101George 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.
102From George Washington to John Jay, 14 September 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to inclose your Excellency a copy of a Letter from Lt Colo. Taylor stationed at Elizabeth Town to Mr Beatty, respecting the sailing of three Regiments from New York. After writing this, he sent me a verbal message that he had received positive intelligence of their being destined for the West Indies. I believe there must be a mistake in the name of the Ship, as the Ardent was...
103From 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...
104From George Washington to John Jay, 25 September 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with yours of the 15th covering a Resolve confirming the arrangement of the Massachusetts line, and a printed Copy of a circular letter from Congress to their constituents. I sincerely hope, that the measures pointed out may be pursued, and that every good effect, to be wished for, may be the result. Since mine of the 19th I have recd several pieces of intelligence from my...
105George Washington to John Jay, 3 March 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Middlebrook [ New Jersey ] March 3, 1779 . States that plans for western expedition are in preparation. Discusses arrangement of Sixteen Additional Continental Battalions. LS , in writing of H, Papers of the Continental Congress, National Archives.
106To John Jay from George Washington, 1 March 1779 (Jay 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 Convers[atio] n ) ^ , have not been given to the public in a manner calculated to attract the attention & impress the minds of the people.— As they now are propagated, they run through the Country in a variety of forms,...
107From 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...
108From George Washington to John Jay, 17 August 1779 (Washington Papers)
I inclose your Excellency a list of Officers proposed after examination by General Du Portail for the Companies of sappers and Miners. If Congress approve the nomination I request they will be pleased to direct commissions to be sent as speedily as possible. They ought to be dated the second of August 79. By the Regulations for the corps of Engineers, the men to form these companies were for...
109From George Washington to John Jay, 6 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
On the 3d I had the Honor to address Your Excellency from Middle Brook and Morris Town—and to transmit you all the intelligence I had then received, respecting the movements of the Enemy on the North River; and of the measures I had taken and was about to pursue in consequence. I am now to inform you, according to the advices I have obtained since, that on the 2d in the morning the Enemy...
110From George Washington to John Jay, 1 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
I had the Honor Yesterday to receive Your Excellency’s Letter of the 24th Ulto. I have ever taken all the pains in my power to prevent plundering, and the practice has been constantly reprobated and prohibited by my Orders. I will continue to use my best endeavours to suppress it. I transmit a Copy of a Letter of the 25th and of Two Reports which I received Yesterday from General Gates,...
111From 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...
112George Washington to John Jay, 27 June 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
New Windsor [ New York ] June 27, 1779 . Complains about incompetence of clothing department and “disagreeable” treatment of Sixteen Additional Continental Regiments. Requests an allowance to provide liquor for the officers. Asks Congress to send another copy of resolve concerning brigade majors. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
113George Washington to John Jay, 27 January 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Philadelphia, January 27, 1779. Asks for money to carry on recruiting. States that Major General Horatio Gates has made agreements with Major General William Phillips about Convention troops. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
114From George Washington to John Jay, 23 August 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to inclose your Excellency Major Lee’s report of the surprise & capture of the Garrison of Powles Hook. The Major displayed a remarkable degree of prudence address enterprise and bravery upon this occasion—which does the highest honor to himself and to all the officers and men under his command. The situation of the Post rendered the attempt critical and the success brilliant:...
115George Washington to John Jay, 21 July 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
New Windsor [ New York ] July 21, 1779 . Discusses motives for attack on Stony Point and plans for capture of Verplanks Point. Explains why Verplanks Point was not taken and why Stony Point was evacuated. Reports that British have reoccupied Stony Point. LS , in writing of H, Papers of the Continental Congress, National Archives.
116From 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...
117George Washington to John Jay, 11 June 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Smiths Clove [ New York ] June 11, 1779 . Gives information on position of British and American forces. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
118From 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...
119From George Washington to John Jay, 24 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
Since the letter which I had the honor of writing you the 20th instant, I have received your Excellency’s of the 15th and shall pay due attention to the contents. After two or three landings and reimbarkations, the enemy on the morning of the 21st seem to have repossessed Stoney Point in earnest and have been since fortifying with great industry. We have received intelligence of a very...
120From George Washington to John Jay, 11 September 1779 (Washington Papers)
I do myself the honor to inclose your Excellency two of the latest York papers that have come to my hands. The Count de la Luzerne reached Springfeild the Evening of the 7th and may be every hour expected here. I have the honor to be with the greatest Respect Yr Excellency’s Most obt and humble Servt LS , in Tench Tilghman’s writing, DNA:PCC , item 152; Df , DLC:GW ; copy, DNA : PCC, item 169;...
121George Washington to John Jay, [10 May 1779] (Hamilton Papers)
[ Middlebrook, New Jersey, May 10, 1779 .] Agrees with Jay’s “summary of the causes of the national evils we feel.” Fears results of a strong British campaign during summer. Df , in writings of George Washington and H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
122From 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...
123From George Washington to John Jay, 26 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
Mr Wadsworth who is just now returned from the Eastward, informs me, that a vessel had arrived there from Charlestown S. Carolina, the captain of which told him, that he slipped out of the harbour, the night of the 5th instant (a fresh embargo being laid that evening on all the shipping, and the sailors ordered on shore for the defence of the Town). The report was that the enemy were on this...
124George Washington to John Jay, [22–23] April 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Middlebrook [ New Jersey ] April [ 22–23 ] 1779 . States that unless the quartermaster general immediately receives the money necessary for proposed Indian expedition, the expedition will have to be abandoned. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. The draft was originally dated April 22. This date was then crossed out and April 23 substituted.
125From George Washington to John Jay, 6 August 1779 (Washington Papers)
Your Excellency’s Letter of the 28th of July—with it’s several Inclosures, has been duly received. I shall take the liberty in a few days, to lay before Congress a state of facts with respect to the Expedition under General Sullivan, by which I trust it will appear, that every measure and precaution in my power has been taken to ensure it’s success; and notwithstanding the difficulties he...
126George Washington to John Jay, 24 July 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
West Point, July 24, 1779. Describes British movements on North River. LS , in writing of H, Papers of the Continental Congress, National Archives.
127George Washington to John Jay, 25 July 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
[ West Point ] July 25, 1779 . States that the Marquis de Fleury wishes to return to France. Hopes that Congress will grant Fleury’s request for a furlough. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
128From George Washington to John Jay, 19 August 1779 (Washington Papers)
I had the honor to day to receive Your letter of the 8th by Lt Colo. Sims of the 2d Virginia Regiment, with a copy of a letter from him to your Excellency—and of an order of Congress on the 7th in consequence. The indulgence requested by Col. Sims, however interesting it may be to himself appears to me so incompatible with the public service—and to involve—and to lead to so many disagreeable...
129From 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...
130From George Washington to John Jay, 7 September 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have received your obliging favors of the 25th & 31st of last month and thank you for them. It really appears impossible to reconcile the conduct Britain is pursuing, to any system of prudence or policy. For the reasons you assign, appearances are against her deriving aid from other powers; and if it is truly the case, that she has rejected the mediation of Spain, without having made allies,...
131From George Washington to John Jay, 15 August 1779 (Washington Papers)
In the letter which I had the honor of addressing to your Excellency the 6th instant I promised a state of facts to show that every thing in my power has been done to give success to the Western expedition. I am sorry to find in the appeal which Genl Sullivan ha⟨s⟩ made to Congress that he has misstated several particulars of importance, and that in providing for his own justification in case...
132From 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...
133George Washington to John Jay, 11 May 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Middlebrook [ New Jersey ] May 11, 1779 . Discusses New Jersey remonstrance. Concludes that reported lack of cattle “will sensibly affect our Western expedition.” LS , in writing of H, Papers of the Continental Congress, National Archives.
134From 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...
135George Washington to John Jay, 14 May 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Middlebrook [ New Jersey ] May 14, 1779 . Reports that deputies from Delaware Nation have arrived in Camp and have been referred to Congress. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
136From 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...
137From 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...
138From George Washington to John Jay, 23 September 1779 (Washington Papers)
Lieut. Colo. Fleury having communicated to me his desire of Returning to france & on some matters interesting to himself. I have thought proper to give him this letter to testify to Congress the high opinion I entertain of his conduct & services. the marks of their aprobation which he has Received on former occasions (specialy for the interesting part he bore in the defence of fort miflin)...
139From George Washington to John Jay, 24–27 August 1779 (Washington Papers)
Since I wrote to your Excellency yesterday, I have been honored with your letter of the 18th instant with the papers mentioned in it. I am much indebted to your Excellency, for the Copy of your circular letter to the States, and I sincerely wish it may have the desired effect—or at least, that the Battalions, in consequence, may be made more respectable than they are at present. The Act of the...
140From George Washington to John Jay, 18 October 1782 (Washington Papers)
Not having received from your Excellency, during the last Winter or summer, the acknowledgement of any Letters, except of my public Dispatches of Octr last; I apprehend that some private Letters which I have had the pleasure of addressing to you since that time, have miscarried; I resume my Pen, therefore to repeat the thanks, which were contained in one of them for the Wine you had the...
141George Washington to John Jay, 31 December 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia ] December 31, 1778 . Asks if Congress is going to continue to employ Brigadier General Du Portail and if it intends to adopt Du Portail’s plan of defense. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Henry Laurens had resigned as President of the Continental Congress on December 9, 1778, and John Jay was elected to that position on the following day.
142From 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...
143From George Washington to John Jay, 5 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
Inclosed I have the honor to transmit your Excellency three New York papers of the 28th & 29th of April and 1st of May—which I think are interesting. The last contains extracts from Lord Norths speech at opening the budget which seems to breathe a vigorous prosecution of the war: I have thought appearances for some time past wore this complexion. The English papers have frequently announced...
144George 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.
145From 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...
146From 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...
147George Washington to John Jay, 29 April 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Middlebrook [ New Jersey ] April 29, 1779 . Describes British troop movements in Monmouth County, New Jersey. Df , in writings of James McHenry and H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.