1From George Washington to Egbert Benson and Brigadier General George Clinton, 13 July 1776 (Washington Papers)
Two ships of force with their Tenders have Sailed up Hudsons River —I am apprehensive that they design to seize the passes in the Highlands by Land wh[ich] I am informed may be done by a small body of Men. I must therefore request you instantly to desire Genl Ten Broeck to March down as great force as he can Collect to secure them, particularly the post where the Road runs over Anthonies nose...
2From George Washington to Brigadier General George Clinton, 31 March 1777 (Washington Papers)
A Captain who escaped from New York on Saturday Evening and who arrived here this morning, informs, that about Three Thousand Troops (British & Hessians) were embarked from the City & Staten Island when he came away. It was generally said, they had in contemplation an expedition to Chesepeak Bay and to make a descent on the Eastern Shore. There were some who conjectured, they mean to go up the...
3From George Washington to George Clinton, 15 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
One Losee, formerly an Inhabitant of this State, now a Deserter from the Enemy, is send to your Excellency’s disposal. It is asserted by a Certain Berrian (immediately from the Enemy) that Losee, was an Emissary charged with Dispatches for the Enemy at the Northward; I am also told Col. Da y ton has recd similar information of him. I have &c. DLC : Papers of George Washington.
4From George Washington to George Clinton, 19 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
I last evening recd the inclosed from Congress with a request that I would take measures for carrying the plan recommended by Colo. Hartley into execution. The advices which I have just recd from different quarters bear the strongest marks of an immediate evacuation of New York. These considerations induce me, should it be deemed expedient, to make an addition to Colonel Cortlands command by...
5From George Washington to George Clinton, 19 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
Your favor of the 12th instant was delivered me last night. I recollect, that Permission was granted Mrs Hatfield to visit her Husband, & had not the least Doubt, but she would be suffered to return whenever she had an Inclination, unless some singular Circumstances should render it ineligible for a Day or two. Her Detention seems to be by the Mayor, to whom she was referred for a Passport. As...
6From George Washington to George Clinton, 2 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
Capt. Machin has been employed since the year 1776 in the engineering Branch, without ever coming to any regular settlement for his Services. He does not chuse to fix any price himself, and I am really ignorant of what is just and proper. You have been a witness of a good deal of his work, and he is willing to submit the matter to your decision. Captain Machin holds a Commission in the...
7From George Washington to George Clinton, 4 March 1779 (Washington Papers)
The president of Congress has transmitted me Your Excellencys letter to the delegates of New York, representing the calamitous situation of the North Western frontier of that State—accompanied by a similar application from the Pennsilvania Assembly—and a Resolve of the 25th directing me to take the most effectual Measures for the protection of the inhabitants and chastisement of the indians....
8From George Washington to George Clinton, 25 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have been honoured with yours of the 20th and 24th instants; the latter by Mr Harkermir who gives a melancholy account of the distresses of the inhabitants at the German Flatts. To defend an extensive frontier against the incursions of a desultory Enemy is next to impossible; but still if you think the addition of another Regiment, ill as I can spare it, or a change of position in the troops...
9From George Washington to George Clinton, 29 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
I was favoured to day with your Letter of the 26 Instant. It gave me extreme concern to hear of the complaint, which you transmitted. There is nothing I wish for more, than a happy understanding between the Inhabitants and every part of the Army—and this I have constantly endeavoured to promote. I have written to Major Strang & Mr Hyatt, inclosing a Letter to Major Lee with a copy of the...
10From George Washington to George Clinton, 9 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
In the close of my letter of the 5th Instant, I had the pleasure to acknowlege your favors of the 18th & 21st Ultimo. Besides the 80 battalions of Infantry, it is the intention of Congress to preserve as many of the 16 additional and other corps as can be kept up by means of incorporation, or continued in their present condition—considering at the same time such of the men composing these...
11From George Washington to George Clinton, 29 August 1783 (Washington Papers)
I am very sorry to find by the Report of the Baron Steuben there is no probability that we shall be put in possession of the Western Posts this fall—in consequence of this information and the late season of the year I have directed the Movement of the Troops to be stopped, & the preparations to be suspended until farther Orders. Major Giles (who is the bearer of this Letter) having occasion to...
12From George Washington to George Clinton, 1 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have received your two favors of the 25th and 29th. I am obliged to your Excellency for the assurance of all the assistance in the power of this State in case of a co-operation with our allies—The degree of aid which will be necessary for this State cannot well be determined before hand—it will depend on the force of the Enemy and the state of our magazines at the moment. In the former we...
13From George Washington to George Clinton, 30 July 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with your Excellency’s favor of the 24th inclosing the Copy of a Letter From Col. Willet—From which I have learnt with great concern the repeated depredations that have been committed on your Western frontier, and should be extremely happy (were it in my power consistent with the general state of affairs) to afford a sufficient Detachment from this Army to cover the whole...
14From George Washington to George Clinton, 14 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
I yesterday evening received Your favor of the 13th and thank you for transmitting me a copy of Your Brother’s Letter. I am happy to find the Troops are in such health and Spirits. Major Gibbs inclosed you Yesterday the Charles Town papers of the 29th of May and 4th of June, which would shew Your Excellency all the operations in that quarter to those dates; and that matters are far short of...
15From George Washington to George Clinton, 1 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
I am extremely sorry that it is in my power to inform you, that a Captain Colson of the 5th Virginia Regiment a few days ago, violently wounded a Mr Vantassel of this State, of which he died in a little time after —The moment I was apprised of it, I directed a Letter to be written & sent to Genl Muhlenburg, to whose Brigade he belonged, to have him secured, in order that he might be delivered...
16From George Washington to Brigadier General George Clinton, 8 June 1777 (Washington Papers)
Your favor of 4th Inst. I receiv’d this Morning —As the Movement of the Enemy & their Designs are as yet uncertain, I have to request that you will keep as large a Body of the Militia as you can collect, & have them in as good order as Circumstances will permit, in case Genl Howe should Incline up North River[.] I have no doubt but you have form’d such a Plan with General Heard as will best...
17From George Washington to George Clinton, 30 April 1778 (Washington Papers)
On monday I received your favor of the 22d Inst. I should be extremely sorry if the incursions you apprehend, should take place. From the defeats and disappointments the Indians met with the last campaign, when pushed on and supported by a formidable regular Army, we had reason to hope, that they would remain peaceable, at least for some time. However there is no reasoning with precision from...
18From George Washington to George Clinton, 5 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
The time not being very remote, in which our intended operations must commence—it is necessary to put some of the troops designed for the expedition in motion, to the several points from whence they are to operate. In consequence of this—the troops now at Minisink will be immediately ordered from that post. As this circumstance may create apprehensions in the minds of the people for their...
19From George Washington to George Clinton, 3 August 1779 (Washington Papers)
I this minute received a Letter from General Sullivan of the 30th Ulto and a Copy of One to yo⟨ur⟩ Brother the General; of both which I inclose you Copies. Your Excellency will be pleased to direct the march of Lt Colo. pauling at such time—and in such manner as you shall judge best. You will also receive a Letter ⟨addre⟩ssed to you, which came with ⟨mine.⟩ I have inclosed a line to the...
20From George Washington to Brigadier General George Clinton, 3 March 1777 (Washington Papers)
Your favour of the 23d February was duly handed me; and I am thankful for the attention and activity, with which you are promoting the public service. As you have all the circumstances immediately before you, you can best judge whether the cannon, of which you speak, will be most useful to defend the obstructions which are forming, or at the places where they now are; and you will be pleased...
21From George Washington to Brigadier General George Clinton, 25 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
Yours of Yesterday reached me at this place. Considering the situation in which you say the hard Bread is, instead of bringing it forward, I have directed Genl Sullivan’s and Lord Stirlings divisions to draw three days each before they leave King’s Ferry. If any remains after supplying them, it may be sent back to the Forts. Whether the Enemy’s real design’s are southward or Eastward, in order...
22From George Washington to George Clinton, 8 February 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have been duly ⟨honored⟩ with Your Excellency’s favor of the ⟨31st of⟩ January. I have also conversed with ⟨your⟩ Brother, on the temper and dispo⟨sition of the⟩ Troops of New York, ⟨and from his represen⟩tation, am led to expect the discontents among them, which were so happily suppressed, will not revive again. With respect to the mode your Excellency recommends for employing ⟨the...
23From George Washington to George Clinton, 7 May 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have had the Honor to receive your Excellencys Favor of the 5th Communicatg Intelligence from St. Croix—for which I beg you to accept my acknowledgement & thanks. It seems we are comg to a period when we are exceedgly in Danger of being imposed upon by the Insidious Measures of our Enemy—You have doubtless seen the Intelligence from N. York & the Debates in Parliament upon the American...
24From George Washington to George Clinton, 6 November 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have received your several favo⟨rs of the 18th 30th⟩ and 31st Ulto. I congratulate you upon your safe return from yo⟨ur⟩ late excursion, and upon the success which attended ⟨Genl Rans⟩alaers attack upon the enemy in their retreat—It is to be ⟨regretted⟩ that your Excellency was not near enough with the Reinfor⟨cement to⟩ take advantage of their situation. The damage, which has ⟨been⟩ done,...
25From George Washington to George Clinton, 19 October 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have received your favor of the 15th Inst. with the Enclosures. And tho’ at the same time it is true, I have the general command of the Allied Army, as to all its movements, operations &c. yet I have never considered myself as having an absolute right to interfere with the internal police & regulation of the french Army under the immediate orders of His Excellency the Count de Rochambeau;...
26From George Washington to George Clinton, 25 November 1782 (Washington Papers)
A few days ago I had the pleasure to receive your favor of the 12th inst. Altho’ I felt pain from your silence, I should have imputed it to any cause rather than a diminution of friendship—the warmth of which I feel too sensibly for you, to harbor a suspicion of the want of it in you, without being conscious of having given cause for the change—having ever flattered myself that our regards...
27From George Washington to George Clinton, 20 April 1783 (Washington Papers)
In consequence of a Resolution of Congress ordering Arrangements to be formed by me & the Minister at War for the Liberation of Prisoners—& directing a Negociation to be entered into with Sir Guy Carleton, for the Delivery of the British Posts, I am this Moment returned from Ringwood, where I went Yesterday, to meet & have a Conference with General Lincoln—As the Negociation with Sir Guy, has...
28From George Washington to George Clinton, 30 October 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to inform your Excellency, that in makg the general Arrangements of Winter Cantonments for the Army, & in consequence of your representations, One Regiment has been allotted to the Defence of the Northern frontiers of your State—Colo. Olney, with the Rhode Island Regiment, is ordered to repair to Albany—and the two New Hampshire Regiments will join the Army, who are takg their...
29From George Washington to George Clinton, 12 April 1780 (Washington Papers)
I was yest⟨erday honored with your⟩ favor of the 7th and am v⟨ery sorry to find that your⟩ Frontier is likely Again to [be] ⟨disturbed by the⟩ incursions of the Savages. I⟨t appears by yours⟩ that you had not received the ⟨Act of Congress of the⟩ 4th instant, by which they app⟨rove of your proposal⟩ of raising 800 Militia for the ⟨defence of the State—⟩ I take the liberty of enclosing ⟨you a...
30From George Washington to George Clinton, 10 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
I am honored with your Excellency’s favour of yesterday by Colo. Malcolm, who has communicated to me the particulars with which you charged him —I beg leave to refer you to my letter of yesterday which I hope you have received. In that, sensible of the inconvenience of keeping out the militia at this season of the year, I anticipated your wish for their discharge, with my warmest...
31From George Washington to George Clinton, 29 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
I am just honored with yours of last evening, and am sorry to find inclosures of so disagreeable a nature. I have, by the inclosed, directed the Commanding Officer of the Massachusetts Militia to repair to Albany, and have desired him to leave word for the remainder to repair thither as they come in. Should any part of your Militia, that were intended for the expected cooperation, be still...
32From George Washington to George Clinton, 14 April 1783 (Washington Papers)
I inclose to your Excellency a Copy of a Letter which I have received by Yesterdays post. As it involves a variety of Considerations, & I would write to get the best Information on its Subject that I can, before I give my Sentiments to the Gentlemen—I have to request that your Excellency will favor me with your Tho’ts in as extensive a View as you think proper—& to give them to me at the...
33From George Washington to George Clinton, 23–24 May 1780 (Washington Papers)
⟨I am exceedingly sorry to learn, by your⟩ favr of the 19th, ⟨the distressed situation of your fron⟩tier, more especially ⟨at a time, when our attention⟩ will, in all probability ⟨be called, in a great measure,⟩ to the operations upon the ⟨Coast. My confidential⟩ letter of the 18th will explain ⟨my meaning.⟩ By that you will perceive ⟨the impossibility, under⟩ present appearances and...
34From George Washington to George Clinton, 10 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have with great pleasure received your Excellency’s favr of the 7th: Your plan of ordering the Militia to bring out 40 days flour of their own will be a great releif to the Commy General who is only under apprehensions on account of that Article. Of Meat, he gives me assurances of any quantity that may be required. The Quarter Master General is making every preparation for Camp equipage. We...
35From George Washington to George Clinton, 24 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
Inclosed you have Colo. Butlers Journal of his expedition against Unadilla and Anaquaga You will perceive from that the Route he pursued and the difficulties he met from the Waters, even at this Season. Perhaps this may be of some service to you in forming a decisive opinion upon the Chemung expedition. Be pleased to return this Journal and Colonel Hartleys when you have done with them. I am...
36From George Washington to George Clinton, 24 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
That I might be more convenient to the Works at West point, I removed my quarters to this place on Monday last. I have only to add upon this subject, that I shall be happy to see Your Excellency here, as often as your leisure will permit. There has been no Official account received from Charles Town as yet that I know of; but I have no doubt but that there has been an Action there, and that...
37From George Washington to Brigadier General George Clinton, 26 April 1777 (Washington Papers)
I wrote you on the 23d Inst. communicating Intelligence lately received respecting the Enemy’s designs up the North River—A letter from Genl McDougall this moment received, places their Intentions beyond the power of misconception —Several Transports have anchored at Dob’s ferry—& mean, in my Opinion, to divert our Attention, if possible, from their Movements towards the Delaware—At any rate...
38From George Washington to George Clinton, 20 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have just recd the inclosed from Albany. It serves to shew the hostile intentions of the Indian Enemy, and consequently the necessity of counteracting them as vigorously as possible. I am with great Esteem Your Excellency’s most obt Servt LS , in Tench Tilghman’s writing, CSmH ; Df , DLC:GW ; Varick transcript , DLC:GW . GW enclosed the letter from Indian agent James Deane to Maj. Gen....
39From George Washington to George Clinton, 26 November 1782 (Washington Papers)
Colo. Varrick delivered me your Excellency’s favor of the 22d. I thank you for the trouble you have taken to obtain information on the points we conversed at our last meeting. I have done the same—and still keep the matter full in view. That the Enemy are about to make a detachment from New York does not admit of a doubt—but to what extent, or when it will take place is more uncertain. Four...
40From George Washington to George Clinton, 7 May 1781 (Washington Papers)
I had the honor to receive, last night your Excellency’s letter of the same date. In consequence of Brigadr Clinton’s information of the 30th Ulto I instantly ordered 50 Barrels of flour, & 34 of Meat (being every Barrel of the latter we had on hand) to be sent to Albany; for a partial releif of the Garrison of Fort Schuyler—I know it was very inadequate, but it was our all, since which not a...
41From George Washington to George Clinton, 14 June 1783 (Washington Papers)
In conformity to Mr Izard’s request, I take the liberty to enclose to your Excellency a Letter from Mrs Delancy to him, describing the outrages which have been committed in the County of West-Chester, I am well assured that every species of licentiousness and disorder hath, and will meet with your displeasure; and I have therefore informed Mr Izard, that measures have been taken, for the...
42From George Washington to George Clinton, 23 May 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with your Excellency’s Letter of Yesterday, with its Inclosures respecting Mr Murson. Sensible of the Impropriety of suffering persons of his Character to remain in the Country at this Time, I inclose to your Excellency a permission to Capt. Pray who commands at Dobbs Ferry—to pass Mr Muirson within the Enemys Lines—The Time for his going in I submit to your Excellency...
43From George Washington to George Clinton, 12 March 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have received the letter which Your Excellency did me the honor to write the 7th inst: with the depositions of Capt. Laurence and Thomas Minor—relative to Col. Holdridges seisure of the schooner General Howe. As I am informed that a complaint on the same subject has been laid before Congress—and am ignorant what orders they may have given in consequence—I have given conditional directions to...
44From George Washington to George Clinton, 18 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
I received your Excellency’s favour of yesterday in the Evening—Previous to that, I had written you a second letter on the subject of the expedition to Anaquaga; informing you, among other particulars, that Col. Cortlandts regiment was immediately to proceed to Poughkepsie and that the Col. himself would wait upon you to consult you fully on the measures proper to be taken. The representation...
45From George Washington to George Clinton, 17 August 1783 (Washington Papers)
Under the urgent necessity of making immediate preparations for occupying the Western Posts as soon as they shall be evacuated by the Enemy, which was stated very fully in the Letter I had the honor to address to your Excellency a few day ago by Col. Humphrys; I consider myself obliged to request in the most pressing manner that you will advance five hundred Pounds or a larger sum if...
46From George Washington to George Clinton, 30 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
Yesterday I was honored by the Receipt of your Excellency’s Favor of the 28th inst. Sensible of the Importance of supporting the Northn & Western Frontier of your State, Measures were taken for that Purpose, by calling for the Militia of the State of Massachusetts, as early as the Resolution for drawing down the Regular Troops was adopted—and my Letter of the 25th June, requesting Governor...
47From George Washington to George Clinton, 11 July 1782 (Washington Papers)
Colonel Lutterloh, Commissy Gen. of Forage waits upon your Excellency to represent the state of the Army respecting forage, and to sollicit such aid from your Legislature as may be necessary for keeping up the supplies, untill the Financier shall be enabled to take more effectual measures for the purpose. Give me leave to inform your Excellency that the Horses & Ox Teames of the Army are...
48From George Washington to George Clinton, 1 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
I had proceeded thus far in order to look out for a proper place to arrange the Army when I recd the provoking account that the Enemy’s Fleet left the Capes of Delaware yesterday and steered Eastward again. I shall return again with the utmost expedition to the North River, but as a sudden stroke is certainly intended by this Maneuvre, I beg you will immediately call in every Man of the...
49From George Washington to George Clinton, 16 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
I am favd with yours of the 15th containing the disagreeable account of the further ravages committed by the Indians. I will immediately order one Regiment to be held ready for the frontier service, and if, upon making a general arrangement of the Army, I find that more can be spared, I will make an addition to the number. As I am unacquainted with the direction of Anaquaga I shall be obliged...
50From George Washington to George Clinton, 6 March 1779 (Washington Papers)
The annexed Letter written previous to the Receipt of Your Excelly’s favor of the 3d inst. will serve as an Answer to the principal part of its contents. The intelligence I have to communicate to Your Excelly is I apprehend, no more than will have already been transmitted to you by the Delegates of your State. It is in brief as follows—That the King of Spain has declared he will not be an...