1George Washington to Brigadier General William Maxwell, 3 September 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Wilmington [ Delaware ] September 3, 1777. Discusses possibility of British attack on Maxwell by enemy party sent to Bohemia, Delaware. Orders Maxwell to send information about enemy in that area. In postscript, orders Maxwell to retreat to Christiana Bridge. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
2George Washington to Brigadier General William Maxwell, 5 September 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Wilmington [ Delaware ] September 5, 1777. Encloses two letters for Lord Richard Howe and General William Howe. Orders Maxwell to apologize to Howe if there is any truth in report that an enemy flag was fired upon. Requests information concerning situation of enemy. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
3George Washington to Brigadier General William Maxwell, 5 September 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Wilmington [ Delaware ] September 5, 1777. Asks if Maxwell is prepared to make a secret foray against enemy. Gives instructions concerning proper guides and return route. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
4From Alexander Hamilton to Brigadier General William Maxwell, [10 May 1778] (Hamilton Papers)
His Excellency has received yours from Horsam meeting House. He is a good deal surprized that you left your Artillery behind as one principal aim of the detachment was to protect the Vessels in the River in which Cannon would be essential. His Question to you on the subject was rather intended to indicate his desire that you should take cannon with your Party. He desires you will immediately...
5George Washington to Brigadier General William Maxwell, 25 May 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Valley Forge, May 25, 1778 . Orders Maxwell to secure all available information concerning enemy and to remain in readiness to march. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
6George Washington to Brigadier General William Maxwell, 15 February 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Middlebrook, New Jersey ] February 15, 1779 . States that British are about to move on Staten Island. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
7George Washington to Brigadier General William Maxwell, 16 February 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Middlebrook , [ New Jersey ] February 16, 1779 . Agrees that John Adam, deputy commissary of prisoners, should live at Elizabethtown. Refuses Maxwell’s request to be present at Pluckamin on February 18. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
His Excellency has received a line from Mr. Williamson informing him of the enemy having entered Elizabeth Town. If their design should appear to be any thing more serious than surprising that post, and they should be in force sufficient to approach this army; he desires you will retire gradually harassing and delaying them in their march to give the more time for our dispositions here. You...
9George Washington to Brigadier General William Maxwell, 7 May 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Middlebrook [ New Jersey ] May 7, 1779 . Asks Maxwell to convey Washington’s views on the remonstrance of the New Jersey officers to the men involved. Df , in writings of George Washington and H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
10George Washington to Brigadier General William Maxwell, 10 May 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Middlebrook [ New Jersey ] May 10, 1779 . Regrets that New Jersey officers persist in their complaint about soldiers’ pay. States that “All that the common soldiery of any country can expect is food and cloathing.” Df , in writings of Richard Kidder Meade and H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
11George Washington to Brigadier General William Maxwell, 13 December 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Morristown [ New Jersey ] December 13, 1779 . Instructs Maxwell to march to Camp when Brigadier General Samuel Holden Parsons reaches the Sound. Informs Maxwell that part of the clothing for his men is at Headquarters. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
12From George Washington to Brigadier General William Maxwell, 8 December 1776 (Washington Papers)
As it is a Matter of the utmost Importance to prevent the Enemy from crossing the Delaware, and to effect it, that all the Boats and Water Craft should be secured or destroyed. I do hereby earnestly request and desire that you will take upon you the Care and Superintendency of the Matter—At Tinicum a parcel of Boats are to be collected for the Transportation of the Troops under the Command of...
13Orders to Brigadier General William Maxwell, 21 December 1776 (Washington Papers)
Having countermanded the March of the three Eastern Regiments under the Command of Lieutt Colo. Vose and directed them to Halt at Morris Town in the Jerseys where I am informd that Colo. Ford at the head of a body of Militia has taken Post. You are to repair immediately to that place & take upon you the Command, not only of the above Regiments, but of the Militia also, and therewith to give...
14From George Washington to Brigadier General William Maxwell, 28 December 1776 (Washington Papers)
As I am about to enter the Jerseys with a considerable force immediately for the purpose of attempting a recovery of that Country from the Enemy, and as a diversion on your quarter may greatly facilitate this event by distracting & dividing their troops, I must request you will collect all the force in your power together, and annoy and distress them, by every means which Prudence can suggest....
15From George Washington to Brig. Gen. William Maxwell, 1 January 1777 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Brig. Gen. William Maxwell, 1 Jan. 1777. Robert Hanson Harrison docketed Maxwell’s letter to GW of 29 Dec. : “Ansd 1 Jany 1777.”
16From George Washington to Brig. Gen. William Maxwell, 27 January 1777 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Brig. Gen. William Maxwell, 27 Jan. 1777. Maxwell wrote to GW on 9 Feb. to “explain some querys I find in Your Excellency’s Letter of the 27th Jany.”
17From George Washington to Brigadier General William Maxwell, 12 February 1777 (Washington Papers)
In answer to your Letter of the 9th Inst. respecting the Case of the Young Men of Eliza. Town who refuse to take the Oath of Allegiance to the States, or to withdraw within the Enemy’s lines & discourage all the Militia round about them—I would observe that tho’ it is my Desire to have the Terms & Conditions of my Proclamation religiously complied with, Yet I do not intend that it shall be...
18From George Washington to Brig. Gen. William Maxwell, 16 February 1777 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Brig. Gen. William Maxwell, 16 Feb. 1777. On 17 Feb. Maxwell wrote GW informing him that “your Excellency Favours of the 16th I have Recd.”
19From George Washington to Brigadier General William Maxwell, 18 February 1777 (Washington Papers)
I received your favour of the 17th Inst.—I wish the Morris County Militia could be prevailed on to stay some time longer—The Enemy are certainly reinforced & will no doubt attempt in a few days to make their situation more comfortable—should they do so, We shall not be able to make an effectual Opposition, if the Troops now in service retire to their Homes, & they will again be reduced to that...
20From George Washington to Brigadier General William Maxwell, 17 April 1777 (Washington Papers)
That the Enemy are upon the point of opening the Campaign can scarce admit of a doubt—where, or in what manner, is yet uncertain; it behooves us however to be as well prepard as possible, & keep every thing in such order as to move at an hours warning—one step towards this is, to have the number of our Posts reduced—the Men drawn a little more compactly together—and Scouts to supply the places...
21From George Washington to Major General Benjamin Lincoln and Brigadier Generals William Maxwell and John Peter Gabriel … (Washington Papers)
I am well convincd that the amazing desertions which have of late prevail’d among our Troops, proceeds intirely from their not being regularly paid; For it is not to be supposed, that the bare encouragement of recieving a few Dollars from the Enemy for their Arms could operate so forcibly upon them. I have in vain endeavour’d to make the officers bring in their Pay Rolls and draw their money,...
22From George Washington to Brigadier General William Maxwell, 30 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
I was this day favoured with your Letter of the 28th It was never my intention that the two Regiments, you allude to should remain longer where they are than till the destination of the Enemy is certainly known. As that is not the case, at present they are to continue where they are & will do so, till I give further orders. I apprized the Governor, that I should call away those Regiments &...
23From George Washington to Brigadier General William Maxwell, 30 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
It seems to be the Opinion of several of the prisoners and also of the Deserters that have lately come out, that the Enemy intend to move to morrow morning. How well founded this Idea may be, I cannot tell, but I thought it right to communicate it to you, that you may be ⟨watc⟩hfull and guarded on all the Roads. It will be well to place some of your ⟨men⟩ at the pass on the Road which has been...
24From George Washington to Brigadier General William Maxwell, 1 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
Previous to the Arrival of your Letter of this morning I had received Intelligence of the Return of that party of the Enemy which was sent to Warwick —I cannot but regret that a proper Number of Men had not been detached immediately after them, as it appears that if this measure had been seasonably taken the plunderers would have been cut off—as to any future operations against them I must...
25From George Washington to Brigadier General William Maxwell, 1 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
Since writing to you a few minutes ago, I have been inform’d that there is a considerable number of Cattle and a variety of Stores (the property of Individuals) at and in the neighborhood of Nottingham—as the distance from this place to the Head of Elk is not so great as to discourage the Enemy from attempting to make themselves Masters of such valuable Articles, it will be proper that you...
26From George Washington to Brigadier General William Maxwell, 2 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have your two favs. of this date. In consequence of the remonstrance from the Inhabitants near Elk I have commanded Armands Corps to repair immediately to this place. If any of the people who have been injured can point out the particular persons either Officers or Soldiers they shall be made Examples of—As several accounts seem to agree that the Enemy mean to come out tomorrow Morning, I...
27From George Washington to Brigadier General William Maxwell, 2 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
I am just favd with yours of this Evening. I do not know where the Sign of the Buck is, I therefore cannot say whether it will be proper for you to leave your present post to go and attack the party that is said to be thereabouts. If it is upon your left as I suppose it is, it will be by no means proper, because while you were gone down, the Enemy might advance from Grey’s Hill to Christeen...
28From George Washington to Brigadier General William Maxwell, 3 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
Yours of three oClock this morning, I have received. I do not think you have much to fear from the party that has been sent over to Bohemia, who lie greatly to the Southward of you & too remote from where you now are, easily to injure you. It is im[a]gined the design of their going there is to extend across from Bohemia river to Apoquiminy, by which means, they will prevent the Eastern shore...
29From George Washington to Brigadier General William Maxwell, 5 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
I send you herewith two letters for Lord & General Howe, which you will immediately transmit by a flag to the latter. Let Some decent officer go with the flag. I have heard a report of one of our militia parties firing upon a flag that came from the enemy; I wish you to inquire into the matter, and if you find it true, make a proper apology for it to General Howe; and strictly forbid any...
30From George Washington to Brigadier General William Maxwell, 5 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
Let me know by the bearer whether you have received such information, as to enable you to make the intended attempt to night (or rather in the morning) if you have—the parson will be an excellent hand to accompany you. I am persuaded, I need not impress upon you the necessity of secrecy: the success of the enterprise totally depends upon that, and the precautions you use, to prevent the...
31From George Washington to Brigadier General William Maxwell, 17 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
Upon examining the State of our Ammunition I find it so generally hurt by the Rain that we are not in Condition to make a stand against the Enemy—I have therefore thought best to move up towards Warwick Furnace in order to obtain a Supply from the other side Schuylkill & have given orders accordingly Genl Greene[’s] Division remains here & Genl Wayne’s between this & Warwick untill the Baggage...
32From George Washington to Brigadier General William Maxwell, 7 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
The detachment under your comd is designed to answer the following purposes—become a security to this Camp, & the Country between the Schuylkill & Delaware. interrupt the communication with Philadelphia—obtain intelligence of the motion, and designs of the enemy—and, aided by the Militia, prevent small parties of the Enemy from patrolling, to cover the market people; whilst large Parties,...
33From George Washington to Brigadier General William Maxwell, 25 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
You are immediately to proceed with the two remaining regiments of your Brigade, to Mount Holly in the Jerseys, and order the other two regiments under Col: Shrieve to join you. In order to this, you will take the shortest route towards Coryel’s ferry, there cross the Delaware and repair to the place of your destination. You are to keep your Brigade when assembled, in such a situation as will...
34From George Washington to Brigadier General William Maxwell, 27 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
I yesterday received a letter of the 24th inst. from Colonel Shreve, in which he renews his application for Arms, and complains of the distressing want of Shirts in your Brigade—it is unluckily out of my power to do any thing in addition to the order with which you are already furnished relative to the first article. With respect to the latter as there are no Shirts in camp, I can point out no...
35From George Washington to Brigadier General William Maxwell, 29 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
It is yet a matter of uncertainty whether the Enemy intend to embark or to march across the Jersey. If they do the former, you are, immediately upon obtaining certain intelligence of it, to march with the whole of your Brigade by the shortest Rout to New Burgh upon the North River, and there take your orders from Major Genl Gates. All the unarmed Men are to march, as they will meet Arms coming...
36From George Washington to Brigadier General William Maxwell, 29 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have recd yours of the 28th from Trenton. The Arms out of which you were to have been supplied had come on as far as sussex Court House, but for some reason or other Genl Gates ordered them back to New Windsor. I have sent up and ordered them down in the most express manner. Untill they arrive I cannot supply you. You say you think Bordentown a more suitable place for your main Body than...
37From George Washington to Brigadier General William Maxwell, 16 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
I recd yours of the 14th. If the Enemy do not march thro’ Jersey they have been making a deal of useless preparation, and indeed I do not see how they can carry off the great number of Horses, & Carriages that they have been collecting with so much industry. I would not have you begin to inlist any of the draughts yet. I will in due time write to Congress, and if, towards the end of the...
38From George Washington to Brigadier General William Maxwell, 24 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
I recd yrs of this date & must reque⟨st⟩ you to keep up a constant correspondence as the movements of this Army must be gover⟨ned⟩ wholy by the intelligence I recieve from Genl Dickinson & yourself, & as an half hour may make much difference, I must intreat you to date accordingly. I have directed Colo. Morgan to keep on the right flank of the enemy, & Genl Scott who has a very respectable...
39From George Washington to Brigadier General William Maxwell, 4 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
I was last Night favd with yours of the 2d with a York paper for which I am obliged to you. I have only to recommend to you, to keep a vigilant watch upon the motions of the Enemy upon Staten Island, and upon their fleet in the Bay. If you procure any certain intelligence that any considerable number of ships are preparing for sea, let me know it immediately, that I may communicate it to Count...
40From George Washington to Brigadier General William Maxwell, 8 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
I am uncertain whether you may not already have a party somewhere in Monmouth County but however this may be, it is my wish you should without delay have one of 50 Men stationd under a very vigilant and intelligent Officer, at some place in that County most convenient for commanding a view of the Hook & its environs; in order to watch the motions of the Enemy’s Fleet and to advise me from time...
41From George Washington to Brigadier General William Maxwell, 13 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have your favr of the 10th inclosing a list of the French Fleet. I am informed that Lieut. Lane of your Brigade, who was the Officer that recd the Flag at second River, opened the packet from the British Commissioners to Congress—read the Contents and made them known to several persons; one of whom is ready to prove the fact. I therefore desire that Mr Lane may be arrested and sent up here,...
42From George Washington to Brigadier General William Maxwell, 31 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
It is at this present crisis extremely interesting to our conduct to learn with exactness and certainty the force that is reported to have sailed for New Port by way of the Sound, & that from the Hook, and whose command they are under. It will be necessary to discover what particular corps have been embarked—what baggage—what heavy cannon and artillery and how the transports (those especially...
43From George Washington to Brigadier General William Maxwell, 19 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
I received your favor of the 17th Inst. yesterday evening. No certain conclusions can be drawn of the enemy’s designs on the Jersey from the fitting up of their flat bottomed boats. If part of them are going to the West Indies they will want them there. It will not therefore be altogether advisable on the present appearance of things to call out the militia—But in order to guard against the...
44From George Washington to Brigadier General William Maxwell, 27 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
I rec’d yours of the 19th & 22 Inst. As the party of the enemy now on a forage in the Jersey, are in considerable force, and from the latest intelligence have taken post at the liberty pole, extending themselves to the New-bridge on the Hackinsac River—You will therefore immediately march to the high grounds west of acquacanack with your Brigade, in order the better to cover the Country the...
45From George Washington to Brigadier General William Maxwell, 2 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
I am favd with yours of the 29th Sepr. Lord Stirling who is now in Jersey, and has the general command of the troops there, will be a better judge than I am of the necessary and proper dispositions to be made. You will therefore implicitly obey him, and either remain where you are at present with your whole Brigade, or detatch such a part of it as His Lordship may direct. He mentions the...
46From George Washington to Brigadier General William Maxwell, 5 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
In a letter from Genl Gates of yesterdays date, I received the following intelligence—“Two Sailors belonging to Cape Cod—who made their escape from the prison ship last monday night, arrived here—they declare that the british fleet of Men of War, sailed ten days ago, in quest of the french fleet” —An event of this importance I think would not have escaped your notice—and I hope the report is...
47From George Washington to Brigadier General William Maxwell, 6 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
Mr Crowels recent violation of the usages and laws of flags render it necessary to adopt some measures, that may prevent similar procedings in future. For this purpose you will immediately fix upon a certain number of places for the reception of flag-boats, and advise the commanding Officer on Staten Island, of the places, and that no flag boats will be received any where else without a...
48From George Washington to Major General Stirling and Brigadier Generals William Maxwell and William Woodford, 15 October … (Washington Papers)
In addition to the questions which I have already proposed for the consideration of the General Officers —I have farther asked whether judging from the present state and appearance of affairs, it would be advisable to detach any part of our force to Boston—& shd it be decided in the affirmative—what force would it be proper to detach—Your Lordship will be so good as to add your opinion on...
49From George Washington to Brigadier General William Maxwell, 8 December 1778 (Washington Papers)
Upon my arrival at Middle Brook I shall furnish you with Instructions for the command at this post and its vicinity, at which you are to remain with the Jersey Brigade. I have at present to desire that you will take every measure to prevent an intercourse between the Country and New York and that no persons, inhabitants of these States, may be permitted to go thither or into the Enemy’s lines...
50From George Washington to Brigadier General William Maxwell, 20 December 1778 (Washington Papers)
I was favored with your letter of yesterdays date this evening. I have informed Governor Livingston with as many of the circumstances of Hatfields case as have come within my knowlege, and directed Lord Stirling to furnish him with such as he has relating to this subject. You will be pleased without further delay to deliver both Hatfield and the vessel he was in, to the civil magistrate with...