61From George Washington to John Hancock, 30 October 1775 (Washington Papers)
The Information which the Gentlemen who have lately gone from hence can give the Congress of the State & Situation of the Army would have made a Letter unnecessary if I did not suppose there would be some Anxiety to know the Intentions of the Army on the Subject of their Re-inlistment. Agreeable to the Advice of those Gentlemen & my own Opinion, I immediately began by directing all such...
62From George Washington to John Hancock, 23 April 1776 (Washington Papers)
That I might be in readiness to take the Field in the Spring, and prepared for any Service Congress should think proper to send me upon this Campaign, I desired Colo. Reed when he left Cambridge in the Fall to get me a Sett of Camp Equipage—Tents—and a Baggage Waggon made at Philadelphia under his own Inspection and sent to me. this he informs me is now done & ready to come on—I have therefore...
63From George Washington to John Hancock, 12 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
General Newcomb having informed me, that he had collected a body of about five hundred Jersey Militia at Woodberry, I have desired him to endeavour to keep them together while matters remain in their present uncertainty and suspense, and to employ them in whatever works may be carrying on at Bilingsport, or Redbank, for the defence of the river. I mention this, that if it shall be thought...
64X. Thomas Jefferson to John Hancock, 20 February 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
With many thanks for the papers and information you were pleased to have procured for me on the important subject of the fisheries, I do myself the honour of now inclosing you a copy of my report to the house of representatives. From the disposition I see prevailing in the principal mass of the Southern members to take measures which may secure to us the principal markets for the produce of...
65From George Washington to John Hancock, 30 April 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have been waiting with much anxiety to hear the result of the expedition against Danbury, which I never was informed of ’till this Minute. The inclosed Copy of a Letter from Genl McDougal and of Several Others, which he transmitted, will give Congress all the intelligence I have upon the Subject. I have only to add, and to lament, that this Enterprize has been attended but with too much...
66From George Washington to John Hancock, 18 April 1776 (Washington Papers)
Permit me through you, to convey to the honorable Congress the Sentiments of gratitude I feel for the high honor they have done me, in the public mark of approbation contain’d in your favour of the 2d Instt, which came to hand last Night. I beg you to assure them, that, it will ever be my highest ambition to approve myself a faithful Servant of the Public; and that, to be in any degree...
67From George Washington to John Hancock, 16 September 1782 (Washington Papers)
The present superiority of the British Fleet upon this Coast, naturally makes the Marquis de Vaudreuil apprehensive for the safety of that under his command in the Harbor of Boston. Should the enemy make an attempt upon him, a land force, superior to what he possesses, will be necessary for his defence, and for that he must depend upon the Militia in the neighbourhood of Boston. I am certain,...
68From George Washington to John Hancock, 30 September 1775 (Washington Papers)
The Revd Mr Kirtland the Bearer of this having been introduced to the Honle Congress can need no particular Recommendation from me: But as he now wishes to have the Affairs of his Mission & publick Employ put upon some suitable Footing, I cannot but intimate my Sense of the Importance of his Station, & the great Advantages which have & may result to the United Colonies from his Situation being...
69From George Washington to John Hancock, 8 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have not been honored with an answer to my several letters of the 24th and 25th of May and of the 2d 4th 15. and 25th of last Month, and am of course unable to form any certain estimate of what may be expected in consequence of my requisitions—this puts me in rather an awkard situation, as I can not give His Excellency Count Rochambeau, who has formed a junction with me, that official...
70From George Washington to John Hancock, 9 January 1777 (Washington Papers)
I am honoured with yours of the 1st instant inclosing sundry Resolves relating to this and the Northern Army, those that respect my department shall be properly attended to. I am obliged by your notice of Colonel Baylor on whom I shall confer the command of Horse, to which you recommend him. When the Uniform for the Regiment is fixed upon, a Horse properly caparisoned shall be provided and...
71From George Washington to John Hancock, 19 May 1776 (Washington Papers)
This will be delivered you by Genl Gates who sets out to day for Congress agreable to my Letter of Yesterday. I have committed to him the Heads of Sundry matters to lay before Congress for their consideration, which from the Interesting Intelligence contained in my last, appear to me of the utmost Importance and to demand their most early and serious attention. Sensible that I have omitted to...
72From George Washington to John Hancock, 17 March 1781 (Washington Papers)
It would have afforded me the greatest pleasure, had I been able to have extended my late visit to Newport as far as Boston, but the important operations, which may be expected to the southward, made it necessary for me to return as soon as possible to the North River, that I might be more immediately in the way of receiving intelligence, and communicating any, which might be essential to the...
73From George Washington to John Hancock, 23 March 1777 (Washington Papers)
Colo. Palfrey having expressed a desire to settle the Accounts of his Office to this time, has obtained my permission to repair to Philadelphia and now waits on Congress with his Books & Vouchers, hoping that a Committee will be appointed to examine and adjust the same. The disadvantages which have arisen to the service and which have been severely felt for want of constant Supplies in the...
74From George Washington to John Hancock, 7 December 1775 (Washington Papers)
I wrote you the 4th instant by express to which I beg you will be reffered—my fears that Broughton & Sillman woud not effect any good purpose were too well founded, they are returned, & brought with them three of the principal inhabitants from the Island of St Johns. Mr Collbuck is president of the Council, acted as Governor[.] they brought the Governors Commission, the Province Seal &a &a. as...
75From George Washington to John Hancock, 17 June 1776 (Washington Papers)
The Inclosed came to my hands as a private Letter from Genel Sullivan—As a private Letter I lay it before Congress. The tendency (for it requires no explanation) will Acct for the contrast between it and the Letter of Genl Arnold. That the former is aiming at the Command in Canada, is obvious—whether he merits it or not is a matter to be considered; and that it may be considered with propriety...
76From George Washington to John Hancock, 21 July 1775 (Washington Papers)
I am particularly to acknowledge that Part of your Favour of the 10th Instt wherein you do me the Honour of determining to join the Army under my Command. I need certainly make no Professions of the Pleasure I shall have in seeing you—At the same Time I have to regret that so little is in my Power to offer equal to Col. Hancock[’s] Merits & worthy his Acceptance. I shall be happy in every Oppy...
77From George Washington to John Hancock, 15 May 1776 (Washington Papers)
New York, [15] May 1776 . “Since my last of the 11th Instant which I had the honour to address you, nothing of moment or importance has occurred, and the principal design of this, is to communicate to Congress the Intelligence I received last night from General Schuyler by a Letter of the 10th respecting the progress of our Troops in getting towards Canada, not doubting of their impatience and...
78From George Washington to John Hancock, 10 December 1776 (Washington Papers)
Since I had the honor of addressing you Yesterday, nothing of importance has occurred. In respect to the Enemy’s movements, I have obtained no other information, than that they have a number of parties patrolling up and down the River, particularly above. As yet they have not attempted to pass, nor do any of their patrols, though some are exceedingly small, meet with the least interruption...
79From George Washington to John Hancock, 18 March 1777 (Washington Papers)
The difficulty, if not impossibility, of giving Congress a just Idea of our situation and of several other important matters requiring their earliest attention by Letter, has induced me to prevail on Major General Greene to wait upon them for that purpose. This Gentleman is so much in my confidence—so intimately acquainted with my ideas—with our strength, and our weaknesses—with everything...
80From George Washington to John Hancock, 9 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
The Enemy advanced Yesterday with a seeming intention of attacking us upon our post near Newport. We waited for them the whole day, but they halted in the Evening at a place called Mill Town about two Miles from us. Upon reconnoitering their Situation, it appeared probable that they only meant to amuse us in front, while their real intent was to march by our Right and by suddenly passing the...
81From George Washington to John Hancock, 14 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
I arrived here this Afternoon with the Army after a very fatiguing March owing to the Roads which have become extremely deep and miry from the late Rains. I intend to proceed in the Morning towards the North River, if the Weather permits; At present it is cloudy and heavy and there is an Appearance of more Rain. By the Express, who will deliver this, I just now received a Letter from Genl...
82From George Washington to John Hancock, 16 August 1776 (Washington Papers)
I beg leave to inform you that since I had the pleasure of addressing you Yesterday Nothing Interesting between the Two Armies has happened. Things remain nearly in the situation they then were. It is with peculiar regret and concern that I have an Opportunity of mentioning to Congress the Sickly condition of our Troops. In some Regiments there are not any of the Field Officers capable of...
83From George Washington to John Hancock, 20 May 1776 (Washington Papers)
Your favour of the 16th with several resolutions of Congress, therein Inclosed, I had not the honor to receive till last Night. before the receipt, I did not think myself at liberty to wait on Congress, altho I wish’d to do it; and therefore, the more readily consented to General Gates’s attendance; as I knew there were many matters which cd be better explaind in a personal Interview than in...
84From George Washington to John Hancock, 17 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with your two favours of yesterday and their inclosures; to which due attention shall be paid. The enemy seem now to be straining every nerve to accomplish their purpose; but I trust, whatever present success they may have, they will ere long experience a reverse of fortune. If they have four thousand men in the Jersies, it is probable, they have something more serious in...
85From Thomas Jefferson to John Hancock, 25 March 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
The bearer hereof Mr. Ciracchi, a celebrated sculptor from Rome, proposing to go to Boston to explain the device of a monument which he wishes to erect for the United States, I take the liberty of introducing him to the notice of your Excellency, persuaded that it is desireable to you to have strangers, of particular merit, particularly made known to you. The things which he has done here...
86From George Washington to John Hancock, 12 August 1776 (Washington Papers)
This will be handed you by Colo. Campbell from the Northern Army, whom the Inclosed Letter and proceedings of a Genl Court Martial will shew to have been in arrest and tried for Sundry matters charged against him. As the Court Martial was by Order of the Commander in that department—the Facts committed there—the Trial there, I am much at a loss to know Why the proceedings were referred to me...
87From George Washington to John Hancock, 9 May 1789 (Washington Papers)
I am taking the earliest occasion of acknowledging the receipt of the letter, which you did me the favor to address to me by Mr Allen; and to thank you for your kind congratulations on my appointment to the Presidency of the United States. Mrs Washington is not here, but is expected in the course of this month; on her arrival I shall not fail of executing the friendly Commission of Mrs Hancock...
88From Alexander Hamilton to John Hancock, [18 September 1777] (Hamilton Papers)
If Congress have not yet left Philadelphia, they ought to do it immediately without fail, for the enemy have the means of throwing a party this night into the city. I just now crossed the valleyford, in doing which a party of the enemy came down & fired upon us in the boat by which means I lost my horse. One man was killed and another wounded. The boats were abandon’d & will fall into their...
89From George Washington to John Hancock, 3 August 1781 (Washington Papers)
I this day receiv’d a Letter from the Count Rochambeau, a copy of which is inclos’d, respecting the Militia from the State of Massachusetts, that were some time since requested for the Rhode Island Department; as they have not arrived agreeable to my expectations, I have to request your Excellency to forward them with the utmost dispatch, as it is of the greatest importance that that post is...
90From George Washington to John Hancock, September 1775 (Washington Papers)
A Gentleman this Instant ⟨put the⟩ Inclosed Gazette (containing ⟨the Addre⟩ss & Petition of the Lord Mayor, ⟨Aldermen⟩, & Commons of the City of London) into my hands, desiring I would forward it to you. I accordingly ⟨do⟩ so, and am with very great ⟨regards⟩ and esteem, Sir Yr Most Obedt & Most Hble Serv⟨t⟩ ALS , PHi : Conarroe Collection. The manuscript is torn in several places. This is...
91From George Washington to John Hancock, 15 July 1776 (Washington Papers)
This will be handed you by Mr Griffin who has also taken upon him the charge and delivery of Two packets containing sundry Letters which were sent to Amboy Yesterday by a Flag, and forwarded to me to day by Genl Mercer. The Letter addressed to Governor Franklin came open to my hands. I was this morning honoured with yours of the 13 Instant with Its important and necessary Inclosures, and in...
92From George Washington to John Hancock, 2 August 1776 (Washington Papers)
Your favor of the 30th Ulto with Its several Inclosures, I was honoured with by Wednesdays post. Congress having been pleased to leave with me the direction of Colo. Wards Regiment, I have wrote to Govr Trumbull and requested him to order their March to this place, being fully satisfied that the Enemy mean to make their Grand push in this Quarter, and that the Good of the service requires...
93From Benjamin Franklin to John Hancock, 20 January 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS and copy: National Archives; copy: British Library The Bearer Capt. Balm is strongly recommended to me, as a very able Officer of Horse, and capable of being extreamly useful to us, in forming a Body of Men for that Service. As he has otherwise an excellent Character, I take the Liberty of recommending him to my Friends as a Stranger, of Merit, worthy of their Civilities, and to the...
94From George Washington to John Hancock, 29 March 1777 (Washington Papers)
Since I had the Honor of addressing you this morning by the Return Express, the Eastern post arrived. The Intelligence he brought, is agreable and interesting, as you will perceive by the inclosed Letter from Mr Hazard which I do myself the pleasure of transmitting you. I am happy to say, the arrival of the Ship at portsmouth, and the capture of the two prizes, is confirmed, by other Letters...
95From George Washington to John Hancock, 17 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
Col. Portail for himself and in behalf of the Gentlemen with him has made different applications to me for horses and servants; and I have been in a manner under the necessity of furnishing them by way of loan till they can be otherwise provided. They expect these things to be found them at the public expence, and informs me that the matter is now before congress, whose determination they look...
96From George Washington to John Hancock, 14 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
General Heath, in a letter of the 4th inst. informs me that the state have about 52 Pipes of Teneriffe Wine, which they are willing if it will answer as well to send forward to the army in lieu of Rum—as he thought it more than probable that he would have left Boston before my answer could arrive, he desired me to make it to your Excellency—wine cannot be distributed to the soldier insttead of...
97From George Washington to John Hancock, 21 July 1776 (Washington Papers)
I have just time to aknowledge the receipt of your favor of the 19th. The Interesting Intelligence of the Success of our Arms in the Southern departmt gives me the highest satisfaction. permit me to Join my Joy to the Congratulations of Congress upon the Event. Tomorrow I will write more fully. 2 O’Clock P.M. I this moment had report made me, that Ten Ships were seen in the Offing coming in I...
98From George Washington to John Hancock, 2 June 1777 (Washington Papers)
The Inclosed Copies of Genls Gates & Poor’s Letters, which just now came to hand, contain the latest advices from the Northern Army. These, I thought it proper to transmit, as I am not authorized to conclude, that Genl Gates had written to Congress upon the Subject of their Contents. I wish our Accounts from that Quarter may be happy, if Mr Carlton makes an Attack. The shameful deficiency in...
99From George Washington to John Hancock, 19 December 1775 (Washington Papers)
Since writing you of this date, the Letter herewith Inclosed was put into my hands by Mr Eustice, who is in part the subject of it; thinking it necessary that you should be acquainted with the contents, & a safe oppertunity offering by Mr Irwin. I do myself the honour of Inclosing it, to shew more fully to Congress the views of Lord Dunmore. I am Sir Yr Most Obedt Sert ALS , DNA:PCC , item...
100From George Washington to John Hancock, 9 February 1776 (Washington Papers)
I beg leave to Inform you at the request of the Committee of Pay Table of the Colony of Connecticut, that I have not advanced to any of the Regiments from that Government any money, except the sum of Seven Thousand One hundred and Seventy two & One ninth Dollars, on the 20 of November last, to Major General Putnam for the 34[th] Regiment under his command. I should have paid them in the same...
101Lieutenant Colonel Robert Hanson Harrison to John Hancock, 3 November 1776 (Washington Papers)
By command of his Excellency, I have the honor to inform you, that our situation is nearly the same, as when I had the pleasure of writing you last; It is altered in no instance, unless in the number of our Troops, which is every day decreasing by their most scandalous desertion and return Home. The Inclosed Letter from Genl Parsons who is stationed near the Saw pits, and which his Excellency...
102From George Washington to John Hancock, 9 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have been duly honored with your Letter of Yesterday and with its Inclosures. I shall pay attention to the Resolves transmitted, and as soon as circumstances admit, shall propose to Genl Howe an Exchange between Lt Colo. Campbell and the Hessian Feild Officers, and a like Number of Our’s of equal rank in his Hands. I would beg leave to lay before Congress, a Copy of a Report made by a Board...
103From George Washington to John Hancock, 22 September 1776 (Washington Papers)
I had flattered myself that the Congress would before this Time have forwarded the amended Articles for the Government of the Army. But as they have not I think it my indispensable Duty to lay before them the Necessity, the absolute Necessity of forming an Article against plundering, marauding & burning of Houses—such a Spirit has gone forth in our Army that neither publick or private Property...
104From Thomas Jefferson to John Hancock, 24 August 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
The Representatives of the United States have been pleased to refer to me the representation from the General Court of Massachusetts on the subject of the Whale and Cod fisheries which had been transmitted by your Excellency, with an instruction to examine the matter thereof and report my opinion thereupon to the next Session of Congress. To prepare such a report as may convey to them the...
105From George Washington to John Hancock, 14 December 1775 (Washington Papers)
The Two french Gentlemen who will appear before you with this, brought recommendations to me from Governor Cooke of Providence, their names are, Messieurs Pennet & Depliurne. They propose a plan for supplying this Continent with Arms & Ammunition, which appears to me very eligible, as I am not acquainted with the extent of Schemes already formed by Congress for the attainment of these...
106From George Washington to John Hancock, 24 August 1776 (Washington Papers)
The irregularity of the Post prevents your receiving the early and constant Intelligence it is my Wish to communicate. This is the third Letter which you will, probably, receive from me by the same Post. The first was of little or no consequence, but that of yesterday gave you the best Information I had been able to obtain of the Enemy’s Landing, and movements upon Long Island. Having occasion...
107From George Washington to John Hancock, 13 August 1776 (Washington Papers)
As there is reason to beleive that but little Time will elapse before the Enemy make their Attack, I have thought It advisable to remove All the papers in my hands respecting the Affairs of the States from this place. I hope the Event will shew the precaution was unnecessary, but yet prudence required that It should be done, Lest by any Accident they might fall into their hands. They are all...
108From George Washington to John Hancock, 22 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
I am honord with your favor, containing the intelligence of the Enemy’s arrival in Chesapeak Bay and the resolution of Congress thereupon. I have, in consequence of this account, sent orders to General Nash immediately to embark his Brigade and Colo. Proctor’s Corps of Artillery, if Vessels can be procured for the purpose, and to proceed to Chester; or if Vessels cannot be provided, to hasten...
109From George Washington to John Hancock, 14 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor of your’s of this morning, inclosing the copy of a letter from General Dickinson. In consequence of the interesting information contained in it, I have written to General Putnam, directing him to send forward a second detachment of a thousand men in addition to the former, as you will perceive by perusing the inclosed duplicate of my letter to him; which you will be pleased to...
110From George Washington to John Hancock, 15 December 1776 (Washington Papers)
About One OClock to day I received a Letter from Genl Sullivan, a Copy of which you have inclosed. I will not comment on the melancholy intelligence, which it contains, only adding, that I sincerely regret Genl Lee’s unhappy fate, and feel much for the loss of my Country in his Captivity. In respect to the Enemy, they have been industrious in their attempts to procure Boats and small craft,...