11To John Jay from George Washington, 22 October 1781 (Jay Papers)
As the Transmission of the inclosed paper through the usual Channel of the Department of forreign Affairs, would, on the present Occasion, probably be attended with great Delay—and recent Intelligence of Military Transactions, must be important to our Ministers in Europe, at the present period of Affairs:— I have tho’t it would be agreeable both to Congress and your Excellency, that the Matter...
12From George Washington to John Jay, 3 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
In the letter which I did myself the honor to write to Your Excellency the 25th of May, I mentioned the appearances which indicated that the enemy had some important enterprise in contemplation. These appearances have since increased ’till they seem to have arrived at a very interesting crisis. The inclosed extracts from the intelligence I have successively received will show their progress...
13George Washington to John Jay, 17 May 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Middlebrook [ New Jersey ] May 17, 1779 . Speculates on destination of the British detachment that sailed from New York. Estimates number of British troops that sailed and number that remains. Mentions possibility of surprise attack on New York. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
14From George Washington to John Jay, 27 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
I was last night honoured with your Excellency’s favor of the 25th—and with the papers to which it referred—which shall have my attention. You will be pleased to receive Two New York Gazettes. I have the Honor to be with the greatest respect & esteem Yr Excellency’s Most Obedt sert Df , in Robert Hanson Harrison’s writing, DLC:GW ; Varick transcript , DLC:GW .
15From George Washington to John Jay, 31 December 1778 (Washington Papers)
I had the honor of addressing Congress some time since on the subject of General Du Portail and the Gentlemen with him —He informs me that his affair has not yet been decided and is extremely anxious that it should be in some way or other—He assigns many powerfull reasons to show that it is very interesting to him, if he is not to continue in our service, to return to france as speedily as...
16From George Washington to John Jay, 14 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
On Saturday Evening I was honoured with Your Excellency’s favor of the 7th Instant and with the papers to which it refers. The intelligence from Carolina is very interesting as related, and I should hope from it’s coming through so many channels & from its being told so circumstantially, that it is not destitute of foundation. I have nothing to communicate to your Excellency respecting the...
17George Washington to John Jay, 3 May 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Middlebrook [ New Jersey ] May 3, 1779 . Advises that peace be made with only a part of the Indians. Thinks that Indians should be severely punished for past behavior. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
18From George Washington to John Jay, 3 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
Since I had the Honor of addressing Your Excellency this morning, I received the inclosed papers, by which You will perceive that the Troops & fleet lately employed in Chesepeak bay have returned to New York. I have not received any advices respecting the Enemy since those transmitted in the morning. I have the Honor to be with sentiments of the most perfect respect & esteem Yr Excellency’s...
19From George Washington to John Jay, 11 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to inclose Your Excellency copies of letters and papers, which have passed on the subject of a late remonstrance from the officers of the 1st Jersey Regiment, to the Assembly of their state. This is an affair which Congress will no doubt view in a very serious light. To me it appears truly alarming. It shows what is to be apprehended, if some adequate provision is not...
20From George Washington to John Jay, 23 February 1779 (Washington Papers)
Letter not found : to John Jay, 23 Feb. 1779 . Jay wrote GW on 2 March (first letter): “accept my thanks for your obliging Favor of the 23 Ult.”
21From George Washington to John Jay, 11 March 1779 (Washington Papers)
I am to acknowlege the honor of your Excellencys favors of the 4th and 5th, and shall apply the Inclosures to their several intentions. The Baron Steuben transmitted me his proposed plan of regulations for the Infantry of the American army. I have returned it to the Baron, with such observations as occurred on different objects of the work, and my general approbation of the whole. If the plan...
22From George Washington to John Jay, 29 March 1779 (Washington Papers)
I do myself the honor to transmit the inclosed extract of a letter which I have just received from General Maxwell. Whether the Report that the expedition from the East End of Long Island is laid aside, is true or false, I will not undertake to determine. I also inclose the latest New York paper. I have the honor to be with the greatest Esteem Your Excellency’s Most obt Servt. L , in Tench...
23George Washington to John Jay, 16 August 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
West Point, August 16, 1779. States that England’s rejection of the Spanish offer of mediation “is more strongly tinctured with insanity than any thing she has done in the course of the contest, unless she be sure of very powerful aid from some of the Northern states.” Encloses a letter from Brigadier General Anthony Wayne concerning some of Wayne’s officers. Df , in writing of H, George...
24From George Washington to John Jay, 30 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
Col. Morgan of the Virginia troops, who waits on Congress with his resignation will have the honor of delivering you this—I cannot in justice avoid mentioning him as a very valuable officer who has rendered a series of important services and distinguished himself upon several occasions. I have the honor to be With the greatest respect & esteem Yr Excellency’s Most Obedt ser. LS , in Alexander...
25From George Washington to John Jay, 29 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
In mine of the 24th I had the honor to inform Congress that a considerable embarkation of the enemy had taken place on the 21st— This intelligence I received through Major Lee, a channel in most cases, good; but from all my subsequent inquiries I have reason to believe he was mistaken in this instance. The movement among their Shipping going down the river to New York, and some stir among the...
26From George Washington to John Jay, 14 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have received the honor of your Excellency’s favor of the 10th with its several inclosures. When the order was given to General Glovers Brigade to be held in readiness to march, the comparitive state of the Enemy’s force and ours, allowing for the troops to be detached on the Western expedition made it indispensible, without risking more important misfortunes in this quarter than could...
27From George Washington to John Jay, 16 August 1779 (Washington Papers)
I had yesterday afternoon the honor to receive Your Excellency’s Letter of the 6th with a copy of the Act of the 8th of March and the Report referred to. It might have been better on the score of supplies and some other considerations, if Captain Wilkie’s company had been annexed to the 11th pensilvania Regiment; but as this was not done—and as the arrangement both of Spencer’s and Hubley’s...
28George Washington to John Jay, 29 July 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
West Point, July 29, 1779. Reports that the news of the embarkation of the British was false. Asks if powder can be obtained from Massachusetts or Connecticut. Df , in writing of H, with postscript in writing of Robert Hanson Harrison, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
29George Washington to John Jay, 14 April 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Middlebrook, New Jersey, April 14, 1779. ] Explains dispute with Major General Horatio Gates. Df , in writings of George Washington and H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
30From George Washington to John Jay, 29 January 1779 (Washington Papers)
I do myself the honor to inclose you the Extract of a letter which I recd a few days ago from His Excellency Governor Clinton, and which I am to request you to lay before Congress agreeable to his desire. I have only to add that the settlement and payment of such Accounts as are referred to in the letter, is highly beneficial to our public Credit, and satisfactory to those individuals, who...
31From George Washington to John Jay, 17 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
Since I had the honor of addressing Your Excellency this morning, I received a Letter from General Gates, a Copy of which with the packet he mentions I transmit by this express. From Genl Gates’s account it appears indispensably necessary that a supply of money should be sent as soon as possible, if it has not been already done to pay the Troops. I have the Honor to be with the greatest...
32From George Washington to John Jay, 21 August 1779 (Washington Papers)
Since the letter which I had the honor of writing to your Excellency the 17th instant; I have received one from the Board of War inclosing among several others the copy of one from General Sullivan to Congress of the 26th of July in which I find he is still more pointed on the subject of Cloathing than in his letter of the 21st of the same month. As I was not sufficiently explicit on this head...
33George Washington to John Jay, 26 February 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Middlebrook [ New Jersey ] February 26, 1779 . Sends information concerning British attack and retreat at Elizabethtown. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
34From George Washington to John Jay, 30 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to inclose you an extract of a letter from Major General Gates relative to the complaints among the troops in the Eastern department for want of their pay —It will naturally claim the notice of Congress should not the nec[e]ssary supply of money have been ordered before this time. I have the honor to be with great regard and esteem Your most hble sevt. Df , in James McHenry’s...
35From George Washington to John Jay, 20 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
I had the honor to receive your Excellency’s letter of the 13th, with the copies of the letters to which it refers. The British Cabinet may have planned the expedition which Messrs Lee & Johnson mention, but I cannot think that it will ever be executed. Perhaps the orders upon the occasion, were not so pointed as not to be dispensed with; and that the late expedition up the Sound was adopted...
36George Washington to John Jay, 5 May 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Middlebrook [ New Jersey ] May 5, 1779 . Reports that news from Great Britain “seems to breathe a vigorous prosecution of the war.” Asks that states be urged to complete their battalions. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
37From George Washington to John Jay, 29 January 1779 (Washington Papers)
My long and unexpected stay in this city being attended with many inconveniences to the common business of the army, and in other respects—I feel myself under a necessity of requesting the permission of Congress to return; and if consistent with their views, I should be glad to set out for the camp at Middle-Brook, on monday next. There are several matters, which have been the subjects of...
38From George Washington to John Jay, 24 February 1779 (Washington Papers)
I transmit you herewith two letters the applications of General Glover and Colo. Wigglesworth for the acceptance of their respective resignations. Colonel Wigglesworth is particularly desirous to obtain a speedy answer that he may have it in his power to make some arrangements before his proposed departure for France. Congress will also be pleased to attend to General Glovers request for his...
39From George Washington to John Jay, 7 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
Amongst the number of your friends, permit me also to congratulate you, and my Country, on your late honourable & important appointment —Be assured Sir, that my pleasure on this occasion, though it may be equatted, cannot be exceeded, by that of any other. I do most sincerely wish you a pleasant & an agreeable passage—the most perfect and honourable accomplishment of your Ministry—and a safe...
40From George Washington to John Jay, 26 March 1779 (Washington Papers)
When I had the Honor of addressing Your Excellency on the 11th Instant, I transmitted some intelligence I had just received from General Maxwell, respecting Admiral Gambier’s preparing to sail from New York—and suggesting New London to be the Object of the expedition. How far events may justify this suggestion, I cannot determine; however, by advices which came to hand this Evening, from a...
41From George Washington to John Jay, 2 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have had the Honor to receive Your Excellency’s two Favors of the 24th Ulto, with their Inclosures. I am much obliged by Your Excellency’s attention, in communicating the Act for supplying the Oneidas and Other friendly Indians with provision. Matters, in consequence, I flatter myself, will be so conducted, as not to disorder or injure our other arrangements in this Article. The Act...
42From George Washington to John Jay, 19 February 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have been successively honored with your two favours of the 8th and 15th instant, with their several inclosures; to all which due attention shall be paid —The Court Martial in the case of the officers conducting the public works at Springfield, shall be immediately directed. A letter of the 11th Ultimo from General McDougall contains the following paragraph, “If Congress will order me one...
43From George Washington to John Jay, 5 September 1779 (Washington Papers)
Your Excellency’s several letters of the 26th 29th & 30th have been duly received. The Commissary of Prisoners being absent from Camp, on business respecting his department; I cannot give Congress the satisfaction I wish on the subject of Major General Phillips’s Letter. As soon as he returns the matter shall be taken up; however, I am inclined to doubt whether there is any ground for...
44George Washington to John Jay, 7 September 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
West Point, September 7, 1779. Describes British troop movements in New York. Discusses probable British plans and advises building up American defenses in South. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
45From George Washington to John Jay, 11 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
I am honored with your Excellency’s favours of the 4th & 5th, to which due attention shall be paid. The enemy’s situation remains much the same as mentioned in mine of the 6th—One body of about 5000 Men is on Verplanks point and another of about 1000 on stoney point—They continue fortifying & no doubt mean to keep possession of those posts—The natural strength of the ground with very little...
46From George Washington to John Jay, 23 August 1779 (Washington Papers)
I take the liberty of transmitting to Your Excellency the inclosed Copy of a Letter I received from Colo. Butler of the 21st Instant. From the character of this Gentleman and the opinion I entertain of him as a man of strict honor and probity, I am perfectly persuaded the representation he has made of his loss, is true in every part; and I am exceedingly sorry such an accident should have...
47From George Washington to John Jay, 20 March 1779 (Washington Papers)
I am honored by yours of the 12th and 14th insts. with their inclosures. Colonel Wigglesworths certificate is transmitted to him; and I have published such parts of the resolve of the 5th, for payment of certificates given to the inhabitants for supplies, as relate to the future conduct to be observed by the officers of the line and staff. I take the liberty of laying before congress a...
48From George Washington to John Jay, 31 August 1779–1 September 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have been duly honoured with Your Excellency’s Letters of the 20th and 24th with the papers to which they refer. The Acts of the 16th—17th & 18th have been communicated to the Army, in a manner calculated to inspire a proper sense of them. I hope they will have a good effect. As far as my information extends, they have given great satisfaction. It is only to be lamented, that the state of...
49George Washington to John Jay, 21 August 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
West Point, August 21, 1779. Explains steps taken to provide Major General John Sullivan’s men with clothing. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
50From George Washington to John Jay, 27 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
It gives me infinite pain, that the circumstances of the service oblige me to trouble Congress with a frequent repetition of the same subjects—But every hour distracts my attention with fresh instances of the inconveniencies, that result from the want of system in a department which I have frequently mentioned. These compel me again to intreat that Congress will be pleased to take decisive...
51From George Washington to John Jay, 5 August 1779 (Washington Papers)
My doubts as to the intended operation of the Resolution of the 28th of June, upon the subject of vacancies and the mode of filling them—whether it was meant to take immediate effect in all cases, or to operate only where arrangements had been made—and my earnest wish not to contravene the views of Congress or the rights of the executive authorities of the States in any instance, have induced...
52George Washington to John Jay, 23 August 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
[ West Point ] August 23, 1779 . Sends news of capture of Powles Hook by Major Henry Lee. Mentions Lord Stirling’s cooperation. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
53From George Washington to John Jay, 1 March 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have been a little surprised that the several important pieces of intelligence lately received from Europe (such parts of it, I mean, as are circulated without reserve in conversation) have not been given to the public in a manner calculated to attract the attention and impress the minds of the people. As they are now propagated, they run through the country in a variety of forms, are...
54George Washington to John Jay, 29 January 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Philadelphia, January 29, 1779. Asks permission to return to Camp. LS , in writing of H, Papers of the Continental Congress, National Archives.
55George Washington to John Jay, 25 May 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Middlebrook [ New Jersey ] May 25, 1779 . Is concerned about the “predatory” fighting of British. Encloses instructions to Brigadier General Charles Scott concerning reinforcements in the South. Discusses British preparations in New York. LS , in writing of H, Papers of the Continental Congress, National Archives.
56From George Washington to John Jay, 10 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
I sieze a moment of leizure to thank you my dear Sir for your obliging favours of the 21st & 26th of April—My friendship for you will always make me take pleasure in cultivating the esteem and confidence of which you so politely assure me. You give an affecting summary of the causes of the national evil we feel, and the still greater we have reason to apprehend—To me it appears that our...
57George Washington to John Jay, 3 June 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Middlebrook [ New Jersey ] June 3, 1779 . Encloses information concerning British troop movements and present position of American troops. Is about “to set out this day towards the Highlands, by way of Morris Town.” LS , in writing of H, Papers of the Continental Congress, National Archives.
58From George Washington to John Jay, 21 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
On the 16th instant, I had the honor to inform Congress of a successful attack upon the enemy’s post at Stoney Point, on the preceding night, by Brigadier General Wayne and the corps of light infantry under his command —The ulterior operations in which we have been engaged, have hitherto put it out of my power to transmit the particulars of this interesting event. They will now be found in the...
59From George Washington to John Jay, 12 September 1779 (Washington Papers)
Since I had the honor of addressing you yesterday I have received the inclosed pieces of intelligence, thro Genl Gates and Genl Huntington. Genl Gates’s letter inclosing Mr Prouds was dated at Providence the 6th instant whence we may conclude that Sunday the date of Mr Prouds was the 5th —Though these accounts differ as to the number of Ships of War, they seem clearly to indicate a french...
60From George Washington to John Jay, 8 February 1779 (Washington Papers)
I am honored with yours of the 3d and 5th instants with the Resolves of the 2d and 4th inclosed. I have dispatched orders to the Infantry of Count Pulaski’s Legion to march immediately from Minisink to Lancaster, at which place they will expect a Route and further orders for proceeding. The Horse of the Legion not being in this Quarter will receive orders from the Count himself. In obedience...