7051George Twyman to Nicholas Lewis and Isaac Davis, with Jefferson’s Instructions to William Davies, 20–28 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The Sixth of October last I Delivered to Mr. Joseph Hawkins Comasery at the Barracks 139 ℔ of mutten at 4. Dollars pr. pound, which I agree’d with him for a few Days before, for which I took a receit of Mr. John Tomas his assistant, Mr. Hawkins being some-where about The Store. I wated with patience as no money was to be had, and between the 5th. and 10th. March notis was given For Every body...
7052From Thomas Jefferson to William Davies, 25 May 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I have just received a letter from Baron Steuben informing me that at the date of it (the 23d) he was on his way to the old Court house to fit the new recruits for the feild, and supposing it might be in your power to aid them with some articles necessary for them. If any thing can be done by the state in this way I think it will be of essential good, as, wherever these recruits are to be...
7053From George Washington to Colonel William Davies, 20 April 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have received Your Letter of the 20th of last month —and Mr Harrison has communicated to me the contents of one he had received from You of the same date. The arrangement of Officers for the Regiments gone to the Southward, was made at philadelphia—after the Virginia line marched from hence—and I do not know the reasons which operated, for appointing Colo. Gist to the command of one of them...
7054To Thomas Jefferson from William Davies, with Reply, 21 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I need not represent to your Excellency the insecurity of this place. We never can proceed with any degree of certainty in any of our public works while the enemy command the rivers. The state of our arms requires security to the workmen from alarms, and I am confident we shall never be able to get them repaired, unless some buildings are prepared for them in a safe place above the falls. I...
7055From John Christian Senf, with Jefferson’s Instructions to William Davies, 26 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
By our present Situation Your Excellency will find it highly Necessary, that all kind of Intrenching Tools, as well for the defensive as offensive Operations, should be got immediatly ready. I take therefore the Liberty to propose what Kind and Quantity of Tools [there] may be Occasion for, 800 Spades 400 Common Axes 200 Broad and Grubbing Hoes 100 Pick Axes 300 Fashine Knifes and smal...
7056From Thomas Jefferson to William Davies?, 27 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Not having that kind of knolege of the transactions of the artificers which is acquired by personal inspection, we think it will be better that a determination on the above point should be suspended until Colo. Davies shall become so far acquainted with them as will enable him to form a judgment on the subject. RC (Paul C. Richards Autographs, Brookline, Massachusetts, 1969); unaddressed, but...
7057[From Thomas Jefferson to William Davies, 4 April 1781] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Richmond, 4 Apr. 1781 . A minute in the War Office Journal (Vi) under this date reads as follows: “The Governor’s Answer: that as Col. Porterfield’s death happened after the Resolution of Assembly directing the state Regiments to be reformed, no promotion on that event can be admitted: That the Executive approves of the 2d. Lieutenants, supernumeries, acting as Ensigns: That it is Mr....
7058From Thomas Jefferson to William Davies, 3 September 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
The Bearers of your Letters have unfortunately called on me generally in the afternoon when it is impossible to consult the Council, and of course to answer you, which occasions a delay of answer. This was the case with Dr. Munro. I now inclose you an order for the medicine. We can furnish you with about 400 yds. of a coarse woolen which may be made to answer the purpose of blankets in the...
7059To Thomas Jefferson from William Davies, with Reply, 11 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The inclosed certificate is produced with a view of obtaining the same quantity of powder that was lent. It is now wanting for a privateer just going to sea. I beg your Excellency’s directions whether the money or the powder shall be paid. I have the honor to be, sir, Your Excellency’s most obedt servt., In Council Apr. 11. 1781. Mr. Elliott having received this powder, not under the orders of...
7060To Thomas Jefferson from William Davies, with Reply, 12 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I was desired by the Baron before his leaving town to lay before your Excellency, an extract of a letter from General Greene, which unintentionally he omitted to present to you yesterday, altho’ I think he said he had conversed with you on this subject. His great anxiety for an immediate supply of ammunition to be forwarded on to General Greene has induced him to press this matter with so much...
7061To Thomas Jefferson from William Davies, with Reply, 31 March–2 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Captain Young, the Quartermaster general of the state, who has just arrived, informs me that he saw at Edentown about 30 exceeding fine cannon of 18s and 24s. He asked the Naval officer, whose they were, who informed him they were the property of the State of Virginia, thrown out of a French vessel, who carried the remainder of them to South quay. As I have no return of any thing of the kind,...
7062[From Thomas Jefferson to William Davies, with Reply, 26 March 1781] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Richmond, 26 Mch. 1781 . Minute in War Office Journal (Vi) under this date: “A letter from the Governor respecting the discharge of soldiers for six months, who have no Certificate, nor Witnesses to prove the expiration of their terms of service; and requesting some general plan to be proposed for the regulation of such cases. Answer returned. That in such cases, their oath should be...
7063To Thomas Jefferson from William Davies, with Reply, 29 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I find the number of waggons in the QMG’s department so utterly inadequate to the wants of the State, that the most common purposes of that department cannot be executed, nor any assistance afforded to the others. At present, indeed, Mr. Brown the commissary general has the greater part of them employed by him. Nothing can be done, therefore, in the collection of military stores without an...
7064From Thomas Jefferson to William Davies, 9 August 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Robertson receives a warrant for £2500, and an order for a tierce of rice from our stock. We have none of the other articles desired, but am in hopes he may be able to purchase them. As to the soap from the Barracks I imagine the requisition to the commissary general of issues would go more properly from yourself, as it is continental property. Shoud any difficulty occur in this, Genl....
7065To Thomas Jefferson from William Davies, with Reply, 23 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
From Mr. Browne’s account it is impossible, I should think, that Col. Innes should be in want of provision. If he has crossed at Ruffin’s, as Mr. Browne says he has, it would be proper to send to New Castle what stores you may under the present circumstances think necessary to order to him. At present we are in great distress for want of waggons. Every one of the public offices almost, as the...
7066To Thomas Jefferson from William Davies, with Reply, 30–31 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The General expressed to me yesterday in such strong terms the great importance of the post at Chesterfield, and urged so strenuously his idea of the necessity of my continuing my superintendance at that place till the march of the new raised troops shall be over, that it was in vain I represented my opinion of the impracticability of discharging my duty towards it, or the fatigue and trouble...
7067From Daniel L. Hylton, with Jefferson’s Instructions to William Davies, 30 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
[ Without place ] 30 Mch. 1781 . Mr. Eppes desires him to inform TJ that “a Gun Smith up the Country will undertake the Cleaning and repairing Arms. He will also get 3 or 4 Men to Assist him provided they are exempt from Military duty.” The arms must be sent up to him. TJ’s instructions follow: “Referred to Colo. Davies; Colo. Muter had the name of this man in a note from me. He lives in...
7068To Thomas Jefferson from William Davies, with Reply, 6 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Inclosed I lay before our Excellency the estimates you were pleased to mention some time ago. Mr. Ross’s indisposition prevented its being presented sooner. Some Gentlemen think them rather too small. Mr. Clark’s proposals respecting the brick work at the point of fork, I have also enclosed, and beg the direction of the Executive. Col. White applies for cloathing. I presume from the inclosed...
7069To Thomas Jefferson from William Davies, with Reply, 8 May 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
One of the Assistants of the Quartermaster general is going over to the Eastern Shore. It appears to me an opportunity, which ought not to be neglected, of disposing and securing the public stores of every kind that are there. A great deal has been lost, a great deal more is in danger, and I submit it to the decision of your Excellency whether it will not be proper to sell what cannot be...
7070From Thomas Jefferson to William R. Davie, 30 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Besides intrusting Mr. Brown our purchasing Commissary, as I had some Time before done to forward to you Droves of Beeves for the use of the Southern Army, 1 desired him to write you himself precisely what were his prospects and in future to correspond with you on the Subject of furnishing provision, that you might know with Certainty what to expect from this State. He has written the inclosed...
7071From George Washington to Caleb Davis, 1 August 1781 (Washington Papers)
With pleasure I do myself the Honor to acknowlege the Receipt of your Favor of 5th June last—with the two Cheeses & Cask of Porter, which accompanied it. Will you be pleased Sir! to do me the Favor to convey to the Comonwealth of Massachusetts Bay, and to Capt. Sampson, my sincere & respectfull Thanks for this generous & very acceptable Present. I have the Honor to be sir Your most Obedient...
7072From George Washington to Joshua Davis, 12 September 1776 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Joshua Davis, 12 Sept. 1776. The letter that Davis wrote to GW on 10 Sept. is docketed in part “Ansd 12th.”
7073From Benjamin Franklin to John Dawe et al., 24 September 1779 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress I received your Request, dated the 24th Inst. and have by this Oportunity desired M. Schweighauser to furnish Such of you as absolutely want with Shoes stockings, Shirts, &c. and to take care of you till you can find Opportunities of getting home. Wishing you a happy Sight of your own Country, after your long unfortunate Captivity, I, am, Gentlemen, Your Most obedient...
7074From George Washington to Captain George Dawson, 25 January 1781 (Washington Papers)
Through a variety of channels representations of too serious a nature to be disregarded, have come to us that the American naval prisoners in the harbour of New York are suffering all the extremities of distress from a two crowded and in all respects disagreeable and unwholesome situation on board the prison-ships—and from the want of food and other necessaries. The picture given us of their...
7075From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Day, 4 August 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Being daily [called on] for tobacco, as well to pay debts as to make purchases, one of Mr. Armisteads assistants is sent to receive from you whatever tobacco notes are in your hands of public property, and for a List of whatever tobaccoes we have where the notes are not in your possession. Shoud the tobaccoes have been shipped or parted with in any instance and the notes retained be so good as...
7076From George Washington to Elias Dayton, 7 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have recd your favor of the 30th ulto. I take if for granted that this letter will meet you upon your march from Morris Town. Should you not have advancd too far towards Kingsferry to turn off towards Dobb’s without much Disadvantage, you will be pleased to do it, & inform me of your Arrival upon the West Side, where you will remain till further Orders. I believe I before mentioned my Desire...
7077From George Washington to Colonel Elias Dayton, 31 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have this moment receiv’d information from Philadelphia that the Enemies Fleet made their appearance at the Capes of Delaware yesterday, you are therefore to march as expeditiously as you can with your own and Colo. Ogdens Regts to Philadelphia by the way of Trenton where Boats will be prepar’d to carry you across. you will take care and not over march your Men. I am yr most Obet Servt. come...
7078From George Washington to Colonel Elias Dayton or the Officer Commanding the New Jersey Brigade, 16 February 1781 (Washington Papers)
You will immediately, agreeable to the General Order of this day, augment the two light Infantry Companies to the number directed, and you will also be pleased to order three other Companies of equal numbers to be formed by detachment from the Brigade, taking the same care in the choice of Officers and Men as for the light Companies. To enable you to do this more effectually, you may, if you...
7079From George Washington to Elias Dayton, 1 February 1782 (Washington Papers)
Mr Skinner th Commissary of Prisoners has informed me, that the communication between our Posts & those of the Enemy is stop’d, by the Sheriff’s having confined two persons who came in the last Flag. I should not be sorry for this circumstance, was it not of some consequence that the business Mr Skinner has in hand should be completed. I will thank you to make the necessary inquiry into this...
7080From George Washington to Elias Dayton, 21 August 1783 (Washington Papers)
I inclose to your Care my Answer to the Address of the Magistracy and Inhabitants of the Borough of Elizabeth which I pray you will have the goodness to communicate to them. With great esteem and regard I have the honour to be &c. DLC : Papers of George Washington.
7081From George Washington to Colonel Elias Dayton, 29 May 1780 (Washington Papers)
The intercourse between the inhabitants of the States and the Citizens of New York, by means of the Flag Boats which pass from the latter to Elizabeth Town, has become so very frequent that it excites suspicions and jealousies in the minds of many of the well affected among us, and puts it much in the power of the Enemy to gain intelligence, and to propagate injurious reports, thro’ the...
7082From George Washington to Elias Dayton, 15 January 1783 (Washington Papers)
I have the pleasure to congratulate you on your late promotion to the Rank of Brigadier General which took place in Congress the 7th Inst. Your Commission arrived here yesterday and I shall keep it till I can have the pleasure to deliver it to you in Person which I must request may be as soon as possible and that you come prepared to remain with your Brigade the remainder of the Winter. If...
7083From George Washington to Elias Dayton, 21 August 1783 (Washington Papers)
It gives me the most pleasing sensations to find so cordial a welcome on my return, in peace, to this pleasant Town, after the vicissitudes of so long and obstinate a Contest. On this happy occasion, suffer me, Gentlemen, to join you in grateful adoration to that divine Providence, which hath rescued our Country from the brink of distruction, which hath crowned our exertions with the fairest...
7084From George Washington to Colonel Elias Dayton, 8 March 1778 (Washington Papers)
I am favd with yours of the 20th Feby and am sorry to find from it that the ill state of your health added to the situation of your private Affairs renders it highly inconvenient on the last account and impossible upon the former to remain in the Service. I am so well convinced that you have no others motives for quitting the service than those you have alledged, that you have my consent as...
7085From George Washington to Elias Dayton, 26 February 1782 (Washington Papers)
At the request of Sir Henry Clinton I have promised an escort to a sum of Money which he is to send out for the use of the prisoners of War at Philada and other places—The Officers having charge of it will apply to you upon their arrival at Elizabeth Town, upon which you will furnish a Guard commanded by a sensible spirited Subaltern, who is to accompany them to Philada. Upon his arrival there...
7086From David Humphreys to Elias Dayton, 4 August 1782 (Washington Papers)
Before the departure of His Excellency the Commander in Chief for Philadelphia, he wrote a Letter to you, dated the 11th of July, of which he has received no acknowledgement, & therefore suspects it may have miscarried; the purport of it was, to relieve Capt. Dayton, to stop all Correspondence with Ward McMichael & every other person within the Enemy’s Lines, and to hold the Brigade in...
7087From George Washington to Elias Dayton, 25 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have rec’d your’s of the 23d, you must consider your present post of importance and the nearer you are to the point to be defended the greater will be its security it would therefore be more proper should the ground be eligable to pitch your Camp as near as possible to the Block than to occupy a position one or two miles either to the right or left. The sending your horses to pasture even at...
7088From George Washington to Elias Dayton, 28 May 1781 (Washington Papers)
The late accounts from New York are mysterious and perplexing, but they at any rate demand that we should be in readiness to move. You will therefore concentre, as much as possible, your Brigade and put them under marching orders. The parties at the Clove are not to be immediately called in, but the Officers commanding them warned to be in readiness. Should an evacuation of New York take...
7089From George Washington to Colonel Elias Dayton, 1 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
Having recd information that the Fleet have left the Capes of Delaware and steered Eastward, you are immediately upon the Rect of this to return and keep upon your march till you reach Peekskill. If you find any Ships thrown into King’s Ferry way, you are to proceed to New Windsor and cross there. I am &c. Df , in Tench Tilghman’s writing, DLC:GW ; Varick transcript , DLC:GW . An endorsement...
7090From George Washington to Colonel Elias Dayton, 31 May 1780 (Washington Papers)
I recd your favr of the 28th: That of yesterday reached me late last Night. I most sincerely wish that your suspicions of the truth of Rivingtons publication may prove well grounded, but I confess it bears too many marks of authenticity. Should you receive any further confirmation of your opinion be pleased to let me have it. It was always my intention that your own Regiment should remain with...
7091From George Washington to Elias Dayton, 19 February 1782 (Washington Papers)
I received your favor of the 9th instant in due time, accompanied by a very particular Return of the Cantonment and strength of the enemy, for which I am obliged. I directed the releif of the whole Garrison of Wyoming upon a supposition, from the tenor of your former letter, that the Men as well as Officers were anxious to be releived, but if you think that making a change of Officers only...
7092From George Washington to Elias Dayton, 20 December 1781 (Washington Papers)
Altho’ it seems probable that matters will remain tolerably quiet in New York for the remainder of the season; yet it may not be amiss to keep a Channel of intelligence open, that if any thing material should occur we may have the earliest information—You will therefore be pleased to take measures for the purpose. The principal thing to attend to, will be any movement of Troops and their...
7093From George Washington to Elias Dayton, 18 August 1781 (Washington Papers)
You will be pleased to give the Officer commanding the Artillery upon the West side of the River such assistance as he want in embarking the heavy Cannon. I am Sir Yr most obt Servt P.S. You will prepare for a March to morrow Morning, with the Jersey Continental Troops under your Command—You will receive further Orders this Evening—Baggage & every thing else which appertains to the Troops is...
7094From George Washington to Elias Dayton, 11 August 1782 (Washington Papers)
I inclose you Copy of the General Order confirming the sentences on Gibbs & Young—You have also a blank Warrant—which you will fill up with the name of either of the Prisoners whom you may think it best to make an immediate Example of. You will have your Brigade in as collected a State as possible and held in readiness to move at the shortest Notice. I am &c. DLC : Papers of George Washington.
7095From George Washington to Colonel Elias Dayton, 16 July 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have recd both your favors of the 15th announcing the arrival of Admiral Greaves, which is rather an unlucky circumstance—I have only to desire you to endeavour to ascertain his force exactly, and to gain a knowledge of what preparations they are making for defence of the harbour, and where they seem disposed to dispute the passage. You mention a talk in New York of a further embarkation to...
7096From George Washington to Colonel Elias Dayton, 3 April 1780 (Washington Papers)
The Assembly of this State, at their last sitting, passed a law for the payment of the provision which the Army were under the necessity of taking from the inhabitants during the scarcity in Camp and between the 15th Decemr and 15th January —The law directs that no provision seized as aforesaid shall be paid for, unless upon a Certificate signed by the Commander in Chief, or by some person...
7097From George Washington to Elias Dayton, 29 March 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have never yet heard whether the Officers have had any or what success under the Law for recruiting. You will be pleased to inform me by the first oppertunity. We have a report by the way of Kings bridge that there has been an action between the French and British Fleets, but no particulars. If you hear any thing of it from Staten Island be pleased to let me hear from you. I am Yr most obt...
7098From George Washington to Elias Dayton, 21 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
The inclosed for General Forman is of so much importance that I do not care to trust it to a common hand. If there should be an Officer in the Jersey Brigade who has any business in Monmouth he may be sent with it. If there is none under such circumstances, I must request you to send one on purpose. I am &c. DLC : Papers of George Washington.
7099From George Washington to Elias Dayton, 10 June 1782 (Washington Papers)
It is extremely painfull to me, to have continually to remark on the irregular manner in which business seems to be conducted at your Post. In my Letter of the 27th May, I directed Colo. Ogdin to transmit Governor Livingston a particular State of the circumstances respecting Mr de Peyster and to take his orders, and if the Governor directed him to be delivered to the Military, to send him with...
7100From George Washington to Elias Dayton, 28 January 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have received your favor of the 12th and am glad to find you have got rid of the person who imbarrassed you. Inclosed you have my acceptance of Colo. D’Harts resignation, which be pleased to deliver to him. I cannot grant that of Major Hollingshead before he himself signifies a desire of leaving the service—When he does that, let him mention the time he looked upon himself as out of the...