3951To George Washington from William Barber, 2 January 1782 (Washington Papers)
Agreeably to your Excellencys Orders to us directed, We have inspected the Horses of Colonel Sheldons Legion, and have discriminated as accurately as in our Power, between those, which in our opinion may be recruited and fitted for the Service by the Spring, and such as are broken down which we judged could not be raised at a less Expence than their Value—Those of the former Character, we have...
3952To George Washington from Joshua Benson, 2 January 1782 (Washington Papers)
I am to inform your Excellency that in the evening of the 21st of Decr last a number of sailors went to a house in this place where a fatigue party of four or five soldiers was billeted and had been there but a short time before a quarrel arose between them and the soldiers: One of the soldiers informed an officer, Lt Wales, who was left at this post with me, that they had been ill used by a...
3953From George Washington to Victor-François, 2d duc de Broglie, 2 January 1782 (Washington Papers)
I embrace, with very singular pleasure, an opportunity of testifying my sense of the Gallant Behaviour of the Chevalier de la Meth at the Seige of York in Virginia—It having been determined to carry two of the enemys works by assault on the night of the 14th of October—the Chevalier sollicited and obtained leave of His Excellency the Count de Rochambeau to act as a Volunteer upon the...
3954To George Washington from Henry Clinton, 2 January 1782 (Washington Papers)
As it has been always my earnest wish to pay every attention to the situation of Prisoners, and to facilitate their Exchange; I have only to repeat the Assurances I have already made You in my Correspondence on this Subject—that I am ready to send Commissioners properly Authorised by me to treat with those you shall Appoint for the accomplishment of so desireable a Purpose. And as I think no...
3955To George Washington from Bellamy Crawford, 2 January 1782 (Washington Papers)
The great uneasiness I had for Mrs Crawford when in Williamsburg, pressed so hard upon me that I then troubled Your Excelly with a letter in her behalf, signifying her distrissed situation and inclination to proceed to this City—which has been effected with great difficulty; expecting on our arrival to meet some of our Carolina friends, or some person to aliviate our distress and repeated...
3956From George Washington to David Forman, 2 January 1782 (Washington Papers)
Yours of yesterdays date I have rec’d, and am much Obliged by the Intelligence it conveys. The Letter you refer to advising of the fleet’s preparing to sail, must have miscarried, for I do not recollect any such comeing to hand. I have presented your account to Mr Morris and have the pleasure to inform you that a warrant will pass the Office for a Settlement of it in the course of ten days,...
3957From George Washington to John Hanson, 2 January 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to inform Congress that the detachments, supposed to be destined for Charles–Town left Sandy Hook on Thursday, last. From the best intelligence I have been Able to Obtain, it amounted to about twelve or 1500 Men—the fleet consisted of fifteen square riged Vessels and four Sloops and Schooners, Convoyed by two Frigates and two Sloops of War. With the greatest respect I have the...
3958From George Washington to Charles-Malo-François, comte de Lameth, 2 January 1782 (Washington Papers)
Impressed with a lively sense of your Merits and wishing to give a proof of my favorable opinion of your conduct, particularly at the Seige of York, I thought I could not take a method more acceptable, than that of communicating my sentiments to your Noble Relation the Marshal Duke de Broglis, which I have taken the liberty of doing in the inclosed. I shall be happy in hearing that you have...
3959To George Washington from Alexander McDougall, 2 January 1782 (Washington Papers)
I sincerely congratulate your Excellency, on the signal sucess of the Campaign. If America can be induced, to make a proper use of it; the war in this country, will be but of short duration, otherwise it may continue much longer, than sanquine men imagine. The Infantry at this Post, were very uneasy for three weeks past; and there was two much ground to fear, a mutiny would take place...
3960From George Washington to Francis Mentges, 2 January 1782 (Washington Papers)
Yours of the 29th of November did not reach me ’till within these few days, when I immediately laid it before the Director General of the Hospitals, who has written to Docr Tilton who succeeded Doctor Treat and has required of him an account of the application of the Money put into his hands, and has also called for an explanation of such other parts of the conduct of the Surgeons as appear...
3961General Orders, 1 January 1782 (Washington Papers)
Contracts having been made for Supplying the Troops of the United States at various posts with provisions, The Officers are in future not to draw any rations on public Account but will be paid in Money at the Close of each Month the amount of the several rations respectively allowed them by Congress, but for their greater convenience it is agreed that the Contractors shall Supply them with the...
3962From George Washington to Archibald McCallister, 1 January 1782 (Washington Papers)
Archibald McCallister Esqr. was appointed a Lieutenant in the Maryland line early in the Commencement of the present War and from the Certificate which he has obtain’d from his Commanding officer (upon his resignation) it fully appears, that during his continuance in the Army of the United States he acted with the Bravery & good Conduct of an Officer and the Reputation of a Gentleman. I can...
3963From George Washington to Thomas Chittenden, 1 January 1782 (Washington Papers)
I received your favour of the 14th of November by Mr Brownson. You cannot be at a loss to know why I have not heretofore, and why I cannot now, address you in your public Character, or answer you in mine: But the confidence which you have been pleased to repose in me gives me an opportunity of offering you my sentiments, as an individual wishing most ardently to see the peace and Union of his...
3964To George Washington from David Forman, 1 January 1782 (Washington Papers)
In my last I did mention to your Excly that a fleete was preparing to sail—I Could not form any Opinion of there distination. Tey Sailed on Thursday last and Werere Convoyed by Two Frigates and Two Sloops of War—The Transports were 15 Square rigged Vessels and four Sloops and Schooners—last Evening one of my secret Intelligencers come up to my House—he says the fleete Carryed Troops to Charles...
3965To George Washington from William Heath, 1 January 1782 (Washington Papers)
I was honored with yours of the 24th ultimo yesterday.—Have this day called for the returns of those who have not had the small pox, and directed that preparations be made for putting them under inoculation as soon as possible. I do not know whether the clothing for the Rhode-island regiment is gone on or not. The Subaltern and party shall be instructed conformably to your directions. The...
3966To George Washington from William Livingston, 1 January 1782 (Washington Papers)
By recent Advice from Eggharbour, several armed boats, with a number of men, are fortifying on Osburn’s Island near Eggharbour with a view, as is supposed, to receive Deserters from the American army, & deserting prisoners taken from General Burgoyne & Lord Cornwallis, as well as for the greater convenience of conveying provisions to New York, which already go from that neighbourhood in...
3967Questions and Answers about York Island, 1781 (Washington Papers)
Questions: 1 How many Batteries are there between Laurel hill & Fort Tryon, along the line of Pallisades? Answers: Only one which is commanded by the Work on Laurel Hill—it has four 18 pounders in it. 2 Are they all open Batteries? It is open in the Rear. 3 Are they under the command of the close redoubts?—and could the men allotted for their defence remain in them if an Enemy was possessed of...
3968Washington’s Observation Respecting the 1781 Campaign, 1781 (Washington Papers)
If the Count de Grass should arrive before the expected reinforcement reaches New York—more especially if he brings a land force of 2000 Men—or can possess himself of the harbor of New York. We ought to prosecute the operation against New York with the Men we have & the chance of obtaining more. If on the other hand a reinforcement of 2000 Men should come from Virginia before the French fleet...
3969General Orders, 31 December 1781 (Washington Papers)
The General Court Martial whereof Major General Baron Steuben is President is to assemble on Wednesday next at ten ô clock AM. Colonel Nicola of the Invalid Regiment and Major Olney of the Rhode Island regiment are appointed Members vice Colonel Humpton and Major Burnet whose duty obliges them to leave the City. DLC : Papers of George Washington.
3970From George Washington to William Galvan, 31 December 1781 (Washington Papers)
Monsieur Galvan entered the service of the United States as a Lieutent in the 2d Regt of South Carolina in Septemr 1776. In January 1780 he was promoted to the Rank of Major and served that Camapign in the Light Infantry of the Army under my immediate command—In the beginning of the present year he was appointed to a command in the detachment formed under Major Genl The Marquis de la Fayette...
3971From George Washington to Allan McLane, 31 December 1781 (Washington Papers)
Allen McLane Esqr. was appointed a Captain in one of the Sixteen additional Continental Regiments of Foot commanded by Colonel Patton, in the beginning of the year 1777, and by his activity and industry soon joined to the Regiment with a full Company. Upon the dissolution of the Sixteen Battalions, and the incorporation of the Officers and Men into other Corps—Capt. McLane was, in July 1779,...
3972From George Washington to Henry Clinton, 31 December 1781 (Washington Papers)
I do myself the honor to inclose the duplicate of a letter, which I had written to your Excellency on the 6th of this month. I have reason to beleive the original miscarried between this place and Elizabeth Town. I must entreat such attention to it as the importance of the subject requires. I have been honored with your Excellencys favor of the 14th, and should have transmitted the passports...
3973From George Washington to Nathanael Greene, 31 December 1781 (Washington Papers)
Since my last of the 19th inst. I have recd information, which does not admit of a doubt, that an embarkation has taken place at New York, it is said to consist of three British Regiments and a detachment of the Hessian Grenadiers. They may probably have sailed by this time, but of this I have no certain accounts—They are to be convoyed by two ships of the Line and two or three Frigates—It is...
3974From George Washington to William Heath, 31 December 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have received your favour of the 22d Instant, and have consulted the Secretary at War upon the manner of disposing of the remainder of the British Cloathing—He is of opinion with me that your proposal of delivering it to the 10th Massts. Regiment, which will remain Brigaded with the New Hampshire line, and to the Jersey and York lines, will be the only way of preserving a compleat uniformity...
3975From George Washington to Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de Rochambeau, 31 December 1781 (Washington Papers)
My last to Your Excellency was on the 16th inst. I have since that received information that an embarkation has taken place at New York—It is said to consist of three British Regiments and a detachment of Hessian Grenadiers. They may have sailed by this time, but of this I have no certain accounts. They are to be convoyed by two Ships of the Line and two or three Frigates. It is conjectured...
3976From George Washington to Richard Varick, 31 December 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have recd your favor of the 18th—I have no objection to your taking either Mr Fonda or Mr Ray into employ, whichever you may think most proper for the business—provided the former is not in the Continental service, for I would not take an officer from the line of his duty. The Books shall be put in hand and forwarded to you as they are finished. If the Writers work eight Hours pday agreeable...
3977From George Washington to Maryland Officer Commanding at Head of Elk, 30 December 1781 (Washington Papers)
I am informed by Joseph Gilpin Esq: a Justice of the Peace at the Head of Elk, that an inhabitant has been killed by a Soldier, and that the Coroners Inquest has returned it Murther—You will therefore immediately deliver the offender up to the Civil Authority; and I Shall depend upon your taking all possible pains to prevent any accident of the like kind in future. I am &c . DLC : Papers of...
3978From George Washington to Joseph Gilpin, 30 December 1781 (Washington Papers)
I am exceedingly sorry for the accident of which you inform me in yours of the 25th. The only reparation I can make, is to order the Soldier to be immediately given up to the Civil authority, for which purpose I enclose a letter to the commanding Officer at the Head of Elk. I take it extremely kind of you, Sir, to have made an application to me upon the present occasion. You undoubtedly had a...
3979To George Washington from William Heath, 30 December 1781 (Washington Papers)
With mine of the 22d I had the honor to forward the returns of the regiments in quarters here as called for in yours of the 8th. I have since received returns from the New Jersey regiments and invalids. Those from the New Hampshire line, New York line, and Sheldon’s regiment are not yet come to hand—as soon as I receive them they shall be forwarded. Some time the last winter your Excellency...
3980From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 30 December 1781 (Washington Papers)
You have enhanced the value of the Trophies with which Congress have been pleased to honor me in their Resolve of the 29th of October, by the polite and affectionate manner of presenting them. When I consider how much I am indebted, for this singular mark of public esteem, to the exertions of the General & indeed all the other Officers who accompanied me to that rich Field of Glory to the...
3981To George Washington from John Connolly, 29 December 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have been in this City upwards of two Weeks, & yesterday to my great surprize was committed to the City Jail, by an Order from the President of this state, for a supposed infraction of my Parole given in Virginia. As the state of this matter will probably be laid before you by the Secretary at War, I have humbly to Request that your Excellency will be pleased to make the necessary inquiry...
3982To George Washington from Thomas Forrest, 29 December 1781 (Washington Papers)
In compliance with your several request’s of 8th October, I have inclos’d a Certificate from Capt. Porter Commdr of the Regt of my having enlisted a man in the room of Jno. Harris I discharg’d for incapacity of service. The Opinion of the Court of Enquiry held in consequence of a charge exhibited by a Major Eustace. As soon as I receiv’d Your favour of the 8 of October I made Application to...
3983To George Washington from Edward Hand, 29 December 1781 (Washington Papers)
The exercise of my duty in the Inspectors Department during the last Campain having afforded me frequent opertunities of being a witness to the Ill effects of the present mode of paying The Troops, I think it my duty to communicate my observations on the subject to your Excy and at the same time offer a remedy which I think may remove the inconveniences this branch of the Military System...
3984From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 29 December 1781 (Washington Papers)
A few days ago I took up the estimates which you put into my hands for examination, and had made some observations upon them, when finding the calculations run upon 25000 Men instd of the number resolved on by the late Act of Congress, and that my remarks—as you will perceive by the inclosed specimen—were very unimportant—indeed could not be of much use unless it went to the precise Force...
3985From George Washington to Dr. Thomas Bond, Sr., 28 December 1781 (Washington Papers)
Permit me, through you, to return my warmest thanks to the American Philosophical Society, for this very polite mark of their attention and esteem. I have ever set the highest value upon the honor which was conferred on me, when admitted into a Society instituted for the noblest of all purposes, that of "promoting useful knowledge"—and have long wished for an oppertunity of rendering myself,...
3986From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 28 December 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have perused the Plan of Inspection which you did me the honor to put into my hands yesterday. I have compared it with the draft I sent to you a day or two before—and I return them both with the following observations. Artl 2d Instead of the words "and the Secretary at War" I ask if it would not be better to substitute, "Duplicates of which to be, by them, transmitted to the Secretary at...
3987To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 28 December 1781 (Washington Papers)
The representatives of the United States in Congress assembled have been pleased in their resolves of the 29th of Oct. last to express the high sense they entertain of your Excellencys illustrious services in the cause of your country and particularly for the late August event in Virginia, and also to direct that some of the brilliant trophies obtained under your auspices should be presented...
3988To George Washington from Daniel Morgan, 28 December 1781 (Washington Papers)
Prior to your Excellency’s Answer to my Letter respecting the Prisoners of War in this County Capt. Barclay of the 76th British Regiment had applied to me for permission to go to New York, or if that could not be granted, to go to Head Quarters in order to sollicit your Excellency’s Permit to that Purpose he informs me that he is Paymaster to the Regiment, that the Officers Prisoners here are...
3989To George Washington from John Armstrong, 27 December 1781 (Washington Papers)
It was a choice too long deferred writing Yr Excellency on the very important Capture of the Earl Cornwallis and the Troops under his command—an event (more especially at this Cr i sis) worthy of God & honourable to man, having laid ample foundation of gratitude to both; and taken in connexion with other considerations perhaps presents the first probable ray of Peace that hath yet been...
3990To George Washington from Dr. Thomas Bond, Sr., 27 December 1781 (Washington Papers)
"The American Philosphical society held at Philadelphia for promoting usefull knowledge" beg leave to welcome Your Excellencys return from your late glorious expedition. Sensible of the influence of civil liberty on the purposes of their institution, they have always conceived their interests as a society to be dependant on the great cause of their country; indebted to former successes of the...
3991To George Washington from Elias Dayton, 27 December 1781 (Washington Papers)
Enclosed is an account of their present force in New York and its dependencies, handed to me by a person who I believe is well informed. Unluckily for me, on sunday night a party of militia from second river, crossed over to Bergen and went into a house near the fort where they made prisoners a Capt. Harding and McMichael—the former was paroled, but the latter being known and demanded by one...
3992From George Washington to John Hanson, 27 December 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have been honoured with the Resolve of Congress of the 20th Inst., directing me to make Inquiry into the powers and conduct of the Board of Directors to the Associated Loyalists in New York. I shall pursue such steps, as will be most likely to promote the ends which Congress have in view. I have taken the liberty, of inclosing the Copies of two letters of the 23d and 24th Instant, from the...
3993To George Washington from John Moylan, 27 December 1781 (Washington Papers)
By my Letter of the 2d Ulto Wch I had the honor of writing you from Boston, you will have been Informed of the Progress I had Untill then on all in the Business I had been ordered on to that place. & the probable time I expected to have the goods committed to my Charge lodged in Philadelphia. Circumstances which I coud not have prevented have retarded them on the road longer than I coud wish,...
3994To George Washington from Samuel Holden Parsons, 27 December 1781 (Washington Papers)
After a long Confinment to a sick bed, I have just recovered Strength to be brought Home; and am able to attend to a little Business though I have not strength to go abroad. The Board of War in a Letter to me of the 23d of October, directed that the disabled Officers of the Connecticutt Line might, if they consented, go out of Aervice as retireing Officers, a Copy of which Letter is enclosed....
3995From George Washington to James Randolph Reid, 27 December 1781 (Washington Papers)
In reply to your application for leave of absence, I must Observe, that Genl Hazen when last in Town signified to me his intentions of applying for permission to go to the Eastward about the middle of January, upon business that required his personal attendance, and that Lt. Colo. Antill would also wish to be indulged in Visiting his family in the course of the Winter. Considering these...
3996To George Washington from John Stark, 27 December 1781 (Washington Papers)
Altho I am not the first that have addressed you, on account of the late glorious and unequaled success at Virginnia, yet be assured that I am not behind the others in the high opinion entertain of the important & very essential service rendered my country by your capital acquisition. British standards will no more be the terror of neighbouring nations, nor will their arms in future be deemed...
3997To George Washington from William Heath, 26 December 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with yours of the 15th and shall act conformably. I shall aid colonel Pickering in any measure he may think necessary for the further security of the boats. Repeated and pointed orders have been given for their preservation, and directions sent to have them carefully laid up, before I left Peeks-kill. On the night of the 23d instant captain Williams of the New York levies...
3998To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 26 December 1781 (Washington Papers)
A Colonel Connelly was under your Excellencys parole and has left Virginia with out your permission. I have thought it necessary to send the inclosed for your inspection-- Connelly is now in this City. I have the honor to be Dr sir with the greatest esteem your most Obedient servant DLC : Papers of George Washington.
3999To George Washington from Francis Mentges, 26 December 1781 (Washington Papers)
It is with the greatest mortification I am to acquaint your Excellency of the accident happnd on the Night of the 22 instant, by a fire brocke out at the Palace, where the General Hospital was Keept, and the whole Building was consumed, lukely, the sick & wounded were saved—but One—who perished by the flames—it is generaly thought the fire was laid in to the lower Rooms, where no sick were, by...
4000To George Washington from Joseph Gilpin, 25 December 1781 (Washington Papers)
I am sorrow to truble your Excellency On the Present Unfourtenate Accident-- One of the Inhabitents of this Place hath Been Shot Dead at the Hous Where a Small Partie of Soulders had their Billet-- In Consequence the Coroner hath held a Jury of Inquest of Lawfull Men upon the Body who upon hering the Hole Evidence Returned an their Inquisition that the Person was Murdered and that the same was...