31George 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.
32From 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...
33From 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...
34From 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...
35From 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....
36From 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...
37From 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...
38George 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.
39George 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.
40From 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...
41From 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...
42From 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...
43From George Washington to the Board of War, 31 August 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have had the honor of Your Letter of the 9th Inst., inclosing One to the Board from Lt Colo. Forrest of the Maryland line. I have written to him on the subject of his application, and ordered a Court Martial to sit for the trial of the Officer he has arrested and to transmit me the proceedings, as soon as they are finished. The point mentioned by the Board respecting the Arms & Accoutrements...
44From George Washington to the Board of War, 14 August 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with your favors of the 28th ulto and 2d and 8th Inst. Inclosed you have an account of the places fixed upon for the deposit of the several Articles required for the States by the Act of Congress of the 25th Feby with the quantities to be laid up at each post —and also an account of the demand made by the Committee of Cooperation on the 2d June —The last in a great measure...
45From George Washington to the Board of War, 3 August 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with yours of the 27th ulto with Copy of the estimate of Ordnance Stores laid before Congress with their Resolution thereon. I should be happy to see the quantity voted procured in time, but I very much fear that none of the Furnaces, to which General Knox is directed to apply, except Faesh’s, are in Blast, and should that be the case, it will be some Months before they can...
46George Washington to the Board of War, 18 July 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Preakness [ New Jersey ] July 18, 1780 . Is disappointed at scarcity of stores. Urges Board to continue efforts to procure more supplies. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
47From George Washington to the Board of War, 18 July 1780 (Washington Papers)
I am honored with your letter of the 11th which gives me inexpressible concern. After having engaged with our allies for a cooperation after having put the states to a very great expence stimulated the people to extraordinary exertions and raised extraordinary expectations it is mortifying to find that if every other cirumstance should favour our wishes we are likely to be disappointed for...
48From George Washington to the Board of War, 17 July 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have now the honor to inclose You a List of the promotions to be made in the Three Jersey Regiments. The Commissions are exceedingly wanted and I request that the Board will be pleased to forward them to me by the earliest opportunity. I also inclose the Board Lt Colo. Conway’s Commission, who, by the Unanimous opinion of a Board of General Officers, is entitled to rank from the time Lt...
49From George Washington to the Board of War, 15 July 1780 (Washington Papers)
I was yesterday honoured with your Favor of the 8th Instant. Major Jameson is entitled to the Lieutenant colonelcy in Sheldon’s Regiment by the resignation of Lt Colo. Blagden and to rank from the time this event took place. It happened the 1st of August last & The Board will be pleased to make him out a Commission accordingly. I have the Honor to be With great respect & esteem Gentn Yr Most...
50From George Washington to the Board of War, 8 July 1780 (Washington Papers)
Inclosed is a letter from Brgr Gen. Knox on the subject of an instant provision of shot and shells, and proposing the employing of Feash’ and Ogden furnaces for this purpose. As the matter is of the utmost importance, and requires an immediate decision, I intreat it of the Board. And should no arrangement have been made on this head I think these furnaces would answer the intention, and should...
51From George Washington to the Board of War, 6 July 1780 (Washington Papers)
As we may now expect that Levies will be coming in from the States in a little time —and we shall have many occasional demands for Arms, I request that the Board will be pleased to order Three thousand Stand compleat, to be forwarded immediately to the North River. For fear of accidents in case the lower communication should be exposed by the removal of the Army—I think it will be prudent that...
52From George Washington to the Board of War, 5 July 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to transmit You the arrangements of Jackson’s—Webbs & Moylans Regiments—and also a List of promotions to be made in Spencers & the Three Regiments belonging to Jerseys. The want of Commissions in these several instances, is a subject of pressing application, & in many of them, of great dissatisfaction and complaint. I entreat that the Board will have them made out and...
53George Washington to the Board of War, 4 July 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Bergen County [ New Jersey ] July 4, 1780 . Asks Board to comply with Brigadier General Henry Knox’s request for military stores. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
54From George Washington to the Board of War, 4 July 1780 (Washington Papers)
Brigadier General Knox, at my direction, has made out an estimate of military stores wanted for the expected cooperation dated the 3d instant, which he has transmitted to the Board. I have carefully examined it and find it not to exceed the necessary quantity, nor ought we to undertake a decisive operation on a more contracted scale. I must therefore entreat the Board to employ every expedient...
55From George Washington to the Board of War, 25 June 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have been honoured with Your several Letters of the 17th—19th & 20, which the constant movements of the Army have prevented me from answering till this time. With respect to the subject of the first and of the Letter it inclosed for General Howe—I beg leave to inform the Board it had long since claimed my particular attention and every measure had been taken by me that appeared practicable...
56From George Washington to the Board of War, 24 June 1780 (Washington Papers)
Inclosed you have a list of new appointments and promotions in the Regiment of Artificers which will compleat the officers of that Corps —Be pleased to make out and deliver the Commissions to Lieut. Yeates the Bearer who will forward them —You have inclosed a Return of the Commissioned and Non Commd Officers and privates of that Regt agreeable to the Resolve of Congress of 15th March 1779. I...
57George Washington to the Board of War, 21 June 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Springfield [ New Jersey ] June 21, 1780 . Requests board to order recall of infantry of Major Henry Lee’s corps. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
58From George Washington to the Board of War, 21 June 1780 (Washington Papers)
The Board, in a late letter, left it with me to determine the recall of the infantry of Major Lee’s corps. It will certainly be eligible, that the corps should be united—and as the services of the horse in this quarter cannot be dispensed with, it is in my opinion adviseable that the infantry should be without delay ordered to join this army—They are too inconsiderable in number to make any...
59George Washington to the Board of War, 16 June 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Springfield, New Jersey ] June 16, 1780 . Thanks board for securing future services of the Philadelphia City Light Horse. Questions irregular manner in which paroled “Marine Prisoners” were sent to New York. Df , in writings of Richard Kidder Meade and H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
60From George Washington to the Board of War, 16 June 1780 (Washington Papers)
I am honored with your letters of the 12th and 13th. I am much obliged to you for the step you took respecting the city-horse; their services here at this juncture will be extremely useful. I write to His Excellency the President requesting they may be sent forward. I shall have no objection to Lt. Col. Conolly’s having the indulgence he asks though I should wish his going in to be postponed...
61From George Washington to the Board of War, 14 June 1780 (Washington Papers)
I was yesterday afternoon honoured with your Two Letters of the 7th & 8th Inst. In consequence of the request contained in the first I have directed Captain Bowman to repair to Philadelphia, who will have the honor of presenting this to the Board. The Sentence against Captain Coren will be published and confirmed in General Orders; but the proceedings at present are at the Adjutant General’s...
62From George Washington to the Board of War, 8 June 1780 (Washington Papers)
If Major Lee’s Corps is still at Philadelphia or within its vicinity—or has not advanced more than three or four days march towards the Southward—I request that You will order it to join this army as soon as it can be done. His Horse in particular is infinitely wanted at this time. I inclose a Letter for him on this subject. The Enemy are out in force in Jersey and liejust below Sp[r]ingfield....
63From George Washington to the Board of War, 5 June 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have been successively honored with your favors of the 19th—24th—25th—26th—and 30th ulto with the several enclosures to which they refer. I am at a loss to know the meaning of the Board in transmitting the representation of the inhabitants of Northumberland in favr of Colo. Weltner—It appears by Govr Reeds letter that there has been one complaining of his Conduct. The one seems a...
64From George Washington to the Board of War, 27 May 1780 (Washington Papers)
I had yesterday the honor to receive Your Letter of the 22d Instant. The exertions of the Board to relieve our distresses and the good Offices of the Merchants were most timely. The Army never stood in greater need of them. On several days the Troops have been entirely destitute of provision of this kind—and at best they have only received for a considerable time past, but an Eighth—a...
65From George Washington to the Board of War, 8 May 1780 (Washington Papers)
It appears by the inclosed Copy of a letter from Baron Steuben that about 1500 Muskets fitted with Bayonets and the same number of Bayonet Belts and Cartouch Boxes of the new construction are wanting to compleat the troops in this Cantonment —You will be pleased therefore to direct the above quantity to be sent forward as speedily as our circumstances will admit—The Musketts which will be...
66From George Washington to the Board of War, 27 April 1780 (Washington Papers)
As the inclosed representation from Capt. Schott to me implies that some steps have been taken by the Board respecting the incorporation of his and Capt. Selins Companies with the German Battalion, I have not thought proper to give any opinion upon it, untill I am informed how far the representation agrees with the measures which the Board may have adopted upon the occasion. I have the honor...
67From George Washington to the Board of War, 23 April 1780 (Washington Papers)
I had yesterday the honor to receive your Letters of the 13th & 17th Instant, with their inclosures. With respect to the Boats and other articles which make the subject of the first, I beg leave to inform the Board that I do not know that there will be any objection to selling them, except such a part of the Tar as they may think it necessary to keep. The state of our Treasury & the necessity...
68From George Washington to the Board of War, 18 April 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have the Honor to transmit You the Arrangement of Harrison’s—Lamb’s, Crane’s & proctor’s Battallions of Artillery, on which You will be pleased to issue Commissions. The Relative ranks of the Field Officers & of all Captains as well those belonging to separate Companies as to the Battallions are set down after the Regimental arrangements, with the proper numbers against each, by which their...
69From George Washington to the Board of War, 9 April 1780 (Washington Papers)
I was the evening before the last, honored with yours of the 31st ulto and 3d instant, the latter inclosing the Copy of a letter from Major Lee, to the Board, on the subject of promoting Captains Peyton and McLane of his Corps to the Rank of Majors, and assigning the reasons on which his propositions were founded. In January last, Major Lee transmitted to me a letter from Capt. McLane to him...
70From George Washington to the Board of War, 7 April 1780 (Washington Papers)
I take the liberty to transmit the inclosed letter for Colo. Blane to Your care, as I do not know with certainty where he is. It is on the state of our provision Supplies, which is most alarming. By the Issuing Commissary’s Return of today and the Return of the State Superintendent Colo. Dunham—It appears that the whole of the provision of the meat kind which they both have in & in collecting...
71From George Washington to the Board of War, 3 April 1780 (Washington Papers)
I had Yesterday afternoon the Honor to receive Your Letter of the 30th of March, and agreeable to your request I inclose a permit for the Goods in charge of Captain Bowman. This mode of obtaining supplies is certainly justifiable from the unhappy situation of our affairs & the necessity of having them; but at the same time, for reasons which will readily occur to the Board, I very much wish...
72From George Washington to the Board of War, 30 March 1780 (Washington Papers)
Upon receiving information that the enemy are preparing to send a reinforcement to the southward, I have determined to detach Major Lees Corps, both Horse and Foot to that quarter, and have written to the commanding Officer to put them in readiness as expeditiously as possible. As they will undoubtedly want many matters to equip them for so long a march, I have directed the Officer to repair...
73From George Washington to the Board of War, 25 March 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with your favors of the 10th 15th 17th and 20th Instants. The Resolve of Congress empowering the Board to order General Courts Martial occasionally had never been transmitted to me, to which account I hope they will place my former doubts upon the propriety of the measure—There is an error in dating the Copy of the Resolve with which you were pleased to furnish me, it now...
74From George Washington to the Board of War, 14 March 1780 (Washington Papers)
In answer to Your Letter of the 4th Instant which I had the Honor of receiving the 12th—I beg leave to inform You, that from the diminution of our force at Fort pitt by the expiration of the Men’s inlistments and the impracticability of replacing them from hence there is no prospect of our undertaking shortly any offensive operations in that Quarter. I would not wish this however to delay the...
75From George Washington to the Board of War, 8 March 1780 (Washington Papers)
Inclosed you have Returns of Arms and Accoutrements wanting by the 2d and 4th Regiments of Light Dragoons —The Articles of sadlery could, I beleive, have been procured in Connecticut, but the Dy Qr Mr General there did not think himself at liberty to proceed in the Business, without a special order, and therefore transmitted the Returns to the Quarter Master General for his direction—who,...
76From George Washington to the Board of War, 6 March 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with yours of the 28th ulto. It gives me great pleasure to find by your letter and by one which I recd a few days ago from Mr Lovell that we have favorable account⟨s⟩ from France on the subject of supplies of Cloathing and other stores —I have directed the Adj⟨t⟩ General to call for an exact return of the drum⟨s⟩ and fifes wanting which shall be transmitted to the Board as...
77From George Washington to the Board of War, 3 March 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have lately had several applications from the Subalterns of the Massachusetts line respecting mistakes which they say happened in the arrangement settled at West point, and confirmed by Congress and agreeable to which their Commissions were issued. As I have no Copy of that arrangement I am unable to determine upon the propriety of their complaints—I shall for that Reason be obliged by a...
78From George Washington to the Board of War, 27 February 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with yours of the 22d accompanied by the Returns of sundry of the additional and detached Corps, from which, and from those which I had been enabled to collect in and near the Army I have furnished the respective States with a tolerably accurate account of the deficiencies of their Quotas. I have informed them, that should any more Men appear to their Credit upon a full...
79George Washington to the Board of War, 26 February 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Morristown [ New Jersey ] February 26, 1780 . Disapproves of court-martial authorized by the Board of War. Sends authorization for new hearing. Suggests that the judge advocate be more “explicit and particular in designating the circumstances of the crime and of the evidence.” Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
80From George Washington to the Board of War, 26 February 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have received the inclosed proceedings of a General Court Martial held by order of the Board —As I am not informed of any provision having been made for vesting the power of appoin[tin]g Courts Mar⟨tial⟩ in the Board (which is too confined in many respects), I should not think myself at liberty to confirm the proceedings of the present Court, were there no objection to the manner of the...