW ; copy, DNA:PCC...
76From George Washington to John Jay, 20 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
I am honored with yours of the 12th Instant with the several Resolves of Congress referred to, inclosed—to which I shall pay due attention and obedience. I have appointed the 1st of May for the Court Martial to sit for the trial of Major General Arnold, of which I have given notice to the President and Council of the State of Pennsylvania and to the General. I have the honor to be With great...
77From George Washington to John Jay, 23 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
In one of your former letters; you intimate, that a free communication of Sentiments will not be displeasing to you. If under this sanction, I should step beyond the line you would wish to draw—and suggest ideas or ask questions which are improper to be answered—you have only to pass them by, in silence. I wish you to be convinced, that I do not desire to pry into measures the knowledge of...
78From George Washington to John Jay, 23 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
I was, yesterday Afternoon, informed by General Maxwell, that he had received intelligence of a considerable movement of the Enemy upon New York and Staten Islands, and that it was reported General Leslie was to embark with nine Regiments and to sail in a few days either for the West Indies or Georgia. The actual embarkation of Nine Regiments, with their Stores and Baggage, was confirmed late...
79From George Washington to John Jay, 23 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
The Qr Mr General has represented to me that unless he can receive an immediate and ample supply of money the preparations for the Indian expedition in particular and for other operations with which we must open the campaign, will not be completed, in the time appointed in my orders to him, and required by the exigency of our affairs. The article of horses, for which he will be obliged to pay...
80From George Washington to John Jay, 24 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have received your Excellency’s favors of the 14th 18th and 20th instants with the Resolves inclosed to which they refer. I shall acquaint Major Harnage and Capt. Hawker with the determination of Congress, and shall pay the proper attention to the other Resolves. I take the liberty to inclose the Copy of a representation of the Captain Lieutenants of Artillery on account of the reduction of...