1From George Washington to Elias Boudinot, 1 April 1777 (Washington Papers)
I am authorizd by Congress to appoint a Commissary of Prisoners —The pay will, I expect, be about Sixty Dollars pr Month. The Duty, except as to confinement, not hard; at least after the business is once put into a proper train. Close attendance on the Army will be requisite, in order to receive and distribute the Prisoners to places assign’d for their confinement; at each of which some person...
2From George Washington to Elias Boudinot, 3 February 1778 (Washington Papers)
A Letter from Congress will accompany this containing two resolutions relative to prisoners. You will perceive by them that Congress go upon the presumption of our furnishing our prisoners in the Enemy’s hands wholly and intirely with provisions. Their fixing no rule for liquidating and accounting for the rations heretofore supplied by the Enemy, is a proof that they do not intend them to...
3From Alexander Hamilton to Elias Boudinot, 9 February 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
General Howe has just made a proposition, towards a general exchange of prisoners, or rather has acceded to our former propositions on that subject. His Excellency commands me to inform you of this and to desire your immediate attendance at Camp, which is indispensably necessary. I am with great regard Dr Sir Your most Obdt serv ADfS , George Washington Papers, Library of Congress....
4Commission to Colonel William Grayson, Lieutenant Colonels Robert Hanson Harrison and Alexander Hamilton, and Elias … (Hamilton Papers)
By His Excellency, George Washington Esquire, General and Commander in Chief of all the Forces of the United States of America. To Colonel William Grayson, Lieutenant Colonels Robert Hanson Harrison and Alexander Hamilton and Elias Boudinot Esquire Commissary General of Prisoners Whereas a proposition was made, by me, on the 30th day of July 1776, to His Excellency General Sir William Howe,...
5Charles Thomson to Colonel William Grayson, Lieutenant Colonels Robert Hanson Harrison and Alexander Hamilton, and Elias … (Hamilton Papers)
Whereas Congress concur in opinion with General Washington that there are some Ambiguities characterizing the Measures taken by Genl. Howe respecting General Lee, which justify alarming surmises, notwithstanding all that has passed to the contrary. Resolved That General Washington be informed that it is the intention of Congress that it should be a preliminary in the proposed Cartel for a...
6George Washington to Colonel William Grayson, Lieutenant Colonels Robert Hanson Harrison and Alexander Hamilton, and … (Hamilton Papers)
The inclosed Resolutions of Congress came to my hand this instant, and as they are essentially necessary for your Government I have sent them immediately by Express. The first four Resolves are absolute and therefore you are obliged to insist upon the terms therein directed. But do not let the last embarrass you or impede your Business. I have so perfect a reliance upon your judgment and upon...
7Colonels Charles O’Hara and Humphrey Stephens, and Captain Richard FitzPatrick to Colonel William Grayson, Lieutenant … (Hamilton Papers)
We have reported to Sir Wm. Howe your observations on his Commission to us for settling a Cartel for the Exchange of Prisoners; therefore if it will not be inconvenient, We will beg the favor of you to stay in German Town ’till ten o’clock, at which time We will do ourselves the honor of waiting on you to lay before you Sir Wm: Howe’s Sentiments on that matter. We are Gentlemen With due...
8Commission to Colonel William Grayson, Lieutenant Colonels Robert Hanson Harrison and Alexander Hamilton, and Elias … (Hamilton Papers)
By His Excellency George Washington Esquire General and Commander in chief of all the Forces of the United States of America To Colonel William Grayson, Lieutenant Colonels Robert Hanson Harrison and Alexander Hamilton, and Elias Boudinot Esquire Commissary General of prisoners. Whereas a proposition was made by me on the 30th: day of July 1776, to His Excellency General Sir William Howe, and...
9Colonels Charles O’Hara and Humphrey Stephens, and Captain Richard FitzPatrick to Colonel William Grayson, Lieutenant … (Hamilton Papers)
The Commissioners appointed by His Excellency Sir William Howe to take into Consideration all past Transactions relative to the Exchange of Prisoners, to adjust the differences that have so long subsisted in regard to them, to remove all Difficulties that may arise in carrying into Execution a General Exchange of Prisoners with both Parties at this Time, & finally to establish a regular &...
10George Washington to Elias Boudinot, 23 May 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Valley Forge ] May 23, 1778 . Is pleased with the improved treatment of prisoners by British. Requests Boudinot to come to Camp immediately as there is to be a general exchange of prisoners. States that Colonel Francis Johnston has been nominated to succeed Boudinot as commissary of prisoners. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
11From George Washington to Elias Boudinot, 23 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
I was duly favoured with yours of the 13th—I am happy to learn, that the appearances with respect to the future treatment of our prisoners are now so favourable—It is much to be wished the disposition, which, at present appears, may be persevered in, though unluckily for the credit of their humanity, it is too evident the change which has taken place, is to be ascribed more to the series of...
12From George Washington to Elias Boudinot, 2 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
I inclose you a copy of a letter of the 23 Ulto forwarded by express: to which I have received no answer. Col. Johnson refusing the appointment, Congress have since nominated as Commissary of prisoners Major Beatty. I have forwarded him their resolve and desired his immediate attendance at Head Quarters. I must again urge the ⟨great n⟩ecessity of your hastening here with all possible dispatch....
13From Alexander Hamilton to Elias Boudinot, [18 June 1778] (Hamilton Papers)
The General has received your Billet per horseman. He thanks you for your intelligence and begs you will continue to advise him of what passes. If the enemy are really gone, try to get some of the inhabitants, on whom, you can depend to pass the Delaware, to watch their motions and convey intelligence. Caution should be used by you all in entering the city, before you are very certain how...
14From George Washington to Elias Boudinot, 18 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have received your two letters of this date, and thank you for the intelligence which they contain. you will be so good as to take every means in your power for discovering, in what manner the enemy have conducted themselves since you wrote—whether they continue to hover about the neighborhood of Haddonfield—or if they have made a decisive move, in what direction they have marched—early and...
15From Alexander Hamilton to Elias Boudinot, [5 July 1778] (Hamilton Papers)
You will by this time imagine that I have forgotten my promise of writing to you, as I have been so long silent on an occasion, which most people will be fond of celebrating to their friends. The truth is, I have no passion for scribbling and I know you will be at no loss for the fullest information. But that you may not have a right to accuse me of negligence, I will impose upon myself the...
16From Alexander Hamilton to Elias Boudinot, [5 July 1778] (Hamilton Papers)
[ New Brunswick, New Jersey, July 5, 1778. The description in the dealer’s catalogue reads: “… introducing the Marquis de Vienne, whom Hamilton had met through Lafayette. ‘Though a young man, he has been a long time in service.… I am not well acquainted with his pretensions in our service, but as I dare say they will be reasonable, I shall request you will give him your interest.’” Letter not...
17From Alexander Hamilton to Elias Boudinot, 26 July 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
I have had the pleasure of receiving your favour of the instant. Baron Steuben will do me the honor to deliver you this. He waits upon Congress in a temper, which I very much regret—discontented with his situation—and almost resolved to quit the service. You know we have all the best opinion of this Gentleman’s military merit, and shall of course consider his leaving the army as a loss to it....
18From Alexander Hamilton to Elias Boudinot, 8 September 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
It is a long time since I have had either the pleasure of writing to you or of hearing from you. The long letter you promised me through Colonel Harrison, which was to come by Baron Steuben has not made its appearance. I imagine you must have changed your mind. You are not to expect when you see this letter, that I have anything worth your attention to say to you; I write merely to show you...
19From George Washington to Elias Boudinot, 27 February 1779 (Washington Papers)
I had not the pleasure of receiving your polite & friendly letter of the 4th of Jany till within these few days, & of course had no oppertunity of acknowleging it sooner. I find myself extremely flattered by the strain of sentiment in your Sisters composition—But request it as a favor of you to present my best respects to her, and assure her, that however I may feel inferior to the praize, she...
20From George Washington to Elias Boudinot, 3 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
The many & important matters which pressed upon me while you were in Camp, prevented my consulting you on an affair which I have a good deal at heart, and which I wished to make the subject of a personal, rather than an epistolary conversation—To come to the point. It is a matter of great importance to have early & good intelligence of the enemys strength & motions—and as far as possible,...
21From George Washington to Elias Boudinot, 17 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
Your favor of 4 Oclock yesterday afternoon came to my hands this morning. The suggestions contained in it, I had before heard from New York; but thank you nevertheless for your attention, & communication of them. I have no idea of the Convention Troops being rescued by the detachment from N. Yk but if it shd take Post at the nearest navigation to their cantonmt it would countenance desertion,...
22From George Washington to Elias Boudinot, 19 November 1782 (Washington Papers)
Permit me sincerely to congratulate your Excellency upon your election to the Chair of Congress. I do myself the honor to transmit you the Copy of an information which has been sent to me by the Honble Lieut. Govr Bowen of Rhode Island. I am fully of opinion that the information is well founded, but considering the peculiar situation of the people of Vermont, I do not know how far my...
23From George Washington to Elias Boudinot, 4 December 1782 (Washington Papers)
I am to acknowledge the recet of your Excellencys favor of the 27th Novembr and to thank you for the very polite manner in which you are pleased to express yourself, with respect to the correspondence between us, be assured, Sir, that nothing will give me more pleasure than to commmunicate to you any thing that may occur worthy your Notice. The apprehending of the persons mentiond in the...
24From George Washington to Elias Boudinot, 14 December 1782 (Washington Papers)
I recollect subscribing, when I was in Philadelphia last Winter, twenty or twenty five Guineas towards the support of the Children of the late Revd Mr Caldwell. No person has called upon me since for this money—I therefore take the liberty (as the Subscription paper was in your hands) of asking you to whom I am to pay this Sum? Mrs Washington who is now with me, offers her affectionate...
25From George Washington to Elias Boudinot, 16 December 1782 (Washington Papers)
I am honored with your Excellency’s Letter of the 11th instant—I thank you for the information communicated therein, and shall take measures for forwarding the Letter which was enclosed, by an early and safe conveyance. In conformity to the pleasure of Congress, expressed in their Resolve of the 8th of Novr I wrote to Sir Guy Carleton on the 20th. A Copy of that Letter, together with Copies of...
26From George Washington to Elias Boudinot, 7 January 1783 (Washington Papers)
I have to acknowledge the receipt of the Letter, your Excellency did me the honor to write on the 25th of Decr and to assure you of the great satisfaction I experienced from the agreeable communications you had the goodness to make. Enclosed your Excellency will find the original Certificate which was given by Mr Chittendon to the bearer of your Letter of the 11th Ulto. Nothing very...
27From George Washington to Elias Boudinot, 8 January 1783 (Washington Papers)
Inclosed your Excellency will receive Ninety five dollars in Bank Notes; which, if my Subscription towards the support of the Revd Mr Caldwells children was only Twenty Guineas, is about the Sum. As the Bank Notes, I presume, are considered (in Philadelphia at least) as ready money I have adopted this expedient as the easiest and safest mode of making you the remittance and have the honor to...
28From George Washington to Elias Boudinot, 20 January 1783 (Washington Papers)
I have the melancholy task before me, of acquainting your Excellency and Congress of the death of Major General Lord Stirling. The remarkable bravery, intelligence, and promptitude of his Lordship to perform his duty as an Officer had endeared him to the whole Army; and now make his loss the more sincerely regretted. In consequence of the resolution of Congress of the 27th of Novembr, for...
29From George Washington to Elias Boudinot, 30 January 1783 (Washington Papers)
I should not have under taken at this time to Address myself, through Your Excellency, to Congress, on the present state of our Military & Political Affairs (which are so blended as scarcely to admit of seperation in the discussion) did I not apprehend my silence might perhaps be construed into remissness of my Official duties, or inattention to the public interests; and that some...
30From George Washington to Elias Boudinot, 11 February 1783 (Washington Papers)
Within these few days I have seen Printed Copies of—"A Remonstrance of the Council of the State of Vermont, against the Resolutions of Congress of the 5th of December"—addressed to Your Excellency; in which are several quotations from a letter of mine. Duty as well as inclination prompts me to lay before Congress the whole of that letter; and the one to which it was an answer. If it should be...
31From George Washington to Elias Boudinot, 26 February 1783 (Washington Papers)
I am sorry to have to acquaint your Excellency, for the information of Congress, that a project which I had formed for attacking The Enemys Post at Oswego, so soon as the Sleighing should be good, and the Ice of the Oneida Lake should have acquired sufficient thickness to admit the passage of the Detachment, has miscarried. The report of Colol Willet, to whom I had intrusted the Command of the...
32From George Washington to Elias Boudinot, 7 March 1783 (Washington Papers)
Repeated Applications have been made to me, in favor of Major Villefranche and Capt. Lt Enfant, of the Corps of Engineers, for their individual promotions; and being again pressed upon me, by Major Genl Duportail, I take the Liberty, thro your Excellency, to submit to Congress, whether some general principles of promotion, applicable to this Corps, as well as others in the Army, might not be...
33From George Washington to Elias Boudinot, 7 March 1783 (Washington Papers)
While Applications are making in favor of others, I cannot refrain from mentioning to Congress, the Case of Colo. Armand, with respect to promotion—Justice to that Gentleman, obliges me to express the Esteem I have of him, as an intelligent, active & very deserving Officer—one who has been zealous in the Service of the United States, and who, I am persuaded, has expended considerable Sums for...
34From George Washington to Elias Boudinot, 12 March 1783 (Washington Papers)
It is with inexpressible concern, I make the followg Report to your Excellency. Two Days ago, anonymous papers were circulated in the Army, requesting a general Meeting of the Officers on the next Day—A Copy of one of these papers is inclosed—No. 1. About the same Time, another anonymous paper purporting to be an Address to the Officers of the Army, was handed about in a clandestine manner: a...
35From George Washington to Elias Boudinot, 16 March 1783 (Washington Papers)
I have the Honor to inform your Excellency, for the satisfaction of Congress, that the Meeting of the Officers, which was mentioned in my last, has been held Yesterday: and that it has terminated in a manner, which I had reason to expect, from a knowledge of that good Sense & steady Patriotism of the Gentlemen of the Army, which, on frequent Occasions, I have discovered. The Report of the...
36From George Washington to Elias Boudinot, 18 March 1783 (Washington Papers)
The result of the proceedings of the grand Convention of the Officers, which I have the honor of enclosing to your Excellency for the inspection of Congress, will, I flatter myself, be considered as the last glorious proof of Patriotism which will have been given by Men who aspired to the distinction of a patriot Army; and will not only confirm their claim to the justice, but will encrease...
37From George Washington to Elias Boudinot, 19 March 1783 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to acknowledge your Excellency’s favor of the 12th inst. and to thank you most sincerely for the Intelligence you was pleased to communicate. The Articles of Treaty between America & Great Britain, are as full & satisfactory, as we have reason to expect—but from the connection in which they stand, with a general pacification, they are very inconclusive & contingent: from this...
38From George Washington to Elias Boudinot, 21 March 1783 (Washington Papers)
I have the Honor to transmit to Congress, a Copy of a joint Letter from Sir Guy Carleton and Admiral Digby to me, which accompanied the enclosed Treaty signed at Paris the 30th of Novemr which I take the earliest opportunity to forward, agreeable to their Desire. With the highest Esteem & Respect I have the Honor to be, Sir, Your Excellencys Most Obedient and Most humble Servant DNA : Item...
39From George Washington to Elias Boudinot, 23 March 1783 (Washington Papers)
In a letter which I have lately received from the Marquis de la Fayette, he expresses a wish that my sentiments respecting his absence may be communicated to Congress. To comply with his desire, and not because I conceive the testimony of my approbation of it is wanting, I give your Excellency the trouble of this Letter. Congress have had too many unequivocal proofs of the Zeal—the attachment...
40From George Washington to Elias Boudinot, 30 March 1783 (Washington Papers)
Your Excellency will permit me, with the most lively sensations of gratitude & pleasure, to return you my warmest Thanks for the Communication, you have been pleased to make to me and the Army, of the glorious News of a general Peace; an Event, which cannot fail to diffuse a general Joy throughout the United States: but to none of their Citizens a greater Share, than to the Officers &...
41From George Washington to Elias Boudinot, 30 March 1783 (Washington Papers)
I was upon the point of closing the packet which affords a cover to this letter, when the Baron de Steuben arrived & put your obliging favor of the 17th Into my hands. I read it with much pleasure & gratitude, and beg you to accept my sincere thanks for the trouble you have taken to communicate the several matters therein mentioned; many parts of which, till then, were altogether new to me....
42From George Washington to Elias Boudinot, 4 April 1783 (Washington Papers)
I have the Honor to transmit to your Excellency the inclosed Copies of a Letter and Papers which came to my Hands last Evening from Sir Guy Carleton: they are of such a Nature, that I have tho’t proper they should be communicated to Congress. I give them to your Excellency for that purpose. Altho the Complaints of the Indians may not be perfectly candid; it will rest with Congress to decide...
43From George Washington to Elias Boudinot, 9 April 1783 (Washington Papers)
I have the Honor to transmit to your Excellency the Copy of a Letter which I received Yesterday from Sir Guy Carleton, by the Hand of Capt. Stapleton Deputy Adjut General to the British Army. I should have sent it off instantly by Express for the Information of Congress, but being told by Capt. Stapleton, that Dispatches had been sent out by Sir Guy Carleton & Admiral Digby, by Way of...
44From George Washington to Elias Boudinot, 18 April 1783 (Washington Papers)
I find it a duty incumbent on me to communicate to your Excellency the present disposition & Temper of part of the Army—The Accounts of Peace which have been received at different times, have raised an Expectation in the Minds of the Men engaged for the War , that a speedy Discharge must be the Consequence.This Idea has been so deeply impressed, that it is become difficult to hold them under...
45From George Washington to Elias Boudinot, 23 April 1783 (Washington Papers)
I have just received a very pressing Letter from Baron De L Estrade requesting me to interest myself in procuring for him from the Court of France a Command in the Island of St Domingo—He has likewise sent me a similar Memorial to be presented to Congress—and which I now do myself the Honor to inclose. I put under this cover, for your Excellency’s perusal, my Letter to Doctr Franklin on the...
46From George Washington to Elias Boudinot, 30 April 1783 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to transmit to your Excellency for the observation of Congress a Copy of a Letter which I have written to Sir Guy Carleton in consequence of their Resolutions of the 15th instant—Also a Copy of Sir Guy’s Reply agreable to which I expect to meet him at Tappan, on the 5th of May. the Proceedings & Result of this Interview so far as shall be necessary I shall have the honor to...
47From George Washington to Elias Boudinot, 3 May 1783 (Washington Papers)
I take the Liberty to mention to your Excellency, that, in attending to the Resolution of Congress of the 15th of April, respecting the posts in the United States occupied by the British Troops, I find it necessary to apply for a more particular Explanation of the Intentions of Congress than is there expressed. Taking it for granted that the Northern & Western Posts are included within the...
48From George Washington to Elias Boudinot, 8 May 1783 (Washington Papers)
The copy of my Letter of the 21st of April to His Excellency Sir Guy Carleton, with a Copy of his reply to me, which I had the Honor to transmit to your Excellency, will have informed Congress, that the 5th of this Month was agreed upon between us for an Interview at this place. In Consequence of this Arrangement I arrived here on the 4th. The Contingents of a Water passage in a frigate,...
49From George Washington to Elias Boudinot, 14 May 1783 (Washington Papers)
The inclosed is a Copy of a Letter which I have this moment received from Sir Guy Carleton, in reply to mine of the 6th of May to him. I transmit it to your Excellency for the Information of Congress. I shall wait the Instructions of Congress before I answer Sir Guy respecting the Evacuation of Penobscot, in preference to his attendg to that of NYork; and will conform myself wholly to their...
50From George Washington to Elias Boudinot, 21 May 1783 (Washington Papers)
The enclosed Address from the Sergeants of the Connecticut Line of the Army, was presented to me a few Days ago; considering its subject and the manner of Expression, I think it not improper to transmit it to your Excellency, to be laid before Congress. The Difference mentioned, between them and the Soldier, in their Cloathing and Allowance of Lands, especially the latter, I think very...