1From George Washington to Brigadier General William Maxwell, 4 July 1780 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Brig. Gen. William Maxwell, 4 July 1780. Maxwell wrote GW on 4 July: “I have Your Favour of this date” (see GW to a Board of General Officers, 4 July, source note ).
2From George Washington to Brigadier General William Maxwell, 26 June 1780 (Washington Papers)
From some information I have received this morning—I think it necessary that Your Brigade should advance, which I directed to halt by a Line last night. You will therefore march on with it till You join the Army, unless You should receive orders to the contrary. I am Dr Sir Yr Most Obedt st Df , in Robert Hanson Harrison’s writing, DLC:GW ; Varick transcript , DLC:GW . GW’s letter to Maxwell...
3From George Washington to Brigadier General William Maxwell, 25 June 1780 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Brig. Gen. William Maxwell, 25 June 1780. On 26 June , GW wrote Maxwell that “by a Line last night” he had directed Maxwell to halt his brigade.
4From George Washington to Brigadier General William Maxwell, 28 May 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have recd your favs. of the 26th and 27th and this day the inclosed representation from a number of the inhabitants of the neighbourhood of Elizabeth Town was handed to me. Their account of the nature of the Ground which you have pitched upon for your encampment and for the Works agrees with what you mentioned in yours of the 26th and I would for that reason wish the commencement of the...
5From George Washington to Brigadier General William Maxwell, 23 May 1780 (Washington Papers)
We have had repeated accounts that a considerable Fleet has been seen off the Coast of Monmouth, but as none of them have been sufficiently accurate to determine whether it is really so, or whether if so, they are Friends or Enemies, the Marquis de la Fayette concludes to send down Colo. Jimat to the Coast to gain certain information. He will be at Brunswic tomorrow Morning by 10 OClock. You...
6From George Washington to Brigadier General William Maxwell, 19 May 1780 (Washington Papers)
I recd yours of the 17th by Capt. Rochefontaine. Was I not so taken up with the Committee of Congress now in Camp, I would ride down myself and endeavour to fix upon the most advantageous place and manner for your Brigade to encamp, so as to answer the purpose for which it was sent down and at the same time pay a proper attention to its security —I have therefore instructed Lord Stirling to go...
7From George Washington to Brigadier General William Maxwell, 13 December 1779 (Washington Papers)
General Parsons, with a detachment, is under marching orders towards the Sound: When he arrives at the place of his destination he will give you notice, and, you will march your brigade immediately to camp. If any part of your men should be so bare of cloathing as to be incapable of mar[c]hing you may leave such behind under the care of proper officers ’till cloathing can be sent to them;...
8From George Washington to Brigadier General William Maxwell, 16 November 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have recd yours of the 13th. You will be pleased to forward the inclosed, to Govr Livingston. Should there be occasion to act, the State Regt and Militia will undoubtedly be under the command of you or the oldest continental Officer who may be upon the spot—The Men taken on board the Vessel who were deserters from the Brigade are unquestionably to be tried as deserters found in Arms with the...
9From George Washington to Brigadier General William Maxwell, 9 November 1779 (Washington Papers)
I rode down to this place that I might be in the way, should the enemy, by their preparations upon Staten Island, seem to threaten any thing serious. But having heard nothing further to make me beleive that they intend to come over in any considerable force, I shall return part of the way to West point this Evening. Should they make any move towards you, you will give instant notice to General...
10From George Washington to Brigadier General William Maxwell, 5 November 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have ordered Lt Col. Washington to Westfield with his cavalry you will be pleased to assign him such a position as you may judge best for the purpose of covering the forage I am sir Yr. P.S. In consequence of intelligence received from Govr Livingston, respecting preparations of the enemy on Staten Island —I have directed Gen: Wayne to move to Acquackanac and Gen: Sullivan to act according...
11From George Washington to Brigadier General William Maxwell, 1 November 1779 (Washington Papers)
I was yesterday favd with yours of the 30th by Capt. Wool acquainting me with your being upon the upper Road, which is rather unlucky as it has disconcerted me in many respects —I yesterday wrote to General Sullivan to detach your Brigade to Westfeild to cover the forage in that quarter. Should the troops not have marched from Warwick towards sufferans when this reaches you—you will be pleased...
12From George Washington to Brigadier General William Maxwell, 14 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have received Your Letter of the 12th Instant. The third Regiment will march on Monday for this Camp, where the Commanding Officer will receive further Orders. The other Regiment of the Brigade will be held in readiness to move on the earliest notice. With respect to the Artillery, they will move either with the Regiment on Monday or with the Other as you may determine; but they are to join...
13From George Washington to Brigadier General William Maxwell, 10 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
The short stay you made at Head Quarters and my attention being otherwise engrossed prevented my entering upon the subject of the letter from the Officers of the 1st Jersey Regiment transmitted in yours of the 9th instt. I am sorry to find the Gentlemen persist in the principles which dictated the step they have taken, as the more the affair unfolds itself—the more reason I see to disapprove....
14From George Washington to Brigadier General William Maxwell, 7 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have received your two favours of yesterdays date—one of them with infinite concern. There is nothing, which has happened in the course of the war that has given me so much pain as the remonstrance you mention from the officers of the 1st Jersey Regiment. I cannot but consider it as a hasty and imprudent step, which on more cool consideration they will themselves condemn. I am very sensible...
15From George Washington to Brigadier General William Maxwell, 6 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
I was duly handed your favor of the 5th Inst. this morning. When the pay masters come up here, they will be ordered to be paid up to the 1st of April. I have taken measures with the quarter master general, to prevent any delay in the execution of my orders of march. I inclose you answers to the questions; which you will put into the hands of your spy. He may be instructed to say, that he sent...
16From George Washington to Brigadier General William Maxwell, 4 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
I duly recd your two favors of the 1st and 3d inst. I wish you to be as diligent as possible in gaining further intelligence respecting the embarkation of troops—how many and what regiments—what quantity of provisions they have on board—whether for a long or short voyage—and if the soldiers have received any additional light clothing adapted to a warm climate. You will give immediate orders to...
17From George Washington to Brigadier General William Maxwell, 28 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
Your letters of the 25 and 26th came duly to hand with their inclosures. I have considered the Court Martial held at New-Ark of which Major Piatt was president; and as John Malcom appears from the face of the evidence to have been the most active and criminal in the transaction, I have therefore confirmed his sentence of death and inclosed a warrant for his execution. McDonald appearing less...
18From George Washington to Brigadier General William Maxwell, 26 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
Your favor of the 24th instant with the inclosures was duly handed me. I have taken such measures respecting the salted provisions, as I hope will prevent the like complaint in future. The paper on the disputed subject of the arrangement I shall consider the first moment I am at liesure. I am sir your most obt servt. Df , in James McHenry’s writing, DLC:GW ; Varick transcript , DLC:GW .
19From George Washington to Brigadier General William Maxwell, 22 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have recd your letters of the 20th and that of to day with the several papers to which they refer. The information in the last is of a very interesting Nature. To have the knowledge of the embarkation of the troops and their destination early ascertained, as it is of so much consequence, will engage your strictest attention. You will transmit what further intelligence you gain on this...
20From George Washington to Brigadier General William Maxwell, 18 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
I was duly favored with your letter of yesterday. The six soldiers, who were of the party that have deserted, and which you have secured—should be immediately tryed by a court martial. The circumstance of a plan to carry off the guard, besides the attempt to desert, is of itself sufficient to direct the most examplary punishment, to prevent offences of a like nature from gaining ground. The...
21From George Washington to William Maxwell, 15 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
Letter not found : to William Maxwell, 15 April 1779. On 17 April , Maxwell acknowledged receipt of GW’s letters to him of 14 and 15 April.
22From George Washington to Brigadier General William Maxwell, 14 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
I received your favor of the 12th instant with its several inclosures. I herewith transmit a copy of a representation from Lieutenants Snowden—Burrows &c. complaining of being injured in their rank by the appointment of Mr Aaron Ogden and Mr Martin. I wish this to be laid before the gentlemen who were ordered to settle respective ranks; and to know the reasons which induced them to the...
23From George Washington to Brigadier General William Maxwell, 12 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
Your favors of the 8th and 11th instant, with the several news-papers came duly to hand. I have no objection to Mr Wolfen continuing in his present duty. However, it may be necessary to have the men relieved by a fresh party, that the fatigue may be equally borne by the whole corps, that is in case of its being severe. I have the same idea of the impropriety of such inlistments as you have...
24From George Washington to Brigadier General William Maxwell, 7 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have been favored with your letter of yesterday, and its inclosures. You will be pleased to have the circumstances of the loss of the water-guard, as well ascertained as possible—Should the officer have exceeded his orders; or imprudently left his post—altho’ we cannot punish him at present, yet it is necessary that the matter should be known —Could any thing make an impression on some of...
25From George Washington to Brigadier General William Maxwell, 4 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
I duly received your favor of the 2d Instant. You will be pleased to transmit by flag as early as possible the letter which I herewith send for Sir Henry Clinton; and that to his commissioners, who are to meet ours on the subject of an exchange of prisoners, and who probably it will find on Staten Island. I have nothing more in particular—command—and am sir &. Df , in James McHenry’s writing,...
26From George Washington to Brigadier General William Maxwell, 29 March–1 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
I received your favor of the 28th Inst. with the New-York paper which it inclosed. Upon application of commissary Beatty you will give permission to him to send into New-York, about 40 bls flour, eight quarters beef and four or five cords of wood, for the use of our prisoners within the enemies lines. I have ordered a party of ten with a subaltern, from the Maréchose light dragoons, for your...
27From George Washington to Brigadier General William Maxwell, 28 March 1779 (Washington Papers)
I received your favors of the 26th and 27th Inst. with the several new-york papers. The directions of the board of war relative to the French commissary of prisoners is to be complyed with as far as possible. There is I believe a resolve of Congress in the hands of Mr Beatty for the supplying the French prisoners with the enemy—but as I cannot, at this instant, have recourse to it—I do not...
28From George Washington to Brigadier General William Maxwell, 25 March 1779 (Washington Papers)
I was favored with the receipt of your letter of the 17th int. If you have any knowledge of the country which lays between Niagara and our settlements I shall be obliged by your deliniating with as much exactness as you are able the different Indian villiages—the best routes which lead to them—their names—the nature of the country whether hilly or swampy—the waters—and such obstruction⟨s⟩ as...
29From George Washington to Brigadier General William Maxwell, 15 March 1779 (Washington Papers)
I recd yours of the 10th informing me of Admiral Gambiers intent to leave the port of New York; if that event hath taken place be pleased to endeavour to ascertain with what number of ships—their force and destination—We have heard nothing of a long time from Z. Has he dropped the correspondence? or what is become of him. If we are to depend no further upon him, you should endeavour to open...
30From George Washington to Brigadier General William Maxwell, 7 March 1779 (Washington Papers)
Colonel Shrieve informs me that several persons who had been made prisoners by the Indians, have lately returned from Captivity—and that they are known to you —in this case, I request that you will inform me of their names characters and places of abode by the first opportunity. be pleased likewise to let me know, whether you have thought of the boots mentioned in a late letter. I am &. Df ,...
31From George Washington to Brigadier General William Maxwell, 1 March 1779 (Washington Papers)
I am favd with yours of the 27th and 28th ulto containing a more particular account of the enemy’s late attempt upon your post —I do not know what may be their design by landing up the River, but I think you had better desire Colo. Shreves Parties from New Ark to endeavour to keep up a communication with Colo. Clarke’s from Paramus, which will hinder them from effecting any thing by surprize....
32From George Washington to Brigadier General William Maxwell, 24 February 1779 (Washington Papers)
I recd your favr of yesterday with several News papers inclosed. The Regulations of Congress for the settlement of Rank take in every claim that the Feild Officers of your Brigade can possibly make and therefore there will be no need of referring the matter to the State. If they find they can not settle the dispute among themselves I will appoint a Board to hear their pretensions and come to a...
33From George Washington to Brigadier General William Maxwell, 20 February 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have your favr of yesterday accompanied by four New York papers for which I am obliged and return you the latest Pennsylvania and Maryland in exchange —As it is not thought proper to send in those, who have deserted from the Convention Troops, to be exchanged as prisoners of War, you will be pleased to send all at present at Elizabeth Town to Morris Town where the Guard has been strengthened...
34From George Washington to Brigadier General William Maxwell, 17 February 1779 (Washington Papers)
The Bearer Mr Thomas Smith a Gentleman particularly recommended by Govr Henry of Virginia—has my permission to go into New York on his private affairs—You will therefore furnish him with a Flag for that purpose. I am Sir Your most obedt servt. Df , in John Laurens’s writing, DLC:GW ; Varick transcript , DLC:GW . Thomas Smith, from Gloucester County, Va., where he was a planter and merchant,...
35From George Washington to Brigadier General William Maxwell, 16 February 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have received your favour of yesterday—Your observations on the necessity of the Deputy Commissary of prisoners residing on the spott are just—I was not before fully apprised of Mr Adam’s situation. There certainly can be no propriety in any officers staying at his own home, for private conveniences, seven or eight miles from the place where his duty calls him while public business is...
36From George Washington to Brigadier General William Maxwell, 15 February 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have just received a letter from Capt. Stokes stationed at Bonum Town—informing me that the enemy on Staten Island appear to be in motion, and have been collecting boats both at New York and at the Island —You will therefore redouble your vigilance and be ready to oppose any attempt they may make near you. I am informed there is a considerable number of fat cattle between Wood-bridge and the...
37From George Washington to Brigadier General William Maxwell, 13 February 1779 (Washington Papers)
I received your favor of the 11th Inst. In order to accommodate the affairs of the prisoners, who are coming out or going in to New-York and prevent the inconveniences you complain of, the inclosed directs Mr Adams one of the deputy Commissaries of prisoners to give his attendance twice or thrice a week, or as often as circumstances may require. The want of an established post between this and...
38From George Washington to Brigadier General William Maxwell, 9 February 1779 (Washington Papers)
In answer to your letter of yesterdays date —I have to inform you that no blankets can be issued, until I have obtained an exact return of the quantity in Store—and the deficiences of the Troops on the other side of Hudsons River—As soon as these points are ascertained in order to an equal and general distribution—no time will be lost in furnishing the quotas to the Troops —I am Sir &. Df , in...
39From George Washington to Brigadier General William Maxwell, 7 February 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have to acknowlege your several favors of the 26th & 27 Ultimo with that of the 1st Instant. Inclosed you have a copy of the arrangement of the New Jersey Regiments as made out by the committee of arrangement appointed by Congress—You will observe that all the officers, subordinate to a major have the respective dates of their commissions regularly ascertained—but that the dates of the...
40From George Washington to Brigadier General William Maxwell, 26 January 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have your favr of the 12th instant, and one inclosing a return of deficient Cloathing which is without a date. Inclosed you have an order for all the deficiencies except the Blankets of which I cannot make a distribution, that will do equal justice, before my return to Camp. You may do as you think proper with those people who the enemy will not admit within their lines. I cannot see what...
41From George Washington to Brigadier General William Maxwell, 7 January 1779 (Washington Papers)
I am favd with yours of the 31st Decemr inclosing two letters from Major Howell. To prevent a too frequent intercourse by Flag Boats I lately wrote to the Governors of Pennsylvania and New Jersey and pointed out the inconveniences of people’s coming almost daily with permissions from them to go into New York, which occasioned the Officer commanding at Elizabeth Town to send a Flag with each...
42From George Washington to Brigadier General William Maxwell, 26 December 1778 (Washington Papers)
You will be pleased to transmit the inclosed Letter to Colo. Butler by a flag. This Gentleman has requested an interview with Genl Lee, who is to meet him. A House near Elizabeth Town point is thought most convenient for the meeting—and has been proposed to them both. Colo. Butler is to appoint the time and to inform you, of which you will advise Genl Lee and furnish any passports that may be...
43From George Washington to Brigadier General William Maxwell, 21 December 1778 (Washington Papers)
You are appointed to the command at Elizabeth Town at which place you are to remain with the New Jersey Brigade: But Should you be of opinion that the troops can be more conveniently quartered by removing part to New Ark, you may order a Regiment or as many to that place as circumstances shall require. The principal object of your position is to prevent the Enemy stationed upon Staten Island...
44From George Washington to Brigadier General William Maxwell, 21 December 1778 (Washington Papers)
This will be delivered you by Lieut. Campbell, an officer of the convention troops, whom, at the request of Genl Philips, I have permitted to go into New-York to transact some particular public business of those troops. You will therefore furnish him with a flag for that purpose. He is to return from New York, and at his return you will send an officer to accompany him to meet Genl Philips,...
45From George Washington to Brigadier General William Maxwell, 20 December 1778 (Washington Papers)
I was favored with your letter of yesterdays date this evening. I have informed Governor Livingston with as many of the circumstances of Hatfields case as have come within my knowlege, and directed Lord Stirling to furnish him with such as he has relating to this subject. You will be pleased without further delay to deliver both Hatfield and the vessel he was in, to the civil magistrate with...
46From George Washington to Brigadier General William Maxwell, 8 December 1778 (Washington Papers)
Upon my arrival at Middle Brook I shall furnish you with Instructions for the command at this post and its vicinity, at which you are to remain with the Jersey Brigade. I have at present to desire that you will take every measure to prevent an intercourse between the Country and New York and that no persons, inhabitants of these States, may be permitted to go thither or into the Enemy’s lines...
47From George Washington to Major General Stirling and Brigadier Generals William Maxwell and William Woodford, 15 October … (Washington Papers)
In addition to the questions which I have already proposed for the consideration of the General Officers —I have farther asked whether judging from the present state and appearance of affairs, it would be advisable to detach any part of our force to Boston—& shd it be decided in the affirmative—what force would it be proper to detach—Your Lordship will be so good as to add your opinion on...
48From George Washington to Brigadier General William Maxwell, 6 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
Mr Crowels recent violation of the usages and laws of flags render it necessary to adopt some measures, that may prevent similar procedings in future. For this purpose you will immediately fix upon a certain number of places for the reception of flag-boats, and advise the commanding Officer on Staten Island, of the places, and that no flag boats will be received any where else without a...
49From George Washington to Brigadier General William Maxwell, 5 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
In a letter from Genl Gates of yesterdays date, I received the following intelligence—“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” —An event of this importance I think would not have escaped your notice—and I hope the report is...
50From George Washington to Brigadier General William Maxwell, 2 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
I am favd with yours of the 29th Sepr. Lord Stirling who is now in Jersey, and has the general command of the troops there, will be a better judge than I am of the necessary and proper dispositions to be made. You will therefore implicitly obey him, and either remain where you are at present with your whole Brigade, or detatch such a part of it as His Lordship may direct. He mentions the...