5501To George Washington from Brigadier General William Maxwell, 18 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
Letter not found : from Brig. Gen. William Maxwell, c.18 Aug. 1778. On 21 Aug., GW wrote Maj. Gen. Nathanael Greene : “By a Letter which I received yesterday from Genl Maxwell, inclosing one from Major Howell … it appears certain, that Sixteen of Lord Howes fleet entered the Hook on the 17th.” GW’s other correspondence with Maxwell around this time suggests that the travel time for letters...
5502To George Washington from Brigadier General John Stark, 18 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
Letter not found : from Brig. Gen. John Stark, 18 Aug. 1778. On 19 Aug., Stark wrote GW : “I yesterday wrote you concerning clothing,” and on 29 Aug., GW wrote Stark : “I have duly recd yours of the 13th 18th 19th and 21st instants.”
5503To George Washington from Joseph de Valnais, 18 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
Letter not found : from Joseph de Valnais, 18 Aug. 1778. On 30 Aug., GW wrote Valnais : “I recd yours of the 18th.”
5504To George Washington from Colonel William Malcom, 19 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
Letter not found : from Col. William Malcom, 19 Aug. 1778. On 24 Aug., GW wrote Malcom : “I recd yours of the 19th inclosing the weekly Return of the Garrison.”
5505To George Washington from Brigadier General John Stark, 19 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
Dear Sir —I yesterday wrote you concerning clothing for Major Whitcomb’s corps of rangers, and sent a return of the said corps. The bearer hereof waits on you for clothing, and can inform you of the sad condition of the men. I understand that Colonel Winship, deputy commissary general, has resigned. I know of no person so attentive to his business as Bethuel Washburn, assistant deputy...
5506To George Washington from Major General John Sullivan, 19 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
I am honored this day by the receipt of your favor of the 16th Inst. Wherein you complain of my want of attention in giving you more frequently an acct of my situation and progress of my operations and in answer can assure your Excellency that want of interesting matter not of inclination has given rise to the suspicion—I can recieve no greater satisfaction than what arises from contributing...
5507To George Washington from Lund Washington, 19 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
Two Posts have past and no letters from you unless they have been sent on to newcastle where mrs Washington directed when she left home, hers shoud go —when I was below I see Mr Hill who Askd me whether you had given any orders about your Estate in his Hands—his meang I suppose was, as Custis and he are about to part, who was to take Charge of the Estate and further said, he wishd he had known...
5508To George Washington from Henry Laurens, 20 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
My last to Your Excellency went by Dunn dated the 13th since which I have had the honor of receiving and presenting to Congress Your Excellency’s second of the 13th and one of the 16th Inst. I have at present nothing to trouble Your Excellency with but an Act of Congress of the 17th for exonerating the Commanding Officers on Hudsons’ river from any censure for the loss of the Posts in the...
5509To George Washington from Henry Laurens, 20 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
I had the honor of writing to Your Excellency this Morning by Burwell and late the present Evening of receiving Your Excellency’s dispatches by Captain Riley. These shall be presented to Congress tomorrow. Inclosed with this will be found a Report of a Committee on Your Excellency’s letter, relative to Baron Steuben, which Congress request Your Excellency will take under consideration, and...
5510To George Washington from Patrick Henry, 21 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
Letter not found : from Patrick Henry, 21 Aug. 1778. GW wrote Henry on 13 Sept. : “I have been honored with yours of the 21st Augt.”
5511To George Washington from Major General William Phillips, 21 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
The situation of the Troops of the Convention of Saratoga being such as calls upon my earnest attention, will, I hope, plead for me in apology for giving you, Sir, the trouble of this Letter. By an Article of the Treaty made at Saratoga with Major General Gates it was to be allow’d that an Officer might be sent to Canada for the Cloathing for the Troops of the Convention —By application...
5512To George Washington from Brigadier General John Stark, 21 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
I am under the disagreeable Necessity of complaining of the Qr Mr General, of this Department, altho I could Cincerely wish, never to be under such Necessity, it is not only myself but almost Every Person, that has Business with him has Reason to Complain, as he seems very unwilling [to] oblige any Person whatever, he has no Tents, neither can I learn as he tries to provide any, by which means...
5513To George Washington from Major General John Sullivan, 21 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have within this hour had the honor of receiving your favor and am happy in having it in my power to relieve your Excellency from the state of anxiety you are in for the Counts safety. He last evening appeared of this harbour & I was soon after surprised with the inclosed letter from Count d’Cambis who was dispatched in a frigate by the Admiral for the purpose of more speedily conveying the...
5514To George Washington from Silas Deane, 22 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
I wrote you by Col. Bannister, which Letter You will have received before this; I now write by Capt. Webb, just to ask if any thing can be done for the Exchange of Col. Webb Prisoner as I learn on Long Island, I am very desirous of seeing him before I leave Philadelphia not only on Account of the Affection I bear him, but on Business of some Consequence to Us both, if an exchange cannot be...
5515To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 22 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
Letter not found : from Maj. Gen. Nathanael Greene, 22 Aug. 1778. On 1 Sept., GW wrote Greene : “I have had the pleasure of receiving your several letters, the last of which was of the 22d Augt.”
5516To George Washington from Brigadier General William Maxwell, 22 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have little to inform your Excellency of but even that will be more agreeable to you, I emajin than not to hear from us at all. I have intiligence almost dayly from the likelyest places for news. The Troops lyeth mostly as they did when I wrote you of the partys going to Cow neck which is still confirmed, & that a party had gone to Joyn Governor Tryon on the East of the Island. besides the...
5517To George Washington from Brigadier General Charles Scott, 22 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
Previous to the rect of Your orders through Colo. Tilghman I had sent Colos. Butler and parker with an Escort of 12 D[r]agoons To the Neighbourhood of Frogs point, with orders To take every possable Means in their power To git the Very best Intelegence from thence, I mentioned to them, giting some inhabitant Who they Could confide in. I also desierd them to Make enquiery whether there was any...
5518To George Washington from Major Alexander Clough, 23 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
Letter not found : from Maj. Alexander Clough, 23 Aug. 1778. On 24 Aug., GW’s aide-de-camp Richard Kidder Meade wrote Clough: “His Excellency commands me to acknowledge the receipt of your favor of Yesterdays date—& thank you for the intelligence it contain’d—He wishes you to continue your endeavours to collect the most perfect accots possible; the circumstance in particular which you mention...
5519To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel John Laurens, 23 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
I am just returned from a fruitless pursuit of the french Squadron—General Sullivan will inform Your Excellency of the fatal determination of the counts officers in a Council of War—as well as of the several Remonstrances and final solemn protest made by the American Generals —The Admirals Ship being dismasted fore and aft, at the moment that he had overtaken the british fleet and was...
5520To George Washington from Alexander Spotswood, 23 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
Your Excellencys Favour of the 11th Came to hand this day. I ever thought, from the small Connection betwen us by marraige, that I had a share in your regard, and am happy to find, that, as an Officer, I was not low in your Esteem. To enter into a detail of what has past, woud b⟨e⟩ only Takeing up your Excellencys time, and now, woud answer no purpose; I shall only add, that, as events have...
5521To George Washington from Major General John Sullivan, 23 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
The Fates have Decreed that you Shall receive nothing but Disagreable Intelligence from this Quarter. Major General Green & the Marquis Returned the night before Last from the French Admiral. my Letter their Intreaties & General Greens written Remonstrance Drawn up on Board the Languedoc have only produced the Letter which I Inclose. it Seems That the Captains of the French Fleet are So...
5522To George Washington from Major Alexander Clough, 24 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
Letter not found : from Maj. Alexander Clough, 24 Aug. 1778. On 25 Aug., GW wrote Clough : “I recd yours of yesterday late last Night.”
5523To George Washington from John Laurance, 24 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
AS the Congress have resolved that two Counsellors learned in the law should assist and co-operate with me in the prosecution of the General Officers respecting the evacuation of Ticonderoga, I am under the necessity, previous to my proceeding to the trial of Major General St. Clair, of requesting your Excellency to inform me whether those gentlemen have been desired to attend agreeable to the...
5524To George Washington from Brigadier General Edward Hand, 25 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have the Honour to inform your Excellency that I last Evening arrived here from Fort Pitt & in a very few days intend to wait on the board of war to give that Honorable Body a State of Affairs on the Western frontiers & settle the Accounts of that Departmt during my Command there, in the mean Time shall be happy to receive your Excellency’s orders & am Sir with the greatest respect Yr...
5525To George Washington from Major General Lafayette, 25–26 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
I had expected for answering to your first letter that Some thing interesting would have happened that I might Communicate to your Excellency—every day was going to terminate our uncertainties—nay, every day was going to bring the hope of a succés which I did promise myself to acquaint you off—such was the Reason of my differing what my duty and inclination did urge me to do much sooner—I am...
5526To George Washington from Major Benjamin Tallmadge, 25 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
Letter not found : from Maj. Benjamin Tallmadge, 25 Aug. 1778. On 25 Aug., GW wrote Tallmadge : “I shall be glad to see you upon the business mentioned in yours of this date.”
5527To George Washington from Major Thomas Wickes, 25 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
Tuesday Evening 7 Oclock This moment I received Inteligence that all the Troops in Suffolk County and on Loyds are ordered to march to the Westard, the troops at Huntington marched this Morning, Tryon is on his march, this Sudden movement: is in Consequence of Some Ships Said to be french Ships in the Sound they are in the Greatest hurry, they Was Impressing teams all Last Night Tryon is...
5528To George Washington from a Board of General Officers, 26 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
The Board recommend it to be inserted in General Orders, that half a Gill of Rice per Diem be issued, three Times a Week, in Lieu of one Quarter of a Pound of Flour; there being a large Quantity of Rice in Store; more in Proportion than Flour. The Board also request Your Excellency to repeat, in General Orders, the strict Injunction against any Horses being kept in, or near the Camp, by...
5529To George Washington from Captain Epaphras Bull, 26 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
there has passed by this Place to the Wtward, to day 3 Sloops & one Schooner Loaded with Hay—& one Row Gally, 2 Brigs & one Sloop from the Eastward come to anchor this afternoon Just Et of Hempstead Harbour, and as far Etward as I can see, appears to be 8 or 10 Sail Vessels, believe shall be able to give an Acct of them Tomorrow. I have the Honour to present your Excellency with 20 or 30 wt...
5530To George Washington from Major Alexander Clough, 26 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
I had the honour to recive your letter at ten last night, at two this morning I marcht for Bergan, to collect what intelligance I could. The Gentlemen mentiond in my instructions have not made any preparation to leave the town—the waggons are on long Iseland which prevents my informent giveing a perticular Acct of them. in a few days I Expect to be more fully inform’d—On Sunday morning a...
5531To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 26 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
Nearly our whole time for several weeks has been taken up in forwarding provisions, Stores &c. to Rhode Island, and in order to accelerate the operations of the Expedition we have sent to that place all the provisions that could possibly be spared from the Magazines, in particular Flour, of which upwards of 1000 Barrels have been forwarded. The unexpected destination of the Count D’Estaing’s...
5532To George Washington from Lieutenant George Hurlbut, 26 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
I am set down to report the occurrences of the Day—Early this morning discoverd 16 Ships, Anchored off frogs point, Several of them appeared to be very large—upon my Return, two Boat loads, of the Inhabitants of City Island, attempted to cut off my Retreat—receivd sundry shotts from them—at 2 P.M. 2 large Briggs, & Sloop, from the Eastward, Anchored off, near Huntington Harbour, near the same...
5533To George Washington from Brigadier General William Maxwell, 26 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
Your Excellency may depend on the following; as I have it from a Gentle Man of Varacity that came from Long Island yesterday Viz. Lord How went the day before yesterday off Barren Island out of the Hook and that day 4 Regts went down Long Island one of them Turnbuls, new levys, they said they were going on board of the Fleet to act as Marines but an express follow’d them that night, and they...
5534To George Washington from Lieutenant Caleb Brewster, 27 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
When I left Long Island this Morning Governor Tryon was at Millers place with about three hundred Troops and the Main body at Brookhaven about nine Miles to the Westward under the Command of Genl Delancey; The whole party consists of a thousand men. The Party under the Command of Tryon are within half a mile of the Sound, those under the Command of Delancey a mile & a half; the Parties arrived...
5535To George Washington from Captain Epaphras Bull, 27 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have to acquaint your Excellency that the two Brigs & Sloop which Anchored near Hempstead Harbour Last Night, to day made Sail & went down, the Sloop was Armed Carrying 12 guns, the Brigs were not, but deeply Loaded, two Sloops past Wtward with Hay—the Vessels which I discovered yesterday, far Etward have made very Little Progress to day, they this Evening appeard to be Standing in to Oyster...
5536To George Washington from Lieutenant George Hurlbut, 27 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
I am set down to inform your Excellency, the two Brigs, & Sloop, I mention’d in my last, have past this place, came to Anchor nere frogs point, soon after—One Sloop of force, & three Sloops, with forrage, went to the Westward—Just before sunset, 24. Sale, came to Anchor off Auster [Oyster] Bay; three ships appeard to be of force, hope I shall be able to Report, in my next, more peticular —I am...
5537To George Washington from Colonel William Malcom, 27 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
Letter not found : from Col. William Malcom, 27 Aug. 1778. On 29 Aug., GW wrote Malcom : “I have recd yours of the 27th inclosing a weekly return of the Garrison.”
5538To George Washington from Brigadier General William Maxwell, 27 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have the pleasure to Inclose to Your Excellency Major Howels Journal. I have it confirmed by another channel that the 7 Vessels of the Cork Fleet is arived, the day before yesterday; and that Lord How Sailed with his Fleet the same day to the Eastward; this is all I have at present only that I have Just got another Packet from the Commissioners to Congress and sent it on —I am Your...
5539To George Washington from Brigadier General Peter Muhlenberg, 27 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
Letter not found : from Brig. Gen. Peter Muhlenberg, 27 Aug. 1778. On 27 Aug., Tench Tilghman wrote Muhlenberg: “His Excellency has recd yours of this date.”
5540To George Washington from Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 27 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
The Act of the General Assembly of this State for raising the two Battalions commanded by Colonels Enos, and McClellen provides, That the Battalions, or any Detachment therefrom, shall not be continued in actual service more than three months at any one time, to be compleated from the time they shall arrive at the place of their Destination —The exigency of the case requiring, they were...
5541To George Washington from Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 27 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
I received your favor of the 8th instant, requesting that the Fleet under the Command of Count D’Estaing might be supplied with Water from New-London, for which I gave immediate Orders; and sundry Vessels were employed in that business, by which conclude they were, and might still have been sufficiently supplied with that very necessary article, had they continued on that Station—but alas!...
5542To George Washington from Major Thomas Wickes, 27 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have Just Receivd the Following Intelegence From Newyork, Yesterday morning Lord Hows fleet Consisting of about twenty Sail, went out of Sandyhook its Said he is, Bound to Rhode Island, its further Reported that two Expresses had arrived at newyork from Rhode Island, for him to Come to there releaf, one was an open boat, She Came in at the hook, Its Generaly believed by our friends in...
5543To George Washington from Captain Epaphras Bull, 28 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have to Inform your Excellency that the Fleet of Transports which lay at Frogs Neck have this morning made their appearence Round the Point they are now lying at Anchor, they are so Intersperced amonge the Islands that it is difficult to Assertain their Number their appears to be near 20 Ships I shall Acquaint your Excellency of there first movement, the Fleet mentioned in my Report of Last...
5544To George Washington from Captain Epaphras Bull, 28 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have to acquaint your Excellency that the Fleet from the Etward have now Past this place, there was in the whole Sixty Nine Sail Viz. 6 Ships, two of them Transports, 3 appeard to be of 18 or 20 guns Each, & one which Bro’t up the Rear of the whole had two Tier of guns—10 Brigs, 3 of them Armed, 21 Schooners, one of them Arm’d 6 Loaded with wood 2 with Hay, 32 Sloops, 13 Loaded with wood 2...
5545To George Washington from Captain Epaphras Bull, 28 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have to acquaint your Excellency that I did not Inform myself any better as to the Shiping by going below, as they lie Chiefly behind the Islands, therefor was not able to discover whether there was Troops on Board or not. there appears to be 30 or 40 Sail of them, (I mean of those Transports from N. York) Chiefly Ships—Lt Hurlbut is Just Returned from Et Chester and can give no further...
5546To George Washington from Major Alexander Clough, 28 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have recd inteligance that Yesterday betwixt two and three in the afternoon a signell Gun was fire’d at New york upon which a hunderd and forty sail of transports fell down to the hook (this is certain thayr numbers where told by severl persons on bergan shore) where thay are bound I am not able to lern—the day before Brass cannon was sent on board transports in the north river likewise...
5547To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 28–31 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
Your Excellencys favor of the 21st came to hand the evening of the 25th. In my last I communicated to your Excellency the departure of the Count de Estainge with his fleet for Boston. This disagreeable event, has as I apprehended ruined all our operations. It struck such a panic among the Militia and Volunteers that they began to desert by Shoals. The fleet no sooner set sail than they began...
5548To George Washington from Lieutenant George Hurlbut, 28 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
The fleet that were Anchor’d off Frogs point mov’d up Early this Morning, came to Anchor off City Island—72. Sail past this place to day, under Convoy of 4. Ships—Chief of them appeared to be very deeply Laden, But very few had Forage on deck—above half have Anchored off Heart Island, the Remainder joind the Fleet Below—they keep Constanly passing & Repassing from one fleet to the other—from...
5549To George Washington from Henry Laurens, 28 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
Since my last of the 20th I have had the honor of receiving Your Excellency’s several favors of the 16th, 19th, 21st, 21st and 24th and of presenting them together with the several papers which accompanied them to Congress in due course. The proceedings of the General Court Martial for the trial of Major General Lee had been made an Order of the day for Wednesday the 26th, Congress then...
5550To George Washington from Henry Laurens, 28 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
I am indebted for Your Excellency’s favors of the 20th and 25th, the former receiv’d three days since, and the latter while I was in Congress this Morning; this takes my immediate attention—I feel convinc’d that had Your Excellency named a sum in Gold and apply’d for it to Congress, an order for the Amount would have pass’d without hesitation—but from circumstances which I have more than a few...