41From George Washington to Major Henry Lee, Jr., 13 September 1779 (Washington Papers)
From several circumstances there is reason to beleive that a French Squadron may be expected upon this Coast. As it is of the utmost consequence that Count D’Estaing or the Officer commanding this Squadron (should such an one arrive) should as soon as possible receive some necessary information from me, I desire that you will immediately move with the remainder of your Corps to the County of...
42From George Washington to Major Henry Lee, Jr., 9 January 1780 (Washington Papers)
You will not forget that you owe me a horse or something in the shape of one—for the bay I turned into your Corps twelve Months ago. I am not in immediate want. but in some cases it is necessary to remind a man of his debt lest he should forget his creditor. I do not apply this to you because I am sincerely & Affectly Yrs ADfS , DLC:GW ; Varick transcript , DLC:GW . See GW to Lee , and Lee to...
43From George Washington to Major Henry Lee, Jr., 28 December 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have recd your favr of the 24th by Capt. Rudulph. I should have been glad had it been possible for your Corps and Colonel Armands to have found a position in Monmouth County capable of supplying the Cavalry of both with Hay forage, as it would, in my opinion, have best answered the object which I have principally in view, that of covering the Country and preventing the intercourse with the...
44From George Washington to Major Henry Lee, Jr., 20 December 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have been favd with yours of the 30th November and 16th Inst. The practice of trading under the cover of procuring intelligence has grown to such a height that there is an absolute necessity of putting a stop to it. To avoid giving any umbrage to the Government of the State, I would have you confine your observations to the sailing of the fleets from New York, and whenever any capital...
45From George Washington to Major Henry Lee, Jr., 11 June 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have rec’d your favor of this date—& The spirit which has been exhibited by your co[r]ps on the present occasion, gives me pleasure, & be assured meets with my thanks & approbation. As your rapid progress must have fatigued the Cavalry in some degree, I wish you for the present to take Post somewhere in our rear—perhaps chatham or its vicinity, is as well calculated to afford you forage as...
46From George Washington to Henry Lee, Jr., 18 April 1799 (Washington Papers)
Your favor of the 28th of Feby came duly to hand. On the subject of which I shall say nothing until I have the pleasure of seeing you in May, as promised. The intention of this letter is to enquire—as you have frequently offered it—whether you have, at this time, any Corn for Sale. I want more than my Nephew of Westmoreland can furnish me with, and will allow for what you can spare the same...
47From George Washington to Major Henry Lee, Jr., 3 September 1779 (Washington Papers)
In answer to your letter of this date which I have this minute received. As you request my concurrence to the step you propose, I do not find myself at liberty to give it, because it appears to me to be premature and unnecessary. From the time your report was dispatched to Congress, there is no reason to suppose delay. I am firmly persuaded the event will shew you they cannot possibly intend...
48From George Washington to Major Henry Lee, Jr., 29 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
I just now received a Letter from His Excellency—the Governor of this State, transmitting a general complaint from Major Strang & Mr Hyat against your Corps, and a particular one against Lt Carnes for an irregular seizure of forrage—and against yourself for refusing to suffer the sheriff to arrest him for it—and demanding him to be delivered to the Civil Magistrate as you will perceive by the...
49From George Washington to Major Henry Lee, Jr., 9 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have received your letter of yesterday & thank you for the intelligence you communicated —I would caution you not to place too much confidence in Mr Smith. I suppose he is the son of Mr Thomas Smith, whose attachment to us is very generally & I beleive Justly suspected—The presumption is that the son holds similar sentiments to his father though the contrary is possible enough—The...
50From George Washington to Major General Henry Lee, Jr., 8 June 1780 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found : to Maj. Henry Lee, Jr., 8 June 1780. On 11 June , Lee wrote GW: “Your lettr of the 8th inst. reached us on the 9th in the afternoon.”
51From George Washington to Major Henry Lee, Jr., 16 January 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have recd your favr of the 13th—I hope you may meet with the same success in the Counties of Salem, Cumberland and Cape May, as that which has attended the Officers who went into those contiguous to the Camp—All from whom I have heard, found the Magistrates and people most willing to contribute to the releif of the Army. When you return from your present Tour, I shall have no objection to...
52From George Washington to Major Henry Lee, Jr., 22 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
This morning I received your favor of yesterdays date —I did not think it necessary to change your position or, the kind of duty I had alloted to you—therefore only repeated to you, that it was my wish you should keep a good watch down the river—This I have now to request you will do in the most effectual manner—I am happy to hear of the fate of the Marauding party your letter mentions—The 24...
53From George Washington to Major Henry Lee, Jr., 14 December 1778 (Washington Papers)
The bearer has my horse in exchange for your Mare. He takes with him another which I am willing to give for the old Mare you mentioned to me (if she has not quite passed her teeming time) he is of the same age of the other—bought at the sametime—of the same person, & has given sufficient proofs of his goodness. He has been foundered, & not yet perfectly recovered of it; for which reason, &...
54From George Washington to Major Henry Lee, Jr., 21 January 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have received your letter of the 17th—I am happy to find such a disposition in the good people to relieve us, and for their ready & zealous compliance in my requisition. I think you had better order forward the corn which is stored in Cumberland, to this place while the roads remain in their present condition. I suppose the commissaries will take proper care to provide barrels for the salted...
55From George Washington to Major Henry Lee, Jr., 22 August 1779 (Washington Papers)
As Congress are yet uninformed of the enterprise against Powles Hook, and I am anxious to have them furnished with the particulars, I have to request your report without delay. I heart[i]ly congratulate you and wish you to give my thanks to the officers and troops who were concerned on this occasion. I am & Df , in James McHenry’s writing, DLC:GW ; Varick transcript , DLC:GW . For Lee’s...
56From George Washington to Henry Lee, Jr., 22 September 1788 (Washington Papers)
(Private) Dear Sir, Mount Vernon Septr 22d 1788 Your letter of the 13th instant was of so friendly & confidential a complexion, as to merit my early attention and cordial acknowledgments. I am glad Congress have at last decided upon an Ordinance for carrying the New government into execution. In My Mind, the place for the meeting of the new Congress was not an object of such very important...
57From George Washington to Henry Lee, Jr., 21 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Henry Lee, Jr., 21 Nov. 1778. Lee wrote to GW on 23 Nov. : “I have the honor of your Excellency’s letr of the 21st instt.” See also GW to George Augustine Washington, this date.
58From George Washington to Henry Lee, Jr., 4 November 1798 (Washington Papers)
Your letters from Fredericksburg and Stratford, have both been received; and their contents will be attended to when the list of applications come under consideration. Tomorrow (being requested thereto by the Secretary of War) I shall set off for Trenton. This, of course, will deprive me of the pleasure of seeing you, while you are on the promised visit to this County. It is necessary...
59From George Washington to Henry Lee, Jr., 25 January 1798 (Washington Papers)
The period for payment of the second Instalment of your Bond is past, & the first Instalment is only partially complied with. Mr Simms’ note, endorsed by you for $1000, is protested at the Bank, where it was deposited for collection. It Cannot be more unpleasant for you to hear, than for me to remind you of these things, but it is necessary for me to do so, & to express a hope that some...
60From George Washington to Henry Lee, Jr., 18 June 1786 (Washington Papers)
Under cover of your favor of the 21st of April, which came duly to hand, was a letter from Arthur Young Esqr. (author of the tours thro’ G. Britain and Ireland, with observations on the husbandry of those Kingdoms) informing me that he had sent me a compleat sett of all his works. As these have never yet come to hand, nor any advice of them, you would do me a favor (if you can recollect of...
61From George Washington to Captain Henry Lee, Jr., 21 February 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have received your Letter of the 19th inst. informing me of the measures which you have taken for supplying our wants, and the prospects which you have of success—Your application to the Assessors of the several hundreds, was extremely judicious, and I have no doubt that by your activity and prudent management you will avail yourself of all the resources of the Country without giving...
62From George Washington to Major Henry Lee, Jr., 12 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
In mine to you of the 5th—I requested you to attend to the movements of the enemy on the river below and for this purpose to engage the country people as look outs along the River—I would wish you to have such persons on whose fidelity and vigilance you can rely stationed at different places as low as fort Lee, that we may have the earliest intelligence of any collection of vessels or boats or...
63From George Washington to Major Henry Lee, Jr., 7 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
Your favor of the 3d inst. came to hand yesterday. I shall comply with your present ingagements to the spies, which you have promised to pay in specie: but as we have so little of this to spare for even the most pressing and important purposes within the enemy’s lines—You will be careful to effect as much as possible with such other means as we have in our power; And as œconomical in all other...
64From George Washington to Major Henry Lee, Jr., 16 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have been duly favoured with your letter of the 14th Inst. respecting Capt. Lindsays resignation. Altho’ I give up with regret an officer of Captn Lindsays approved military worth, yet I cannot but acquiesce in his desire to resign; being persuaded, that without his private concerns were of the most pressing nature and demanded his personal attention he would not think of retiring—You will...
65From George Washington to Major Henry Lee, Jr., 13 April 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have recd your favr of the 10th: I am sorry to find that the repairs of your accoutrements and the general indisposition of your Horses will prevent your moving so soon as could have been wished, but I have confidence in your making no greater delay than is absolutely necessary. The Board of War having powers to order a General Court Martial, the prisoner you mention may be tried at...
66From George Washington to Henry Lee, Jr., 29 September 1798 (Washington Papers)
Your letter of yesterday’s date from George Town is received. You know perfectly well what my inducements were to part with the property you purchased of me, but rather than have any difficulty, or unpleasant disputes respecting the payments, agreeable to contract, I would take productive property in the Federal City—in Alexandria—or almost anywhere—or any thing productive, or unproductive, at...
67From George Washington to Major Henry Lee, Jr., or the Officer Commanding His Corps at Burlington, N.J., 30 March 1780 (Washington Papers)
You will be pleased, upon the receipt of this, to take the most expeditious measures for putting the whole Corps both Horse and Foot in readiness to march. If you move, your destination will be South Carolina. The Horse will go the whole way by land—the Foot will go down Chesapeak Bay by Water and meet the Horse at Petersburg—As soon as you have given the necessary orders at Burlington you had...
68From George Washington to Major Henry Lee, Jr., 21 February 1780 (Washington Papers)
I am to request that you will transmit me, as soon as possible, an exact Return of the number of the non Commissioned Officers and privates of your Corps, mounted and dismounted designating in a particular manner the states to which they belong, what proportion of them are inlisted for the War, and the different terms of service of the residue, digested in monthly Columns. Inclosed you have...
69From George Washington to Major Henry Lee, Jr., 1 September 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have received your letter of this date “requesting me to give you in writing, the instructions which you verbally received from me on the subject of Powles Hook, when you were last at Head Quarters—and particularly concerning the immediate evacuation of the post after the reduction and concerning the retreat.” When you were last at Head Quarters, the Enterprize against Powles Hook was in...
70From George Washington to Major Henry Lee, Jr., 10 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have this moment received your letter of the 9th. I wish mine of the same date had gotten to hand before the transaction you mention had taken place—I fear it will have a bad effect both in the Army and in the Country—I would by no means have you to carry into execution your plan of diversifying the punishment, or in any way to exceed the spirit of my instruction yesterday—And even the...
71From George Washington to Henry Lee, Jr., 26 July 1786 (Washington Papers)
Your favors of the 3rd & 11th inst. are both at hand. The last came first—the first only two days ago. The Books by Mr Griffith are also received, & came in good order. My thanks for your kind intention of giving me the use of them ’till you return to Virginia are sincerely offered. Youngs tour thro’ Ireland, I had myself purchased when in New York; and I have just received advice of the...
72From George Washington to Major Henry Lee, Jr., 24 July 1780 (Washington Papers)
I am informed by General Foreman that there is a great number of horses in those parts of monmouth County within the Enemy’s power belonging to disaffected persons. To prevent the Enemy’s having the benefit of these and to have it ourselves—you will immediately set about driving off from the part of the Country under the above description all the horses fit for waggon or riding service—and...
73From George Washington to Major Henry Lee, Jr., 10 August 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have received your letter of yesterday with its inclosures —The plan you propose for the attack of Powlus Hook and for making good the retreat of the party is well concerted, and such as would be most likely to succeed, if the enterprise were to be carried into execution—But upon the whole in the present position of the enemy’s army I should deem the attempt too hazardous and not warranted...
74From George Washington to Major Henry Lee, Jr., 11 July 1780 (Washington Papers)
You will proceed to Monmouth and establish yourself in that vicinity. On your arrival there You will see General Foreman who ⟨is charged w⟩ith dispatches for a ⟨French fleet⟩ expected at the Hook and ⟨to keep a l⟩ook out for their arrival. ⟨You will⟩ give such assistance in ⟨this as⟩ will be necessary. There are ⟨some⟩ pilots who will be stationed ⟨ mutilated ⟩ Monmouth, who will put...
75From George Washington to Maj. Henry Lee, Jr., 9 April 1780 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found : to Maj. Henry Lee, Jr., 9 April 1780 . Lee wrote GW on 12 April: “I have the honor of your Excellencys letr of the 9th” (see Lee to GW, 10 April, source note ).
76From George Washington to Major Henry Lee, Jr., 21 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
While I was at West point I recd your favors of the 15th & 17th. This will be delivered you by Corpl Harrison, who carries the party of horse that have been with me. I do not wish them to be relieved from your corps. As matters now stand, I rather approve your present position, than one on the other side of the river you have fully answered the purpose of your command, where you are & a...
77From George Washington to Major Henry Lee, Jr., 9 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
I recd yr favor of yesterdays date & am happy to find you are in the neighbourhood of the enemy & make no doubt but you will fully answer the purposes of yr being placed there. The Stores you mention to have been at Kekiat were there without my knowledge—& I much approve the removal of them—As to the live Stock being driven off as you mention within a certain distance—though a desireable...
78To George Washington from Major Henry Lee, Jr., 23 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor of your Excellency’s letr of the 21st instt. I assure you sir, the subject matter of it being entirely new to me, afforded much surprize. Mr Washington having unfortunately lost his charger, I supplyed him with one belonging to the Corps. This horse is very elegant, and still in his service. I have since communicated your Excellencys letr, and am informed, that the request is...
79To George Washington from Henry Lee, Jr., 22 May 1799 (Washington Papers)
I have waited here two weeks cheifly to try to finish my engagement with you—But all my endeavors are vain—I shall never recede from my exertions till I do accomplish the end, for no event of my life has given me more anguish. I would if you consider yr sale injurious rather relinquish the contract & give up the payments made, than to be the instrument of damage to you—The loss of money I am...
80To George Washington from Captain Henry Lee, Jr., 18 January 1778 (Washington Papers)
Col. Hellum of the militia, now a prisoner in Philada, in a memorandum of intelligence sent me this day, says, that an officer of the Anspachers engages to bring off three hundred of that corps, provided the command can be ensured him. He also mentions, that there are several persons throughout the country contracting for horses for the use of the Philada, light dragoons now raising. There are...
81To George Washington from Henry Lee, Jr., 25 December 1785 (Washington Papers)
The shallop I ordered your nuts and trees by, has arrived here and brought up one package—there will be another by another vessel. The apple is the Medley russitan, the pear is known among us by the Name of the Chantilly pear, and the cherry is coronation—all excellent in quality and merit good ground and proper exposure to the south. I hope Mrs Lee will be able to set out on thursday. We...
82To George Washington from Major Henry Lee, Jr., 11 June 1780 (Washington Papers)
On receipt of your Excellency’s letter directing the cavalry to halt, the corps were billeted in the vicinity of chester-town. Your lettr of the 8th inst. reached us on the 9th in the afternoon —The troops moved at three oclock, & arrived here this morning. We mean to halt & refresh for a few hours & then pursue our route to springfield—Your Excellency will please to favor me with your orders...
83To George Washington from Major Henry Lee, Jr., 25 July 1780 (Washington Papers)
Admiral Arbuthnot after many maneuvres off & on, has at length moved with his fleet towards Rhode-island & Sir Henry Clinton is preparing to push up the sound with an army. I have reced your Excllys let. of the 24th. I shall arrange matters here, & commit the execution of them to Cap. Rudulph, & pursue my route to Easton. I hope my orders may meet me there, as I wish to expedite the business,...
84To George Washington from Henry Lee, Jr., 11 November 1786 (Washington Papers)
I have your letter of the 31st octr besides the pleasure we all feel in knowing the health of Mount Vernon I am delighted and edified by your sentiments—This moment Genl Knox & Mr King left me having perused the part of your letr which respects the Insurgents—They expressed the highest satisfaction in finding that your retirement had not abated your affectionate zeal for the prosperity of...
85To George Washington from Major Henry Lee, Jr., 5 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
Being disappointed in not meeting with your Excellencys instructions which by a letter from Col. Meade was to have been lodged at General Green’s I have moved forward to this place, & intend to prosecute the route towards Paramus. I am happy to advise your Excellency, that the horses are in true order for service, but must lament, that no measures have been taken by the Commissary General of...
86To George Washington from Henry Lee, Jr., 12 March 1785 (Washington Papers)
Apprehending the escape of the season before your vessel may arrive, I have got the favor of Mr Hall to permit his servant to call at Mount-Vernon. He has twelve horse chesnut, twelve box-cuttings & twelve dwarf box-cuttings—you may have any supply of either box, you please to order—I can supply you also with cypress & holly which can be ready at the shortest notice—Perhaps we may have some...
87To George Washington from Major Henry Lee, Jr., 14 December 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor of your Excellency’s letr accompanied with your two horses. I will have very great care taken with the foundered horse and will endeavor to procure in exchange for him during the winter a mare suitable to your purposes. It is matter of doubt with me, whether the old troop mare has not been spayed. This matter I can ascertain when I arrive at Burlington, as she came from the...
88To George Washington from Henry Lee, Jr., 21 Sept. 1779 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found : from Henry Lee, Jr., 21 Sept. 1779. On 25 Sept., GW wrote Lee: “I was yesterday favd with yours of the 21st.”
89To George Washington from Major Henry Lee, Jr., 18 July 1780 (Washington Papers)
I addressed your Excellency yesterday advising of Admiral Greaves arrival. I omitted mentioning a report prevalent here from the enemy, viz. that Monsieur Ternay had fallen in with the British squadron, had sunk one seventy four & had taken one sixty four—This is said to have happened off Cape Henrey. I transmit a very exact list of the British fleet. They have received 3000 marines from N....
90To George Washington from Maj. Henry Lee, Jr., 4 July 1779 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found : from Maj. Henry Lee, Jr., 4 July 1779. GW wrote Lee on 5 July: “Your letter of yesterday I recd this day.”