31From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 1 June 1777 (Washington Papers)
In consequence of your representation I yesterday detatched Lt Colo. Barber with 150 Men and some Horse to Sommerset Court House. I wish you would use your endeavours to encourage the Militia between Brunswic and the Delaware to be ready to assemble and give their Assistance provided the Enemy attempt to march thro’ the Country, which they intend to do from all our late Accounts. The inclosed...
32From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 19 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
Your favour of the 17th came to hand an hour and a half ago; and at the same time, that I regret extremely the Count not being arrived, for whose fate, I feel the greatest anxiety, I am happy to learn, that you had been able to extricate yourself from the difficulties you laboured under, and that you had so favourable a prospect before you—I shall wait the issue with the most anxious...
33From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 23 May 1777 (Washington Papers)
Your favour of Yesterday I have received this morning. As Genl Greene is gone down, with an intention to collect his Division and I dont know what advances he may have made in it, I could not with propriety agree to the change you mention without his approbation; I have wrote to him signifying my assent and desiring him to give you his sentiments upon the occasion. If I have made a mistake in...
34From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 15 June 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have both your favs. of this day, by the last of which I find that you had arrived at Fleming town, and am happy to hear that the Militia join you in such Numbers, and are in so good Spirits. I would have you leave your Artillery and Baggage upon some secure and strong Ground under a proper Guard, and move with the remainder of your force to some place between Verbrykes Mill on Neshanack and...
35From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 23 June 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have yours of this Morning with one from Genl Maxwell to Genl Green inclosed. The Weather is still so unfavourable that I have no thoughts of putting the Army in Motion till tomorrow Morning at 4 OClock provided it is fair. Except some very considerable advantage will be gained by your marching this Evening, I would not have you turn out the Men, for without Tents, they, their Arms and...
36From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 11 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
Since mine to you of yesterday, I wrote to General Clinton giving him some general directions which you will find in the inclosed extract —I, of course, depend on you for giving him more particular ones and am Dr Sir Yr Most Obedt serv. Df , in Alexander Hamilton’s writing, DLC:GW ; Varick transcript , DLC:GW . Hamilton indicated at the bottom of the draft manuscript that this enclosure was...
37From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 25 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
Notwithstanding the large fleet that sail’d on the 19th and 20th Inst. and the reasons we had to conclude that the regiments were on board, which we had repeatedly heard were embarked—I have just received advices throˆdifferent channels, and which cannot but be certain and authentic that there were none but invalids and the Officers of reduced Corps on board—and that the troops which had...
38To George Washington from Major General John Sullivan, 11 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
I was honored with your Excellenceys favor of the 5th Instant yesterday 12 of Clock. also That of the 9th Last night at Eleven. It gives me & the officers here Infinite Satisfaction that your Excellencey has approved our Conduct—I am at a Loss to guess the Designs of the Enemy in this Quarter General Gray with his Fleet are Standing off & on before Bedford Harbor The Day before yesterday a...
39From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 25 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
It is with no small concern, I am constrained to inform you, that I am constantly receiving Complaints from the People living contiguous to the Road of great abuses committed by the Division under your Command in their march through the Country. From their accounts, they have experienced the most wanton and insufferable injuries—Fences destroyed without the least apparent necessity, and a...
40From George Washington to Major Generals William Heath and John Sullivan, 18 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have just recd intelligence, bearing strong marks of authenticity, that the enemy mean a total evacuation of New York. Various are the conjectures of their destination. I cannot think that they mean to attempt any thing against Boston considering the danger of carrying a heavy Fleet round Cape Cod at this advanced season; but to be prepared at all events, I had, upon the first intimation of...
41From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 21 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
I this morning received your favor of the 18th Inst. On the 20th I transmitted You, all the intelligence I then had, respecting the movements of the Enemy in New York. I now send you by this conveyance, extracts of two Letters from My Lord Stirling and General Scot, which contain my latest information upon the subject. I have the pleasure to inform you that the taking of Dominica by the french...
42From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 13 November 1779 (Washington Papers)
If you yet have nothing more than conjecture for the enemy’s descent in Jersey, I beg you will order the 7th Massachusetts Regiment (late Alden’s) immediately to join Pattersons Brigade at this place —And Major Parr to comply strictly with the inclosed order (which issued the 7th instant). They may as the nearest and best way, take the route by Kings-ferry. The baggage of the Regiment may from...
43From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 20 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
The crowded situation of the Troops in this quarter & the difficulty in procuring forage & other matters induces me to desire you will halt those under your command, in the neighbourhood of Chester where they will be best accommodated. Any distance from 4 to 12 miles above that place towards Sussex Court House will be a convenient position, & answer every purpose in case a co-operation with...
44From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 5 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have just recd advice from Lord Stirling that a fleet of 108 sail left the Hook on the morning of the 3d. There were five or six two Deckers among them. I have not yet learned whether any more were preparing to follow, but as there are persons in New York and upon Staten Island, I expect to be speedily informed of any further movements of the Enemy. I am Dear Sir Yr most obt Servt. P.S....
45From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 31 July 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have been favd with yours of the 27th 10 Oclock A. M. Upon opening of it, I was much disappointed at not hearing of the Count D’Estaing’s arrival, who I hope will have made his appearance off the Harbour of Newport before this time, as a Reinforcement passed Maroneck the day before Yesterday Morning. I wish it had been in my power to have spared a larger detatchment of Continental Troops,...
46From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 15 September 1779 (Washington Papers)
I had the pleasure of receiving your letter of the 30th of August, and congratulate you sincerely on the success of the engagement at Newtown. I immediately transmitted your account to Congress. The advantages we have already gained over the Indians in the destruction of so many of their settlements is very flattering to the expedition. But to make it as conclusive as the state of your...
47From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 26 February 1778 (Washington Papers)
In answer to yours of this morning, I think it adviseable, that a couple of Officers, one from the New Hampshire and one from the Massachusetts troops should be immediately sent on by different routs, in quest of the Clothing; with directions to proceed on towards fish Kill ’till they meet it. As from other information, besides what you now communicate, I have reason to believe there is a...
48From George Washington to Brigadier General John Sullivan, 8 December 1775 (Washington Papers)
The Intention of yesterday’s order, respecting the Review of the Connecticut Troops, is only to afford a good oppertunity of making choice of such of their Arms as shall be found fit for the use of the New Army. I am not without my fear that if they are appriz’d of the Intention, some of the best Arms will be Secreted; for this reason I desire you will say nothing of the matter till the...
49From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 5 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
I had the pleasure of your letter of the 3d Inst. with its inclosure. In a letter from Gen. Gates of yesterdays date he has the following paragraph. “Two sailors belonging to Cape Cod who made their escape from the prison ship last monday night arrived here; they declare, that the British fleet of men of war, sailed ten days ago in quest of the french fleet.” There is some shew of a...
50From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 27 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have received your two favours both of the 24th informing me of the particulars of an expedition you have lately made to Staten Island. It is unfortunate that an affair which had so prosperous a beginning should have terminated so disagreeably, as in a great measure to defeat the good consequences that might have attended it. I am however glad to hear that the officers and men distinguished...
51From George Washington to John Sullivan or the Continental Congress Committee on the Pennsylvania Line, 21 January 1781 (Washington Papers)
I am honored with your letter of the 15th —I have just received the disagreeable intelligence of the Jersey line having followed the example of the Pensylvanian —This spirit will spread itself through the remainder of the army, if not extinguished by some decisive measure. I shall as quick as possible, at all events, march a detachment to compel the mutineers to submission, and I beg leave...
52From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 9 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
I am favd with yours of the 5th and 6th I hope the loss of the enemy mentioned in the former may prove true. I cannot at present account for the intent of the landing at Bedford, if they mean to act seriously to the Eastward, I think it will occasion a removal of their whole force from New York. Many accounts from thence say that an evacuation is intended, but I cannot learn that they have yet...
53From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 29 May 1777 (Washington Papers)
I received your favour of this date. It is of the greatest moment that the motions of the enemy on the quarter you mention, should be narrowly watched; and every step they take known by me as early as possible. I am strongly apprehensive they will shortly push for Philadelphia by water, and the counteracting their scheme will intirely depend upon my having instant intelligence of every thing...
54From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 17 January 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have received your favor of this morning containing an extract of a Letter written by Colonel Ramsey on behalf of the Field Officers at Wilmington—their Apology Sir is sufficient to do away every thing disagreeable that has past on the subject, and to induce me to attribute their incautious expressions to the causes which they mention. You will communicate this to the Gentlemen by the first...
55From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 16 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
On Thursday I received your favor of the 10th Instant, advising of your descent on Rhode-Island—of the arrival of the British fleet & of Count D’Estaing’s pursuing them. Since this I have not had a single tittle of intelligence on the subject of your operations—and of course I have been in a disagreable state of suspence and anxiety. I must earnestly request that you will be more frequent in...
56From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 21 June 1777 (Washington Papers)
From every information lately received, there is reason to believe the Enemy are evacuating Brunswick by sending One Brigade after Another. It is said they are transporting their baggage both by Land & Water to Amboy with the greatest Industry. If this fact be true, I should suppose it highly expedient that you should detach a Number of Militia well acquainted with the Country South of Amboy,...
57From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 6 March 1779 (Washington Papers)
Congress having determined upon an Expedition of an extensive nature agt the hostile tribes of the Indians of the six Nations, the command is offered to Majr General Gates as senior Officer, but should he decline, it is my wish it should devolve upon you—That no time may be lost by General Gates’s non-acceptance, I have put this letter under cover to him, and have desired him to forward it to...
58From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 24 August 1779 (Washington Papers)
I was yesterday favd with yours of the 15th instant from Tioga, and congratulate you upon your success against Chemung and Scheshequenung. This stroke, I hope, will put your junction with General Clinton out of all hazard, after which, I think you have little to fear. I have the pleasure to inform you, that in the night of the 18th instant, Major Lee of the Dragoons, with a detachment from the...
59From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 1 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
I recd yours of the 29th at this place, to which I have removed for the convenience of gaining intelligence of the Motions of the Enemy who are out in considerable force on this side of Kingsbridge, and in Bergen County in Jersey. They seem to be foraging, in which they are busily employed. A few nights ago the party in Jersey made an unlucky stroke at Colo. Baylors Regt of Horse laying at...
60From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 24 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
On receipt of your letter of the 21st I wrote to the Board of War urging them immediate⟨ly⟩ to send forward the shoes which they had promised to collect for the supply of your troops amounting to about 4500 and 2000 ⅌ of Overalls. The former was to have been collected at Lancaster and is directed to be forwarded to Sunbury—the latter will go to Easton—I have requested them to send as many more...
61From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 22 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
In my letter of yesterday I gave you my latest information. I have now to advise you that the fleet left Sandy Hook the 19th and 20th Inst. The first division consisted of above 120 vessels, of which 15 were of the line, and 10 or 12 frigates. The second division about 30 sail of which two were of 50 guns and two frigates. They all stood Eastward—Whether the remaining ships and troops are to...
62From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 24 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
I had the pleasure of your letter of the 21st Inst. containing the account of Admiral Byrons arrival at New-port in a ninety gun ship, accompanied by a seventy four. I have nothing of a particular nature for your consideration—and am D. Sir your most obt servt p.s. Since writing the above there is accounts from deserters of two brigades being under imbarking orders for the West Indies, and...
63From George Washington to Brigadier General John Sullivan, 1 April 1776 (Washington Papers)
inclosd you have Copy of a Letter I recd from Governor Cooke to the Contents of which I reffer you; General Green will march with his Brigade this day for Providence; & if I find that the Enemy are at Rhode Island I will Soon join him—Governor Cooke will forward this to you, & will inform you whether this alarm is well founded or not; if it is, you must repair to Providence with the troops...
64From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 19 February 1776 (Washington Papers)
I am a little surprizd, and concern’d to hear of your moving to Colo. Royals House —I thought you knew, that I had made a point of bringing Genel Lee from thence on Acct of the distance from his Line of Command—at least that he should not Sleep there—The same reasons holding good with respect to yourself, I should be glad if you could get some place nearer, as I think it too hazardous to trust...
65From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 10 March 1778 (Washington Papers)
In pursuance of a Resolve of Congress dated the 21st February last, by which I am directed to order a Major General to take the Command of the Troops in the State of Rhode Island in the place of Maj. General Spencer who has resigned —I have appointed you to that Duty and you are to proceed with all convenient dispatch to enter upon it. Congress have not communicated any thing to me on the...
66From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 8 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
Since mine of the 5th (of which I inclose a duplicate) I have had the pleasure of receiving yours of the 28th ulto from Chemung and 30th from Tioga. I congratulate you upon your return in safety to that place, and upon the success which has attended the Expedition intrusted to your care. I am transmitting the particulars to Congress. I have yet heard nothing further of the French fleet, but...
67From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 15 December 1776 (Washington Papers)
About One OClock to day, I received your Letter of the 13th and sincerely regret with you, the unhappy fate of Genl Lee. I know his feelings upon the occasion, and I know the loss our Country must sustain in his Captivity. The Event has happened & I refer you to the several Letters which I had wrote him, & to one which now goes to Lord Stirling, & to my Lord himself who, I presume, is with you...
68From George Washington to John Sullivan, 29 May 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have been favoured with your two letters of the 2d & 17th of May; the former reached me at Weathersfield after I had met the Count de Rochambeau at that place—from which time to the present moment, my whole attention has been so occupied by a variety of concerns, that I have been hitherto involuntarily prevented from doing myself the pleasure of writing to you. No arguments were necessary to...
69From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 28 July 1778 (Washington Papers)
I was this morning favoured with your Two Letters of the 24 & 26th Instant with the papers to which they referred. I am exceedingly happy to find, that your efforts to prepare for the intended enterprize ag⟨ai⟩nst the Enemy, had succeeded so well—and that ⟨things in⟩ general were in so promising a train. With respect to the Enemy’s force in y⟨our⟩ Quarter, I think your Estimate must be far too...
70From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 22 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
Your letter of the 20th Inst. came to hand last night. The different divisions of the army have mostly fixed on their relative positions, where we shall wait the unfoldings of the enemys measures. When you receive intelligence which may throw light on this subject, or information of their motions in your quarter, or of importance enough for a special communication I shall be glad of its speedy...
71From George Washington to Brigadier General John Sullivan, 17 May 1776 (Washington Papers)
Your favor of the 14 Instant I received this morning and am exceedingly sorry for the sad reverse of fortune in our Affairs in Canada—they are rather alarming, But I still hope our vigorous exertions will be attended with success, Notwithstanding the present unpromising appearances, & that we shall yet acquire & maintain possession of that Country, so important to us in the present contest. I...
72From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 19 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
Your letter of the 18th instant came to hand to-day. I have made such communication of its contents to the Quarter Master General as appeared necessary to releive our operations from their present embarrasments, and have recd this moment the answer which I inclose —In the return of the New-Hampshire regiment I observe over alls and shirts. These were ordered to be drawn at Peeks kill—and in...
73From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 13 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have just recd—your favor of yesterdays date. I shall give the necessary orders for the troops to march —but in the mean time I would wish you to be perfectly satisfied that every thing in the quarter Masters & commissarys department is in such preparation as to keep equal pace with the troops—If you find that this is not the case you will give me the earliest notice. For if the troops...
74From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 15 March 1777 (Washington Papers)
Do not my dear General Sullivan, torment yourself any longer with imaginary slights, and involve others in the perplexities you feel on that score—No other officer of rank, in the whole army has so often conceived himself neglected—slighted, and ill-treated, as you have done—and none I am sure has had less cause than Yourself to entertain such ideas—mere accidents—things which have occurred in...
75From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 31 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have your favr of the 28th: You will, previous to the receipt of this, have received intelligence that the enemy have returned to Staten Island—We have a very large and valuable collection of Forage under Newark Mountain, which is much exposed, and which, from the late specimen, may be easily destroyed by a light party —To cover this, you will be pleased to detach General Maxwell with his...
76From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 28 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
Since my letter of yesterday, I have received an account (tho it does not come well authenticated) that the enemy had destroyed the forage at Middlebrook and were still in that quarter. I wish you to move towards them as light, and with as much expedition as possible. The Virginia division under Lord Stirling, and the Light Infantry under Genl Wayne with your own troops and the militia will...
77From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 5 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
The 3d Instt I wrote to you, & for fear of accidents inclose a copy of the letter as your forming a junction with this Army as speedily as possible may be of the utmost importance. I have not received a line from you since the 30th of Augt which I can no otherwise acct for than by a miscarriage of letters—I am altogether unacquainted with your movements since the battle at Newtown & have only...
78From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 14 June 1777 (Washington Papers)
I am uneasy at hearing nothing from you. The Enemy have advanced a party, said to be two thousand, as far as Van Ests Mill upon Millstone River. They have been skirmishing with Colo. Morgans Rifle Men, but have halted on a peice of high Ground. Some Accounts say that their main Body has marched by the Brunswic Road towards princetown but by neither seeing your Signals nor hearing from you I am...
79From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 8 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
In consequence of advices this day recd from Albany, tho’ not directly from Genl Schuyler, I find the Enemy had approached Ticonderoga and had taken post at Mount Hope. This Account comes by express from Colo. Trumbulls Brother and therefore cannot be doubted. I expect every Moment to have the particulars from Genl. Schuyler. If the North River is Genl Howes next attempt he will be sudden and...
80From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 22 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
The greatest part of the Fleet have fallen down from the Narrows, but we have not been able to discover whether they have gone out to Sea. As your remaining upon the East Side of the River will depend upon the Course the Fleet steers should they go out, you will hold your division ready to move at a Moments warning. I am Dear Sir Yr most obt Servt LS , in John Fitzgerald’s writing, NhHi :...