61From George Washington to the Board of War, 8 June 1780 (Washington Papers)
If Major Lee’s Corps is still at Philadelphia or within its vicinity—or has not advanced more than three or four days march towards the Southward—I request that You will order it to join this army as soon as it can be done. His Horse in particular is infinitely wanted at this time. I inclose a Letter for him on this subject. The Enemy are out in force in Jersey and liejust below Sp[r]ingfield....
62From George Washington to the Board of War, 5 June 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have been successively honored with your favors of the 19th—24th—25th—26th—and 30th ulto with the several enclosures to which they refer. I am at a loss to know the meaning of the Board in transmitting the representation of the inhabitants of Northumberland in favr of Colo. Weltner—It appears by Govr Reeds letter that there has been one complaining of his Conduct. The one seems a...
63From George Washington to the Board of War, 27 May 1780 (Washington Papers)
I had yesterday the honor to receive Your Letter of the 22d Instant. The exertions of the Board to relieve our distresses and the good Offices of the Merchants were most timely. The Army never stood in greater need of them. On several days the Troops have been entirely destitute of provision of this kind—and at best they have only received for a considerable time past, but an Eighth—a...
64From George Washington to the Board of War, 8 May 1780 (Washington Papers)
It appears by the inclosed Copy of a letter from Baron Steuben that about 1500 Muskets fitted with Bayonets and the same number of Bayonet Belts and Cartouch Boxes of the new construction are wanting to compleat the troops in this Cantonment —You will be pleased therefore to direct the above quantity to be sent forward as speedily as our circumstances will admit—The Musketts which will be...
65From George Washington to the Board of War, 27 April 1780 (Washington Papers)
As the inclosed representation from Capt. Schott to me implies that some steps have been taken by the Board respecting the incorporation of his and Capt. Selins Companies with the German Battalion, I have not thought proper to give any opinion upon it, untill I am informed how far the representation agrees with the measures which the Board may have adopted upon the occasion. I have the honor...
66From George Washington to the Board of War, 23 April 1780 (Washington Papers)
I had yesterday the honor to receive your Letters of the 13th & 17th Instant, with their inclosures. With respect to the Boats and other articles which make the subject of the first, I beg leave to inform the Board that I do not know that there will be any objection to selling them, except such a part of the Tar as they may think it necessary to keep. The state of our Treasury & the necessity...
67From George Washington to the Board of War, 18 April 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have the Honor to transmit You the Arrangement of Harrison’s—Lamb’s, Crane’s & proctor’s Battallions of Artillery, on which You will be pleased to issue Commissions. The Relative ranks of the Field Officers & of all Captains as well those belonging to separate Companies as to the Battallions are set down after the Regimental arrangements, with the proper numbers against each, by which their...
68From George Washington to the Board of War, 9 April 1780 (Washington Papers)
I was the evening before the last, honored with yours of the 31st ulto and 3d instant, the latter inclosing the Copy of a letter from Major Lee, to the Board, on the subject of promoting Captains Peyton and McLane of his Corps to the Rank of Majors, and assigning the reasons on which his propositions were founded. In January last, Major Lee transmitted to me a letter from Capt. McLane to him...
69From George Washington to the Board of War, 7 April 1780 (Washington Papers)
I take the liberty to transmit the inclosed letter for Colo. Blane to Your care, as I do not know with certainty where he is. It is on the state of our provision Supplies, which is most alarming. By the Issuing Commissary’s Return of today and the Return of the State Superintendent Colo. Dunham—It appears that the whole of the provision of the meat kind which they both have in & in collecting...
70From George Washington to the Board of War, 3 April 1780 (Washington Papers)
I had Yesterday afternoon the Honor to receive Your Letter of the 30th of March, and agreeable to your request I inclose a permit for the Goods in charge of Captain Bowman. This mode of obtaining supplies is certainly justifiable from the unhappy situation of our affairs & the necessity of having them; but at the same time, for reasons which will readily occur to the Board, I very much wish...
71From George Washington to the Board of War, 30 March 1780 (Washington Papers)
Upon receiving information that the enemy are preparing to send a reinforcement to the southward, I have determined to detach Major Lees Corps, both Horse and Foot to that quarter, and have written to the commanding Officer to put them in readiness as expeditiously as possible. As they will undoubtedly want many matters to equip them for so long a march, I have directed the Officer to repair...
72From George Washington to the Board of War, 25 March 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with your favors of the 10th 15th 17th and 20th Instants. The Resolve of Congress empowering the Board to order General Courts Martial occasionally had never been transmitted to me, to which account I hope they will place my former doubts upon the propriety of the measure—There is an error in dating the Copy of the Resolve with which you were pleased to furnish me, it now...
73From George Washington to the Board of War, 14 March 1780 (Washington Papers)
In answer to Your Letter of the 4th Instant which I had the Honor of receiving the 12th—I beg leave to inform You, that from the diminution of our force at Fort pitt by the expiration of the Men’s inlistments and the impracticability of replacing them from hence there is no prospect of our undertaking shortly any offensive operations in that Quarter. I would not wish this however to delay the...
74From George Washington to the Board of War, 8 March 1780 (Washington Papers)
Inclosed you have Returns of Arms and Accoutrements wanting by the 2d and 4th Regiments of Light Dragoons —The Articles of sadlery could, I beleive, have been procured in Connecticut, but the Dy Qr Mr General there did not think himself at liberty to proceed in the Business, without a special order, and therefore transmitted the Returns to the Quarter Master General for his direction—who,...
75From George Washington to the Board of War, 6 March 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with yours of the 28th ulto. It gives me great pleasure to find by your letter and by one which I recd a few days ago from Mr Lovell that we have favorable account⟨s⟩ from France on the subject of supplies of Cloathing and other stores —I have directed the Adj⟨t⟩ General to call for an exact return of the drum⟨s⟩ and fifes wanting which shall be transmitted to the Board as...
76From George Washington to the Board of War, 3 March 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have lately had several applications from the Subalterns of the Massachusetts line respecting mistakes which they say happened in the arrangement settled at West point, and confirmed by Congress and agreeable to which their Commissions were issued. As I have no Copy of that arrangement I am unable to determine upon the propriety of their complaints—I shall for that Reason be obliged by a...
77From George Washington to the Board of War, 27 February 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with yours of the 22d accompanied by the Returns of sundry of the additional and detached Corps, from which, and from those which I had been enabled to collect in and near the Army I have furnished the respective States with a tolerably accurate account of the deficiencies of their Quotas. I have informed them, that should any more Men appear to their Credit upon a full...
78George Washington to the Board of War, 26 February 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Morristown [ New Jersey ] February 26, 1780 . Disapproves of court-martial authorized by the Board of War. Sends authorization for new hearing. Suggests that the judge advocate be more “explicit and particular in designating the circumstances of the crime and of the evidence.” Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
79From George Washington to the Board of War, 26 February 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have received the inclosed proceedings of a General Court Martial held by order of the Board —As I am not informed of any provision having been made for vesting the power of appoin[tin]g Courts Mar⟨tial⟩ in the Board (which is too confined in many respects), I should not think myself at liberty to confirm the proceedings of the present Court, were there no objection to the manner of the...
80George Washington to the Board of War, 23 February 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Morristown [ New Jersey ] February 23, 1780 . Asks that noncommissioned officers be supplied with swords as stated in regulations. States need for “drums fifes and standards.” Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
81From George Washington to the Board of War, 23 February 1780 (Washington Papers)
By the regulations the non-comissioned officers are to be armed with swords as a mark of distinction and to enable them the better to maintain the authority due to their stations—This necessary arrangement has not yet been carried into execution— By some returns I have seen there appears to have been a considerable number of Hessian hangers at Albany, though I find no mention of them in the...
82From George Washington to the Board of War, 18 February 1780 (Washington Papers)
Your letter of the 15th, came to hand this morning. It is to be regretted that circumstances should have interposed to diminish the command proposed for Col. Armand. When the idea was formed of Uniting the legion late Pulaski’s to his corps I had no intimation that Congress had determined on its reduction. I would hope however, that the order of the Board for its suspension will arrive in...
83From George Washington to the Board of War, 15 February 1780 (Washington Papers)
I find by a Resolution of the 9th Instant, of which I received a Copy last night, that Congress have been pleased to determine the Quota of Troops to be furnished by the respective States the ensuing Campaign —and that the Non-Commissioned Officers & privates in the additional Corps—Artillery & Cavalry and the Regimented Artificers in the departments of the Quarter Master General & Commissary...
84From George Washington to the Board of War, 10 February 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have, agreeable to the Resolve of Congres⟨s⟩ of the 12th Novemr, formed a regimental arrangement of the eleven Companies of Artificers at pres[ent] acting in a detached manner under the direction of the Quarter Master General —who I have consulted on the occasion, as being better acquainted with the merits of the Officers, and the nature of the service, than I could possibly be. —I have...
85From George Washington to the Board of War, 8 February 1780 (Washington Papers)
The inclosed is an Estimate of Ordnance and Ordnance Stores, which I think it expedient to have lodged at Pittsburgh, ready to answer any favorable opportunity which may present itself, for carrying on operations against the Enemy’s posts to the Westward. I do not know whether there is any practicable Road at this Season for Sleds, if there is, it would be much the easiest and cheapest mode of...
86From George Washington to the Board of War, 6 February 1780 (Washington Papers)
In a letter which I wrote to Congress a few days ago, I took the liberty to recommend uniting the remains of the late Count Pulaski’s legion—Colo. Armands Corps—and a small troop of Horse under the command of Capt. Bedkin. The whole to be under the command of Colo. Armand. Should Congress determine upon the measure—Colo. Armand wishes the Resolve, for the incorporation of the Corps, should be...
87From George Washington to the Board of War, 15–17 January 1780 (Washington Papers)
I was duly honored with yours of the 21st ulto by Capt. Edgar. I should have replied to it sooner, had not my whole time and attention been of late engrossed by endeavouring to raise a supply of provision for the Army. With respect to the Cloathing for Colo. Sheldons Regiment, I think you had best order Messr Otis and Henley to procure a quantity equivalent to a full Corps, and when finished...
88From George Washington to the Board of War, 11 January 1780 (Washington Papers)
I was duly honoured with Your Letter, stating the difficulties which occurred to prevent Colo. Mitchell from attending then the trial of Major General Arnold. As several days have elapsed since, I would willingly hope that things are in such a train as to admit of his coming now, without any material injury to the public service. Genl Arnold is very anxious on this head—and indeed so am I, as...
89From George Washington to the Board of War, 11 January 1780 (Washington Papers)
On the 8th late in the Afternoon I had the honor to receive Your private Letter of the 3d Inst. I sent the next morning for Captain Bowman, but owing to his being out of Camp in quest of provision, I did not see him till yesterday, when I took measures with him for complying with your views. He will march with his Company & with some additional Men I directed to be attached to it to make it...
90From George Washington to the Board of War, 24 December 1779 (Washington Papers)
General Arnold, whose trial is now going on, has represented that the Evidence of Colo. Mitchell is so material that he cannot dispense with it—and that without it—his Trial cannot be brought to a conclusion. I had on the application of the General, summoned him to attend, but by a Letter from him of the 17th he has deferred coming till he should receive farther directions, alledging “that the...
91George Washington to the Board of War, 23 December 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Morristown [ New Jersey ] December 23, 1779 . Forwards Colonel Armand’s request for horses and supplies. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
92From George Washington to the Board of War, 14 December 1779 (Washington Papers)
I was last night honoured with your favors of the 8th & 10th & also with Mr Stoddert’s of the 6th & 10th. The Virginia Troops having marched, I return the Commissions for the Officers, which the Honble the Board will be pleased to have delivered to Genl Woodford. Those for the Maryland line shall be delivered. If the Company lately commanded by Capn Lee—& Captain porter can be annexed to Colo....
93George Washington to the Board of War, 12 December 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Morristown [ New Jersey ] December 12, 1779 . Discusses appointment of Captain William Galvan. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
94From George Washington to the Board of War, 12 December 1779 (Washington Papers)
I am honored with your letter of the 3d instant on the subject of Mr Galvan—My opinion of the qualifications of this Gentleman correspond with that of the Board; but I could not by any means recommend a compliance with his pretensions, though I should be glad to see him in some station which would afford him an opportunity of employing his talents usefully—The situation he has been in, in our...
95From George Washington to the Board of War, 6 December 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have been honoured with your letter of the 30th Ulto & with Mr Stodderts of the 1st Instant. The request contained in the former has been complied with by a publication in orders. And as it respects Leather & Shoes—I will take the liberty to add—that I think it may not be amiss for the Board to enjoin it on the part of the Commissaries of Hides and other contractors for Shoes—to pay...
96From George Washington to the Board of War, 23 November 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with yours of the 12th and 15th instants, in consequence of the latter I dispatched Copies of your letters to Mr Skinner deputy Commissary of prisoners who was not at Elizabeth town to repair thither to take the necessary paroles from Majors General Philips and Riedesel and the Officers accompanying them previous to their going into New York—The paroles taken by Colo. Bland...
97From George Washington to the Board of War, 23 November 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have been this day honored with yours of the 19th inclosing Copies of the letters which have passed between the Honble the Council of Pennsylvania and the Board relative to the Coats which have been delivered to the State for the use of their troops. The inclemency of the Season—the peculiar circumstances of the Army moving into quarters —and the necessity of delivering out the Cloathing...
98From George Washington to the Board of War, 19 November 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have duly received your several favors of the 25th of Octbr and the 2d 8th 10th and 13th of this month. The boards idea of stopping the bringing forward the several loans mentioned in their letter of the 10th falls in perfectly with mine; And it might also be prudent to diminish at least to their old quantity those accumulated at Philadelphia. With regard to prosecuting the casting of shells...
99From George Washington to the Board of War, 5 November 1779 (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to the Board of War, 5 Nov. 1779 . The Board of War wrote GW on 12 Nov. : “We have been honoured with your Excellency’s Letter of the 5th inst” (see also Joseph Reed to GW, 15 Nov. , and GW to Reed, 25 Nov. ).
100From George Washington to the Board of War, 2 November 1779 (Washington Papers)
Since mine of the 12th ulto in which I took the liberty of mentioning the want of the Commissions for the Massachusetts line, I have received frequent and pressing applications on the same subject from the Officers of that Line. There is something peculiar in their situation—A Board of Commissioners are appointed by the State to make a compensation to their officers for the depreciation of...
101From George Washington to the Board of War, 25 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
Mr Hatfeild yesterday sent a person to communicate the several matters respecting his department to me. He himself being very unwell. Finding that he has near ten thousand Hides upon hand, I have directed him to send 2000, the number mentioned in yours of the 9th, immediately to Philada. He has delivered 1400 pair of shoes to the Cloathier General within thirty days past, and expects to turn...
102From George Washington to the Board of War, 18 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
In consequence of yours of the 9th instant I have wrote to Mr Hatfeild to come to Head Quarters. I have not yet received an answer from him to mine of the 2d instant, and am therefore still at a loss to know what shoes may be expected from him. It is possible that a requisition of Cloathing for the troops to the Westward may have been already made to you by Colo. Brodhead, and that measures...
103From George Washington to the Board of War, 12 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
On the 2d instant I addressed you particularly on the subject of the want of shoes, and informed you that I had made application to Mess[r]s Mehelm—Hatfeild—and Starr the three nearest Commissaries of Hides, and desired to know what quantity of shoes I might depend upon immediately, and what were their future prospects. I have only recd answers from Mr Mehelm and Capt. Starr—Copies of whose...
104From George Washington to The Board of War, 8 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with yours of the 30th ulto on the subject of Major Francis Murray’s exchange for the Hussian Major Stein lately captured —Had Major Stein been taken by a continental Vessel, a preference in favr of Major Murray would have been totally inadmissible—but all circumstances considered, I do not think our Officers, who are prisoners, should look upon themselves injured, when...
105From George Washington to the Board of War, 2 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
In mine of the 29th ulto I barely expressed our want of shoes. I did not then know the extent of our wants, or that there was not a single pair in the hands of the Cloathier at Camp to supply them. A considerable part of the Army is now returned unfit even for fatigue duty in these stony Grounds, and should circumstances require a move we must inevitably be deprived of the services of a number...
106From George Washington to the Board of War, 1 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have the Honor to transmit You the Arrangement of the Virginia line as corrected and newly formed on the 23d Instant —in consequence of which Sundry Commissions are wanted—occasioned by former omissions—deaths—resignations and promotions into the State Regiments. The instances in which Commissions are required are, as I understand by the Memorandum at the end of the Arrangement, where the...
107From George Washington to the Board of War, 29 September 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have duly received your favor of the 23d Inst. The clothing which is packed up and ready for transportation you will be pleased to order on to New-Windsor, by way of Morristown—Pompton—& Ringwood I expect the clothier Gen. will be at New-Windsor before it arrives. We suffer so much at present for the article of shoes that should any be within the order of the board—I wish them to be sent...
108From George Washington to the Board of War, 22 September 1779 (Washington Papers)
I was yesterday honored with yours of the 16th: the general Return of Military Stores accompanying it was delivered safely to me. I have directed the few things forwarded by Mr Gardner to be delivered out to those Officers of the Staff and line who are not supplied by the States, at moderate prices, agreeable to the direction of the Board. I have the honor &c. Df , in Tench Tilghman’s writing,...
109From George Washington to the Board of War, 18 September 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with yours of the 9th inclosing an abstract of the powder brought in by Capt. Ashmead. It is to be regretted that the quantity falls so far short of the estimate, but I am in hopes that the above with the three hundred Barrels forwarded before, will answer our present purposes. I would however wish that the Marine Committee may be requested not to lose sight of the object,...
110From George Washington to the Board of War, 14 September 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have been honoured with yours of the 31st Augt and 3d instants. Hallet was safely delivered to me by Lt Colo. Washington and I sent him up to Govr Clinton, with an account of his conduct, similar to that which you have transmitted to me. I agree with you in opinion, that the Standard, with the Union and Emblems in the Centre, is to be preferred—with this addition, the number of the Regt and...