51From George Washington to Major General Robert Howe, 15 August 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have received your Favour of the 13th Instant. If the Enterprize over the Sound is not already undertaken when this comes to hand, I would wish it to be laid aside intirely—unless its success should appear exceedingly clear & indeed certain. The Object is too unimportant—too contemptible to justify any risk. I have some private motives for not countenancing the expedition in the first...
52From George Washington to Major General Robert Howe, 11 July 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have recd your favors of the 8th—The State of Massachusetts having adopted Colo. Jacksons Regt and directed it to be considered in every respect as belonging to that line, it in course becomes intitled to a proportion of the drafts—For this purpose the Bearer Capt. Hunt is sent up to receive the number which will fall to the share of the Regiment. I have not yet recd the Feild Return of the...
53From George Washington to Major General Robert Howe, 28 May 1780 (Washington Papers)
In consequence of the late incursion of the enemy upon the frontiers of New York, I have determined to march the Brigade of that state to its relief. It will commence its march tomorrow; and will probably arrive at Kings ferry on Wednesday evening —I wish you to have a sufficient number of boats at that place ready to receive the troops on their arrival and convey them with their baggage to...
54George Washington to Major General Robert Howe, 24 August 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
West Point, August 24, 1779. Discusses command of militia at Horseneck. Sends advice concerning Howe’s proposed raid. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Horseneck was in Connecticut near Kings Bridge, New York.
55From George Washington to Major General Robert Howe, 9 May 1780 (Washington Papers)
I last evening recd your favors of the 6th—I am pleased to hear of the good conduct and success of Capt. Cushing in his enterprize against Delancey’s detachment—It is to be regretted that the Colonel was himself absent at the time. Colo. Moylan had written to me on the subject of Mr Hooglands Arrest and mode of trial, I gave it as my opinion that he was to be tried by a general Court...
56From George Washington to Major General Robert Howe, 17 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
I was favd last Evening with your two letters of yesterday. I cannot learn from the Deserters who have come out the two past days that any troops came up the River at the time you mention, but as movements might have taken place below of which they were ignorant, I very much approve of your making use of every precaution against a surprize—The enemy, upon the last settlement of accounts, fell...
57From George Washington to Major General Robert Howe, 27 September 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have this instant received your private letter of yesterdays date —fully perswaded that so respectable a body as the General Officers of this army can hold no improper meetings—& that no representation will be made by them to Congress that is not conveyed in respectful terms—& founded in the strictest rules of propriety & justice I by no means disapprove the one you speak of for the purpose...
58From George Washington to Major General Robert Howe, 17 July 1780 (Washington Papers)
This will be handed to you by Lieut. Meigs of Col. Webbs Regt who is directed to receive & bring forward the proportion of Connecticut levies for that Regiment; You will be pleased to Order them to be delivered to him accordingly. I am with great esteem & regard Your Most Obedt Hble Servt Df , in David Humphreys’s writing, DLC:GW ; Varick transcript , DLC:GW . John Meigs (c.1754–1826), of...
59From George Washington to Robert Howe, 8 July 1783 (Washington Papers)
I have received your favor of the 3d inst. dated at Trenton. In Consequence of a Letter from M. Genl St Clair & at his Request, I have ordered the Judge Advocate to proceed to Phila.—this Gentlemans Assistance will probably be necessary in the prosecution of the Business intrusted to your Investigation I have directed him to attend on you, and to give every Aid in his power, in an Affair, that...
60From George Washington to Major General Robert Howe, 1 June 1780 (Washington Papers)
We have received advice from New York, published by authority, of the surrender of Charles Town. As I dare say you will have seen the hand bill and as I am pressed for time, I shall not go into particulars. A person from Amboy reports that he saw the day before yesterday One hundred sail of vessels enter Sandy Hook. This if true can be nothing else than Sir Henry Clinton returned with the...
61From George Washington to Major General Robert Howe, 24 August 1779 (Washington Papers)
I am this moment favoured with your two letters of yesterday, one public one private—and yesterday with that of the 21st. The conduct of the militia at horseneck is a little extraordinary, but perhaps it is rather an omission than a wilful delinquency. It would however be inexpedient to involve any question of authority upon the occasion and better to make it an affair of management. The...
62From George Washington to Major General Robert Howe, 25 June 1779 (Washington Papers)
I received, my Dear Sir, Your favour of the 19th yesterday. I regret that your hurt proved more serious than you apprehended; but I am happy to hear the good effects produced by the application of the lancet and I hope it may so much accelerate the progress of your cure as to enable you in a short time to give us the pleasure of your company—I beg you however not to precipitate this event at...
63George Washington to Major General Robert Howe, 4 August 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
[ West Point ] August 4, 1779 . Approves of alterations made in disposition of the troops. Discusses opposition to removal of militia to safer place. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
64From George Washington to Major General Robert Howe, 18 September 1779 (Washington Papers)
I was yesterday favd with yours of the 16th Was there occasion for you to remain near Croton, I should think any position, advanced beyond that River, ineligible: But as I am now induced to beleive that the Report of a french Fleet’s being bound for this Coast, is without foundation, I think you may as well march immediately back with Glovers and Nixon’s Brigades to Lower Salem, or to the...
65George Washington to Major General Robert Howe, 27 June 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Ramapo [ New Jersey ] June 27, 1780 . States that with addition of Connecticut line and present position of the Army the troops at West Point will be sufficient for its defense. Orders Howe to dismiss militia. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
66From George Washington to Major General Robert Howe, 20 August 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have both your favs. of Yesterday. I have not the least objection to your foraging as far as you can consistent with safety, and with your present force. My desire to put this post into as perfect a state of security as possible, renders it inconvenient to spare you any more troops. I approve of your determination to leave your Baggage well in your Rear should you go down for the purpose...
67From George Washington to Major General Robert Howe, 13 September 1779 (Washington Papers)
We have accounts by vessels arrived at different places which make it probable a French fleet is approaching our coast—If this should be the case, it will be of importance to prevent the retreat of the troops at Kings ferry to their main body—The French Commandant will probably do his part to obstruct it by water and our business is to make such dispositions as are calculated to obstruct it by...
68From George Washington to Major General Robert Howe, 8 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
I had the pleasure of your letter of the 27th ultimo, and should have acknowleged it sooner, had I not been pressed with a variety of business. When you receive the commands of Congress, I shall be happy to see you at Camp, and am Dr sir Your most obedient and hble servt. Df , in James McHenry’s writing, DLC:GW ; Varick transcript , DLC:GW . Howe’s letter to GW of 27 April, dated at...
69From George Washington to Major General Robert Howe, 25 May 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have received Your Two favors of the 22d Instant. The distresses of the Troops under yr Comd give me great pain and what adds to it is, I have it not in my power to administer to their relief. Our situation here is equally melancholy—for the Troops on several days have been entirely without meat—and at best on half & quarter allowance for a considerable time. I very sincerely hope that You...
70George Washington to Major General Robert Howe, 20 September 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
West Point, September 20, 1779. Transmits complaint from the Third Massachusetts Regiment to Howe. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
71George Washington to Major General Robert Howe, 24 August 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Teaneck, New Jersey ] August 24, 1780 . Questions manner in which Howe’s baggage was guarded. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
72From George Washington to Major General Robert Howe, 5 February 1780 (Washington Papers)
The state of Genl Heath’s health making a releif from duty necessary he has received my permission for this purpose — This with other considerations which will occur to yourself, (especially as the condition of the river may tempt the enemy to enterprise something in that quarter), renders your presence there essential I have therefore to request that you may return as soon as convenient to...
73From George Washington to Major General Robert Howe, 9 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have been favd with yours of yesterday. Since I explained to you my motives for directing a change of your position, it has been my wish that you should take such an one, as would enable at the shortest notice to prevent the escape of the enemy by land should they attempt it, but at the same time to have a regard to your own safety. The particular spot I leave to your own discretion and...
74From George Washington to Brigadier General Robert Howe, 4 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
I was favor’d with your letter accompanied by others to the States of Georgia and North Carolina, a few days since. When I wrote respecting an expedition against St Augustine, I meant it as recommendatory only, sensible, that you almost on the spot, or however well acquainted with the situation and every attendant circumstance, must be the proper judge; and assure you Sir that the reasons you...
75From George Washington to Robert Howe, 25 February 1783 (Washington Papers)
I have no objection to your setting out for Boston tomorrow, and heartily wish you a pleasant journey & safe return. My Sentiments publicly & privately have been so fully delivered, that I shall say nothing respecting your return. I do not wish to defeat the end & purposes of your going, by limiting the term of your absence to a shorter period than is necessary to accomplish the business which...
76From George Washington to Robert Howe, 22 June 1781 (Washington Papers)
I am favour’d with your Letter of this date; the Artificers you mention that have been drafted from the several Regiments will continue at the Point ’till further orders. I am with respect your most obedt Humbe Servant. DLC : Papers of George Washington.
77From George Washington to Major General Robert Howe, 12 August 1779 (Washington Papers)
Such cases as you have mentioned in your letter of the 11th inst. must frequently occur —We have however endeavoured, to avoid considering the citizens of the States as proper subjects of either military capture or exchange. The operation of this principle would be wholly in favor of the enemy. However when circumstances make it necessary to enter upon such an exchange, it should be made by...
78From George Washington to Robert Howe, 30 October 1782 (Washington Papers)
I find myself under the disagreeable necessity of furnishing you with the Copy of Genl Heaths report of 28th Inst. Report made to me yesterday by Major General Heath—In consequence of this I am obliged to call upon you for your Reasons of absenting yourself from your Division on the march from Verplanks Point to this Ground. I am Sir Yr most obt & hbl. servt. DLC : Papers of George Washington.
79From George Washington to Major General Robert Howe, 6 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have been duly favored with your two letters of the 4th & 5th inst. We have nothing particular in this quarter for your information. You will be pleased to thank the party of horse in my name for the great gallantry with which they behaved. I am Dr Sir Your Most obt Servt. Df , in James McHenry’s writing, DLC:GW ; Varick transcript , DLC:GW . These letters have not been found. A letter from...
80From George Washington to Major General Robert Howe, 20 November 1779 (Washington Papers)
Herewith you will receive Mr Pulteney’s lucubrations—and my thanks for the perusal of them. He has made I perceive, the dependance of America essential to the existance of Great Britain as a powerful Nation—This I shall not deny—because I am in sentiment with him in thinking her fallen state in consequence of the seperation too obvious to be disputed—It was of magnitude sufficient to have made...
81George Washington to Major General Robert Howe, 28 July 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
[ West Point ] July 28, 1779 . Orders Howe to Ridgefield, Connecticut, to “cover the country and prevent as far as possible the depredations of the enemy.” Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
82From George Washington to Major General Robert Howe, 20 September 1779 (Washington Papers)
The inclosed complaint from the Non commissioned officers and soldiers of the third Massachusettes regiment was delivered me by Col. Scammell. As the form in which it appears is improper, and if attended to, might operate as a precedent for sedition, I have directed Col. Scammell to express my disapprobation of the manner of the complaint and point out the proper channel through which redress...
83From George Washington to Major General Robert Howe, 20 June 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have recd your favors of the 16th and 18th two of each date—The Express who brought the last left Kings ferry yesterday Morning at Sun rise and informs me that the Vessels had gone down the River and were out of sight. The posts at Stoney and Verplanks points were established more with a view of preventing the communication from being interrupted by a vessel or two with a small body of Men,...
84From George Washington to Robert Howe, 15 November 1781 (Washington Papers)
I received with much Pleasure your Congratulations conveyed to me in your Favr of the 4th. I think, Considering the length of Time already passed since your Operations in Georgia, that you are quite in the Right to have the Inquiry on your Conduct during that Time, brot to as early Decision as Circumstances will admit—I can easily conceive your present Situation to be very disagreable—& wish...
85From George Washington to Major General Robert Howe, 21 March 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have before me your two favors of the 16 and 17th instant. I am pleased to find that the notice you had received of the preparations of the enemy, was such as to anticipate my information to you on this subject. Should any attempt be really intended, and take place, against this or your quarter, I am satisfied that nothing which our circumstances will permit, will be left undone, on your...
86From George Washington to Major General Robert Howe, 21 August 1779 (Washington Papers)
In my Letter of yesterday I observed that through the assistance of —— & his agents, and other Channels, you might obtain accurate knowledge of the position of the enemy without Kings-bridge. I am still of the same opinion; but under the idea I entertain of —— I do not conceive it would be expedient in you to drop the smallest hint by which he could discover the tendency of these enquiries,...
87From George Washington to Robert Howe, 31 August 1783 (Washington Papers)
I have been favored with your private letter of the 21st, & should have given it an acknowledgement sooner but thought a few days would have let me more into the views of Congress with respect to the Peace Establishment than I had any knowledge of at the time of its receipt—I am as much in the dark now as ever, and as unable to guess at the number of Troops which may be retained or raised for...
88From George Washington to Major General Robert Howe, 23 June 1780 (Washington Papers)
Your Letter of the 20th reached me this morning. The principal part of the army yesterday marched to this place—Last night I received a letter from General Greene who commands the corps near the enemy containing the following paragraph, “Mr——this moment returned from Elizabeth Town. He says that General Clinton with the whole British army will be in motion this evening; that three thousand are...
89George Washington to Major General Robert Howe, 15 June 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Springfield [ New Jersey ] June 15, 1780 . Warns of possible attack by British. Sends instructions for the defense of West Point. States, however, “if the enemy’s designs should be against this army, you may be useful to us by making a demonstration in your quarter.” Df , in writings of George Washington and H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
90George Washington to Major General Robert Howe, 18 June 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Springfield [ New Jersey ] June 18, 1780 . Reports that Sir Henry Clinton is arriving from the South. Warns of possible attack. Instructs Howe to apply to New York, Connecticut, and Massachusetts for reinforcements. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
91From George Washington to Robert Howe, 11 December 1782 (Washington Papers)
I enclose to you the Arran g emt of Field Officers in the Mass. Line; but as it is not final & may be subject to alteration from various contingency, I have not thought proper that it should be announced in the General Orders—but it will be necessary for you to post the Field Officers to the Regt agreeably to that arrangement, until further Orders that they may take their Commands...
92From George Washington to Brigadier General Robert Howe, 17 March 1777 (Washington Papers)
Not long since I was honoured with a visit from Colonel Walton, One of the Delegates of Georgia to the Continental Congress who suggested the propriety of an Expedition against St Augustine, requesting at the same time my Opinion to be communicated to you. If the measure can be attempted with a probability of Success, it is much to be desired; but circumstanced as I am in point of situation &...
93V. From George Washington to Major General Robert Howe, 4 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have received such advices from Congress respecting the French fleet under the command of Count D’Estaing, that I have not a doubt of his coming to this part of the Coast for the purposes of cooperation—nor of his being upon it immediately. I therefore request you to resume yr position on Croton—near pines bridge to effect, if possible, the end mentioned in my letter of the 13th Ulto. I am...
94From George Washington to Robert Howe, 10 September 1783 (Washington Papers)
As there is but one Regiment at Philadelphia to March to West Point, and the Troops when they get there take their Orders from the Commanding Officer of the Garrison (agreeably to the Original disposition of them) till Congress shall have determined upon a Peace Establishment; there can be no necessity for your Marching with your present command, in its reduced state to that place. I mention...
95George Washington to Major General Robert Howe, 25 June 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
New Windsor [ New York ] June 25, 1779 . Regrets that Howe’s injury is more serious than was at first believed. Sends news of British movements. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
96From George Washington to Major General Robert Howe, 4 August 1779 (Washington Papers)
I received your letter of yesterday about three hours ago —For the reasons you assign, I approve of the alterations you have made in the disposition of the troops which had taken place previous to your arrival. I am sorry the proposed removal of the Militia from horseneck has met with the opposition you mention—In the late position of the enemy they were exposed to the most imminent danger;...
97From George Washington to Major General Robert Howe, 4 July 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have recd your favs. of the 27th and 30th ulto and that of the 3d instant covering a letter from Genl Heath—Mr Moylan has not yet come in—I imagine he is stopped by the heavy rain. I am informed that Genl Glover had missed my letter directing him to stop at Springfeild for the purpose of receiving and forwarding the drafts of Massachusetts —I make no doubt but you have sent him back to...
98From George Washington to Robert Howe, 25 June 1783 (Washington Papers)
You are to take the command of the Detachment ordered to march to Philadelphia in consequence of the Letter of the Presidt of Congress of the 21st instant—you will move with as much expedition as you can consistently with the health & comfort of the Troops—This Corps must be absolutely light & unencumbered with Baggage, having only two Peices of Field Artillery—you will make Arrangements with...
99George Washington to Major General Robert Howe, 16 July 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
New Windsor [ New York ] July 16, 1779 . Orders Howe to reconnoiter Verplanks Point and to try to force the enemy into deserting that post. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
100From George Washington to Major General Robert Howe, 17 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
It is thought from a view of the fortifications on Verblanks point that there is a ⟨g⟩ood prospect of possessing our selves of the Garrison. You will therefore march down your troops and open a battery against their Block House as soon as possible. After beating the block House about their Ears if you can find any apprehensions in the Garrison for their safety, You will make a disposition of...