7621From George Washington to Lafayette, 14 October 1789 (Washington Papers)
This is the first time I have written to you, my dear Marquis, since I have been in this place—and I have not received a line from you in the same space of time. This has been a long interval of silence between two persons whose habits of correspondence have been so uninterruptedly kept up as ours; but the new and arduous scenes in which we have both been lately engaged will afford a mutual...
7622From George Washington to Major General Lafayette, 19 May 1780 (Washington Papers)
I impatiently wait my Dear Marquis to know the result of the arrangements you were to make with Congress. The time slides away so fast and we have so little before us, that every moment is infinitely precious and ought to be improved. We talked of a Proclamation to the Canadians—If it is not already done, I think it ought not to be delayed. It should be in your own name, and have as much as...
7623From George Washington to Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette, 31 May 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have received your favors of the 4th, 8th, 17th, and 18th instants, your conduct upon every occasion meets my approbation, but in none more than your refusal to hold a correspondance with Arnold. By an account which I have just received from New York, Genl Robinson goes to succeed Genl Phillips. You may have something to apprehend from his age and experience but not much from his Activity....
7624From George Washington to Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette, 6 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
Should the Marquis de la Fayette not be with the detachment, you will halt wherever this may meet you and wait till you hear further from him. I am Sir Yr Most obt Servt DLC : Papers of George Washington.
7625From George Washington to Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette, 30 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
I take your private letter of the 20th of this month in the light which you wish it—that of an unreserved Communication from one Friend to another—and I should be wanting in Candor were I not to expose my sentiments to you in as free a manner. I am convinced that your desire to be with this Army arises principally from a wish to be actively useful—you will not therefore regret your stay in...
7626From George Washington to Major General Lafayette, 3 August 1780 (Washington Papers)
I received this day My Dear Marquis your letter of the 29th of July. The blunders which have been made with respect to arms ammunition and cloathing are serious disappointments. I think however from a closer inspection of our means that we shall be able to collect nearly arms enough to put into the hands of our recruits, and powder enough to undertake the enterprise if in the course of the...
7627From George Washington to Major General Lafayette, 16 July 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have received your favor of this date—& thank you for the Sentiments contained in it. You have totally misconceived my meaning if you think I have or shall relinquish the idea of enterprizeing against New York till it appears obviously impracticable from the want of force, or means to operate—I have not as yet relaxed in any preparation tending to this end, nor shall I till I am convinced of...
7628From George Washington to Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette, 2 September 1781 (Washington Papers)
Nothing, My Dear Marquis, could have afforded me greater satisfaction than the information communicated in your two letters of the 21st and 24th Ulto, of the measures you had taken and the arrangements you were making, in consequence of the intelligence I had given you. Calculating upon your Regular force under your immediate orders, the Militia which have already been called for and may be...
7629From George Washington to Major General Lafayette, 10 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
Your favor of the 6th Instt which came to my hands yesterday, afforded a fresh proof of the noble principles on which you act, and has a just claim to my sincere & hearty thanks. The common cause, of which you have been a Zealous supporter would I know, be benefitted by Genl Greene’s presence at Rhode Island, as he is a native of that State—has an interest with the People—and a thorough...
7630From George Washington to Major General Lafayette, 20 February 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have ordered a detachment to be made at this post to rendezvous at Peeks Kill the 19th instant, which together with another to be formed at Morris Town from the Jersey troops will amount to about twelve hundred Rank & file. The destination of this detachment is to act against the corps of the enemy now in Virginia in conjunction with the Militia and some ships from the fleet of The Chevalier...
7631From George Washington to Major General Lafayette, 31 July 1778 (Washington Papers)
I had, last Night, the pleasure of receiving yours of the 28th dated at saybrook. I hope your next will inform me of your arrival at Providence, and of your having seen the Count D’Estaings Fleet off the Harbour of Newport, an event, of which I am most anxious to hear. The inclosed letters were recd from Philada by Express. I am Dear Marquis with the greatest Regard Yr most obt & humble Servt....
7632From George Washington to Major General Lafayette, 17 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
I received yesterday your favor of the 15th Instant, inclosing a paper, subscribed by Sundry Officers of General Woodford’s brigade, setting forth their reasons for not taking the Oath of Abjuration—Allegiance & Office, and thank you much for the cautious delicacy, used in communicating the matter to me. As every Oath should be a free act of the mind, founded on the conviction of the party of...
7633From George Washington to Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette, 4 June 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have this moment received information that the letters, of which the inclosed are copies, with other dispatches and the Southern Mail, were taken between this and Morris town and carried—it is supposed—into New York—It is unhappy that the communication is so insecure! and that corrispondencies from one part of the Country to another are liable to such accidents! I have received your letters...
7634From George Washington to Lafayette, 18 June 1788 (Washington Papers)
I cannot account for your not having received some of my letters, my dear Marquis, before you wrote yours of the 18th of March; as I have been writing to you, at short intervals, constantly since last autumn. To demonstrate the satisfaction I enjoy on the receipt of your favours; I always answer them almost as soon as they arrive—Although, on account of my retirement from the busy scenes of...
7635From George Washington to Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette, 22 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have received your several letters of the 11th 12th two of the 13th and two of the fifteenth. I am extremely concerned at the temper of your detachment and the desertions that are taking place. I imagine however these would have been nearly as great in any other corps that might have been sent, and after the Pensylvania line I think it would have been ineligible to detach any other state...
7636From George Washington to Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette, 27 August 1781 (Washington Papers)
Your favr of the 11th did not reach me till yesterday morning—I so soon expect to see you that I shall defer entering into a particular answer to the Contents, part of which is of a very disagreeable nature and must be handled delicately. The whole force intended for the southward will be assembled in this neighbourhood to day and tomorrow and will proceed to Trenton as soon as Craft can be...
7637From George Washington to Major General Lafayette, 8 May 1780 (Washington Papers)
Your welcome favour of the 27th of April came to my hands yesterday —I received it with all the joy that the sincerest friendship could dictate—and with that impatience which an ardent desire to see you could not fail to inspire. I am sorry I do not know your rout through the State of New York, that I might, with certainty, send a small party of Horse (all I have at this place) to meet &...
7638From George Washington to Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette, 10 May 1783 (Washington Papers)
My letter of the 5th of last Month by your Servant, acknowledged the receipt of your favor of the 5th of Feby from Cadiz—I have now to thank you for your letter of the 2d of March from Bordeaux which came to my hands a few days ago. If I can get my Letter to Philada in time, it will be conveyed to you by the Duke de Lauzen, who (with his Legion) is on the point of Embarkation; and will carry...
7639From George Washington to Major General Lafayette, 16 May 1780 (Washington Papers)
Since you left me, I have more fully reflected on the plan which it will be proper for the French fleet and army to persue, on their arrival upon the Coast and it appears to me in the present situation of the enemy at New York, that it ought to be our first object to reduce that post and that it is of the utmost importance not to lose a moment in repairing to that place. I would therefore...
7640From George Washington to Major General Lafayette, 27 July 1778 (Washington Papers)
This will be delivered you by Major General Greene, whose thorough knowlege of Rhode Island, of which he is a native, and the influence he will have with the people, put it in his power to be particularly useful in the expedition against that place; as well in providing necessaries for carrying it on, as in assisting to form and execute a plan of operations proper for the occasion. The honor...
7641From George Washington to Lafayette, 21 November 1791 (Washington Papers)
At the earnest request of Mr Jorre I make known to you, that he came over to this Country with an idea of obtaining some appointment under our Government; but he now finds that idea to have been false; for propriety, as you, my dear Sir, well know, would not admit of a foreigners being prefered to Office before one of our own Countrymen, who suffered so much to effect the revolution, and who...
7642From George Washington to Major General Lafayette, 30 September 1779 (Washington Papers)
A few days ago I wrote you a letter in much haste. the cause a sudden notification of Monsr Gerards having changed the place of his embarkation from Boston (as was expected) to Philadelphia, & the hurry Monsir de la Colombe was in to reach the latter before the Minister should have left it. Since that, I have been honourd with the company of the Chevr de la Luzerne, & by him was favourd with...
7643From George Washington to Lafayette, 15 August 1786 (Washington Papers)
I will not conceal that my numerous correspondencies are daily becoming irksome to me; yet I always receive your letters with augmenting satisfaction, and therefore rejoice with you in the measures which are likely to be productive of a more frequent intercourse between our two nations. Thus, motives of a private as well as of a public nature conspire to give me pleasure, in finding that the...
7644From George Washington to Lafayette, 29 January 1789 (Washington Papers)
By the last Post, I was favored with the receipt of your letter, dated the 5th of September last. Notwithstanding the distance of its date, it was peculiarly welcome to me: for I had not, in the mean time received any satisfactory advices respecting yourself or your country. By that letter, my mind was placed much more at its ease, on both those subjects, than it had been for many months. The...
7645From George Washington to Major General Lafayette, 27 March 1779 (Washington Papers)
Mr Mason who will have the honor of presenting this letter to you is the Son of a Gentn of family fortune and influence in the state of Virginia—one who is a warm & zealous supporter of the rights of Mankind—and a particular friend of mine. Want of health induces the young Gentn to travel, to see how far this blessing will be restored by a change of climate—to Montpelier, most probably, he...
7646From George Washington to Major General Lafayette, 12 September 1779 (Washington Papers)
Often, since you left this Country have I written to you, but have not been favoured with a single line from you since you lay in Boston harbour. this I shall ascribe to any cause rather than a decline of friendship. I feel my own regard for you so sensibly, that I shall never suspect a want of it in your breast. I intended to have wrote you a very long letter by Monsr Gerard whom I have been...
7647From George Washington to Lafayette, 30 June 1787 (Washington Papers)
The Gentleman who will do the honor of presenting this letter to you is Mr Shipping—Son of your old acquaintance Doctr Shipping of this City who having been at the Temple proposes to visit Paris, and of course to offer homage to you—He is a very sensible young man and as far as opportunities are offorded me to judge—possesses a well cultivated mind which unduces me without hesitation or...
7648From George Washington to Major General Lafayette, 18 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
The detachment under your command with which you will immediately march towards the enemy’s lines is designed to answer the following purposes—to be a security to this camp and a cover to the country between the Delaware and Schuylkil—to interrupt the communication with Philadelphia—obstruct the incursions of the enemies parties, and obtain intelligence of their motions and designs. This last...
7649From George Washington to Lafayette, 10 September 1791 (Washington Papers)
The lively interest which I take in your welfare, my dear Sir, keeps my mind in constant anxiety for your personal safety amidst the scenes in which you are perpetually engaged. Your letter of the 6th of June by Monsieur de Ternant gave me that pleasure which I receive from all your letters, which tell me that you are well—But from the account you there gave it did not appear that you would be...
7650From George Washington to Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette, 4 June 1782 (Washington Papers)
Je ne puis laisser partir le Colonel G rince Sans qu’il vous porte un Souven ir de moi Je Suis reste dans Cette Ville depuis que Vous l’avez quittee, et je Suis heureux de decouvrir dans le Congrès les meilleures des positions pour Se preparer rigoureusement à Soutenir une Autre Campagne. il a resolu de Conserver dans larmée le Même Nombre de Corps que l’année derniere en a pressé vivement les...
7651From George Washington to Major General Lafayette, 20 May 1780 (Washington Papers)
I had written the inclosed my Dear Marquis previous to the receipt of yours of the 17th which arrived late yesterday. The dispatches accompanying them for the Eastward were sent off before day this morning —Mr Hamilton wrote to Capt. De La Touche on the points you mention. I also wrote to him and to Governor Trumbull. The measures that have been taken are all evidently proper—The communication...
7652From George Washington to Major General Lafayette, 27 February 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have this moment recd a letter from the Count de Rochambeau, with intelligence of which the inclosed is a Copy. By this it appears that the first Squadron had returned to Newport but that Mr de Touches was fitting up the Romulus with an intent to despatch her and I suppose the Frigates for Chesapeak as being of more proper construction for the Navigation of that Bay than the ships which were...
7653From George Washington to Major General Lafayette, 25 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
Since my last to you, I have been honoured with your several favors of the 1st 3d & 21st of this month. The two first came to hand before I left the white plains—& the last at this place—I should not have Delayed acknowledging the receipt of the 1st & 3d till this time—(thereby neglecting to pay that just tribute of respect which is due to you) but for the close attention I was obliged to...
7654From George Washington to Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette, 11 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
Your favor dated at Elk the 8th instant reached me at ten OClock the last Evening. While I give you credit for the maneuvre by which you removed the British Ships from before Annapolis, I am sorry, as matters are circumstanced, that you have put yourself so much further from the point, which now, of necessity, becomes the object of your destination. Whether General Phillips remains in Virginia...
7655From George Washington to Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette, 11 March 1781 (Washington Papers)
I informed you on the 8th in the Eveng that the French Fleet had put to sea. By advices from New London the British did the same yesterday morning with their whole force. They gave out publicly that they were bound for Chesapeak—I think the French had so much the start that they will first reach that Bay, but as there is no accounting for the delays and accidents of the sea I have given you...
7656From George Washington to Major General Lafayette, 20 March 1778 (Washington Papers)
In pursuance of a Resolve of Congress of the 13th inst: a Copy of which is inclosed —I am to desire that you will without loss of time return to Camp, to resume the command of a division of this Army; and that you will communicate a similar order to Major General de Kalb. By the 2d Resolve of the same date you will see that I am impowered to remove Hazens or any other Regiment from the...
7657From George Washington to Anne-César, chevalier de La Luzerne, 18 October 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have the Honor to transmit to your Excellency a packet which was this Morng received by the Chain of Expres, from the Marquis de Vaudieul at Boston. I take the Liberty to inclose to your Care several Letters for France, which I beg your Excellency will be so good as to forward by the first good Conveyance. I have the Honor to be &c. DLC : Papers of George Washington.
7658From George Washington to La Luzerne, 16 August 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to inclose Your Excellency a letter which came under cover to me from the Count De Rochambeau. I think the plan of engaging the German Deserters will answer a good purpose. The Chevalier De Ternay has applied to me to have a Vessel loaded with flour now in the Delaware convoyed by the Continental Frigates to Boston and the Sloop Saratoga Sent to the West Indies with his last...
7659From George Washington to La Luzerne, 25 February 1784 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with your Excellys favor of the 18th from Annapolis covering a letter from the Marqs de la Fayette, for the trouble of doing which be pleased to accept my thanks. I regret exceedingly that the weather and roads shou’d have deprived me of the honor of seeing you at my retreat—I shall look however, with pleasure for your return to Annapolis, when I shall expect the fulfilment...
7660From George Washington to La Luzerne, 5–6 May 1780 (Washington Papers)
Two days since I had the honor of receiving your Excellency’s letter of 29th of April. The polite terms in which you mention the attention which my respectful attachment for you dictated during your stay in Camp adds to the obligation I felt for the honor of your visit. I was happy in that oppertunity of giving you new proofs of my sentiments and I entreat you to afford me others as frequently...
7661From George Washington to Anne-César, chevalier de La Luzerne, 28 April 1782 (Washington Papers)
I am honord with your Excellencys Letter of the 20th Inst. inclosing Copy of a Letter from Count Rochambeau to you, and a Letter for Mr de Quemy commanding the Emerald Frigate—The latter I sent immediately by Express, under cover to the Governor of Rhode Island, requesting him to send it without any delay to Mr de Quemy. Altho I can hardly think that the Enemy will divide their Force and take...
7662From George Washington to La Luzerne, 5 December 1784 (Washington Papers)
Your early attention to me after your arrival at the Court of Versailles, amidst scenes of gaiety & the gratulations of friends, does me great honor & excites my warmest acknowledgments. That your august Sovereign, his amiable consort, & the Princes his brothers, should deign to interest themselves in, & wish to be acquainted with the circumstances of my life, is one of the most flattering...
7663From George Washington to La Luzerne, 5 November 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to return your Excellency the plan of the lines at Charles-town, which you were so obliging as to favor me with a copy of. I hope you arrived in good health & without accident at Philadelphia. With great consideration and personal attachment I have the honr to be Yr Excellys Most Obedt Hble Servt ALS , FrPMAE ; ADfS , DLC:GW ; Varick transcript , DLC:GW . This document has not...
7664From George Washington to Anne-César, chevalier de La Luzerne, 24 December 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Excellency’s Letter of the 18th of this Month with one for the Marquis de Vaudreuil which was sealed and forwarded by express immediately, and I am exceedingly obliged to your Excellency for the communication of its contents—As the Marquis informs me he should sail the 22d . I am fearfull that Baron Fuchs who passed this place the 23d in the...
7665From George Washington to La Luzerne, 28 April 1780 (Washington Papers)
It is with pain I inform your Excellency that Mr de Miralles is worse to day—He had a restless night, and his fever is increased—His Throat is now so sore that it is with difficulty he can be nourished—and besides these, his respiration is bad. Symptoms so unfavourable in the advanced stages of a disorder afford little hope of recovery, especially in a person of Mr de Miralles’s age. Permit me...
7666From George Washington to La Luzerne, 11 May 1780 (Washington Papers)
The attention and honors paid to Mr De Miralles after his death were a tribute due to his character and merit, and dictated by the sincere esteem which I always felt for him. I am much obliged to your Excellency for your intention of sending me a detail of the land & Sea forces arriv’d at Martinique, which I beg leave to inform you, you forgot to inclose in your letter. You will participate in...
7667From George Washington to Anne-César, chevalier de La Luzerne, 31 March 1781 (Washington Papers)
I was last evening honored with your Excellency’s favor of the 27th covering an open letter for the Count de Rochambeau, by which, you have been so good as to make me the earliest communication of the action on the 16th between the French and British Fleets off the Capes of Chespeak. By the inclosed you will be informed of the return of the forms into the harbour of Newport. I must confess to...
7668From George Washington to Anne-César, chevalier de La Luzerne, 15 September 1781 (Washington Papers)
Inclosed I have the pleasure to transmit a letter from the Count DeGrasse; and am happy to inform your Excellency that the Rhode Island f leets under Count De Barrass have arrived, for particulars respecting the movements & junction of the fleets I must refer you to the enclosed. I am with great respect Your Excellency’s most obedt Humble Ser vant AAE .
7669From George Washington to La Luzerne, 15 February 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of Your Excellency’s letter of the 4th which only reached me late on the 13th. Sincerely desirous of doing every thing in my power by which the interest of his christian Majesty inseparable from that of these States can in any manner be promoted, and still more in a point so essential as that which makes the subject of your letter, I should not...
7670From George Washington to Anne-César, chevalier de La Luzerne, 5 September 1781 (Washington Papers)
With the highest Satisfaction, I do myself the Honor, to transmit to your Excellency, the inclosed Copy of a Letter, announcing the arrival of the Count DeGrasse with 28 Ships, in the Chesapeak. With the warmest Congratulations on this happy Event. I have the Honor to be Your Excellency’s Most Obedt Servt AAE .