2051From George Washington to Charles Thomson, 15 November 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have received your Letter of the 5th inst. announcing the Choice of a new President of Congress, upon the Principles of the Confederation—I shall in future conduct myself agreeable to this Information. I have the Honor to be Sir Your most Obedt Servant DNA : Item 152, Letters from George Washington, PCC—Papers of the Continental Congress.
2052From George Washington to Richard Varick, 15 November 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have just received your Two Letters of the 1st & 6th Octo.—previous to which I had anticipated most of your Queries by my Letter to you dated the 10th of October, Covering your Commission, my Instructions, & Orders for employing Writers & authorising the Emoluments you are to engage them—your general Mode of Proceeding I find very agreable—8 Hours constant successive Writing ⅌ Day is as much...
2053From George Washington to David Ross, Jr., 9 November 1781 (Washington Papers)
Colo. Martin will be the Bearer of this who will present to you three Indians of the Cherokee Tribe, who are Men of some Consequence among those people—& an Interpreter—Considering their Circumstances, & the Standg which we would choose to keep with those Tribes, I think it may be Policy to make them a present which may be agreeable to them—You will therefore please to deliver to each of the...
2054From George Washington to John Hanson, 6 November 1781 (Washington Papers)
After getting the detachment for the Southward on its March—(which has been delayed longer than I expected on account of a want of Waggons, & other impediments)—and having embarked the greatest part of the Eastern Troops for the head of Elk—getting the whole in readiness for it—and making a distribution of the Ordnance & Stores—I set out yesterday on my return to the Northern Army; but an...
2055From George Washington to Jonathan Trumbull, Jr., 6 November 1781 (Washington Papers)
I came here in time to see Mr Custis, breathe his last. about Eight o’clock yesterday Evening he expired. The deep and solemn distress of the Mother, and affliction of the Wife of this amiable young Man, requires every comfort in my power to afford them—the last rights of the deceased I must also see performed—these will take me three or four days; when I shall proceed with Mrs Washington &...
2056November 1781 (Washington Papers)
5th. The detachment for the Southward, consisting as has been before observed, of Waynes & Gists Brigades (excepting such Men of the Maryland & Virginia lines whose terms of Service would expire before the first of Jany.). Began their March and were to be joined by all the Cavalry that could be equiped of the first—third & fourth Regiments at . At this point GW’s 1781 diary abruptly ends. By 3...
2057[Diary entry: 5 November 1781] (Washington Papers)
5th. The detachment for the Southward, consisting as has been before observed, of Waynes & Gists Brigades (excepting such Men of the Maryland & Virginia lines whose terms of Service would expire before the first of Jany.). Began their March and were to be joined by all the Cavalry that could be equiped of the first—third & fourth Regiments at . At this point GW’s 1781 diary abruptly ends. By 3...
2058From George Washington to François-Joseph-Paul, comte de Grasse-Tilly, 5 November 1781 (Washington Papers)
Having made my dispositions for retiring into winter quarters and being on the point of departure from this place—I am much concerned my dear General that circumstances deprive me of the satisfaction of renewing in person the sincere expression of those sentiments which are inspired by Your Excellencys illustrious services in the common cause—and by my acquaintance with your character and...
2059From George Washington to François-Joseph-Paul, comte de Grasse-Tilly, 5 November 1781 (Washington Papers)
Your Excellency was so good as to write in one of your late letters that there were several detained as british prisoners, who alledge that they are Americans—and that as their cases were doubtful you would have them delivered up for examination—I have received repeated petitions from several of these people who claim their liberation as Citizens of these States—some of them add that they have...
2060From George Washington to Timothy Pickering, 5 November 1781 (Washington Papers)
It is to be hoped that Forrage will be provided at proper places on the Rout by which the Army will march from hence to the Northward, to support the Waggon s & others Horses which will be necessary— to this Matter however you will pay early attention— If your Endeavours should not succeed in obtaing the necessary Supplies from the several States thro’ which you are to pass— You are hereby...
2061General Orders, 4 November 1781 (Washington Papers)
For the Day tomorrow Brigadier General Hazen Lieutenant Colonel V. Dyck Major Rice Brigade Major Aorson A subaltern from Hazen’s brigade to be sent to Williamsburg’s Hospital to relieve Captain Pike of Muhlenbergs brigade now there. He will take the directions of the Officer ordered to superintend. Lieutenant Blair of Muhlenberg’s brigade and the Party at present under his command will remain...
2062From George Washington to William Dent Beall, 4 November 1781 (Washington Papers)
The detachment which you command, & which from the short time they have to remain in Service (according to the terms of their Enlistment) cannot with propriety be sent to the Southern Army—is to be employed in guarding the British & German hospital at Gloucester—& aiding their removal to Fredericksburg when means are providd for this purpose. As the Deputy Comy of Prisoners Mr Duree, will have...
2063From George Washington to Simeon DeWitt, 4 November 1781 (Washington Papers)
To Simeon Dewitt Esqr. Geographer to the Army You will have the Road from Williamsburg by the way of Ruffens ferry, King William Court House and Todds bridge to the Bolling Green—or its junction with the Hanover Road Surveyed. You will Survey the Road from Todds bridge to Port Royal—thence to Hooes ferry—and from Hooes ferry on the Maryland side through Portobacco Piscataway—and the best &...
2064From George Washington to Thomas McKean, 4 November 1781 (Washington Papers)
The character and circumstances of Capt. McLean, which appear to have interested your Excellency, are such as incline me to favour his views of reentering the Service. The vacancy in Armand’s Corps has been mentioned as the best opening for him—but the pretentions of the Officers in it, who claim succession were opposed as insurmountable difficulties; To obviate these it has been proposed that...
2065From George Washington to Thomas Nelson, Jr., 4 November 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have to inform your Excellency that it is concluded to form a deposit, of all the Arms & Ammunition for Musquetry brought with me from the Northward, and taken from the Enemy, at Westham in this State, or in its neighbourhood, from whence supplies may be formed for the Southern Army, or issued to the State in case of another invasion: If proper deposits for establishing this Magazine can be...
2066Passports for Ships, 4 November 1781 (Washington Papers)
To all Commanders of Ships of War and Private Armed Vessels belonging to the United States & their Allies Cruising in the High Seas. These are to Certify that the Ship Cockran of 247 Tons Burthen, Captain Bolton Commander, Navigated by forty Six British Seamen, Prisoners to His Most Christian Majesty, Transporting The Right Honble Earl Cornwallis, with twenty Six other Officers, & forty two...
2067From George Washington to Timothy Pickering, 4 November 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have not a doubt but that you will take the best care of all the Articles of Public Stores received by you from the Enemy; many of them will not perhaps be of immediate Necessity to the Army; those which are not, you will convert to the best benefit for the Public Account of the United States, to be appropriated to the Use of the Financier General, towards discharging the Debt, incurred upon...
2068From George Washington to Anthony Wayne, 4 November 1781 (Washington Papers)
Your Application is not a little distressing to me; and if comply’d with must have an unhappy influence on the Minds of the detachment which is going to the Southward—Colo. Stewart is already gone—and Colo. Butler on account of his Health is going. three of the first officers then in rank and consequence in the Pensylvania Line, to be away from their Troops when an important & interesting...
2069From George Washington to Anthony Wayne, 4 November 1781 (Washington Papers)
As you know that an enterprise against Wilmington is the first object in view for the detachment which is to March to the Southward, and that it is not more than half the distance of, and in the Rout to General Greene’s Army, I shall add no more on the subject, but leave you to act as you have requested—or, if it is more agreeable to you to be absent from the Army for a while, to consent to...
2070General Orders, 3 November 1781 (Washington Papers)
For the day tomorrow Brigadier General Clinton Lieutenant Colonel Antill Major Fish Brigade Major Lloyd Hazen’s brigade to furnish the guards and fatigue in York tomorrow. At a Brigade General Court martial held at Camp near Yorktown in Virginia October 26th 1781 By order of Brigadier General Gist whereof Major Roxburgh was president the following prisoners were tried, James Stite, William...
2071From George Washington to William Colfax, 3 November 1781 (Washington Papers)
Your Sick, Invalids and weak men—Your heavy Stores, & such other articles Papers excepted as you may judge proper, are to go by Water under the care of Mr Holden, or yourself, to the head of Elk; where they are to remain till the Waggons and other parts of the Baggage go round, to that place, by Land. When the whole are united, you will, if you should not receive further orders, proceed to...
2072From George Washington to Thomas Durie, 3 November 1781 (Washington Papers)
After the Vessels, for which you have obtained Passports to New York are dispatched, you may suffer the remaining officers—on Parole—Merchants—and others (included in the Capitulation of York) together with those which have been detained by Count de Grasse & liberated by me, to procure a Vessel for New York—or to Charles Town; and will fill up the blank Passports herewith given you,...
2073From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 3 November 1781 (Washington Papers)
The Troops which you will have under your command are to be Marched, after debarking at the head of the Bay, into the States of New Jersey & New York—Those of New Jersey will take Post somewhere in the Vicinity of Morristown, to cover the Country adjacent, & to secure the communication between the Delaware & North River. The two Regiments of New York, unless the situation of our affairs to the...
2074From George Washington to William Moore, 3 November 1781 (Washington Papers)
Colo. Moylan’s Regiment of Cavalry, assigned to the State of Pennsylvania, being ordered to join the Southern Army under the Command of Major Genl Greene, many of the Men are reported to me unfit to move for want of Horses, Arms, Accoutrements & Cloathing—It being of Importance to have those Troops fit for the Service to which they are destined, I have permitted Colo. Moylan to return to...
2075From George Washington to Thomas Nelson, Jr., 3 November 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to inform your Excellency that 467 of the British and German Convalescents marched this day from York under the Escort of Courtlands New York Regiment, which will conduct them as far as Fredericksburg—of this I have apprised General Weedon, and directed him to prepare a sufficient Guard of Militia for the purpose of relieving the Regiment above mentioned, and recieving the...
2076From George Washington to David Ross, Jr., 3 November 1781 (Washington Papers)
You will be pleased to furnish for the use of the Hospital at Williamsburg the Above Articles, and proper Measures shall be taken to reimburse the cost of them. Articles wanted for the use of the General Hospital at Wmsburg. 800 Weight of brown Sugar. 1 Hhd of Molasses. 120 lbs. Bohea Tea. 2 Hhds of Rum 2 Quarter Casks of Port or Maderia Wine DLC : Papers of George Washington.
2077From George Washington to George Weedon, 3 November 1781 (Washington Papers)
Four hundred & Sixty british & German Convalescent prisoners marched this day under escort of Courtlands New York Regiment—for Fredericksburg—where they are to remain until sufficiently recruited to join their respective Corps—You will be pleased therefore Sir immediately to make the necessary dispositions for the reception of the said prisoners—and for relieving Col. Courtland with a...
2078General Orders, 2 November 1781 (Washington Papers)
For the Day tomorrow Major General Lincoln Lieutenant Colonel Harmar Major Cummings Brigade Major Cox Colonel Ogden’s and the first New York regiments for duty Tomorrow. The Commander in Chief has been informed there are a number of public horses in the hands of the Officers of the light infantry—they are required to deliver them immediately to the Quartermaster General. The officers appointed...
2079From George Washington to Thomas McKean, 2 November 1781 (Washington Papers)
I do myself the honor of inclosing a letter from Baron de frey, in which after giving me a State of his services, he requests either that he may be employed suitably to his rank—or have a recommendation to Congress to facilitate his retiring to Europe. The former being impracticable in the present circumstances of the Army—the alternative cannot be refused him—I therefore do myself the honor...
2080From George Washington to Timothy Pickering, 2 November 1781 (Washington Papers)
Pay from the British Military Chest in your Care One hundred and fifty Pounds Lawful Money to Brigadier General Knox of the Artillery, for the Use of his Department and for which he is to be held Accountable. Given at Head Quarters this 2 November 1781. MHi : Henry Knox Papers.
2081General Orders, 1 November 1781 (Washington Papers)
For the Day tomorrow Major General St Clair Lieutenant Colonel Adams Major Reid Brigade Major Williams General Gist’s brigade for duty tomorrow. DLC : Papers of George Washington.
2082From George Washington to Charles, marquis de La Rouërie Armand Tuffin, 1 November 1781 (Washington Papers)
You are hereby authorized to draft from the several Corps and in the proportion specified in my letter of the 25th Fifty men whose terms of enlistment are for three yrs or durg the War—provided it can be done with the consent of the persons. You will proceed from hence as speedily as possible to Charlotteville, where your Legion is to be quartered, and to remain until it has acquired...
2083From George Washington to Horatio Gates, 1 November 1781 (Washington Papers)
Your letter of the 7th of October was received at a time when I was wholly occupied in the seige of York, which will plead my excuse for not answering it by return of Mr Blue who was the Bearer. Your letter of the 22d May last, alluded to in your favor, not being with me at this place, I can only reply from memory. If my recollection is right, that letter informed me of the Resolution of...
2084From George Washington to William Irvine, 1 November 1781 (Washington Papers)
During the Time of my being occupied in the Seige of York, I received a Letter from Colo. Gibson commandg at that Time at Fort Pitt, inclosing sundry Proceedings of Courts Martial held at that post—among which are two Capital Cases, on which Sentences of Death are decreed by the Court. Being informed by Congress, that you have been ordered to the Command of that post—I have to inform—that the...
2085From George Washington to Stephen Moylan, 1 November 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have received your letter of this date, containing the state and distribution of your regiment—and expressing your desire to return to philadelphia with a view of engaging the executive of pennsilvania to exert themselves in favor of this part of their quota. I cannot conceal from you sir, that it is with pain I see my instructions answered by applications of this kind—the journey to...
2086From George Washington to David Ross, Jr., October 1781 (Washington Papers)
To answer the queries of Mr Ross To determine respecting Horses in possession of the enemy—these may be considered in points of view. 1st Dragoon Horses. 2 Officers horses—by purchase—actually taken in Action—& those taken, or stolen from Citizens. To see in what manner the Officers of the American Army can be most benefitted by the preemption in the Capitulation—they being under Marching...
2087General Orders, 31 October 1781 (Washington Papers)
For the Day Tomorrow Brigadier General Hazen Lieutenant Colonel Cochran Major Graham Brigade Major Fullerton General Wayne’s brigade for Guard and Fatigue in Yorktown and Hazen’s for levelling the works tomorrow. The Quartermaster General is requested to point out a House in York or elsewhere convenient for a Provost. Notwithstanding the repeated Orders for that purpose it is reported there...
2088From George Washington to George Baylor, 31 October 1781 (Washington Papers)
Colo. Moylan having received instructions respecting the Regiments of Cavalry—or Legionary Corps—you will receive your orders from him, & carry them into effect with all the zeal and alacrity in your power. Given at the Camp near York this 31st day of Octr 1781. The same orders to Colo. White of the 1st Regt of Dragoons. DLC : Papers of George Washington.
2089From George Washington to Ephraim Blaine, 31 October 1781 (Washington Papers)
By applying to Major Generals St Clair and Lincoln, you will know the destination of the American Continental Troops, and make your provision for them accordingly. I have engaged (if it shall be required) to supply the Flag Vessels bound for New York, with the Paroled Officers, with Biscuit and Salt provision (out of the Magazine which was found in the Garrison) provided Lord Cornwallis will...
2090From George Washington to Antoine-Jean-Louis Le Bègue de Presle Duportail, 31 October 1781 (Washington Papers)
General Duportail, Commandant of the Corps of Engineers, having signified his desire of obtaining leave to go to France, for the arrangement of his domestic Affairs—It is with the greatest satisfaction I embrace this oppertunity of testifying the sense which I entertain of his distinguished Talents & Services. His judgment in Council, and well conducted valour in the field, claim the highest...
2091From George Washington to Jean-Baptiste de Gouvion, 31 October 1781 (Washington Papers)
From the particular recommendations of General Du Portail—and from my own particular observation—I feel the highest pleasure in rendering justice to the distinguished military Talents of Lt Colonel Gouvion, and his indefatigable perseverance in the most valuable services—his Decisive judgement and spirit of enterprise have been conspicuous on all occasions—particularly in the late siege of...
2092From George Washington to Nathanael Greene, 31 October 1781 (Washington Papers)
I wrote you the 24th instant, which went on thro’ the Hands of Genl Sumner in No. Carolina—previous to which I had permitted Colo. Lee to inclose to you a Copy of the Articles of Capitulation, which were dispached, with an Injunction that they should not be printed. I have delayed writing further, waiting the Return of Colo. Lee, who I am informed has taken a Tour to Port Royal. It now...
2093From George Washington to Thomas McKean, 31 October 1781 (Washington Papers)
I do myself the Honor of transmitting to your Excellency, a Letter from General Duportail, in which he explains the motives of an intended Application to Congress, for permission to go to France, & for the promotion of himself and other officers of his Corps. I should conceal Sentiments with which I am very strongly impressed, & do injustice to very conspicuous Merit, if I did not upon the...
2094From George Washington to Stephen Moylan, 31 October 1781 (Washington Papers)
In addition to my orders of the 26th I have to desire that you will prepare as large a body of Horse as you possibly can, and join (at such time and place, as Major General St Clair shall appoint) the detachment which he is marching to the Southward. In this I do not mean to include Colo. Armands Corps, as it will have a particular place of Rendezvous appointed it—but the Infantry of the...
2095From George Washington to John Rutledge, 31 October 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have to acknowlege your Excellencys two Favors of Septemr & 5th instant—and am not surprized at the Urgency with which you express your Sentiments on a Subject of so much Importance to yourself in particular, & to the general Interest of the United States—I have only to Lament that it is not in my Power to give you that Satisfactory Reply, which your fond Hopes would lead you to expect. I...
2096From George Washington to Benoît-Joseph de Tarlé, 31 October 1781 (Washington Papers)
Impressed with a sense of your important services in the department over which you preside—and the critical aid which your foresight and resources have enabled you to give on particular occasions to the American Army—I embrace the opportunity of an order which I am giving for a return of the supplies with which you assisted us—to express to you my warmest thanks for those Seasonable...
2097General Orders, 30 October 1781 (Washington Papers)
For the Day tomorrow Brigadier General Gist Lieutenant Colonel Van Dyck Major Rice Brigade Major Hobby The second Regiment of York and Lieutenant Colonel Barber’s Battalion will furnish the Guards and fatigue parties tomorrow. Vose’s and Gimat’s Battalions for fatigue for levelling the works tomorrow. In pursuance of the determination of a Board of General Officers setting forth the means by...
2098From George Washington to Thomas Sim Lee, 30 October 1781 (Washington Papers)
Inclosed I have the honor of transmitting to your Excellency the terms upon which Lord Cornwallis has surrendered the Garrisons of York and Gloucester. We have not been able yet, to get an Acct of Prisoners, Ordnance or Stores in the different departments—but from the best general report there will be (Officers included) upwards of Seven thousand Men besides Seamen—more than 70 pieces of Brass...
2099From George Washington to Alexander Martin, 30 October 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have received your Favor of the 10th Octo. accompanied with your Letter addressed to Lord Cornwallis—Before the Receipt of which his Lordship had surrenderd himself & Army prisoners of War to the United States—in Consequence of which, it is not in that late Gentleman Commanders Power to give you any Relief in Behalf of Govr Burke. I am very sorry for the unhappy Situation & ill treatment of...
2100October 1781 (Washington Papers)
6th. Before Morning the Trenches were in such forwardness as to cover the Men from the enemys fire. The work was executed with so much secresy & dispatch that the enemy were, I believe, totally ignorant of our labor till the light of the Morning discovered it to them. Our loss on this occasion was extremely inconsiderable, not more than one Officer (french) & about 20 Men killed & Wounded—the...