1From George Washington to Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, Baron [von] Steuben, 12 April 1783 (Washington Papers)
Taking it for granted the principle is generally understood, that an Officer holding a Commission in the Line of the Army of a superior grade, to that he possesses in a particular Corps, is to roll on all general duties agreeably to his Commission in the Army, and to be considered in the Line of the State to which he belongs, according to the rank he holds in Corps of that State; the following...
2From George Washington to Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, Baron [von] Steuben, 25 June 1783 (Washington Papers)
I refer to your consideration A Memorial of Mr Hoaksley with sundry other papers relative to the condemnation of Merchandize &c. at York Town, said to have been carried in a Flag of Truce from N. York to Virginia—After an investigation of the Papers & the examination of Mr Hoaksley you will please to report your Opinion whether any alteration and what, ought to be made in the former decision....
3From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 21 December 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
I have received authority from the Legislature , to provide cloathing and blankets for the troops by seizing the same which will be accompanied by endeavors to purchase. Agents are out procuring salted beef and others setting out to procure pork in as large quantities as they are to be had to be stored on the Roanoke and its navigable waters. Ten thousand barrels of flour will certainly be...
4From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 7 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The inclosed came to hand this moment. As I make no doubt it communicates what was mentioned in a letter from the Marquis to me received at the same time, I shall not trouble you with it. Scows which the Marquis desires for the transportation of cannon cannot venture into the wide waters over which they will be to be transported, as I apprehend. Flats (which abound in York river) are the best...
5From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 26 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
An Officer from Cumberland having called on me this morning to direct what should be done with his unarmed Men, I took the Liberty by him of stating to you the order in which I thought the Militia should be discharged. I did this hastily while he was waiting and must now on more mature Reflection beg leave to correct in some Degree what I then wrote and to take up the whole subject. Fauquier,...
6From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 25 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Genl. Lawson writes me word that he can march 1000 men to-day or to-morrow to reinforce Genl. Greene if he can be aided with arms. I inclosed you yesterday a letter from Colo. Banister informing me there were 400 good Continental arms at Petersburg, of which he seemed to wish about 150. The state stock being already exhausted, I could only inform Genl. Lawson that I would take the liberty of...
7From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 2 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I have this moment received a confirmation of the arrival of a hostile fleet consisting of 19 ships, 2 brigs, and 10 sloops and schooners. The advance of the fleet were yesterday morning in Warrasqueak bay, and just getting into motion up the river with a favorable wind and tide. Their destination from the intelligence of deserters and some captured mariners whom they put on shore is some...
8From George Washington to Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, Baron [von] Steuben, 8 February 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have recd your favor of the 6th. Whether the duties of the assistant Inspectors will or will not admit of their performing other duties incident to Officers of their rank remains yet to be tried. Upon a supposition that they will—I shall consent to their being put upon the General Roster of the Army, and that they shall be, in their turn, eligible to command upon detachment or otherwise,...
9From George Washington to Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, Baron [von] Steuben, 18 February 1783 (Washington Papers)
On the 18th of Janry I wrote to Colonel Stewart urging in the strongest terms I was master of, the necessity of his immediately joining the Army; since which time I have not heard a word from him—I now think myself obliged in justice to my own official character, and duty to the Public to signify to you as head of the Department, that it will be essential to the service either for Colonel...
10From George Washington to Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, Baron [von] Steuben, 8 July 1783 (Washington Papers)
I have duly recd your two favors of the 5th by Express—it was indeed an unfortunate circumstance that the Resolution of the 12th of May respecting the frontier Posts could not have been sooner known & acted upon—as it is, we must make the best of what remains for us to arrange—on which subject it is not necessary for me to enlarge, as I shall probably have the pleasure of seeing you here...
11From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 17 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Loyall from the post at the North west Bridge representing to me that about 400 of the militia of Princess Anne and Norfolk are embodied, that they annoy the enemy considerably, restraining their foraging parties, and checking their motions (which latter circumstance is confirmed by letter from Genl. Lawson) but that they are dispirited for want of some communication with the main army on...
12From George Washington to Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, Baron [von] Steuben, 12 April 1782 (Washington Papers)
The propositions of Count Beniowsky which you put into my hands for consideration—I have read—and beg leave to observe thereupon, that the utility of his plan for introducing a Legionary Corps of Germans into the Service of the United States of America, depends, in my opinion, upon the Political state of Affairs in Europe—the probability of Wars continuing—and the mode of conducting it. As...
13From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 24 November 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
As you have been so kind as to remain here, among other purposes, for that of organizing our troops meant to be forwarded to the south, I beg leave to inclose to you a resolution of the Executive of this State, entered into previous to your arrival here appropriating such of the men as were before unappropriated to any particular corps, and directing in what manner they shou’d be officered. I...
14From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 20 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I inclose you a report from Mr. Ross of the Cloathing provided and his prospect of further provision. The procuring Hats or leather Caps still appears desperate, so that unless some substitute can be thought of I know not what will be done. There are no Hats I am told among the Cloathing come from the Northward. I wrote you that after having called certain numbers from Washington, Montgomery,...
15From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 17 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I have this moment received intelligence that Ld. Cornwallis continues his rapid approach and there is reason to beleive he was at Roanoke on the 14th. This information is not authentic, yet it comes in such manner as to command some attention. I have therefore thought it expedient to order every Man of the Counties of Powhatan, Cumberland, Amelia, Lunenburg and Brunswick who has a firelock or...
16From George Washington to Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, Baron [von] Steuben, 4 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
I am to acknowledge the receipt of your favor of the 15th ulto and to lament the unfortunate accident which prevented the execution of our plan against Arnold. I must beg of you to accept my thanks for the forwardness of your preparations of which and the propriety of all your other arrangements the Marquis has spoken in the most handsome manner—You will now naturally turn your attention again...
17From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 4 December 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
I have been just honored with your favor of Yesterday expressing your Opinion that it will be for the general good to dispense with the services of the Corps under Genl. Lawson; and take the Liberty of putting under cover to you my Letter to General Lawson desiring him to give them a discharge. The Diversion of their Services to an object different from that to which they had attached their...
18From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 16 October 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
Your letter on the general subject of the deficiencies in the Virginian quota of troops came to hand yesterday by post: but not attended by Colo. Davis’s particular returns as the letter seemed to imply. This particular return is so essential that without it our legislature can do nothing towards supplying the deficiency and as they have just met I think it is important that there should be no...
19From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 9 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The State commissary having come to me yesterday I sent him on to your Headquarters to provide subsistence for the troops and observe your orders in every thing. A waggon load of fixed ammunition and two feild peices have past this place for General Nelson. The residue (I beleive about two waggon loads) was ordered on to you yesterday. I am very happy to hear you have General Smallwood’s...
20From George Washington to Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, Baron [von] Steuben, 4 February 1782 (Washington Papers)
It would give me much pleasure in answering your letter of this date, if I could deliver such an opinion as would perfectly accord with the wishes of yourself, and the Gentn who are had in contemplation as Assistant Inspectors—But despairing of this, I shall submit such an one as candor, and a desire of information may require. My opinion has uniformly been that throwing the Inspectorate &...
21From George Washington to Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, Baron [von] Steuben, 12 July 1783 (Washington Papers)
In Consequence of Powers in me vested for that purpose, I do hereby authorize and desire you to proceed, with such dispatch as you shall find convenient, into Canada, and there concert with Genl Haldimand, or the British Commander in Cheif, in that Province, upon all such measures as shall be found necessary for receiving possession of the posts now under his Command within the Teritory ceded...
22From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 29 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I send you below a List of the Counties which were called on to make a part of the 4000 men for this invasion, tho’ they were called into the field on the last invasion also. As your reduction of the 4000 to 2700 will enable you to discharge some of those Counties, I think it would be best that these below mentioned should be first discharged. I have the honor to be with great esteem Sir Your...
23From George Washington to Major General Steuben, 9-11 January 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have recd your favor of the 17th of last month. It is not to be wondered at that you found so great a waste and derangement of public Stores after so general a call had been made upon the Militia, who were to be equipped from the Magazines. I however have the pleasure of thinking that every possible exertion will be made by you to recover those which had been delivered out. The Officers of...
24From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 24 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I have received repeated information that the nakedness of the Militia on service near Wmsburg and want of Shoes is such as to have produced murmurings almost amounting to mutinies and that there is no hope of being able longer to keep them in service. The precedent of an actual mutiny would be so mischevious as to induce us to beleive an accomodation to their present temper most prudent, and...
25From George Washington to Major General Steuben, 22 October 1780 (Washington Papers)
Though I am sensible how important your services will be in this quarter; yet as to the Southward, there is an army to be created, the mass of which is at present without any formation at all, your services there will be still more essential—and as I am persuaded your inclination is to be wherever you can be most useful, I have recommendd it to Congress to send you with General Greene to the...
26From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 24 December 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
The Southern express sets out to day. As you will probably have commands for him I will order him to call on you if you will be so good as to say at what hour. I should be exceedingly glad if by the return of the expresses (for the business which sets them in motion requires a return) I could through your means procure an accurate return of the Virginia troops in the South stating their times...
27John Christian Senf to Steuben, 20 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Since Saturday last I have been at Hoods, and done as much as possible. Yesterday morning I received an Express from the Governor , who mentions in his Letter, that the first Project he propos’d to the Inhabitants of Prince George had been most likly to fail, but that he now had orderd the whole County of Prince George for each Man to send a hand to Hoods to Worck for twelve Days, and this...
28From George Washington to Major General Steuben, 18 July 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have received your letter of the 14th and approve the measures you are taking. With regard to the light infantry you will see by the late General order, that I have ordered each regiment to furnish a company consisting of twenty rank and file —This is to be increased afterwards in proportion to the strength of the regiments—This appears to me to be the best plan to begin with. I think of...
29From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 26 November 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Brigadr. Genl. Lawson now waits on you for the purpose of informing you of the state of his corps. I would have done myself the pleasure of introducing him to you personally, but am engaged in the council chamber and shall be so till three o’clock. When yourself and Genl. Lawson shall have settled those essential wants without which his corps cannot proceed I shall be happy to do every thing...
30From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 7 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The inclosed Letter contains the first notification the Executive have received of the existence of any such cases as that of Lieut. Warm[an] therin stated. Exclusive of the justice of his claim, the express reserva[tion] by the board of Officers of the rights of all those in his situation, seems to place him on the footing on which he would have been, had his Commission been actually made out...
31From George Washington to Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, Baron [von] Steuben, 18 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have received your favr of the 23d ulto. As soon as I had ascertained the point of Genl Phillips having sailed with a detachment from New York I sent directions to the Marquis to proceed to the southward and put himself under the orders of Major Genl Greene. I was in hopes my letters would have reached him at Annapolis or met him in his march from thence to the Head of Elk, but unfortunately...
32From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 13 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
That the reformation of the troops of the Continent and State now on hand may be complete, I beg leave to inclose you a return of Col. Taylors regiment of guards. They are enlisted most of them to serve only during the continuance of the Saratoga troops in Albemarle. Their numbers being two hundred thirty eight, non-commission’d and private, I suppose they should be reduced to four companies...
33From George Washington to Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, Baron [von] Steuben, 14 April 1783 (Washington Papers)
A Committee of Congress is appointed to consider what arrangements it will be proper to adopt in the different departments with reference to a peace. Colo. Hamilton who is Chairman of this Committee has written me on this Subject wishing to know my Sentiments at large on such institutions of every kind for the interior defence of these States, as may be best adapted to their circumstances and...
34From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 19 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Shirts had been ordered for Colo. Armand’s Corps on your former requisition. These I believe are ready. They are ordered to be delivered to Majr. Lomagn ’s order. We have not a single article of the others enumerated in his list of necessaries wanted. We could therefore only undertake to him to furnish money to the Continental Quarter Master or any other proper person to procure them if this...
35From George Washington to Major General Steuben, 6 March 1780 (Washington Papers)
On saturday I received the Honor of Your obliging Favor of the 23d Ulto and was extremely sorry to find that your indisposition still continued; before this I hope you are perfectly recovered. Returns of the Troops have been transmitted to all the States, except those of North and South Carolina & Georgia, which have no Troops in this Quarter, and so particular as to enable them to form a...
36From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 14 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Your letters of the 12th. and 13th. are now before me. They are in some measure answered by some marginal notes on the several articles in a paper delivered me by Majr. Walker . If there be any state arms, fit for use, and still undelivered they are so few, that we may consider them as nothing. I should therefore think it proper to discharge so many militia as cannot be furnished with arms. My...
37From George Washington to Major General Steuben, 2 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have received your favour of the 29th of Sepr containing a plan for recruiting the army for the next campaign, which I have attentively considered—Many parts of it correspond exactly with my ideas and with the proposals I have made and am making to Congress—Such parts of it as are new and appear to me calculated to promote the service shall be added. I have the honor to be With much esteem...
38From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 16 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I received the inclosed letter last night and took the liberty of informing Colo. Loyauté that I would let you know of the offer of his services and that he is here, as you could best judge in what line they might be useful. I have the honour to be with much respect Sir your most obedt. sert., RC ( NHi ); endorsed. Enclosure not found. On Loyaute (variously spelled), see R. H. Lee to TJ, 11...
39From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 8 December 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
The inclosed is a Copy of a requisition I have received this morning from Lt. Colo. Lee. With respect to cloathing for so many of his Legion as were raised in other States and consequently not credited to us in our Continental quota we do not conceive the call on us to be proper; as it is totally unprecedented for the troops of one State to be clothed by another, nor does our condition or...
40From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 11 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Having been informed about a week ago that the troops nearest to the enemy’s lines were much in want of ammunition waggons I have had two made ready, which are now sent to your orders. I think it was Genl. Lawson particularly who applied for these waggons. I have the honour to be with much esteem & respect Sir Your most obedt. humble servt., RC ( PHi ); addressed by TJ: “The honble. Majr....
41From George Washington to Major General Steuben, 1 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have been favoured with four letters from you three of the 22d and one of the 27th. One of them incloses a representation from the Gentlemen in your department, requesting some additional privileges, in consideration of the additional trouble incident to the extensive duties of their offices—Their request appears to me so reasonable that I shall immediately take measures to have them...
42From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 16 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I make no doubt from what passed in council in your presence you were led to beleive as I was that I should be advised to impress immediately all armed vessels in James river to cooperate with the French force. The board however decide against an impress, so that I am only to endeavor to engage the willing. I mention this to you that nothing more may be expected than is likely to be obtained...
43From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 10 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
General Scott having obtained Permission from the Commandant at Charles Town for the shipping of Tobaccos from this State to that Post for the Relief of the Continental Troops there of our Line, sent me a Copy of that Permission taken by his Brigade Major. This Paper not being sufficiently authentic to protect from capture Vessels which should go laden with Tobacco’s, I wrote to Major General...
44From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 19 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The prisoners in Albemarle were ordered to be removed immediately giving them time only to pack their baggage that it might follow them in waggons. Those taken at the Cowpens which were at New London on the 14th. inst. were likewise ordered Northwardly by the way of Staunton keeping above the Blue ridge while the Conventioners pass below it. These orders were issued at the same time with those...
45From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 10 January 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I received last night your favor of yesterday; and shall immediately dispatch an express to Genl. Weedon and recommend to him to attend to the measures necessary for the preservation of Mr. Hunter’s works. I have heard that he has with difficulty armed some four or five hundred men and means with them to join Genl. Nelson. I am really at a loss what to advise him. If he comes away with that...
46From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 6 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Since writing my other letter of this date, yours of to day is come to hand. I take the liberty of inclosing to you an extract from a letter I wrote Genl. Weedon on the subject of Colo. Curie which I suppose had not been communicated to Genl. Phillips at the date of his letter. Colo. Holmes at Winchester is the Continental Commissary of Prisoners in this State, who I dare say can make a return...
47From Thomas Jefferson to Steuben, 2 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
General Arnold having left in the hands of Mr. Buchanan of this place twenty Guineas for purposes not approved of by us I am to beg leave to trouble you with the ordering it to be returned by flag. I am with great respect Sir Your mo: ob: hble. Servant, RC ( NHi ); in a clerk’s hand, signed by TJ; addressed to Steuben, but without indication of place; endorsed. FC ( Vi ). Nothing else is known...
48From George Washington to Major General Steuben, 6 February 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have duly received your several letters of December the 28th 29th Janry the 8th 11th; which the smallness of my family at this time and a multiplicity of business have prevented my acknowleging sooner. I am sorry for your embarrassments and obliged to you for your exertions. With the materials you have, I am sure you will do the best you can; and I hope the state by adopting better...
49From Jonathan Trumbull, Jr. to Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, Baron [von] Steuben, 18 July 1783 (Washington Papers)
His Excellency, in the Moment of his Departure, directs me to inform you, that being ignorant of the Encouragement Majr L’Enfant has a right to claim from you, it is difficult for him to determine the question you put—But was he to decide, he should have no other Mode of doing it than by Seniority. Most respectfully I am Dr Baron Your most Obedt Servt NHi : Steuben Papers.
50From George Washington to Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, Baron [von] Steuben, 9 July 1782 (Washington Papers)
In answer to your Letter of yesterdays date, containing the following queries, "Is the Department of Inspector General necessary in the Army, or is it not?" "Has this Department been conducted during the course of five years agreeable to your Wishes, and have the consequences resulting from my exertions as Chief of the Department answered your Expectations?" I give it as my clear opinion that...