4231From George Washington to Major General Robert Howe, 18 August 1779 (Washington Papers)
As it is probable, that the new minister from France Monsieur De Luzerne, is on his way from Boston to Philadelphia it will be necessary to have him provided with an escort—you will therefore be so good as to give orders for a captain (a geinteel sensible officer) with his proper command of cavalry (not less than 30) to proceed immediately to Fish-kill. The officer will acquaint me with the...
4232From George Washington to Major General Robert Howe, 27 July 1780 (Washington Papers)
I am to request that you will be pleased, on receipt of this, to put the troops under your Command in motion as soon as may be: except the New-Hampshire Brigade & such of the Militia as you may judge necessary for the Garrison of West Point & its dependencies. You will direct the N. York, Connecticut & Massachusetts Lines, and the remainder of the Militia, to march successively in the order...
4233From George Washington to Major General Robert Howe, 13 January 1778 (Washington Papers)
I had the pleasure of receiving your favs. of the 2d and 3d of Novemr by Genl McIntosh who arrived very opportunely to take the command of the North Carolina Brigade, which had wanted a Brigadier very much since the Fall of Genl Nash. The account you give of the numbers of Indians in the Southern Tribes far exceeds any thing that I had an Idea of, and it therefore behoves us the more to...
4234From George Washington to Major General Robert Howe, 7 September 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have to acknowlege your two favors of the 5th inst. one public the other marked private. The current of my intelligence by different hands and from different quarters bring the enemy’s reinforcement to about 3,000. This corresponds with your accounts —and perhaps is pretty near the truth. The ignorance of the agents of or the want of a proper genius for enquiry or observation may have led...
4235From George Washington to Major General Robert Howe, 15 August 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have received your Favour of the 13th Instant. If the Enterprize over the Sound is not already undertaken when this comes to hand, I would wish it to be laid aside intirely—unless its success should appear exceedingly clear & indeed certain. The Object is too unimportant—too contemptible to justify any risk. I have some private motives for not countenancing the expedition in the first...
4236From George Washington to Major General Robert Howe, 11 July 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have recd your favors of the 8th—The State of Massachusetts having adopted Colo. Jacksons Regt and directed it to be considered in every respect as belonging to that line, it in course becomes intitled to a proportion of the drafts—For this purpose the Bearer Capt. Hunt is sent up to receive the number which will fall to the share of the Regiment. I have not yet recd the Feild Return of the...
4237From George Washington to Major General Robert Howe, 28 May 1780 (Washington Papers)
In consequence of the late incursion of the enemy upon the frontiers of New York, I have determined to march the Brigade of that state to its relief. It will commence its march tomorrow; and will probably arrive at Kings ferry on Wednesday evening —I wish you to have a sufficient number of boats at that place ready to receive the troops on their arrival and convey them with their baggage to...
4238George Washington to Major General Robert Howe, 24 August 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
West Point, August 24, 1779. Discusses command of militia at Horseneck. Sends advice concerning Howe’s proposed raid. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Horseneck was in Connecticut near Kings Bridge, New York.
4239From George Washington to Major General Robert Howe, 9 May 1780 (Washington Papers)
I last evening recd your favors of the 6th—I am pleased to hear of the good conduct and success of Capt. Cushing in his enterprize against Delancey’s detachment—It is to be regretted that the Colonel was himself absent at the time. Colo. Moylan had written to me on the subject of Mr Hooglands Arrest and mode of trial, I gave it as my opinion that he was to be tried by a general Court...
4240From George Washington to Major General Robert Howe, 17 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
I was favd last Evening with your two letters of yesterday. I cannot learn from the Deserters who have come out the two past days that any troops came up the River at the time you mention, but as movements might have taken place below of which they were ignorant, I very much approve of your making use of every precaution against a surprize—The enemy, upon the last settlement of accounts, fell...
4241From George Washington to Major General Robert Howe, 27 September 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have this instant received your private letter of yesterdays date —fully perswaded that so respectable a body as the General Officers of this army can hold no improper meetings—& that no representation will be made by them to Congress that is not conveyed in respectful terms—& founded in the strictest rules of propriety & justice I by no means disapprove the one you speak of for the purpose...
4242From George Washington to Major General Robert Howe, 17 July 1780 (Washington Papers)
This will be handed to you by Lieut. Meigs of Col. Webbs Regt who is directed to receive & bring forward the proportion of Connecticut levies for that Regiment; You will be pleased to Order them to be delivered to him accordingly. I am with great esteem & regard Your Most Obedt Hble Servt Df , in David Humphreys’s writing, DLC:GW ; Varick transcript , DLC:GW . John Meigs (c.1754–1826), of...
4243From George Washington to Robert Howe, 8 July 1783 (Washington Papers)
I have received your favor of the 3d inst. dated at Trenton. In Consequence of a Letter from M. Genl St Clair & at his Request, I have ordered the Judge Advocate to proceed to Phila.—this Gentlemans Assistance will probably be necessary in the prosecution of the Business intrusted to your Investigation I have directed him to attend on you, and to give every Aid in his power, in an Affair, that...
4244From George Washington to Major General Robert Howe, 1 June 1780 (Washington Papers)
We have received advice from New York, published by authority, of the surrender of Charles Town. As I dare say you will have seen the hand bill and as I am pressed for time, I shall not go into particulars. A person from Amboy reports that he saw the day before yesterday One hundred sail of vessels enter Sandy Hook. This if true can be nothing else than Sir Henry Clinton returned with the...
4245From George Washington to Major General Robert Howe, 24 August 1779 (Washington Papers)
I am this moment favoured with your two letters of yesterday, one public one private—and yesterday with that of the 21st. The conduct of the militia at horseneck is a little extraordinary, but perhaps it is rather an omission than a wilful delinquency. It would however be inexpedient to involve any question of authority upon the occasion and better to make it an affair of management. The...
4246From George Washington to Major General Robert Howe, 25 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
I received, my Dear Sir, Your favour of the 19th yesterday. I regret that your hurt proved more serious than you apprehended; but I am happy to hear the good effects produced by the application of the lancet and I hope it may so much accelerate the progress of your cure as to enable you in a short time to give us the pleasure of your company—I beg you however not to precipitate this event at...
4247George Washington to Major General Robert Howe, 4 August 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
[ West Point ] August 4, 1779 . Approves of alterations made in disposition of the troops. Discusses opposition to removal of militia to safer place. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
4248From George Washington to Major General Robert Howe, 18 September 1779 (Washington Papers)
I was yesterday favd with yours of the 16th Was there occasion for you to remain near Croton, I should think any position, advanced beyond that River, ineligible: But as I am now induced to beleive that the Report of a french Fleet’s being bound for this Coast, is without foundation, I think you may as well march immediately back with Glovers and Nixon’s Brigades to Lower Salem, or to the...
4249George Washington to Major General Robert Howe, 27 June 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Ramapo [ New Jersey ] June 27, 1780 . States that with addition of Connecticut line and present position of the Army the troops at West Point will be sufficient for its defense. Orders Howe to dismiss militia. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
4250From George Washington to Major General Robert Howe, 20 August 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have both your favs. of Yesterday. I have not the least objection to your foraging as far as you can consistent with safety, and with your present force. My desire to put this post into as perfect a state of security as possible, renders it inconvenient to spare you any more troops. I approve of your determination to leave your Baggage well in your Rear should you go down for the purpose...
4251From George Washington to Major General Robert Howe, 13 September 1779 (Washington Papers)
We have accounts by vessels arrived at different places which make it probable a French fleet is approaching our coast—If this should be the case, it will be of importance to prevent the retreat of the troops at Kings ferry to their main body—The French Commandant will probably do his part to obstruct it by water and our business is to make such dispositions as are calculated to obstruct it by...
4252From George Washington to Major General Robert Howe, 8 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
I had the pleasure of your letter of the 27th ultimo, and should have acknowleged it sooner, had I not been pressed with a variety of business. When you receive the commands of Congress, I shall be happy to see you at Camp, and am Dr sir Your most obedient and hble servt. Df , in James McHenry’s writing, DLC:GW ; Varick transcript , DLC:GW . Howe’s letter to GW of 27 April, dated at...
4253From George Washington to Major General Robert Howe, 25 May 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have received Your Two favors of the 22d Instant. The distresses of the Troops under yr Comd give me great pain and what adds to it is, I have it not in my power to administer to their relief. Our situation here is equally melancholy—for the Troops on several days have been entirely without meat—and at best on half & quarter allowance for a considerable time. I very sincerely hope that You...
4254George Washington to Major General Robert Howe, 20 September 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
West Point, September 20, 1779. Transmits complaint from the Third Massachusetts Regiment to Howe. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
4255George Washington to Major General Robert Howe, 24 August 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Teaneck, New Jersey ] August 24, 1780 . Questions manner in which Howe’s baggage was guarded. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
4256From George Washington to Major General Robert Howe, 5 February 1780 (Washington Papers)
The state of Genl Heath’s health making a releif from duty necessary he has received my permission for this purpose — This with other considerations which will occur to yourself, (especially as the condition of the river may tempt the enemy to enterprise something in that quarter), renders your presence there essential I have therefore to request that you may return as soon as convenient to...
4257From George Washington to Major General Robert Howe, 9 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have been favd with yours of yesterday. Since I explained to you my motives for directing a change of your position, it has been my wish that you should take such an one, as would enable at the shortest notice to prevent the escape of the enemy by land should they attempt it, but at the same time to have a regard to your own safety. The particular spot I leave to your own discretion and...
4258From George Washington to Brigadier General Robert Howe, 4 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
I was favor’d with your letter accompanied by others to the States of Georgia and North Carolina, a few days since. When I wrote respecting an expedition against St Augustine, I meant it as recommendatory only, sensible, that you almost on the spot, or however well acquainted with the situation and every attendant circumstance, must be the proper judge; and assure you Sir that the reasons you...
4259From George Washington to Robert Howe, 25 February 1783 (Washington Papers)
I have no objection to your setting out for Boston tomorrow, and heartily wish you a pleasant journey & safe return. My Sentiments publicly & privately have been so fully delivered, that I shall say nothing respecting your return. I do not wish to defeat the end & purposes of your going, by limiting the term of your absence to a shorter period than is necessary to accomplish the business which...
4260From George Washington to Robert Howe, 22 June 1781 (Washington Papers)
I am favour’d with your Letter of this date; the Artificers you mention that have been drafted from the several Regiments will continue at the Point ’till further orders. I am with respect your most obedt Humbe Servant. DLC : Papers of George Washington.