1From George Washington to Richard Peters, 4 December 1776 (Washington Papers)
Yours of the 28th last Month was delivered to me by the Brigadier Le Roche de Fermoy, who is now here, but unable to render me that Service, which I dare say from his Character, he would, was he better acquainted with our Language. I yesterday recd a Letter, from you without a date, mentioning that the prisoners, from York Town, were directed to halt at Newtown for my Orders. On hearing they...
2From George Washington to Richard Peters, 17 April 1777 (Washington Papers)
I am directed by a Resolve of Congress of the 10th Inst. to transmit to the Board of War a list of the Appointments made in Consequence of the powers with which I am invested by Congress, together with a Copy of all Commissions originating from and issued by me. I have made no appointments out of the Military line, but James Mease Esq: Cloathier Genl with a Salary of 150 dollars ⅌ Month. And...
3From George Washington to Richard Peters, 10 May 1777 (Washington Papers)
I am favd with yours of the 7th instant inclosing Genl Gates’s Letter to Congress. A proper attention has been paid to the importance of the passes upon Hudsons River, for the Security of which a large part of the Eastern force is ordered to Peekskill and that neighbourhood, there to wait, untill the intentions of the Enemy are more fully known. You will be pleased to transmit Major...
4From George Washington to Richard Peters, 12 May 1777 (Washington Papers)
I am favd with yours of the 11th. Capt. Gamble who was at princetown has been exchanged some time since, and Capt. Mcpherson who was left there wounded, has, upon his own Request, permission to go into Brunswic, whenever the State of his health will admit of his removal. The Docr will of course go with him. I never heard of any particular improper behaviour of the Docr. Genl Putnam barely...
5From George Washington to Richard Peters, 6 June 1777 (Washington Papers)
I am favd with yours of the 30th May. Mr Boudinot Commy of prisoners is gone down to Congress to lay before them a State of that department and from him you will learn that Sir Wm Howe would not permit Mr pintard to act as Agent for prisoners by Virtue of any Commission from me, but assented to his being allowed to distribute any money or necessaries that might be sent in. Mr Boudinot can...
6From George Washington to Richard Peters, 20 June 1777 (Washington Papers)
I am favd with yours of the 16th. The Spears have come to hand, and are very handy and will be usefull to the Rifle Men. But they would be more conveniently carried if they had a sling fixed to them, they should also have a spike in the But end to fix them in the Ground and they would then serve as a rest for the Rifle. The Iron plates which fix the Spear head to the shaft should be at least...
7From George Washington to Richard Peters, 30 June 1777 (Washington Papers)
I yesterday received your favour of the 28th instant with the inclosures. Every proper measure has been already taken with respect to the Artillery, imported in the Amphitrite. The whole 52 pieces have been brought to Springfield, and the 31 of the Swedish light construction is ordered on thence to Litchfield; from which place they will be forwarded to camp as fast as circumstances will...
8From George Washington to Richard Peters, 7 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
Yours dated the 19th last Month only reached me this Morning. Ezekiel Cheever Esq: is Commissary of Military Stores at Springfeild and is the person to whom you are to apply for Returns of all that are at that place. The draft of the Spear is exactly what I meant and wish that both they and the Cannisters for Cartridges may be sent forward as quick as possible. If the Cannisters are filled...
9From George Washington to Richard Peters, 12 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
I am favd with yours of the 8th instant. I am as much at a loss as you can be to account for the complaint of the Northern Army for the want of Arms when it plainly appears that as many if not more new ones have been delivered than they have men in the feild, besides these, there must have been, or ought to have been, a considerable number of good old Arms belonging to the Continent. I believe...
10From George Washington to Richard Peters, 16 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
I am this Moment favor’d with yours of 10th Inst.—As I am an utter stranger to any want of Arms in Colo. Armand’s Corps, I am pleas’d that you have fallen upon so judicious a Mode of supplying him, should it appear upon inquiry that he wants so many, which at present I can scarcely believe; however after proper Examination the necessary Steps shall be taken respecting it—should Arms be granted...
11From George Washington to Richard Peters, 28 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have now before me your Two Favors of the 15th & 23d Inst. I have not the proceedings of the Court Martial respecting Hudson Burr. The Crime alleged against him, I recollect, was not supported by the State of the Evidence submitted to me, and therefore I refused to confirm the Court’s sentence—At the same time being informed, that he was a Citizen of Philadelphia, I advised Genl Sullivan to...
12From George Washington to Richard Peters, 5 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have your favr of the 3d which I should have answered Yesterday, but I was down the River visiting the different posts. The constant demands for Arms and Accoutrements notwithstanding the great quantities lately delivered, is a thing so unaccountable, that I think no means should be left untried to investigate the true Reasons of such deficiencies in almost every Corps. The first Step...
13From George Washington to Richard Peters, 22 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
I am favd with yours of the 21st: Colo. Bland who is now here informs me that the Cannon that were in the Rariton were weighed by his directions and that they are upon one of the Wharfs at Brunswic. One of them is 8 Inches and the other seven in the Bore, they are very long. The Colo. thinks they are good. There are likewise two dble fortifyed fours. They had better be sent for from...
14From George Washington to Richard Peters, 10 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
I am favd with yours of the 5th and 6th instant. That of the 5th incloses Copy of a letter from an officer commanding a Regiment to a Member of Congress complaining of particular slight of his Regt by the Commissary, as there is no name to the letter it is impossible for me to inquire into the Matter. I never before knew that there was any partiality shewn to the other Officers in preference...
15From George Washington to Richard Peters, 28 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
The present situation of our affairs makes it necessary we should exert every nerve to collect, without loss of time, all the force we can get together, to endeavour to compensate for the loss we have sustained, and prevent the enemy’s reaping the advantage they expect from their late success. I must therefore beg the favour of you to send forward and hurry on the militia that are coming from...
16From George Washington to Richard Peters, 7 October 1777 (Washington Papers)
I am favd with yours of the 1st and 2d instants. The Troops coming on from Virginia should have directions to proceed from Lancaster down what is called the Horse Shoe Road and cross Schuylkill about one Mile and an half below Potts Grove, when they have crossed the River they will hear where the Army is incamped and they must reach it by the most direct Rout. I have given authorities to Mr...
17From George Washington to Richard Peters or the Board of War, 15 October 1777 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Richard Peters or the Board of War, 15 Oct. 1777. GW’s aide-de-camp Tench Tilghman docketed Peters’s letter to GW of 7 Oct. in part: “Ansd 15th.”
18From George Washington to Richard Peters, 22 October 1777 (Washington Papers)
I am favd with yours of the 18th with a Return of our military Stores in the different States. I sincerely wish they were more numerous, but I hope the Gentlemen of the Secret Committee in whose department it falls to import these Articles, have been taking care to procure a further supply. Major Nicholas who is just returned from the Eastward informs me that a large quantity of lead has...
19From George Washington to Richard Peters, 3 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
I am favd with yours of the 24th and am glad to find that such supplies of Lead are upon the way to the different Elaboratories. Lining the flap of the Cartouch with painted Canvas will certainly be of service, considering the Badness and thinness of the leather in general, but the greatest preservative to the Cartridges is a small inside flap of pliant leather which lays close upon the top of...
20From George Washington to Richard Peters, 11 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have before me your favors of the 6th & 7th Inst. The inconveniences arising from the allowance of Substitutes are severely felt & I fear will encrease. I will attempt some mode to detect Deserters now in service under that denomination. The public Arms furnished the Virginia Militia were directed to be put into the Hands of a number belonging to this State who joined Genl Potter at the time...
21From George Washington to Richard Peters, 27 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
I was duly favd with yours of the 11th inst. The inattention of the Officers to the dress of their Men has been I beleive one principal cause of their present bareness and want of Cloathing. I have repeatedly given positive orders that such a list of Necessaries as you call a Rag Roll, should be kept and the Articles weekly inspected, but that, like too many other wholesome Regulations has...
22From George Washington to Richard Peters, 14 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
Your several favs. of the 28th Novemr and 4th and 5th instants came duly to hand, but the constant motion which the Army has been in since the Rect of them has prevented me from answering them before this time. Nothing but the absolute necessity which the Army lay under for want of Cloathing induced me to send out Officers to make collections, the Cloathier General represented it to me as...
23From George Washington to Richard Peters, 30 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
Captain Jones of Coll Baylers Regt of Light dragoons has a troop of Men inlisted and accoutrements compleat, but not having been able to procure Horses at the limited price, the Men are as yet dismounted. I am informed that there are a number of horses at Lancaster and Carlisle which were purchased for the North Carolina light dragoons but tis said they have neither proper Arms or...
24From George Washington to Richard Peters, 24–25 January 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have recd your favr of the 8th instant and that of Mr Nourse of the 16th. Upon the Rect of yours some time ago, upon the subject of the leather in the Vatts at Germantown, I made enquiry, and was told then as I am now, that except that which is fit to put into the Curriers hands is immediately worked up, and that which is not sufficiently tanned is shifted into other Vatts, that it will be...
25From George Washington to Richard Peters, 18 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
I am favd with yours of the 13th on the subject of the Militia which have been stationed at Easton, Bethlehem and Reading. The matter is new to me as I do not recollect ever to have ordered a Man of them to either of the above places. Colo. Nicholas Invalids have been at Easton and Bethlehem where they were kept as a Guard to the Hospitals and Stores, and therefore Militia were not necessary...
26From George Washington to Richard Peters, 11 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with yours of the 19th 27th 28th and 29th Ulto. A tolerable supply of Shoes have lately arrived to the issuing Clothier’s Store from the Eastward, Pennsylvania and Jersey, and if the different persons employed in procuring that article will exert themselves to keep up the supply, I hope we shall not be much distressed during the Winter, provided we remain quietly in...
27From George Washington to Richard Peters, 18 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
The troops of the Convention have advanced considerably towards the North River. They will be guarded to that place by the Militia of Connecticut and from thence to Delaware by an escort of Continental troops. As I cannot with any degree of convenience send the Continental troops beyond Delaware, I am under the necessity of desiring the Board to make a requisition to the Executive Council of...
28From George Washington to Richard Peters, 23 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have your favr of the 12th inclosing a Copy of the Invoice of the different Articles ordered from Europe for the Supply of the Year 1779. The estimate of Cloathing appears to be liberal. I am not so well acquainted with the demands of the Artillery and Quarter Master Departments, but I will consult the Gentlemen at the Head of them, and if any thing is deficient, I will acquaint the...
29From George Washington to Richard Peters, 27 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have received your favor of the 20th Inst. Colonel Clarks procuring of Cloathing for the N. Carolina troops he commands, on Continental account was a measure taken long before it was known, that we should have it in our power to supply the whole army with that imported from france. The whole army has been directed by a general order of the 8th Inst., that all coats Jackets and breeches which...
30From George Washington to Richard Peters, 4 December 1778 (Washington Papers)
I had the honor of receiving yours of the 24th ulto on the Road between Fredericksburg and this place. As soon as the Troops destined for the Middle Brook Cantonment have arrived at that Ground I shall detach one Regiment to Philada and another to Trenton agreeable to the desire of the Board. I shall set out for Middle Brook in the Morning, at which place I expect to meet two of the Virginia...
31From George Washington to Richard Peters, 20 December 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor of yours of the 16th instant. I have directed that only a Captn and 50 Men of Colo. Hogans may be left at Trenton that you may have as great a number as possible in Philada. I wish it were in my power to comply fully with your request for Troops, but I have had so many demands upon me from quarters exposed to the Enemy, all of which I have been obliged in some measure to...
32From George Washington to Richard Peters, 9 January 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor of yours of the 7th instant—As there is not probably a sufficiency of Mittens for the whole Army, a partial distribution would occasion uneasiness among those who were not supplied. Instead therefore of a general delivery, I should think it better to have them lodged with the Cloathiers attending the Army to be delivered out occasionally to detachments going upon a duty that...
33From George Washington to Richard Peters, 17 February 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have been duly honored with your favour of the 11th with its inclosure. The general plan of the proposed regulation appears to me to be a very good one. There is however one alteration which I think would be an improvement—Instead of referring the settlement of accounts, with the officers who have given certificates, to the Auditors, they may be left in cases which respect their departments,...
34From George Washington to Richard Peters, 17 February 1779 (Washington Papers)
I must request the favr of you to put the Box of Adjutant General’s papers which are at the War Office into the hands of Mr Mitchell with directions to forward them to Head Quarters by a careful hand. Be pleased to inform him of their consequence that he may give the stricter charge. I must also trouble you respecting my Box of private papers which are at York Town. If you will inform Lt Colo....
35From George Washington to Richard Peters, 2 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with yours of the 27th March. Upon consulting General Knox it is our opinion that the contract with Mr Hughes for the thirty Eighteen pounders should be renewed, as the Cannon are absolutely necessary, and it does not appear that they can be procured from any Work so soon as from his—nor I suppose upon cheaper terms. Should a Contract be made between the public and the...
36From George Washington to Richard Peters, 21 August 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have devoted the first moment of my time which I could command (while the Troops are halted for the french Army at this place) to give my sentiments unreservedly on the several matters contained in your favor of the 13th Inst.—this I will attempt to do, with all that frankness, & sincerity, which from your own candor in your communications, you have a right to expect, and for doing which...
37From George Washington to Richard Peters, 27 October 1781 (Washington Papers)
I do myself the pleasure to acknowledge your Favor of the 19th inst. pr Capt. McClain, and thank you for the intelligence you have communicated; the perticular mode you have adopted to obtain information, I think may be very usefully employed, and is a fortunate expedient, the necess i ty of its use to our present operations is happily at an end, if continued it may be of importance to some...