31To George Washington from Major General Steuben, 20 June 1780 (Washington Papers)
The more I reflect on the situation of our Affairs, the more I think my presence necessary at the No. River, where many Arrangements are necessary previous to the Troops taking an Active part in the Campaign. This induces me to request your Excellency to consider the propriety of relieving me at this Post. I cannot but confess. I am the more induced to wish this, from the disagreable situation...
32To George Washington from Major General Steuben, 24 June 1780 (Washington Papers)
The first object of my attention on my arrival here was to collect together all the Spare Arms &c. to be ready for the Drafts, (who are, as I am told, coming in great numbers) —they are to be returnd to the Field Commissary immediately & a return of them given to General How. There being no object to call my attention immediately at this Post I have determined to go on the other side & afford...
33To George Washington from Major General Steuben, 9 July 1780 (Washington Papers)
Aussi dificile et presque impossible il est de tracer un plan pour les operations d’une Campagne, Quand on ne peut pas Comter avec sureté sur les Moyens qu’on peut Employer. Notre situation presente exige de prendre une partie-pour ne pas perdre L’Avantage d’un secour Eficace que nous Esperons d’un jour à L’autre de la part de Nos Allies. Dans un Moment ou Nous etions mieux prepares de notre...
34To George Washington from Major General Steuben, 14 July 1780 (Washington Papers)
I am just returned from West Point where I have been making some necessary arrangments towards preparing for an Offensive Campaign I have represented to Genl How the absolute necessity of exempting the Recruits from fatigue Duties that they may be renderd as serviceable as the short time we have for this business will allow. We have in the 8 Brigades in this Department about 3000 Old soldiers,...
35To George Washington from Major General Steuben, 18 July 1780 (Washington Papers)
Colonel Debois has this moment been with me, who has been desired by Governor Clinton to wait on me to receive my advice & instructions in regard to the formation of the three State Battns consisting of fifteen hundred men which he informs me will arrive in Fish Kill next Monday. In consequence of which I have delivered him some of the Regulations for the Army; which I have desired him...
36To George Washington from Major General Steuben, 22 July 1780 (Washington Papers)
To avoid all disorders which may result from drawing by seperate Corps, I proposed in my last Letter to your Excellency, that the Light Infantry should draw nothing as a Seperate Corps, except their Rations, distributed by a Commissary Their Forage—by a Forage Master, and their Amuniton by a Conductor, who are to be appointed particularly for the Light Infantry —The Arms—Accoutrements, Camp...
37To George Washington from Major General Steuben, 28 July 1780 (Washington Papers)
Previous to the reception of your two Letters of the & Instant I had been informed of our disappointment with regard to the Arms expected from France; Mr Izard made no secret of their detention or the cause —The distress I foresaw this disappointment would bring upon us determind me on a measure for which, if disapproved by your Excellency, I must be answerable. I engaged General Howe to write...
38To George Washington from Major General Steuben, 10 September 1780 (Washington Papers)
By the State of Affairs that Your Excellency has been pleased to lay before the Council of War, our Situation seems such, that it will be extreemly difficult to determine, what should be our Operations during the Course of this Campaign. The only thing that appears Certain, is, that neither Circumstances nor the means we have, permits us, in the Present moment, to think of any Offensive...
39To George Washington from Major General Steuben, 23 October 1780 (Washington Papers)
It is with the Greatest satisfaction I Acquaint You that the Plan of Arrangement for the Army, which Your Excellency sent to Congress has been Agreed to Yesterday without any Alteration. The granting half pay for life to the Reduced Officers has met with some Opposition, but the Proposition has not only passed; but it was Resolved immidiately after, to extend these Advantages to all the...
40To George Washington from Major General Steuben, 24 November 1780 (Washington Papers)
your Excellency has no doubt, heard before this time, of the Departure of the Enemy from Portsmouth; as Governor Jefferson in his Letter informs you of all the circumstances of this retreat, I will refer you to it for particulars. I am now hastening, as much as possible, the Departure of General Lawsons Corps for the Southward; It consists of about 200 Horse and 300 Infantry, Inlisted till the...
41To George Washington from Major General Steuben, 17 December 1780 (Washington Papers)
Your Excellency has doubtless been informed by General Green of his intentions to leave me in this State. I have hitherto deferred writing myself in hopes of being able to give a more favorable account of my Operations—the account however is by no means so flattering as I could wish. I found every thing here in the utmost confusion, the exhausted state of the Finances obliged the executive...
42To George Washington from Major General Steuben, 28 December 1780 (Washington Papers)
The more difficult it becomes to recruit our Armies, the more it becomes necessary to redress the Abuses that tend to the diminution of our Battalions. By Your Excellency’s direction, a Number of those Abuses, such as Small Detachments, Standing Guards &c., have been laid aside in the Northern Army; but here, those faults against Military Order Still Subsist, & are carried to a greater Excess...
43To George Washington from Major General Steuben, 8 January 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have waited a moments leisure from the hurry & confusion of these eight days past to give Your Excellency a Detail of the Enemies Movements in this State. So early as the 31st of Decembr the Governor informed me of a Fleet of 27 Sail having arrived at Willoby point, in Consequence of which I immediately dispatched Col. Senf, & one of my Aids de Camp, down the south side of the River to...
44To George Washington from Major General Steuben, 11 January 1781 (Washington Papers)
I had the honor to address your Excellency the 8th inst., giving you a detail of what had passed down to that date. The Enemy laying Still at Westover the 9th, and some Vessels which had lain at the mouth of the Appamatox dropping down that Day to their Fleet, I thought it Evident they had no design against Petersburg, and therefore ordered the few Militia who were assembled there to march to...
45To George Washington from Major General Steuben, 29 January 1781 (Washington Papers)
My last informed your Excellency of the Enemys having passed Hoods on their way down the River —the 12th I marched with 700 Militia to Cabbin point the Continental Troops being too naked to keep the Field had been sent back to Chesterfield Court House. The 14th the Enemy landed at Hardys ferry 22 Miles below Cabbin point & began their March towards Smithfield—Supposing that Colo. Parker with...
46To George Washington from Major General Steuben, 1 February 1781 (Washington Papers)
I had the honor of addressing your Excellency the 29 Instant informing you of the Enemies movements down to that date they remain at Portsmouth where they are throwing up some works for their defence. Among the greatest mischiefs occasioned by this invasion is the total derangement of all the measures we were taking for the support of the Southern Army—the calling out the Militia will...
47To George Washington from Major General Steuben, 12 February 1781 (Washington Papers)
I had the honor to address your Excellency the [ ] since then nothing material has occurred in this quarter the Enemy laying quiet in Portsmouth. The Letter of which the enclosed is Copy came yesterday by Express not being certain that General Green had wrote your Excellency by the same Conveyance I inclose copy of his Letter to me by an omission in dating the Letter I am uncertain where he...
48To George Washington from Major General Steuben, 18 February 1781 (Washington Papers)
Our affairs to the Southward become every day more Critical, Since I had the Honor of Writing Your Excellency the [ ] Inst., I have recd a Letter from Genl Greene advising me that a Variety of circumstances had combined to oblige him to retire towards the frontiers of Virginia; his letter is dated at Guildford Court House, midway between Salisbury, & Hillsboro, marked in the Map New Garden...
49To George Washington from Major General Steuben, 23 February 1781 (Washington Papers)
My last informed you that I had sent Capt. Depontiere onboard the French Fleet, to know if I could under take anything against Portsmouth and was making the necessary preparations as well for such an enterprize, as for the security of the French Vessells in case of danger. For the first object I ordered General Gregory to assemble all the force in his power on the other side the Dismal Swamp,...
50To George Washington from Major General Steuben, 1 March 1781 (Washington Papers)
On Monsieur Tillys arrival in James River I began to prepare for an enterprize against Portsmouth, which preparations I fortunately Continued, although he informed me he should not stay in the River, I have it therefore in my Power to afford the necessary assistance to the affair now in agitation, much sooner than could be expected. You need not My Dear General be under any apprehensions that...
51To George Washington from Steuben, January 1784 (Washington Papers)
The letter of december 23d which I have had the honor of receiving from Your Excellency is the most honorable testimony which my serving could have received. My first wish was to approve myself to Your Excellency & in having obtained it my happiness is complete. The Confidence Your Excellency was pleased to place in my integrity & ability Gained me that of the Army & of the United States—Your...
52To George Washington from Steuben, March 1784 (Washington Papers)
On my arrival here I received a letter from Major L’Infant an extract of which I have the honor to present Your Excellency. [“]It is with the greatest satisfaction that I announce the success of the Cincinnati in France, the difficulties which it was supposed would attend the introduction of this order (as no foreign Orders are permitted to be worn with the Kings) are surmounted. His Majesty...
53To George Washington from Steuben, 26 October 1787 (Washington Papers)
I have lately made a fresh application to Congress for a final settlement of my affairs on the ground of a contract made with that honorable body previous to my joining the American army. The particulars and the evidence of that contract are stated in a printed pamphlet a copy of which Mr. Hamilton informs me he has transmitted to your Excellency. I have been just informed that Congress intend...
54To George Washington from Steuben, 25 August 1789 (Washington Papers)
I beg leave to have the honor of submitting to Your perussal the copy of a Memorial, which I intend shortly to present to the Congress, accompanied by a statement of the facts and circumstances, on which I found a claim to a further compensation from the United States. As the first Magistrate of the Nation, You Sir cannot but have a peculiar sensibillity to whatever may in its consequences...
55To George Washington from Steuben, 29 January 1790 (Washington Papers)
Though sensibly imprest with the marks of confidence & freindship, you have been pleased to manifest for me, since my arrival in America. Nothing but the most urgent necessity could induce me at this time, to divert your attention from more important Objects of National concern, to the consideration of one, which may be of a more personal nature. Unaccustomed to suffer pecuniary distress...
56To George Washington from Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, Baron [von] Steuben, 15 March 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have the pleasure to inform your Excellency of the Marquis arrival at this place yesterday. he will write himself by this Opportunity. The great delay in this Expedition gives me much uneasiness which is not lessened by the amazing tranquillity of the Enemy-- knowing the preparations making against them. I can only account for it by their exploiting some Assistances unknown to us-- As I...
57To George Washington from Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, Baron [von] Steuben, 23 March 1781 (Washington Papers)
I take the liberty to refer your Excellency to the Marquiss Letter of this date for an account of our situation in this quarter. I only lament that the preparations we had made with so much trouble and expence appear to have proved useless and that so sure a stroke as that on Portsmouth seemed to be should have failed. General Green in a Letter of the 11th informs me that his success depended...
58To George Washington from Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, Baron [von] Steuben, 15 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
The Expedition against Portsmouth having failed my first care was to save those Articles which had at so much trouble and expence been collected for that purpose—and here I must do justice to this State for their Efforts on this occasion. I can with truth say that every possible preparation was made—the expectations of the people were accordingly very great, but not so much so, as the...
59To George Washington from Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, Baron [von] Steuben, 21 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
The preparations of the Enemy at Portsmouth indicating an intention of operating offensively and the number of Militia in the Field being too small to afford the least prospect of resistance, I thought it prudent to remove every species of Public Stores to some distance in the Country and on the 16th Instant gave orders for that purpose. The 18th Fourteen Sail of Vessells came up the River as...
60To George Washington from Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, Baron [von] Steuben, 25 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
On the 24th I reconnoitre’d the Enemys Fleet when they lay opposite Westover and consisted of Thirteen Topsail Vessels and 23 flat bottom’d boats, I judged their number to be about 2500 which corresponded with the information received soon after from a Serjeant deserter who said there were 3,000. The Fleet of the enemy soon came to sail and stood at the River toward City point, which kept me...
61To George Washington from Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, Baron [von] Steuben, 4 May 1781 (Washington Papers)
Maj. Lomagne will represent to your Excellency the present State of Colo. Armands Corps—the distress I was in for Cavalry in Jany last obliged me to employ this Corps on the Lines at Portsmouth, where by the activity of Mon. Lomagne they were extremely servicable, till they were so harrassed that I was under the necessity of with drawing them from Service & sending thanks for your Activity &...
62To George Washington from Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, Baron [von] Steuben, 5 May 1781 (Washington Papers)
Two days after I had the honor of addressing you my last the Marquis arrived with his Detachment at Richmond and as he will inform your Excellency of the Operations of the Army I shall only add to my last, that of all the Articles collected at Chesterfield Co. Ho. & Petersburg for the Equipment of the Levies not the least article fell into the Enemies hands. The Marquis de la Fayette now...
63To George Washington from Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, Baron [von] Steuben, 23 May 1781 (Washington Papers)
Being called by General Greene to the Southern Army, I have the honor to Report to your Excellency my proceedings whilst in this State. The unfortunate Affair of Camden having intirely broke up the remains of the Virginia Line, a few Officers only remaining uncaptured—the State passed a Law to raise 3000 Men, some for 8 Months and others for 18, not more than one half of this number ever came...
64To George Washington from Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, Baron [von] Steuben, 22 October 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to transmit herewith to your Excellency Coll Febigers letter representing the situation of the Officers and soldiers of the Virginia Troops now here. Having already spoke to your Excellency on this subject and Colo. Febiger having so fully represented the matter I have only to add that the situation of the Officers is as distressing as can be imagined—to my own knowledge there...
65To George Washington from Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, Baron [von] Steuben, 4 February 1782 (Washington Papers)
I am sorry to find that Congress have not been as explicit as I could wish, with regard to the field duties of the officers of my Department. Your Excellency always appeared to me so desirous of encouraging those officers, by securing to them such rights & privileges as may derive from military rank, that I am confident you will put the best interpretation on that part of the plan. The...
66To George Washington from Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, Baron [von] Steuben, 6 February 1782 (Washington Papers)
I was honored with your Excellency’s of yesterday’s date, which I will endeavour to answer with all the candour you request. If there was any impropriety in throwing the Inspectorate & mustering departments into one, I must stand clear of every imputation on that head. The opinion of your Excellency had no sooner been communicated to me but I gave up every idea of that union, & in the last...
67To George Washington from Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, Baron [von] Steuben, 28 February 1782 (Washington Papers)
it appear by a final ajustment of my Accounts that there remaind due to me a ballance of Eight thousand two hundreds and fifty dollars in Specie the Sum remaining due is a proof that I have received a Less proportion of my appointment than the others officers of the Army, tho’ I have been obliged to undergo more Considerable expense than any others individual by the Constant journies to which...
68To George Washington from Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, Baron [von] Steuben, 14 March 1782 (Washington Papers)
Intending in the course of next week to set out for camp, & having a number of accounts to settle in this City previous to my departure. I have to beg your Excellency for the letter you were pleased to Offer in my favor, to the minister of Finance. with the greatest respect. I have the honor to be Your Excellency’s Most Obedient Servant DLC : Papers of George Washington.
69To George Washington from Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, Baron [von] Steuben, May 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have the Honor to transmit your Excellency the Inspection Returns with the Muster Rolls for the Month of May. Those of Hazen’s Regiment and Vanheer’s Corps have not yet arrived; and Sheldon’s Regiment of Horse, on Account of the Distance, and for want of the necessary Means could not possibly be inspected. Between the first of May, and the last Inspection, four Hundred and seventy seven...
70To George Washington from Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, Baron [von] Steuben, 4 June 1782 (Washington Papers)
In Consequence of Excellency’s Directions relative to Colonel Nicola’s Letter of Yesterday, I would beg leave to observe that from the Circumstances attending the Persons in Question and the Order of the Board of War respecting Instances of that Nature, no Muster can be made of them for longer Term than thirty Days previous to joining the invalid Corps, which according to the Colonel’s...
71To George Washington from Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, Baron [von] Steuben, 10 June 1782 (Washington Papers)
Before I can give an Answer to the Questions which your Excellency has proposed to my Considerations, I conceive it will be necessary to take a comparative View of the Troops which the Enemy have actualy on the Continent: and those which we may have a Probability of bringing into the Field the ensuing Campaign. In the first Instance the Force the enemy may have at Halifax is not comprehended;...
72To George Washington from Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, Baron [von] Steuben, 8 July 1782 (Washington Papers)
As the Peculiarity of my Situation requires an immediate Explanation with Congress, I have it in Consideration to proceed to Philadelphia, taking the York and Jersey Lines in my Rout. It is unnecessary to inform your Excellency of the Circumstances which render this Measure indispensibly necessary; your own Observations will prevent me the Pain of recapitulating them. A Delicacy due to my own...
73To George Washington from Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, Baron [von] Steuben, 27 August 1782 (Washington Papers)
I am this moment favored with a Letter from General Knox, in which he mentions your Excellency’s Desire to have my Sentiments on the subject of Brigade Conductors. This is a Class of Men, which I have long wished to see reduced; because I conceive that the Duties of that Department more properly belong to the Brigade Quartermasters; and because they have been heretofore subject to such a...
74To George Washington from Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, Baron [von] Steuben, 6 September 1782 (Washington Papers)
The Commander in Chief having desired our Opinion in what order the Troops composing the Light Infantry of the Army should be Posted. We are of Opinion—That the same Principle which has been adopted for Posting the Troops in the Line of the Army should also govern in the Light Infantry and that the Troops of each State should have their Geographical position the same as is the Line of the...
75To George Washington from Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, Baron [von] Steuben, 24 September 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have the Honor to transmit your Excellency the Abstracts of the Muster Rolls for the Months of July and August: and to the Report of the Inspection made by Colonel Stewart I have added the Original. The account which he gives of the Army is so minute and just that I have nothing to add except what respects the Progress which the Troops have made in Exercise and Manoeu v res. As your...
76To George Washington from Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, Baron [von] Steuben, 23 October 1782 (Washington Papers)
Inclosed I have the Honor of presenting Your Excellency with an Abstract of the Musters and the Inspection Returns for the Month of September. The laudable Ambition which after the first Inspection pervaded the Army still continues in a great Part. The Effect is seen in the elegant Appearance of the 3d Regt of Artillery, 1st Jersey 2nd New York, 2d 3d & 9 th Massachusetts. The 1st Regt of York...
77To George Washington from Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, Baron [von] Steuben, 16 February 1783 (Washington Papers)
Inclosed I have the honor to present the report of a board of Officers on Captain Segonds affair the papers relating there to are also forwarded. The Opinion of the board I hope will meet with Your Excellencys approbation. I beg leave to congratulate Your Excellency on the near prospect of Peace, this event which we have so long wished for will give happiness to thousands. Your Excellencys...
78To George Washington from Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, Baron [von] Steuben, 15 April 1783 (Washington Papers)
I had the honor yesterday to receive your letter requesting my sentiments on a peace establishment. I am sorry that my little Knowledge of the Frontiers, or Sea Coast of the United States does not permit my giving Your Excellency my Sentiments on the matters proposed. I am of opinion that whatever number of troops are kept on a peace establishment there they should be entirely continental,...
79To George Washington from Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, Baron [von] Steuben, 21 April 1783 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to present Your Excellency with my thoughts on a peace Establishment for our interior defence; how far my plan is adapted to the circumstances of the United States & whether it will agree with the principles of our Goverment, I am not able to determine. This I am Certain of that we have need of a regular force for the protection of our partners, that our Militia ought to be on...
80To George Washington from Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, Baron [von] Steuben, 26 April 1783 (Washington Papers)
As Your Excellency has ordered discharges for those soldiers whose time is near expiring to be printed & the form is probably already furnished, I have not attempted giving any sentiments on the matter; they will doubtless by signed by the Commander in Chief which will add a dignity to them, pleasing to soldiers who have served with fidelity; if they could be authorised by those discharges to...