1From George Washington to John Mercereau, 27 April 1777 (Washington Papers)
In order to know whether the floating Bridges that we have so often heard of, are really meant to be thrown over the Delaware, it is necessary to know the Width of that River at the narrowest places, that are approachable and then by comparing the width of the River, with that we understand is the length of the Bridge, we can form a pretty good Opinion. I therefore desire that you would begin...
2From George Washington to John Mercereau, 2 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
If you could fall upon some method to obtain knowledge of the strength and situation of the enemy on Staten Island & this in as short a time as possible, I shall thank you. after putting this business in a proper train for execution, I should be glad to see you at this place—if it could be tomorrow morning it would suit me best. I will pay the persons you employ, but wish the undertaking to...
3From George Washington to John Mercereau, 13 April 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have for some time expected to hear from you in consequence of the plan settled with you when you were last at Head Quarters —I at present want to be informed with certainty whether the Fleet which fell down to the Hook on the 5th instant, and which was supposed to be bound to the southward, went immediately to sea, or whether it yet remains there—If you have not already obtained this...
4II. “Amicus Reipublicae” to John Mercereau, 17 May 1780 (Washington Papers)
The 22d Regiment & Simcoe’s Cavalry occuppy ⟨the⟩ Redoubts at Richmond. The 82d Regt is Stationed at the Flag-Staff—at The Watering Place is the 57th British & 1 Hessian Regiment, Barton’s Battalion of about 120 Men & Stewart’s Horse abt 20 in Number, Buskirk’s extend from Freelands to Crusee’s. The Recruits obtained by desertion from your Army, when the River was frozen, are seperated from...
5III. “Amicus Reipublicae” to John Mercereau, 20 May 1780 (Washington Papers)
In Consequence of an Express from Europe to Sir Henry Clinton pr the Pearl Frigate intimating that a Large Fleet Consisting of Severel Sail of the Line & a large Body of Troops had made an Elopement from Brest & were Destined for the Continent the Irish frigate was dispatched with the intilligence to Clinton, & immediately the inhabitints of new york were Commanded to prepare for thier...
6V. “Amicus Reipublicae” to John Mercereau, c.27 May 1780 (Washington Papers)
The hopes we entertained of procuring Something of importance to convey in the Course of this Week have failed. But the following particulars are to the best of our knowledge. The Number of Vessels to be Sunk are augmented to abt 22, others Say 27, & are held in readiness for the purpose. The fortifications are carried on with great Vigor & alertness & already bear a formidable Appearance. The...
7VII. “Amicus Reipublicae” to John Mercereau, 1 June 1780 (Washington Papers)
An expedition is forming (on Some part of ⟨ illegible ⟩ Hackensack, but as it is conceiv⟨able⟩ ⟨ illegible ⟩ it is impossible to give any certain fact or what Number of Men are going, however it ⟨ illegible ⟩ you to be particularly watchful of Bergen ⟨Curency⟩. I am told by an intelligent Person, who is ⟨Conversant⟩ with a Counterfeiter of Continental Curr[enc]y ⟨ illegible ⟩ a certain Person,...
8IX. “Amicus Reipublicae” to John Mercereau, 24 June 1780 (Washington Papers)
Friday last arrived [at] Sandy Hook Genl Clinton with abt 5000 fighting Men according to the best information we’ve been able to procure from Charlestown leaving as a Garrison the 63d 64th & 71st British Regiments, the remaining Forces are employed in bringing the Southern States into Subjection [u]nder Lord Cornwallis it is promulgated by the Officers that he had penetrated as great distance...
9From George Washington to John Mercereau, 12 July 1780 (Washington Papers)
I last night recd yours of the 8th with the two letters from your correspondent in New York —desire him to enquire very particularly into the truth of Allens having been in, and if he finds it to have been so, to endeavour to find out the plan of operations concerted between him and the enemy in New York —Inclosed you have the several matters which I would wish to be informed of just now —The...