31From George Washington to Major Benjamin Tallmadge, 14 August 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have your favors of the 11th by Capt. Edgar, who has got an order for the Arms necessary for the dismounted Dragoons. I have wrote to Colo. Sheldon by this opportunity respecting the inlistment of Men to fill up the Regiment provided they can be obtained upon the terms of serving on foot untill there shall be a necessity or conveniency of mounting them —If you can procure a proper person to...
32From George Washington to Major Benjamin Tallmadge, 28 August 1779 (Washington Papers)
The period is now come (in the arrival of the enemys reinforcement ) when the intelligence of C——r Junr may be interesting and important—To delay his communications till they are matters of public notoriety, is answering no valuable purpose but to be early—precise—and well informed in the several accts transmitted, is essential—To know as nearly as may be the amount of the enemy’s...
33From George Washington to Major Benjamin Tallmadge, 7 September 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have recd yours of the 4th inclosing C—— letter No. 22. and also that of the 5th. You may detain Brown in his present employ, and I will inform General Parsons that it is by my order. I have not heard that the enemy have any parties upon Long Island cutting Wood for the Garrisons of New York and Rhode Island. I think they were busy at that work, at this time last year. Be pleased to direct...
34From George Washington to Major Benjamin Tallmadge, 22 September 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have been expecting for some time past a communication from C——. The period which he had fixed was the 11th instant. If you know the cause of his silence—or have had any intimations from him I wish to be informed of them. Very interesting events have taken place which must and have produced circumstances in New-York—deserving of his notice—That he has gone so far beyond his promise makes me...
35From George Washington to Major Benjamin Tallmadge, 24 September 1779 (Washington Papers)
I this morning received your letter of the 22d with its several inclosures. It is not my opinion that Culper Junr should be advised to give up his present employment. I would imagine that with a little industry he will be able to carry on his intelligence with greater security to himself, and greater advantages to us—under cover of his usual business, than if he were to dedicate himself wholly...
36From George Washington to Major Benjamin Tallmadge, 2 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have recd yours of the 30th Sepr by Mr Helmerharsen to whom I have granted a Warrant for 5000 dollars to be accounted for by Colo. Sheldon. The State of the military Chest will not allow of a further sum at this time. When this is expended, be pleased to make a Return of the Names of the Men inlisted, and you may draw a further Sum. I am anxious to hear what effect the Count D’Estaings...
37From George Washington to Major Benjamin Tallmadge, 6 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
I received last evening your letter of the 3d with its inclosure. In your first communication with C——, and you will make it as soon as possible, I shall want to be as perfectly ascertained ⟨as⟩ the nature of the inquiry will ad⟨mit—viz.—⟩The quantity and quality of the ⟨provisions⟩ in New-York—comprehending their whole stock—whether in magazines, or on ship-board. He will be particular as to...
38From George Washington to Major Benjamin Tallmadge, 8 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
It is very interesting at this moment to be well informed of the Enemy’s shipping which may take place in the Sound—I wish you therefore to station an intelligent officer in such a situation as may be perfectly adopted for this purpose—He is to be careful in observing the size & number of all Vessels and whether there may be Troops on board, either in coming to, or going from New York, and in...
39From George Washington to Major Benjamin Tallmadge, 9 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have your favr of the 7th inclosing a letter for Major Jameson who is in south Carolina. It shall be forwarded by the first opportunity. Should a certain operation take place, it will be necessary to establish a very regular communication with Long Island. These plans are better settled personally than by letter, I shall be glad to see you at Head Quarters. After leaving some person who can...
40Instructions to Major Benjamin Tallmadge, 17 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
C——Junr to remain in the City, to collect all the useful information he can—to do this, he should mix as much as possible among the Officers and Refugees, visit the Coffee Houses and all public places. He is to pay particular attention to the movements by land and Water in and about the City—especially— How their transports are secured against an attempt to destroy them—whether by armed...