1From George Washington to Patrick Dennis and William Dobbs, 15 July 1780 (Washington Papers)
Captn Augustine Lawrence and Capn Henry Benson will deliver you this letter. You will introduce them to the officer commanding the French navy, as reputable citizens who have sailed out of New-York for many years, and as persons willing to render themselves as useful as possible, and in whom I am assured may be placed great confidence. I am Gentn your obt srvt. Df , in James McHenry’s writing,...
2From George Washington to William Dobbs, 28 August 1781 (Washington Papers)
Some particular Circumstances having produced an Alteration in my Plan of Operations—there will be no Occasion for the Services of the Pilots at present—they may therefore be desired to return to their several Homes as soon as they please. You will make a Return to me of the Expence incurred by your & the Other Pilots Attendance on this Call—& I will endeavour to procure you Payment as soon as...
3From George Washington to William Dobbs, 3 August 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have rec’d yours of the first instant. The want of money need be no Obstacle to your proceeding upon the Service required, as you will receive a supply for that purpose upon your Arrival here. I am Sir Your most Obedt DLC : Papers of George Washington.
4From George Washington to William Dobbs, 15 July 1778 (Washington Papers)
A considerable fleet of french men of War, chiefly Ships of the line, has just arrived at Sandy Hook, under the command of Admiral Count D’estaing. As the Admiral is a Stranger to our Coast, and is come for the purpose of co-operating with us against the Enemy, it is absolutely necessary that he should be immediately provided with a number of skillful pilots, well acquainted with the Coast &...
5From George Washington to William Dobbs, 31 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
On the receipt of this, I wish to procure a number of those Pilot s that you formerly engag’d, and who ar e par ticularly acquainted with the Navigation of the Hook & North River, and with them repair, as soon as possible to Capt. Dennis’s at Baskenridge, where you’ll continue ’till you receive further orders from Genel Foreman of Monmouth County; after you have procur’d the Pilots , & sent...
6George Washington to Captain William Dobbs, 5 October 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
[ West Point ] October 5, 1779 . Asks Dobbs to report to Headquarters in order to serve as a pilot for D’Estaing. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Dobbs was a pilot of Fishkill, New York.
7From George Washington to William Dobbs, 2 July 1780 (Washington Papers)
It is my wish to see You here as soon as possible—and I entreat that You will come without a moment’s delay. I want to consult You on a most important and interesting point—& such as will not admit of the least procrastination. I know your zeal for the public service and am confident you will use every degree of diligence upon the occasion. I wish You to inform Yourself, if you are not...
8From George Washington to William Dobbs, 11 July 1780 (Washington Papers)
Its coming from New-York, and from tolerable authority, that the french fleet have been seen, and are hourly expected, you will be pleased to repair to this place, with all practicable dispach, bringing with you, such pilots, as may be acquainted with the navigation into the Harbour of New-York. If these are not at hand or in perfect readiness you will not delay on this account, but direct...