1To George Washington from Edward Hand, 4 July 1783 (Washington Papers)
Anxious to complete the returns of the Army for the last month I calld for a return from Hazens regiment—on the evening of the 2d Instant I received one signed William Satterlee Major Commanding —as I had not before known Major Satterlee (as such) as his promotion & that of several others mentioned in the return have not been communicated to me through the regular Channels, and as the return...
2To George Washington from Edward Hand, 2 July 1783 (Washington Papers)
Being anxious to complete the Returns of the Army for the last Month, I called for One from Hazens Regiment, which I could not obtain untill this Moment—I find it introduces a number of promotions before unknown to me, and which as I have reason to believe are not Warranted—for this reason I inclose the Return and request you Excellencies advice before I give them what may be supposed a...
3To George Washington from Edward Hand, April 1783 (Washington Papers)
As the Militia of the United States if well regulated & under good government will at all times be able to repel, or at least check the progress of any sudden invasion it will be altogether unnecessary to keep up a standing Army in time of peace for that purpose, but there are other purposes for which I think it will be absolutely necessary to retain a few regular troops in constant service. I...
4To George Washington from Edward Hand, 25 April 1783 (Washington Papers)
In compliance with the Genl Orders of the 16th Instant I beg leave to signify my own and Assistants (Captains John Carlile and Simeon Lord) acceptance of five years full pay in lieu of half pay for life, as offer’d by Congress in their resolve of the Twenty second of March last DNA : Item 149, Letters and Reports from Benjamin Lincoln, Secretary at War, PCC—Papers of the Continental Congress.
5To George Washington from Edward Hand, 22 April 1783 (Washington Papers)
There are ten prisoners of war in the provost. would it not be propper to Set them at liberty? if your Excelly thinks it prudent to dismis them, are they to be Sent to Dobbs’s Ferry & from thence to New York? or turned adrift from the Proveost with a pass to return to New York? in either case are they not to have provision? with much respect I have the honor to be your Excellys most Obedt Hble...
6To George Washington from Edward Hand, 24 October 1782 (Washington Papers)
From the Remarks your Excellency this Day made when you hond me with a Conference on the Subject of the Adjutant General’s Department it is plain to me that you must have misconstrued the Resolve of Congress of the of August last or that the Tenor of that Resolution is Different from what Congress conceive it to be—I inclose the Resolve from it your Excellency may perceive that the Adjutant...
7To George Washington from Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, Baron [von] Steuben, 6 September 1782 (Washington Papers)
The Commander in Chief having desired our Opinion in what order the Troops composing the Light Infantry of the Army should be Posted. We are of Opinion—That the same Principle which has been adopted for Posting the Troops in the Line of the Army should also govern in the Light Infantry and that the Troops of each State should have their Geographical position the same as is the Line of the...
8To George Washington from Edward Hand, 19 August 1782 (Washington Papers)
The very disagreable situation I find myself in as adjutant General prompted me to address your Excy on the subject yesterday, I shall now take the liberty of pointing out in a clearer manner some things I then lightly passed over. Contrary to established rules & my own expectations I am cut off from the least recompense for my past services in that Office—Oconomy is laudable and every Officer...
9To George Washington from Edward Hand, 18 August 1782 (Washington Papers)
When Congress influenced by your Excys recommendation honored me with the appointment of Adjutant General, I undertook the duties of that important Office with Cheerfulness, nor did I deem it in the least necessary to stipulate for any recompense for the extraordinary fatigues and expences unavoidably attendant on it: having the most perfect Reliance that such emoluments as have been customary...
10To George Washington from Lewis Nicola, 15 August 1782 (Washington Papers)
In consequence of your Excellencies Orders of the 12th of June last we have arrang’d the relative rank of the Subalterns of the Connecticut Line, and enclosed a Roll of them in numerical order for your Inspection and further observation. In this business we look for our guide generally, the certifyed Returns given in to us which we regulated by the best establishd rules laid down for the...
11To George Washington from William Lord Stirling Alexander, 24 May 1782 (Washington Papers)
The board of Officers Appointed to examine into the principles of the late Arrangement of the Subalterns in the Connecticut Line. Do Report it as their Opinion that the principles followed by the board of field Officers, in forming that Arrangement, are widely different from those pointed out as the Basis of such settlement by the Board of General Officers Convened near Dobbs’s ferry in August...
12To George Washington from Edward Hand, 9 May 1782 (Washington Papers)
Your Excellency having Stated the Enemys force in New York at 9,000 regular and 3,390 irregular Troops Total 12,390 in Charles Town 3,300 Savanna 700 Total in Chs Town & Savanna 4,000. and first, supposing the whole force from N. York to Savanna inclusive 16,390 men assembled at New York. That the Enemy retain possession of the harbour and that they have a naval superiority on the coast....
13To 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...
14To George Washington from Edward Hand, 17 May 1781 (Washington Papers)
It is impossible for me to ascertain the present strength of the Army with more accuracy than the last Return gives it, except by informing your Excellency, that by a Return of the Jersey Line this day received, dated the 10th instant, their total Rank and file exclusive of the command at Wyoming and to the Southward is 426—and that between 60 and 70 Recruits have joined the Massachusetts line...
15To George Washington from Edward Hand, 26 March 1781 (Washington Papers)
It appears that when an Invalid Corps was formed it was intended to answer a Twofold purpose—vizt. To Afford a comfortable Maintenance to men who by Wounds received or Disorders contracted in the Service were rendered for ever incapable of serving in the Field or gaining a Livelyhood if discharged the Service entirely; and as a Nursery for the Reception and Instruction of Recruits destined for...
16To George Washington from Brigadier General Edward Hand, 18 February 1781 (Washington Papers)
This is but the third day since I had the Honor to recieve your Excys favour of the 23d Ultimo. when I left home I did not expect to go on to Camp, must there fore return to Lancaster. I leave Town to day, & will join you as soon as possible. The Ariel, Captn Paul Jones, Arived at Chester yesterday. from L’Orient. which place She left the 16th Decr last the Captn Came up to Town last night...
17To George Washington from Brigadier General Edward Hand, 2 November 1780 (Washington Papers)
when I did myself the honor to address your Excellency on the subject of your queries of the Sixth September last, it was my Opinion that the Southren States should be succoured by detachments from this Army during the course of the approaching Winter. I would be of the same Opinion now was it possible to bring the Auxiliary troops to Act in this quarter as I then expected, but as that seems...
18To George Washington from Brigadier General Edward Hand, 8 September 1780 (Washington Papers)
In compliance with your Excys Orders of the 6th Unstt I beg leave to inform you, that considering the present situation of the Southren States, & the Apparent danger of their relinquishing the Idea of farther Opposition if not effectually supported in the course of the ensuing Winter—It is my Opinion that our best plan will be to Strain every nerve to do it, & that our present preperations &...
19To George Washington from Brigadier General Edward Hand, 7 July 1780 (Washington Papers)
In answer to your Excys Commands of the 6th Ultim: I can only Say that— As it is as yet a matter of uncertainty how far your Excys expectations of reinforcements may be answered it will, (in my Opinion) be impossible to determine any point relative to the Operations of the opening Campain with precision. However, taking it for granted that in a Short time our Operating regular force will...
20To George Washington from Brigadier General Edward Hand, 29 March 1780 (Washington Papers)
Having Agreable to your Excy’s desire considered the present situation of our Forces as well in South Carolina as elsewhere, with as much Attention as I am capable of—I beg leave to Offer it as my Opinion that detaching any part of the Troops now assembled in this quarter, Before the Views of the Enemy at New York can be penetrated, would be impropper. 1st. Because no movement from this place...
21To George Washington from Brigadier General Edward Hand, 17 December 1779 (Washington Papers)
I am perfectly satisfied that your Excys reasons for desiring the continuance of the Genl Officers in Camp for the present are Good. Yet as my Case is somwhat singular and as leave of Absence at any other time than the present, can’t answer the purposes for which I wished to Obtain it, I beg leave to enumerate my most pressing reasons for troubling your Excy at this particular juncture,...
22To George Washington from Edward Hand, 24 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
Letter not found : from Edward Hand, 24 May 1779. GW wrote to Hand on 31 May acknowledging receipt of a letter from Hand of 24 May.
23To George Washington from Brigadier General Edward Hand, 12 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have recd your Excellys favr of the 30th Ultimo as I dont know where Genl Sullivan now is must trouble your Excy to forward the inclosed. the consumption of the Article of Shoes in every other department as well as this prompts me to recommend the Sending some Sole Leather & Some scraps of upper leather Such as the Shoe Makers make no use of, to every regiment together with one or two Sets...
24To George Washington from Edward Hand, 8 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
Letter not found : from Edward Hand, 8 May 1779. GW wrote to Hand on 31 May acknowledging receipt of a letter from Hand of 8 May.
25To George Washington from Brigadier General Edward Hand, 26 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
When I wrote your Excy on the 23d from this place I informed you I entended visiting Col. Blain D.C.G. of Purchases to inform myself of the prospects he has of procuring the provision Ordered by your Excy for the Susquehannah—I at the same [time] hoped to see Col. Heartly, but was disappointed, he being at Baltimore—you have Col. Blains report inclosed—and he has given me the strongest...
26To George Washington from Brigadier General Edward Hand, 23 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
on the 16th I did my self the Honour of writing to your Excy from Lancaster informing you of the State of the Military Stores at Carlisle, & requesting a Supply of Amunition, & Flints. of the Latter I order’d 4000, Such as they, are from Lancaster. I am sorry to be obliged to inform your Excy that there is not as yet Any provision made on This River for the Expidition, in the Commys...
27To George Washington from Brigadier General Edward Hand, 16 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
On my Arrival here Yesterday I met the Commissary of Military Stores for Carlisle, on his way to Philadelphia, and have taken the inclosed extract from his Return by which your Excy will perceive that I cant be supplied with any Quantity of Flints from that Quarter, nor is there a Single Cartridge, or Conveniency of making one there, loose powder, except a small quantity for Rifles, will...
28To George Washington from Brigadier General Edward Hand, 5 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
I recd your Exceys favour of the 1st Instant yesterday. the Troops ordered to Wyoming have recd their Orders, and will move to day. the Upper Road is Certainly the best & Shortest could there be a Boat in readiness to Cross the Wallinpepae But as that is not the Case, & the Garrison at Wyoming is too weak to detach to take up or Cover one, I think it Best to direct the March by Fort Penn,...
29To George Washington from Brigadier General Edward Hand, 31 March 1779 (Washington Papers)
Since my last I have Seen the Old Gentleman from Northampton, it is 23 years since he left Chemung, at that time the Tioga Branch was inhabited by Delawar Muncy, Musquathy, and Canai Indians, of which there was many Settlements above Chemung —the first 15 Miles above it, Called Goughpechan , of 30 or 40 houses where the common and best Road to the Seneca Country leaves Tioga, at the mouth of a...
30To George Washington from Brigadier General Edward Hand, 29 March 1779 (Washington Papers)
Since mine of the 20th I have been honoured by the receipt of your Excellys favours of the 21st and 24th Current—that of the 16th has not come to hand. I cant at present give you any other Acct of the Country between Chemung & the Seneca Settlements than my letter of the 20th Affords. I every hour Expect an Officer from Wyoming who was taken on the Susquehannah Above that place & Carried to...
31To George Washington from Brigadier General Edward Hand, 20 March 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have been honourd by the rect of your Excys Favr of the 28th Ultimo—I am Obliged to your Excy for your permission to keep Serjt Delong—he is now at this Post—the Commisary of Musters arived here Yesterday. The day after I recd your Excys leave to Send out the Foraging Party—a Party of the Country People who went up by land unknown to me, returnd, and Brought down on Rafts All the Grain that...
32To George Washington from Brigadier General Edward Hand, 22 February 1779 (Washington Papers)
Letter not found : from Brig. Gen. Edward Hand, 22 Feb. 1779. GW wrote Hand on 28 Feb. : “I have been favd with yours of the 17th and 22d instants.”
33To George Washington from Brigadier General Edward Hand, 17 February 1779 (Washington Papers)
Letter not found : from Brig. Gen. Edward Hand, 17 Feb. 1779. GW wrote Hand on 28 Feb. : “I have been favd with yours of the 17th and 22d instants.”
34To George Washington from Brigadier General Edward Hand, 15 January 1779 (Washington Papers)
Since my letter to your Excellency of the 10th I recd the Inclosed intelligence from the Susquehanna it justifies your Excellys doubts of the Success of an Attempt on Chemung at this Season —tho I have reason to think from Intelligence from an Other quarter, as much to be depended on, that the Strength of Chemung is greatly exagerated. the Strong parties that infested our frontiers—the last...
35To George Washington from Edward Hand, 10 January 1779 (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Edward Hand, 10 Jan. 1779. In a letter to GW dated 15 Jan. , Hand referred to “my letter to your Excellency of the 10th”; GW acknowledged receipt of the 10 Jan. letter on 7 February.
36To George Washington from Edward Hand, 9 January 1779 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Brig. Gen. Edward Hand, 9 Jan. 1779. GW wrote Hand on 7 Feb. : “I have been favd with yours of the 9th 10th and 15th January.”
37To George Washington from Brigadier General Edward Hand, 17 December 1778 (Washington Papers)
Since my arrival here which has been much retarded by deep Snows, heavy Rains and consequently high Waters I have been honoured by the receipt of your Excellencies favour of the 26th Ultimo. I cant find that Count Polaskies Horse can be accomodated so near this place as to be able to afford any assistance—the Forage they have already consumed has distressed the Settlement—indeed the Country is...
38To George Washington from Brigadier Generals James Clinton and Edward Hand, 28 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
Upon the receipt of Your Excellency’s Letter of the 16th I marched the two Regiments with the Artillery of my Brigade to Fishkill, where I received your second Letter of the 20th requesting me immediately to proceed to Albany —After giving the necessary Orders for the embarcation of the Troops, I set forward, & arrived at this Place the 25th Instant. On my Arrival I found that Genl Hand had...
39To George Washington from Brigadier General Edward Hand, 28 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
Since my last I have been honour’d by the rect of your Excys Favours of the 12th 16th & 20th. in that of the 16th I am order’d to Consult Genl Schuyler & others on the Practicability of Offensive measures at this season—Genl Schuyler I have confer’d with at Saratoga—the result of Our deliberations yr Excy has Inclosed, having first communicated it to Genl Clinton —by yr Order of the 20th I am...
40To George Washington from Major General Philip Schuyler and Brigadier General Edward Hand, 24 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
It appears to us that Effectually to Check the Incursions of the Enemy on our Frontiers, would require a force much superior to that which your Excellency has pointed at in your Letters to us, and a Season less Severe than the present, but we conceive It would render the Savages less Inclined to continue their Hostilities against us, If they should find us Able to penetrate to some of their...
41To George Washington from Brigadier General Edward Hand, 20 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
I yesterday recd the inclosed Packet from Major Whitcomb for the President of Congress & take this opertunity of forwarding it by way of Head Quarters, as I think your Excy should see it. I dont know what Establishment Major Whitcombs Corps is on or on what footing they were raised. had I been Earlier informd of their want of Stores would have falen on means of Supplying them—Inclosed your...
42To George Washington from Brigadier General Edward Hand, 18 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
On the 10th I informed your Excellency of the Intelligence I received of an intended Attack on Cherry Valley, and the Measures I had taken in Consequence—On the 13th I wrote your Excellency from Connychary, informing you that the Enemy had reached Cherry Valley the 11th surprised Col. Alden, killed himself, taken the Lieut. Colonel and some other Officers, and after Destroyed the Settlement, &...
43To George Washington from Brigadier General Edward Hand, 13 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
When I wrote your Excy from Albany 10th I mentioned the information I had of an intended Attack on Cherry Valley, & the Steps I had taken to prevent the Ill effects of it, but unluckily, the Enemys Sudden Approach & our Own Tardiness has prevented a timely relief. The Enemy (in what numbers I cant learn) came on Col. Alden by Surprise the 11th what has Since happend, the Inclosed letters from...
44To George Washington from Brigadier General Edward Hand, 11 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have this moment recd an Express from Schohory. Six parties are out from that post, no discoveries yet made of the Enemy. By disire of Lt Col. Butler, inclose your Excy the proceedings of a Genl Court Martial, as near the words of the Original as can be drawn from Memory. the Original being mislaid by Genl Stark, Col. Butler prays your Excy may direct what is to be done with the prisoner....
45To George Washington from Brigadier General Edward Hand, 10 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
On the 2d Inst. I set out from this place on a Visit to the posts on The Western Frontier, in order to satisfy myself fully as to their Situation and Supplies At 12 OClock on the Night of the 7th I received the Inclos’d Intelligence from Fort Schuyler, at Cherry Valley, if the Acct be true it is alarming, as Cherry Valley & Schoharry are very Scantily supplied with Provision & Amunition yet...
46To George Washington from Brigadier General Edward Hand, 29 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
I think it my duty to Acquaint your Excy that I arived here on the 24th & Communicated my instructions to Genl Stark. I had reason to expect that in compliance with your orders I should be made acquainted with many particulars necessary for my Gouvernment in this Command, but found myself much mistaken, Genl Stark left this place on Tuesday 27th without Communicating a Single Circumstance...
47To George Washington from Brigadier General Edward Hand, 20 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
His Excelly Gouvernor Clinton having information that the Settlement at Anaquaga is already Destroyed, & that the Enemy has retired to Chemung a Settlement 56 miles distant from thence, on the Cayhuga River, where agreable to Col. Hartleys Account they are fortifying themselves, he has drawn the Outlines of an Expedition against Chemung to be executed this fall or early in the spring as your...
48To George Washington from Brigadier General Edward Hand, 18 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
In Answer to the Queries your Excy has been pleased To submit to the Opinion of the Council on the 16th I beg leave to offer my opinion that the Troops should by All means be held in a Collected state during the Winter, admitting the Enemy to continue in their present Situation. Distributing the Army into Cantonements might be an inducement to the Enemy to Attempt some Enterprise which they...
49To George Washington from Brigadier General Edward Hand, 25 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have the Honour to inform your Excellency that I last Evening arrived here from Fort Pitt & in a very few days intend to wait on the board of war to give that Honorable Body a State of Affairs on the Western frontiers & settle the Accounts of that Departmt during my Command there, in the mean Time shall be happy to receive your Excellency’s orders & am Sir with the greatest respect Yr...
50To George Washington from Brigadier General Edward Hand, 9 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
I was duly Honoured by the rect of your Excys Favour of the 13th Ultimo. immediately on the Receipt of It I dispatched an Express to Captn Saml Miller of the 8th Pennsylvania Regimt who Occupied a Small post on the Frontier of Westmoreland County, ordering him here, as Soon As he Arives he with Lieutenant Hughs & Such of the Regimt as are here Shall proceed to join their Regimt some of the...