1From George Washington to Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, Baron [von] Steuben, 3 August 1783 (Washington Papers)
Mr Cassady (who will have the honour of delivering this Letter to you) being a Gentleman of respectable Character, and having been long resident at Detroit, is dispatched by me to that place, in order to find out the dispositions of the Inhabitants and to make any inquiries which may be useful to you on your arrival. I am the rather induced to adopt this measure for fear you should be delayed...
2From Jonathan Trumbull, Jr. to Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, Baron [von] Steuben, 18 July 1783 (Washington Papers)
His Excellency, in the Moment of his Departure, directs me to inform you, that being ignorant of the Encouragement Majr L’Enfant has a right to claim from you, it is difficult for him to determine the question you put—But was he to decide, he should have no other Mode of doing it than by Seniority. Most respectfully I am Dr Baron Your most Obedt Servt NHi : Steuben Papers.
3From George Washington to Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, Baron [von] Steuben, 12 July 1783 (Washington Papers)
In Consequence of Powers in me vested for that purpose, I do hereby authorize and desire you to proceed, with such dispatch as you shall find convenient, into Canada, and there concert with Genl Haldimand, or the British Commander in Cheif, in that Province, upon all such measures as shall be found necessary for receiving possession of the posts now under his Command within the Teritory ceded...
4From George Washington to Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, Baron [von] Steuben, 8 July 1783 (Washington Papers)
I have duly recd your two favors of the 5th by Express—it was indeed an unfortunate circumstance that the Resolution of the 12th of May respecting the frontier Posts could not have been sooner known & acted upon—as it is, we must make the best of what remains for us to arrange—on which subject it is not necessary for me to enlarge, as I shall probably have the pleasure of seeing you here...
5From George Washington to Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, Baron [von] Steuben, 25 June 1783 (Washington Papers)
I refer to your consideration A Memorial of Mr Hoaksley with sundry other papers relative to the condemnation of Merchandize &c. at York Town, said to have been carried in a Flag of Truce from N. York to Virginia—After an investigation of the Papers & the examination of Mr Hoaksley you will please to report your Opinion whether any alteration and what, ought to be made in the former decision....
6From George Washington to Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, Baron [von] Steuben, 14 April 1783 (Washington Papers)
A Committee of Congress is appointed to consider what arrangements it will be proper to adopt in the different departments with reference to a peace. Colo. Hamilton who is Chairman of this Committee has written me on this Subject wishing to know my Sentiments at large on such institutions of every kind for the interior defence of these States, as may be best adapted to their circumstances and...
7From George Washington to Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, Baron [von] Steuben, 12 April 1783 (Washington Papers)
Taking it for granted the principle is generally understood, that an Officer holding a Commission in the Line of the Army of a superior grade, to that he possesses in a particular Corps, is to roll on all general duties agreeably to his Commission in the Army, and to be considered in the Line of the State to which he belongs, according to the rank he holds in Corps of that State; the following...
8From George Washington to Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, Baron [von] Steuben, 26 February 1783 (Washington Papers)
I was favored by the last Post, with the Report of the Board of Officers respecting Captn Segond’s claim of admission into the Legion of Armand; as it appears to be founded in justice & reason it has my entire approbation, and I presume must be satisfactory. As the prospect of Peace (the more promising than it has been at any former period) is somewhat equivocal; I have determined to put the...
9From George Washington to Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, Baron [von] Steuben, 18 February 1783 (Washington Papers)
On the 18th of Janry I wrote to Colonel Stewart urging in the strongest terms I was master of, the necessity of his immediately joining the Army; since which time I have not heard a word from him—I now think myself obliged in justice to my own official character, and duty to the Public to signify to you as head of the Department, that it will be essential to the service either for Colonel...
10From George Washington to Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, Baron [von] Steuben, 9 July 1782 (Washington Papers)
In answer to your Letter of yesterdays date, containing the following queries, "Is the Department of Inspector General necessary in the Army, or is it not?" "Has this Department been conducted during the course of five years agreeable to your Wishes, and have the consequences resulting from my exertions as Chief of the Department answered your Expectations?" I give it as my clear opinion that...
11From George Washington to Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, Baron [von] Steuben, 12 April 1782 (Washington Papers)
The propositions of Count Beniowsky which you put into my hands for consideration—I have read—and beg leave to observe thereupon, that the utility of his plan for introducing a Legionary Corps of Germans into the Service of the United States of America, depends, in my opinion, upon the Political state of Affairs in Europe—the probability of Wars continuing—and the mode of conducting it. As...
12From George Washington to Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, Baron [von] Steuben, 8 February 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have recd your favor of the 6th. Whether the duties of the assistant Inspectors will or will not admit of their performing other duties incident to Officers of their rank remains yet to be tried. Upon a supposition that they will—I shall consent to their being put upon the General Roster of the Army, and that they shall be, in their turn, eligible to command upon detachment or otherwise,...
13From George Washington to Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, Baron [von] Steuben, 4 February 1782 (Washington Papers)
It would give me much pleasure in answering your letter of this date, if I could deliver such an opinion as would perfectly accord with the wishes of yourself, and the Gentn who are had in contemplation as Assistant Inspectors—But despairing of this, I shall submit such an one as candor, and a desire of information may require. My opinion has uniformly been that throwing the Inspectorate &...
14From George Washington to Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, Baron [von] Steuben, 18 January 1782 (Washington Papers)
Genl Lincoln, with whom I have conversed on the subject of taking Majr Walker into my family as an Aid de Camp, consents freely to leave the determination to his own choice—That this choice may be entirely unembarrassed by a direct application from me, and that Majr Walker may have time to consider the two offers in every point of view I shall be obliged to you to intimate mine to him, and...
15From George Washington to Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, Baron [von] Steuben, 23 October 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with your Letter of this date see 22 Oct. inclosing one from Colo. Febiger to you—The representation you have given me of the state of the officers makes me Feel very sensibly for them, and I could wish the means in my power, for their relief, were equal to my inclinations, but as I am divested of them, I can do no more than recommend them, with others, to Congress & their...
16From George Washington to Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, Baron [von] Steuben, 16 May 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have received your favor of the 21st of April, and by your letters of a later date, which I have seen published, I am informed of the progress of the Enemy as far as petersburgh. It gave me pleasure to find that the behaviour of the Militia merited your thanks. I hope the advance of the Marquis with the troops under his command would give fresh spirits to the Militia, and enable your...
17From George Washington to Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, Baron [von] Steuben, 1 May 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have received your favor of the 15th. Had it been possible for you to have carried your plan of marching suddenly into North Carolina into execution it would most probably have occasioned the ruin of Lord Cornwallis—But this is one of the thousand instances which daily shew the evils resulting from feeding and paying troops which can only be used for local purposes. The arms which Capt. la...
18From George Washington to Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, Baron [von] Steuben, 30 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
It gives me great satisfaction, My Dear Baron, amidst the innumerable sollicitudes and embarrassments, with which I am surrounded, that I can unbosom myself with perfect security, to my confidential friends, and at the same time assure myself of their best advice & assistance in the management of the most delicate matters. At this moment, I will frankly confess to you, I am extremely perplexed...
19From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 27 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
When we desired the resigned and supernumerary officers to come into command, we took the liberty, after establishing the rules by which they should be given, to ask the favor of you to arrange the Commands accordingly. As the gentlemen are likely to be exposed in action with the enemy, and if taken would have no commissions to produce, circumstances which give them uneasiness, I will ask the...
20From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 26 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Maury, owner of the Brigantine Alert, engaged and fitted as a flag for carrying tobacco to Charles town waits on you to see whether a permit can be obtained for her. You will be pleased to follow your own judgment whether the time be proper to negotiate on this subject. Whenever you think it so, I am of opinion it would be expedient to send the single vessel as first agreed to by Genl....
21From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 2[6] April [1781] (Jefferson Papers)
One half the Cumberland militia and of those of Amelia were ordered down. Some of the former are come in. I have ordered them to go to you, but what should be done with such of them as have no arms I think doubtful. We have found by experience that the men of those counties where the enemy are, cannot be kept in the field. They desert and carry off their arms. It also seems reasonable that...
22From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 26 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
An Officer from Cumberland having called on me this morning to direct what should be done with his unarmed Men, I took the Liberty by him of stating to you the order in which I thought the Militia should be discharged. I did this hastily while he was waiting and must now on more mature Reflection beg leave to correct in some Degree what I then wrote and to take up the whole subject. Fauquier,...
23From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 24 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I have information this morning from Capt. Maxwell on his own view that the enemy landed at Westover yesterday evening. If it be impossible that he should have been deceived, it is equally unaccountable that we are uninformed of it from the Videts sent. The movements of the enemy up Chickahominy obliged Colo. Innes, incumbered with 20 waggons with stores, and 100 sick to cross Pamunkey at...
24From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 22 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I inclose you two letters from Colo. Innes just received. We are in very great anxiety for him. His force we are told is very considerably reduced by desertion, and he has no Cavalry. I make no doubt you see how far it is necessary to send him reinforcements and will order them accordingly. I have no return of the numbers of Militia here. Indeed it is changing every hour by the arrival of...
25From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 21 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor of inclosing you a letter from Colo. Innes this moment come to hand. The circumstance of their halting under a favorable tide seems to shew their destination to be Williamsburg, and that the putting their men into boats is not merely a feint. I am told the Powhatan militia will be at Manchester to-day. Also that a part of Capt. Mosby’s new raised cavalry will be there. It is...
26From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 21 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The inclosed letters No. 1. are this moment come to hand. The public stores at this place are almost wholly removed and by this evening will be as high as the Manakin town ferry. The heavy cannon are still here. I understand the Henrico militia will be in to day. I believe I mentioned in my letter of this morning that those of Powhatan would be at Manchester to day, with a part of Capt....
27From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 21 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I was informed by a reputable man this afternoon that he saw about 300 of the enemy land this morning at Sandy point. He said that 25 of our guard had crossed the river there last night and carried their boats up a creek on the opposite side: and that the 25 which remained on this side retreated. Since this the inclosed letter has come to hand. This account and Colo. Innes’s cannot both be...
28John Christian Senf to Steuben, 20 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Since Saturday last I have been at Hoods, and done as much as possible. Yesterday morning I received an Express from the Governor , who mentions in his Letter, that the first Project he propos’d to the Inhabitants of Prince George had been most likly to fail, but that he now had orderd the whole County of Prince George for each Man to send a hand to Hoods to Worck for twelve Days, and this...
29From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 20 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I take the Liberty of inclosing to you a Letter to Major Genl. Phillips with the Determination of the Board of War as to the British Flag vessel with Necessaries for the Convention Prisoners which I will ask the Favour of you to forward by Flag. I presume it is necessary Prudence to put an Officer and Pilot of our own on Board. This has been the Practice here and if you approve of it you will...
30From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 19 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I send you herewith a state of the militia required to come into the feild in which is not comprehended any at present there, except those of Culpeper who having passed Hanover Court house about the 10th. are supposed to have joined Genl. Muhlenberg some time ago. We are endeavoring to get our militia to the fixed term of two months in the field with a right to retain them one week longer...
31From George Washington to Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, Baron [von] Steuben, 18 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have received your favr of the 23d ulto. As soon as I had ascertained the point of Genl Phillips having sailed with a detachment from New York I sent directions to the Marquis to proceed to the southward and put himself under the orders of Major Genl Greene. I was in hopes my letters would have reached him at Annapolis or met him in his march from thence to the Head of Elk, but unfortunately...
32From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 14 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
As so much of the subject of Colo. Davies’s letter as relates to the conduct of the Continental Issuing Commissary General in this State lies within your powers of reformation altogether, I take the Liberty of handing on the letter to you. It is very interesting to us that the provisions issued for Continental use be issued to persons authorized to give proper vouchers for debiting the...
33From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 10 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
General Scott having obtained Permission from the Commandant at Charles Town for the shipping of Tobaccos from this State to that Post for the Relief of the Continental Troops there of our Line, sent me a Copy of that Permission taken by his Brigade Major. This Paper not being sufficiently authentic to protect from capture Vessels which should go laden with Tobacco’s, I wrote to Major General...
34From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 6 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The Executive have had it much at heart to prevent as far as possible interruption in raising the new Levies while they were constrained to bring a number of Militia into the field. For this reason about one half of the Counties in the northern part of the State were not called on for militia till they had had time to go through their Draught. This being done by them, they have been all of...
35From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 6 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Since writing my other letter of this date, yours of to day is come to hand. I take the liberty of inclosing to you an extract from a letter I wrote Genl. Weedon on the subject of Colo. Curie which I suppose had not been communicated to Genl. Phillips at the date of his letter. Colo. Holmes at Winchester is the Continental Commissary of Prisoners in this State, who I dare say can make a return...
36From George Washington to Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, Baron [von] Steuben, 4 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
I am to acknowledge the receipt of your favor of the 15th ulto and to lament the unfortunate accident which prevented the execution of our plan against Arnold. I must beg of you to accept my thanks for the forwardness of your preparations of which and the propriety of all your other arrangements the Marquis has spoken in the most handsome manner—You will now naturally turn your attention again...
37From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 3 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
No term having been fixed by the Executive for the Service of the Militia, I do not know whence it could have been collected that it was within ten days of expiring. Nevertheless it is most certain that they would have been relieved long e’er this had it not been for the enterprize meditated against Portsmouth. It was thought too dangerous to change the whole Body of Militia at the critical...
38From George Washington to Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, Baron [von] Steuben, 21 March 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have not had it in my power, untill the present moment, to acknowledge the receipt of your several favors of the 18th and 23d of Febry & 1st Inst. which were forwarded to me, while on my Journey to Rhode Island, from whence I returned Yesterday. Since the Enemy have turned so much of their attention to the Southern States, the situation of our affairs in them, has become extremely...
39From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 10 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I received your favour of the 8th. instant and am sorry to find that this distressing flag is not yet off our Hands. I sincerely wish that by the perplexities she has introduced, she may not be more effectually working for our Enemies than if she had pursued their original Purpose. This can only be avoided by candid explanation and dispassionate Judgment. The line of Conduct which the...
40From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 10 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Since writing my letter of this day’s date, yours of yesterday has come to hand. The orders to the Counties which were to reinforce General Muhlenberg were that their detachments should be with him ‘Capos;on the fifth or at farthest the sixth’. On receipt of the Letter of the 8th. informing us of the almost total deficiency of New-Kent, we ordered 164 men from Chesterfield and 187 from...
41From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 8 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Richmond, 8 Mch. 1781 . This letter is virtually identical with the first part of TJ’s letter to George Washington, same date . For variations in the text see note there. RC ( NHi ); 3 p.; in a clerk’s hand, signed and addressed by TJ: “The Honble Major General Baron Steuben Williamsburg ⅌ Express.”
42From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 7 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The inclosed came to hand this moment. As I make no doubt it communicates what was mentioned in a letter from the Marquis to me received at the same time, I shall not trouble you with it. Scows which the Marquis desires for the transportation of cannon cannot venture into the wide waters over which they will be to be transported, as I apprehend. Flats (which abound in York river) are the best...
43From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 5 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I inclose you extracts from two Letters received from General Weedon. I fear his arrival will be so late as to disturb your plans. I have urged him to expedition and been obliged further to let him know it is not in your power to furnish him arms or Cartouch boxes. You desired us to collect our powder. I trust that if you wish it at any particular place, you will notify it with an appointment...
44From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 28 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the pleasure of forwarding you by express the inclosed Dispatches. I send off immediately proper orders for providing the Pilots to be furnished the Commanding officer of the French Squadron who is to forward them up the Bay. General Washington says he writes to you on the Subject of Militia, Magazines &c. I shall be glad to receive any advices on those Heads which may require my...
45From George Washington to Major General Steuben, 27 February 1781 (Washington Papers)
I received last evening your favour of the 12th instant enclosing copy of one from General Greene. I am much obliged to you for transmitting it. As you conjectured, he did not write me by the same opportunity. Though the return of the enemy’s missing ship has made our allies lose their superiority, which will be unfavourable to my plan of cooperation in Chesapeak bay; yet the Marquis will...
46From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 25 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Genl. Lawson writes me word that he can march 1000 men to-day or to-morrow to reinforce Genl. Greene if he can be aided with arms. I inclosed you yesterday a letter from Colo. Banister informing me there were 400 good Continental arms at Petersburg, of which he seemed to wish about 150. The state stock being already exhausted, I could only inform Genl. Lawson that I would take the liberty of...
47From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 24 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I have received repeated information that the nakedness of the Militia on service near Wmsburg and want of Shoes is such as to have produced murmurings almost amounting to mutinies and that there is no hope of being able longer to keep them in service. The precedent of an actual mutiny would be so mischevious as to induce us to beleive an accomodation to their present temper most prudent, and...
48From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 22 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
[Whether restitution of the identical property taken from Mrs. Byrd might be permitted seems to be a question unnecessary now to be determined by the board as Mr. Hare the Conductor of the flag does not pretend to have brought the identical property, but goods in compensation of it; and to what amount we are uninformed. This kind of compensation we think can by no means be permitted. Let the...
49From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 21 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I received from Mr. Armistead yesterday afternoon a Copy of the receipt for the 117 blankets. He excuses himself for the error in calling them 155 from having spoken by memory. I did not observe till I delivered it to you that the Certificate of the delivery of Mr. Ross’s blankets (105 I think they were) wanted a date. I know however that they were delivered about the same time with those from...
50From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 21 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I will immediately dispatch the orders you desire to the militia of Chesterfeild and Dinwiddie. Your favor of this day being put into my hands after the adjournment of Council I cannot answer as to Mrs. Byrd’s property till tomorrow. I take the liberty of inclosing you some papers relative to the nine men sent to the barracks in Albemarle, on which you will please to give any orders you think...