61From George Washington to the Board of War, 29 March 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to receive your favours of the 25th and 26th with the Commissions mentioned for the Connecticut Officers. The Boards ideas respecting the difficulties that would attend the introducing Mr McPherson into the line are certainly right. It cannot be done—or at least without exciting great discontent and producing many resignations. Nor do I think that he could be employed under a...
62From George Washington to the Board of War, 4 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have had the Honor to receive your favors of the 30th & 31st Ulto and two of the 1st Inst.—with the several papers to which they refer. If Lieutenant Colo. Mebane was the oldest Lieut. Colonel in the North Carolina line when Colo. Hogan was promoted to the rank of a Brigadier, he unquestionably according to the principles of rank recomd should be appointed Lieutenant Colonel Commandant —and...
63From George Washington to the Board of War, 4 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
Capt. Schott waits upon you with a Return of Arms and Cloathing wanting for the several Corps therein mentioned which are ordered over to Wyoming. The Cloathing could have been furnished from hence, but it will be so much more convenient to send it from Philada to Esterton upon the Susquehannah and from thence to Wyoming by Water, where it will meet the Troops, that I have directed Capt....
64From George Washington to the Board of War, 8 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
The Board of General Officers to whom were referred the dispute of Rank between Majors Mentges, Murray and Nicholls having made the inclosed Report, I must request the Board to give them the information (thro’ me) which they call for respecting the appointment of Major Nicholls to the rank of Lieut. Colonel. In mine of the 26 March I desired to be informed of the number of Hunting shirts upon...
65From George Washington to the Board of War, 10 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have been duly honored with your favour of the 31st of, March, which, through hurry of business has been hitherto unanswered. From the relation in several respects between the duties of the office of Adjutant General and those of the Inspectorship; I pe[r]ceive advantages that would result from uniting them in a certain degree; but I am induced notwithstanding to recommend, that nothing...
66From George Washington to the Board of War, 13 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
I yesterday recd the inclosed from Capt. Von Heer. As I do not know how he has been supplied heretofore with the Articles he now calls for, I cannot determine upon the propriety of the present application. I can only say, if it appears that they are necessary, he ought to be furnished with them—If The Quarter Master supplied him in the first instance with Horses he can I suppose remember...
67From George Washington to the Board of War, 15 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
I am honored with your favours of the 7th and 9th. It is infinitely to be lamented, that the Clothiers department still remains on so undecided and precarious a footing—The Board’s observation on the present expedient is evidently just. Our prospects for the future supply of cloathing from every thing that has come to my knowlege are truly deplorable. I am happy in the measures persuing to...
68From George Washington to the Board of War, 22 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with your favr of the 13th instant and those of Mr Scull of the 13th 15th and 19th—The number of Hunting shirts ordered to be made up by Otis and Henley will be fully sufficient, if they can be provided in time. I yesterday wrote to Boston and desired that they might be sent forward as fast as finished —Be pleased to direct Mr Mease to send on to Camp the ten thousand...
69From George Washington to the Board of War, 3 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
I had the honor of your favor of the 25th ultimo thro’ Col. Pickering. The extract of a letter from Mr Measam D.C.G. and the several objects to which it refers, will naturally claim the earliest notice. In particular the linen and blankets are greatly wanted for the troops; and the necessity of encreasing our supply of both so evident as to stand in need of no arguments to induce the board to...
70From George Washington to the Board of War, 5 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
In a letter from Colonel Brodhead, dated Fort McIntosh the 3d Ultimo, he has the following paragraph “There is a prodigious deficiency of Clothing and money in this department; some cloth has indeed been purchased in the State of Virginia, but the means of making it up are not provided; shoes and Linen cannot be had at any rate unless they are sent up by the clothier general.” He adds in...
71From George Washington to the Board of War, 14 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have been honoured with Your Letters of the 7th & 10th Instant. With respect to the matters submitted by the first—The Commissary General of Military Stores has certainly a right to direct in every thing relative to the execution of the public works, under his care—and every Officer stationed at the Laboratories is bound so far, to follow his directions. The rank of Lieut. Colonel which he...
72From George Washington to the Board of War, 18 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
Since I had the honor of writing to you on the 14th instant I have discovered a mistake relative to the succession of Major Forrest to the vacancy occasioned by the death of Lt Col. Strobock. I then had in eye another vacancy which happend by the Resignation of Lt Col. Oswald; and did not recollect that it had been filled by Lt Col. Stevens. A multiplicity of business caused me to forget this...
73From George Washington to the Board of War, 22 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
I herewith transmit the board two letters, one to Colonel Bland, the other to Lt Col. Washington with the resolve of Congress of the 7th, ordering them to proceed to join the Southern army. The inclosed copy of a letter from Lt Col. Washington has induced me to imagine that the resolve has not yet reached him. I therefore send the letters open, through the board, lest in their transmission I...
74From George Washington to the Board of War, 22 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have been honoured with your favor of the 17th Instant. Besides the absence of General Hand and the want of a state of his claim—the Resolution of the 4th of February only authorises me to settle the rank of Officers under the degree of a Brigadier —and therefore at any rate the case between him and General Irvine could not be taken up without special authority for the purpose; which has...
75From George Washington to the Board of War, 23 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
In my letter of the 22d of April I mentioned the necessity of having 10.000 ⅌ shoes for the supply of the troops on the Western expedition. The Board in their answer to mine of the 25th gave me to hope that 4500 ⅌ would be ready in season at Lancaster for the purpose. I am now to request that these may be without delay forwarded up the River towards Sunbury: and that the Board will immediately...
76From George Washington to the Board of War, 27 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have had the Honor to receive Your several favors of the 23d 24th 25th & 25th Instant. I have spoken to the Quarter Master General upon the subject of Waggons and he has written, I believe, both to Mr Pettit & Mr Mitchell to use every possible exertion to obtain a supply. I am exceedingly pained—that we are so deficient in point of Arms. As to the demands you mention to have been made by...
77From George Washington to the Board of War, 30 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have the Honor to transmit you an Arrangement of the Officers in the Maryland line—and have to request, that you will take the earliest Occasion that may offer to make out and forward Commissions agreable to it, except in the cases of No. 46—Benjamin Garnett 1st Lieut. 5 Reg. 13 Oct. 78 47—Parker Hall Lee do 4 do 16 do do 53—William Trueman Stoddart do 5 do 21 May 79
78From George Washington to the Board of War, 1 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
I transmit you the arrangement of the three New-Hampshire Regiments which I have just received —and request you will make out and forward me the commissions as soon as it can be done. The board will perceive the several promotions that are to be made, and the dates which the commissions are to bear. General Hand writes me of an application for clothing wanted in the 11th Pennsylvania Regiment....
79From George Washington to the Board of War, 6 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
I am this moment honored with your favour of the 2d instant. The arrangemen⟨t⟩ of Proctors corps cannot be confirmed as it now stands. The principles held up in my former letters on this subject are such as must be adhered to, and upon this plan only can I request the Board to issue Commissions. If Congress think proper on account of incapacity in Major Holmer to promote Major Forrest it will...
80From George Washington to the Board of War, 9 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
The hurried and moving state of the Army would not permit me the Honor before, of acknowledging your several favors of the 21st 25th 27th & 27th and 29 Ulto which were duly received. Your favors also of the 3. 4 & 5 Instant have come safe to hand. I will obtain as soon as I can, the dates of the appointments of the Field Officers in the pensylvania line, which have not been already...
81From George Washington to the Board of War, 21 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
Your favor of the 14th arrived at Hd Qrs about 10 OClock on the night of the 18th but owing to my being absent at West point I did not receive it till yesterday. The Gentn of the light horse of Philadelphia and Lieut. Col. White will have made report upon the subject of it. If any circumstances should occur, indicating a design on the part of the enemy against Philadelphia—I shall communicate...
82From George Washington to the Board of War, 23 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have been honoured with Your favors of the 11 & 12 Instant. The point with respect to Monsieur Garanger shall be determined as soon, as opportunity will permit. I transmit the Board a General Arrangement of the Officers in the York line to the Captains inclusive—and a particular arrangement of each Regiment; also an Arrangement of the Field Officers in the Pensylvania line and of the 4th P....
83From George Washington to the Board of War, 25 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
I was last night honoured with Your favors of the 18 & 19 Instant. I have directed the Commissary of Prisoners to permit Capn Fetherston (I believe he was only a Lieutenant when taken) to go to New York on parole, subject to be recalled whenever we think proper, unless his absolute exchange is effected, which I would prefer. I have examined and considered the petition of Captain Judd—and it...
84From George Washington to the Board of War, 11 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
I am this morning honored with your letters of the 3 and 8th —I am happy to hear a reinforcement of cannon is coming on which is very important and was much wanted—The unmounted cannon had best be sent on slung upon waggon wheels—their carriages to follow as fast they are ready—I recommend this because the transportation of the cannon will be more slow and tedious than of the carriages which...
85From George Washington to the Board of War, 22 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have now to acknowledge the Honor of Your Several Letters of the 28 Ulto and of the 10th 11th 14th & 15th Instant with the several papers & Commissions to which they refer. With respect to the Baron De Geismar’s application, I should be very happy to have his Exchange effected; both because it has been uniformly my wish to promote exchanges, and because it would give me pleasure to...
86From George Washington to the Board of War, 25 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
I am honored with your two letters of the 15th and 16th. I am very happy to learn the Board have adopted the salutary expedient they mention for repairing the men’s cloaths and shoes. Something of this kind has been long wanting; and I hope the present plan will answer very valuable purposes, save much expence to the public and conduce greatly to the comfort and decency of the troops. An extra...
87From George Washington to the Board of War, 27 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to inclose you an extract of a letter which I have lately received from Major General Gates, on which the Board will be pleased to direct the necessary measures—I have requested General Knox to send a proper person to inquire into the administration at Springfield; and to have the abuses rectified, so far as it may be done without interfering with the establishment of the...
88From George Washington to the Board of War, 3 August 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have the Honor to transmit you the Arrangement of the 11th pensylva. Regiment made by a Board of Field Officers of that line, appointed for the purpose, on which the Board will be pleased to issue Commissions. I inclose the old arrangement made out by Colo. Hubley—by which the Board will see what alterations have been made. They will be pleased to forward the Commissions to Colo. Hubley. I...
89From George Washington to the Board of War, 8 August 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have received a Letter from Colo. Spencer dated at Wyoming the 22d Ulto—inclosing a List of the Officers that remain in service of his—Malcoms—& Formans Regiments—I determined sometime ago to incorporate them —and now transmit an arrangement of the whole —upon which the Board will be pleased to issue Commissions where they have not been issued in consequence of the arrangement of the two...
90From George Washington to the Board of War, 10 August 1779 (Washington Papers)
I yesterday evening received Your Letter of the 3d and have directed the Commissary of prisoners to permit Capn Edmonstone to go into New York upon parole, subject to an immediate and final exchange, by Sir Henry Clinton’s releasing One of our Captains now in his hands, who has been longest in captivity, & whose name will be mentioned in his parole. Mr Beatty has written to Mr Adams—Deputy...
91From George Washington to the Board of War, 16 August 1779 (Washington Papers)
I am favd with yours of the 6th inclosing the instructions of the Board to the different Commissaries of Hides. The directions appear to me to be judiciously drawn and fully adequate to the purpose, and I doubt not, if they are strictly attended to, but that a sufficient quantity of Shoes for the Army, and leather for other uses will be procured—Mr Garanger is exceedingly impatient to know...
92From George Washington to the Board of War, 21 August 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have had the honor of Your Letter of the 10th inclosing one from Mr Hughes for obtaining Captain Swan’s exchange. The only Rule by which equal justice can be done to prisoners, is to exchange them according to the priority of their capture. This I have invariably directed to be pursued where the circumstance of rank would apply and I can never depart from it, unless cases should arise making...
93From George Washington to the Board of War, 21 August 1779 (Washington Papers)
On the 19th I received the Honor of Your Letter of the 9th and knowing how very essential harmony is to promote our Affairs and to bring them to a happy conclusion—I was much concerned to find, that there was a cause of difference between You and General Sullivan. I inclose a Copy of a Letter of this date which I have written to Congress in consequence of your Letter upon the subject, in which...
94From George Washington to the Board of War, 26 August 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have had the honor to receive Your Letters of the 14th & 17th Instant. With respect to the subject of the first—I beg leave to trouble you with the following state of facts—and to refer you to the inclosures No. 1. 2 & 3—to shew how the business of exchanging hides has been conducted and how far and to what end it has been carried on by my permission. When I returned from Philadelphia in the...
95From George Washington to the Board of War, 27 August 1779 (Washington Papers)
The state of our magazines in the article of powder is truly distressing. We have scarcely a sufficiency for the ordinary demands of the service; and should be utterly unable to undertake any enterprise which might require a more than common expenditure however necessary it might be, or however other circumstances might invite to it. An interesting question was lately agitated respecting an...
96From George Washington to the Board of War, 6 September 1779 (Washington Papers)
I am honored with your letter of the 28th of August with its inclosures. I am very happy the testimony given to Congress of the conduct of the board is satisfactory to them, as it will always give me pleasure to do justice to their exertions. I have attentively considered the regulations proposed for the department of prisoners—They appear to me to be judicious and proper, such as I have for a...
97From George Washington to the Board of War, 11 September 1779 (Washington Papers)
I do myself the Honor to transmit you the Copy of a Letter of the 16th Ulto which I received from Wm Gardner Esq. Agent Cloathier at portsmouth, and of the foot of the Invoice to which he refers. I don’t know the terms on which the Cloathing Agents act; but there appears to me to be something obviously wrong in the present instance—and which has induced me to trouble the Board with this...
98From George Washington to the Board of War, 14 September 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have been honoured with yours of the 31st Augt and 3d instants. Hallet was safely delivered to me by Lt Colo. Washington and I sent him up to Govr Clinton, with an account of his conduct, similar to that which you have transmitted to me. I agree with you in opinion, that the Standard, with the Union and Emblems in the Centre, is to be preferred—with this addition, the number of the Regt and...
99From George Washington to the Board of War, 18 September 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with yours of the 9th inclosing an abstract of the powder brought in by Capt. Ashmead. It is to be regretted that the quantity falls so far short of the estimate, but I am in hopes that the above with the three hundred Barrels forwarded before, will answer our present purposes. I would however wish that the Marine Committee may be requested not to lose sight of the object,...
100From George Washington to the Board of War, 22 September 1779 (Washington Papers)
I was yesterday honored with yours of the 16th: the general Return of Military Stores accompanying it was delivered safely to me. I have directed the few things forwarded by Mr Gardner to be delivered out to those Officers of the Staff and line who are not supplied by the States, at moderate prices, agreeable to the direction of the Board. I have the honor &c. Df , in Tench Tilghman’s writing,...
101From George Washington to the Board of War, 29 September 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have duly received your favor of the 23d Inst. The clothing which is packed up and ready for transportation you will be pleased to order on to New-Windsor, by way of Morristown—Pompton—& Ringwood I expect the clothier Gen. will be at New-Windsor before it arrives. We suffer so much at present for the article of shoes that should any be within the order of the board—I wish them to be sent...
102From George Washington to the Board of War, 1 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have the Honor to transmit You the Arrangement of the Virginia line as corrected and newly formed on the 23d Instant —in consequence of which Sundry Commissions are wanted—occasioned by former omissions—deaths—resignations and promotions into the State Regiments. The instances in which Commissions are required are, as I understand by the Memorandum at the end of the Arrangement, where the...
103From George Washington to the Board of War, 2 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
In mine of the 29th ulto I barely expressed our want of shoes. I did not then know the extent of our wants, or that there was not a single pair in the hands of the Cloathier at Camp to supply them. A considerable part of the Army is now returned unfit even for fatigue duty in these stony Grounds, and should circumstances require a move we must inevitably be deprived of the services of a number...
104From George Washington to The Board of War, 8 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with yours of the 30th ulto on the subject of Major Francis Murray’s exchange for the Hussian Major Stein lately captured —Had Major Stein been taken by a continental Vessel, a preference in favr of Major Murray would have been totally inadmissible—but all circumstances considered, I do not think our Officers, who are prisoners, should look upon themselves injured, when...
105From George Washington to the Board of War, 12 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
On the 2d instant I addressed you particularly on the subject of the want of shoes, and informed you that I had made application to Mess[r]s Mehelm—Hatfeild—and Starr the three nearest Commissaries of Hides, and desired to know what quantity of shoes I might depend upon immediately, and what were their future prospects. I have only recd answers from Mr Mehelm and Capt. Starr—Copies of whose...
106From George Washington to the Board of War, 18 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
In consequence of yours of the 9th instant I have wrote to Mr Hatfeild to come to Head Quarters. I have not yet received an answer from him to mine of the 2d instant, and am therefore still at a loss to know what shoes may be expected from him. It is possible that a requisition of Cloathing for the troops to the Westward may have been already made to you by Colo. Brodhead, and that measures...
107From George Washington to the Board of War, 25 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
Mr Hatfeild yesterday sent a person to communicate the several matters respecting his department to me. He himself being very unwell. Finding that he has near ten thousand Hides upon hand, I have directed him to send 2000, the number mentioned in yours of the 9th, immediately to Philada. He has delivered 1400 pair of shoes to the Cloathier General within thirty days past, and expects to turn...
108From George Washington to the Board of War, 2 November 1779 (Washington Papers)
Since mine of the 12th ulto in which I took the liberty of mentioning the want of the Commissions for the Massachusetts line, I have received frequent and pressing applications on the same subject from the Officers of that Line. There is something peculiar in their situation—A Board of Commissioners are appointed by the State to make a compensation to their officers for the depreciation of...
109From George Washington to the Board of War, 5 November 1779 (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to the Board of War, 5 Nov. 1779 . The Board of War wrote GW on 12 Nov. : “We have been honoured with your Excellency’s Letter of the 5th inst” (see also Joseph Reed to GW, 15 Nov. , and GW to Reed, 25 Nov. ).
110From George Washington to the Board of War, 19 November 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have duly received your several favors of the 25th of Octbr and the 2d 8th 10th and 13th of this month. The boards idea of stopping the bringing forward the several loans mentioned in their letter of the 10th falls in perfectly with mine; And it might also be prudent to diminish at least to their old quantity those accumulated at Philadelphia. With regard to prosecuting the casting of shells...