351From George Washington to John Hancock, 19 August 1776 (Washington Papers)
I have Nothing of moment to communicate to Congress, as things are in the situation they were when I had last the Honor of addressing them. By a Letter from Genl Ward of the 12th, I find that Whetcombs Regiment on the 8th, and Phinneys on the 9th, Marched from Boston for Ticonderoga. Governor Trumbull also in a Letter of the 13th, Advises me that Wards Regiment in the service of the States was...
352From George Washington to John Hancock, 14 September 1776 (Washington Papers)
I have been duly honored with your favor of the 10th with the Resolution of Congress which accompanied It, and thank them for the confidence they repose in my Judgement respecting the evacuation of the City. I could wish to maintain It, Because I know It to be of Importance, But I am fully convinced that It cannot be done, and that an attempt for that purpose if persevered in, might & most...
353From George Washington to John Hancock, 13 May 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have reason to apprehend, from the information I have received, that desertions from some of the Virginia Regiments, now on their March, will, in all probability, be not less frequent, than they have been from some from Pensylvania, which are in Camp. There is cause to fear, they will be more common & certain. I am told, that Convict Servants purchased from their Masters by the Recruiting...
354From George Washington to John Hancock, 26 February 1776 (Washington Papers)
I had the honour of addressing you on the 18 and 21st Instt by Mr Hooper, since which nothing material has Occurred. We are making every necessary preparation for taking possession of Dorchester Heights as soon as possible, with a view of drawing the Enemy out—How far our expectations may be answered, Time can only determine; But I should think, If any thing will Induce them to hazard an...
355From George Washington to John Hancock, 16 September 1776 (Washington Papers)
On Saturday about Sunset Six more of the Enemy’s Ships, One or Two of which were men of War; passed between Governors Island & Red Hook and went up the East River to the Station taken by those mentioned in my Last —In half an Hour, I received Two Expresses, One from Col. Serjeant at Horn’s Hook (Hell Gate) giving an Account that the Enemy to the amount of Three or Four Thousand had marched to...
356From George Washington to John Hancock, 23 April 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to transmit you the inclosed pieces of intelligence, which I received this day from Genl Stephens, who, by my desire, employed persons to go into New York and Brunswick. I do not put intire confidence in the whole, but the principal reason of sending the intelligence forward is that proper measures may be fallen upon to find out and apprehend Thomas Long, mentioned in General...
357From George Washington to John Hancock, 25 July 1776 (Washington Papers)
Disagreeable as it is to me, and unpleasing as it may be to Congress to multiply Officers, I find myself under the unavoidable necessity of asking an Increase of my Aid de Camps—The augmentation of my Command—the Increase of my Correspondance—the Orders to give—the Instructions to draw, cut out more business than I am able to execute in time, with propriety. The business of so many different...
358George Washington to John Hancock, 14 September 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Near Germantown [ Pennsylvania ] September 14, 1777. Is directing Major General Israel Putnam to send a second detachment of one thousand men to camp. LS , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
359From George Washington to John Hancock, 1 March 1777 (Washington Papers)
I was this Evening honoured with your favor of the 23d Ulto accompanied by sundry proceedings of Congress. Those respecting Genl Lee and which prescribe the treatment of Lt Colo. Campbell and the Five Hessian Feild Officers, are the Cause of this Letter. Though I sincerely commiserate the misfortunes of Genl Lee, & feel much for his present, unhappy situation, yet with all possible deference...
360From George Washington to John Hancock, 29 May 1777 (Washington Papers)
I this morning had the Honor of your Letter of the 27th with its Inclosures. I shall pay the strictest attention to the Resolutions transmitted me; However I am not without apprehensions, that the Regulation lately adopted, respecting Chaplains, will not answer. I recollect when One was assigned, in the course of last year, to Two Regiments, the prevailing Opinion was, and that founded on a...
361From George Washington to John Hancock, 11 December 1776 (Washington Papers)
After I had wrote you Yesterday, I received certain Information that the Enemy after repairing Croswicks Bridge had advanced a party of about Five hundred to Borden Town. By their taking this Rout, it confirms me in my Opinion, that they have an Intention to land between this and Philadelphia, as well as above, if they can procure Boats for that purpose. I last Night directed Commodore Seymour...
362From George Washington to John Hancock, 5 January 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to inform you, that since the date of my last from Trenton, I have removed with the Army under my command to this place. The difficulty of crossing the Delaware on account of the ice made our passage over it tedious, and gave the Enemy an opportunity of drawing in their several cantonments and assembling their whole Force at Princeton. Their large Picquets advanced towards...
363From George Washington to John Hancock, 13 March 1776 (Washington Papers)
In my Letter of the 7 & 9 Instant which I had the honor of addressing you, I mentioned the Intelligence I had received respecting the embarkation of the Troops from Boston & fully expected before this, that the Town wou’d have been entirely evacuated—Altho I have been deceived and was rather premature in the opinion I had then formed, I have little reason to doubt but the event will take place...
364From George Washington to John Hancock, 9 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
Inclosed you will be pleased to receive Copies of Two Letters & Other papers which just now came to hand by different Expresses. Genl Heath’s Letter of the 2d Instant seems to make the intelligence respecting the Fleet, which he had obtained before, vague —if not entirely ill founded. I have the Honor to be Sir Yr Most Obedt Servant LS , in Robert Hanson Harrison’s writing, DNA:PCC , item 152;...
365From George Washington to John Hancock, 27 September 1776 (Washington Papers)
I have nothing in particular to communicate to Congress by this days post, as Our situation is the same as when I last wrote. We are now sitting on the business, the Committee came upon, which it is probable will be finished this Evening. the result they will duly report upon their return. I received Yesterday, the Inclosed Declarn by a Gentleman from Eliza. Town, who told me, many Copies were...
366From George Washington to John Hancock, 31 January 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have none of your favors unanswered at present. There is such a demand upon me from all Quarters for Money, which I am unable to answer, that I cannot help again pressing you to send on a Supply. The recruiting Service is almost at a stop here for want of Money, and Governor Trumbull writes me word that it is totally so in Connecticut. He adds, that their loan Officers cannot proceed in...
367From George Washington to John Hancock, 16 October 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have been duly honoured with your Favors of the 12th & 13th Instant, with their several Inclosures. In respect to the Resolution, directing a flag to be sent to Genl Howe, I am inclined to think, that the information upon which it was framed was without foundation. The Letters which have come from our Officers, who have been lately taken, generally mention that their treatment has been...
368From George Washington to John Hancock, 1 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
The latest and most material intelligence, which I have obtained respecting the Enemy, you will find in the inclosed papers, which I do myself the Honor of transmitting to you. How far the Enemy have it in view to extend themselves in a Line from Bay to Bay, I cannot determine; But the idea has taken place with Many, and it is said to be founded on their hints to some persons, who from...
369From George Washington to John Hancock, 21 June 1777 (Washington Papers)
I was last night honored with yours of Yesterday morning with its Inclosures, the Contents of which, I shall duly attend to. Having written fully Yesterday, and Nothing new occurring since, I have only to request that you will forward the papers respecting the Commissary’s department, as soon as possible. For want of some certain and fixed line of duty in this instance, the Commissary says, it...
370From George Washington to John Hancock, 14 December 1775 (Washington Papers)
I received your favour of the 2d instant with the Severall resolves of Congress therein inclosed—The resolves relative to Captures made by Continental armed vessells only want a Court establishd for trial, to Make them Complete, this I hope will be Soon done, as I have taken the Liberty, to urge it often, to the Congress. I am Somwhat at a Loss to Know whether I am to raise the two Battalions...
371From George Washington to John Hancock, 28 June 1776 (Washington Papers)
In compliance with the request of Congress contained in your favor of the 25 Instant and my promise of Yesterday, I do myself the honor to inform you that the Cost of a Ration according to the Commissary General’s estimate from the 1st of July to the 1st of December will be from 8d. to 8½ York Currency. Having discharged the Obligation I was under in this Instance and finding that many...
372From George Washington to John Hancock, 14 January 1777 (Washington Papers)
I embrace this Opportunity, by Mr Hopkins of informing you that the Enemy remain upon their old Ground at Amboy and Brunswic. Our Accounts still confirm their want of Forage, which I hope will increase. If their Horses are reduced this Winter it will be impossible for them to take the Feild in the Spring. Genl Warner with two Regiments from Massachusets are arrived here, Genl Heath with the...
373From George Washington to John Hancock, 4 October 1776 (Washington Papers)
Before I knew of the late resolutions of Congress which you did me the honour to Inclose in your Letter of the 24th, and before I was favourd with the visit of your Comee, I took the liberty of giving you my Sentimts on several points which seem’d to be of Importance. I have no doubt but that the Comee will make such report of the State & Condition of the Army as will induce Congress to...
374From George Washington to John Hancock, 27 November 1776 (Washington Papers)
I do my self the Honor to acknowledge the receipt of your favors of the 21st & 24th with their Several Inclosures. The execution of the Resolves has been & will be attended to, as far as in my power. I have wrote to Genl Schuyler to send down as early as possible, the Troops in the northern department from this and the State of Pensylvania. The proposition for exchanging Mr Franklin for Genl...
375From George Washington to John Hancock, 24 December 1776 (Washington Papers)
That I should dwell upon the subject of our distresses cannot be more disagreable to Congress than it is painfull to myself. The alarming situation to which our Affairs are reduced, impells me to the measure. Inquiry and investigation which in most cases serve to devellope and point out a remedy, in ours, present more & greater difficulties. ’till of late I was led to hope from report, that no...
376From George Washington to John Hancock, 9 February 1776 (Washington Papers)
The purport ⟨o⟩f this Letter, will be directed to a single object—through you I mean to lay it before Congress, and at the same time that I beg their serious attention to the subject, to ask pardon for intruding an opinion, not only unasked, but in some measure repugnant to their Resolves. The disadvantages attending the limited Inlistment of Troops, is too apparent to those who are eye...
377From George Washington to John Hancock, 28 September 1776 (Washington Papers)
Being about to cross the North River this morning in order to view the post opposite and the Grounds between that and powles Hook, I shall not add much more than that I have been honored with your favor of the 24th and Its several inclosures, and that since my Letter of Yesterday no Important event has taken place. As Colo. Hugh Stephenson of the Rifle Regiment ordered lately to be raised, is...
378From George Washington to John Hancock, 5 December 1776 (Washington Papers)
As nothing but necessity obliged me to retire before the Enemy, & leave so much of the Jerseys unprotected, I conceive it my duty, and it corresponds with my Inclination to make head against them so soon as there shall be the least probability of doing it with propriety. That the Country might in some measure be covered, I left two Brigades consisting of the Five Virginia Regiments and that of...
379George Washington to John Hancock, 2 June 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Middlebrook Camp [ New Jersey ] June 2, 1777. Encloses news from Northern Department. Deplores deficiency of troops. States that Colonel Elias Boudinot is going to Philadelphia to discuss exchange of prisoners. Df , in writing of H; last line and postscript in writing of Robert Hanson Harrison, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Boudinot was commissary general for prisoners,...
380From George Washington to John Hancock, 22 September 1776 (Washington Papers)
I have nothing in particular to communicate to Congress respecting the Situation of our Affairs, It is much the same as when I had the honor of addressing you last. On Friday night, about Eleven or Twelve OClock, a Fire broke out in the City of New York, near the New or St Pauls Church, as It is said, which continued to burn pretty rapidly till after Sun rise the next morning. I have not been...
381From George Washington to John Hancock, 20 December 1776 (Washington Papers)
I have waited with much impatience to know the determinations of Congress on the propositions made sometime in October last, for augmenting our Corps of Artillery & establishing a Corps of Engineers. The time is now come, when the First cannot be delayed without the greatest injury to the safety of these States, and therefore, under the Resolution of Congress bearing date the 12th Instt, at...
382From George Washington to John Hancock, 1 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
At half after Twelve OClock, I was honored with Your’s of this Morning, with Its several Inclosures. I shall make inquiry, respecting the Workmen in the Militia and will order All to be detached, that can be spared. The Intelligence from the Northward is very interesting, and, I hope, will be succeeded by Other fortunate Events. I am sorry Genl Arnold did not arrive sooner; If he had, it is...
383From George Washington to John Hancock, 17 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
The unfavourable situation of our Affairs in the Northern department and the pressing applications of Genl Schuyler for aid, induced me to write some time ago to Genl Putnam to hold Vancortlandt & Livingston’s Regiments in readiness to embark for Albany, in case I should find it necessary, and the Succours he received of Militia would justifie the measure. I have the honor to acquaint you,...
384From George Washington to John Hancock, 21 February 1781 (Washington Papers)
I had the honor of receiving your Excellency’s favor of the 5th by General Warner, to whom I gave every advice and assistance relative to the distribution of the generous donation of the State to their old Soldiers. This well timed gratuity has had, I am informed, a most happy effect, and I have not the least doubt, but if the future supplies of pay—Cloathing and provision, the two last in...
385From George Washington to John Hancock, 14 February 1777 (Washington Papers)
I do myself the honor to inclose you a plan drawn up by Docr Shippen in concert with Docr Cochran for the arrangement and future Regulation of the General Hospital. As this plan is very extensive the appointments numerous, and the Salaries, at present affixed to them, large; I did not think myself at liberty to adopt any part of it, before I laid it before Congress for their approbation. I...
386From George Washington to John Hancock, 14 January 1776 (Washington Papers)
I am exceedingly sorry, that I am under the necessity of applying to you & calling the attention of Congress to the State of our Arms, which is truly alarming. Upon the dissolution of the Old Army, I was apprehensive that the New, would be deficient in this Instance, and that the want might be as Inconsiderable as possible, I gave it in orders that the Arms of such men as did not reinlist,...
387From George Washington to John Hancock, 21 May 1776 (Washington Papers)
The Bearer, Mr Mersay being at Quebec when the Garrison Sallied & Obliged our Troops to an abandonment of the Siege & a precipitate retreat; I have taken the liberty to refer him to you for examination, that Congress may have such further Information of this unfortunate event as he possesses. I have the honor &c. LB , in Robert Hanson Harrison’s writing, DLC:GW ; Varick transcript , DLC:GW ....
388From George Washington to John Hancock, 3 July 1776 (Washington Papers)
Since I had the honor of addressing you and on the same day, several Ships more arrived within the Hook, making the number that came in then a hundred & Ten, and there remains no doubt of the whole of the Fleet from Hallifax being now here. Yesterday evening fifty of them came up the Bay, and Anchored on the Staten Island side. their views I cannot precisely determine, but am extremely...
389From George Washington to John Hancock, 11 May 1776 (Washington Papers)
I am now to acknowledge the receipt of your favors of the 4 & 7 Instt with their several inclosures, & am exceedingly glad that before the Resolution respecting Lt Colo. Ogden came to hand, I had ordered him to Join his Regiment, and had quelled a disagreable spirit both of mutiny and desertion which had taken place & seemed to be rising to a great degree in consequence of It—In order to...
390From George Washington to John Hancock, 28 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
Having endeavoured, at the solicitation of the Count De Pulaski, to think of some mode for employing him in our service, there is none occurs to me, liable to so few inconveniences and exceptions, as the giving him the command of the horse. This department is still without a head, as I have not, in the present deficiency of Brigadiers with the army, thought it adviseable to take one from the...
391George Washington to John Hancock, 12 August 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Camp at Cross Roads [ Pennsylvania ] August 12, 1777. Has instructed Brigadier General Silas Newcomb to maintain New Jersey militia at Woodbury. Asks if Major General Tronson du Coudray may call on Newcomb for aid. LS , in writing of H, Papers of the Continental Congress, National Archives. Also known as Neshaminy Camp. This later became Hartsville, Pennsylvania.
392From George Washington to John Hancock, 7 August 1776 (Washington Papers)
Since closing the Letter which I had the Honour to write you this Morning two Deserters have come in who left the Solebay Man of War last Evening—One of them is a Native of New York. Their Account is that they were in the Engagement with Col. Moultrie at Sullivan’s Island on the 9th July—the particulars they give nearly correspond with the Narrative sent by Gen. Lee—That they left Carolina 3...
393George Washington to John Hancock, 22 October 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Whitpain Township, Pennsylvania ] October 22, 1777 . Regrets that Hancock is forced to retire as President of Continental Congress because of poor health and the pressure of private affairs. LS , in writing of H, George Washington Photostats, Library of Congress.
394From George Washington to John Hancock, 13–14 October 1777 (Washington Papers)
Since I had the honor of addressing you on the 11th Inst., nothing material has happened between our Army and General Howes. The inclosed Copies of Commodore Hazelwood and Colonel Bradfords Letters will shew the situation of affairs in the Navy and at Fort Mifflin on the 11th which are the latest accounts I have received from thence; But there has been a warm Canonade since, which continued...
395From George Washington to John Hancock, 10 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
The disappearance of the enemy’s fleet for so many days rendering it rather improbable, that they will again return, I have thought it adviseable to remove the army back to Coryel’s, where it will be near enough to succour Philadelphia, should the enemy contrary to appearances still make that the object of their next operations, and will be so much the more conveniently situated to proceed to...
396From George Washington to John Hancock, 19–21 November 1776 (Washington Papers)
I have not been yet able to obtain a particular account of the unhappy affair of the 16th, nor of the Terms on which the Garrison surrendered. The Intelligence that has come to hand, is not so full and accurate as I could wish. One of the Artillery, & whose information is most direct, who escaped on Sunday night, says, the Enemy’s loss was very considerable, especially in the attack made above...
397From George Washington to John Hancock, 22 October 1789 (Washington Papers)
A few miles west of this village I met the Express, who delivered me Your Excellency’s letter of yesterday. I have been so fortunate as to proceed thus far without any accident to delay my journey—should nothing occur to prevent me, I shall be at Weston to-morrow night—and I purpose taking dinner so early at Watertown on Saturday, as to reach Cambridge by half past 2 o’clock. Thence I presume...
398From George Washington to John Hancock, 18–21 February 1776 (Washington Papers)
The late freezing Weather having formed some pretty strong Ice from Dorchester point to Boston Neck and from Roxbury to the Common, therby affording a more expanded and consequently a less dangerous Approach to the Town, I could not help thinking, notwithstanding the Militia were not all come In, and we had little or no Powder to begin our Operation by a regular Cannonade & Bombardment, that a...
399From George Washington to John Hancock, 31 December 1775 (Washington Papers)
I wrote you the 25th instant, Since which I am not honoured with any of your favours—the estimate I then inclosed you, was Calculated to pay the troops &a up to the first of January—that Cannot be done for want of funds in the Paymaster General’s hands—which Causes a great murmuring amongst those, who are going of. the monthly expences of this Army amt to near 275,000 Dollars, which I take the...
400From George Washington to John Hancock, 18 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
Your favor of the 17th I had the honor to receive last night with Governr Livingston & Genl Dickinsons Letters. It is out of my power to do more, than I already have for checking the Enemy’s progress in Jersey, and I should hope, that will be the case as soon as the Troops ordered from pecks Kill arrive to reinforce the Militia assembling under Genl Dickinson. I observe, that All the...