31From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 2 December 1779 (Washington Papers)
Since I had the honor of addressing you on the 20th ulto I have seen Lt Colonel Washington of Baylors Light Dragoons, who gives me a more favorable report of the times of service of that Regiment than was represented by one of his Officers. He informs me, that including Capt. Stiths Troop already on its march to the Southward he will be able to carry forward about 125 Men, none of whose times...
32From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 4 December 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have been honoured with Your Excellency’s Letter of the 27th Ulto and with the Inclosures to which it refers. The moment circumstances will admit of it, Doctor Shippen shall be put in arrest—and his trial will be proceeded on immediately after the Trials of General Arnold & Colo. Hooper are finished. When Doctor Shippen is arrested, Doctor Morgan shall have notice of it—and be furnished with...
33George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 7 December 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Morristown [ New Jersey ] December 7, 1779 . Sends information concerning British fleet; enemy attempts to depreciate American currency; and probable future movements of British army. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
34From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 7 December 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to inform Congress, that I have received a letter, from a confidential correspondent in New York, dated the 27th of November, containing the following Paragraph “The Men of War at the Hook have taken in water for several months, and, on friday, the Admiral went down with all his Baggage. A fleet for Cork and a number of Vessels for England will sail in a few days, some of...
35From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 8 December 1779 (Washington Papers)
From the silence of our Articles of War with respect to the right, which parties in arrest have, of challenging or objecting to Members of Courts Martial—I would beg leave to submit the point to the consideration of Congress, and to request, that they will be pleased to decide—Whether the parties have such a right: Whether it may be exercised in all, or in what cases: To what extent as to...
36From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 10–11 December 1779 (Washington Papers)
In my Letter of the 8th in which I had the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Excellency’s dispatches of the 4th Instant, just then come to hand—I advised Congress, that I had given Orders for the march of the whole of the Virginia line for Philadelphia. I am now to inform them, that the first & second State Regiments moved yesterday, & all the Regiments of the line to day, except two,...
El Ferrol, Spain, 11 December 1779. Dupl in John Thaxter’s hand PCC , No. 84, 1, f. 227; docketed: “No. 1 J Adams Esqr original by Capt. Trask from Corunna to Newbury Port, Mass. Bay. Duplicate of Decemb 11th 1779 Original receivd. Recd. May 15. 1780 orig read March 27.” The “original” has not been found. LbC Adams Papers . LbC in JA ’s and in Thaxter’s hand Adams Papers ; notations: “Recd in...
38From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 13 December 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to lay before your Excellency the inclosed papers relative to the state of our supplies of meat; and a letter from the commissary general of musters, on the subject of a further subsistence for the officers of his department. I thought it necessary to make these communications, and have the honor to be with the greatest respect, Sir, Your Excellency’s most obt servt P.S. I...
39From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 14 December 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have had the honor of your Excellency’s favors of the 7th and 10th, with their respective inclosures. The act to regulate the proceedings of officers absent on furlough, or otherwise, has been communicated to the army in general orders. In consequence of the resolution of the 10th, directing a successor to Col. Bland, in the command at Charlotteville, I have appointed on this occasion Col....
40George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 15 December 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Morristown [ New Jersey ] December 15, 1779 . Reiterates need for food for the Army. States that news of the sailing of British fleet was premature. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
41From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 15 December 1779 (Washington Papers)
The representations I had the honor to transmit in my letters of the 10th and 12th and those now inclosed will inform Congress of the deplorable distress of the great departments of the army. I beg leave to add that from a particular consultation of the Commissaries, I find our prospects are infinitely worse than they have been at any period of the War, and that unless some expedient can be...
La Coruña, Spain, 16 December 1779. RC in John Thaxter’s hand PCC , No. 84, I, f. 231.; docketed: “No. 2 Letter from J. Adams Corunna Decr. 16. 1779 Read March 27. 1780.” LbC Adams Papers . LbC in Thaxter’s hand Adams Papers ; notations: “Recd in Congress Oct. 15. Triplicate.”; by Thaxter: “No. 2.” and “NB. Nos. 1 & 2 were sent by Captain Trask bound to Newbury Port from Corunna.” For a...
43Thomas Jefferson in Council to Samuel Huntington, 16 December 1779 (Madison Papers)
We have information from our Delegates in congress that the detention of some continental arms by the executive of this State during the course of the last summer has given considerable umbrage to congress. I beg leave therefore, thro’ you Sir, to lay before that honorable body facts, simply as they occurred, hoping that these will satisfy them that, the arms being justly due to this State,...
44From Thomas Jefferson to Samuel Huntington, 16 December 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
We have information from our Delegates in congress that the detention of some continental arms by the executive of this State during the course of the last summer has given considerable umbrage to congress. I beg leave therefore, thro’ you Sir, to lay before that honorable body facts, simply as they occurred hoping that these will satisfy them that, the arms being justly due to this State,...
45George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 17 December 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Morristown [ New Jersey ] December 17, 1779 . Suggests sending the Reverend Hyacinthe de la Motte to Canada as a secret emissary. LS , in writing of H, Papers of the Continental Congress, National Archives.
46From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 17 December 1779 (Washington Papers)
The bearer of this The Reverend Mr De La Motte represents to me that he has been employed by order of Congress as Missionary to the Indian tribes in the Eastern department, from which trust he is now returning —On conversing with him he has exprested a willingness to go into Canada as a secret emissary. He appears to be not unintelligent, and if there is good reason to depend on his fidelity,...
47From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 23 December 1779 (Washington Papers)
Inclosed I have the honor to transmit the Copy of a letter which I received last evening from General Wayne who had been to reconnoitre the situation of the Enemy upon Paulus Hook —Should the Fleet, which he mentions to have fallen down to the Hook, proceed to Sea, Your Excellency will receive information of it from Major Lee, who is stationed in Monmouth, and who is directed to advise...
48From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 24 December 1779 (Washington Papers)
I do myself the honor of transmitting the Copy of a letter which I received late last evening from General Wayne, from which it appears, that the fleet has sailed from New York. The moment I receive any further particulars of their destination, or the number of Troops on board, I shall forward them. Your Excellency will also find inclosed the Copy of a second letter from Mr Champion to Colo....
My former Letters to your Excellency of the 20 th . and 22d. Instant (a triplicate of the former and a duplicate of the latter are herewith enclosed) have already informed Congress of the disaster which imposed upon us the necessity of coming hither. But as that necessity has been and it seems still continues the subject of much Inquiry and investigation, it is proper that the facts from which...
50From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 25 December 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to lay before your Excellency the representation of a certain Elizabeth Burgin late an inhabitant of New-York. From the testimony of different persons, and particularly many of our own officers who have returned from captivity, it would appear, that she has been indefatigable, for the relief of the prisoners, and in measures for facilitating their escape. In consequence of...
I have done what, perhaps, I shall be blamed for—but my pride as an American, and my feelings as a Man, were not on this Occasion to be resisted. The Officers of the Confederacy were here without Money, or the Means of getting any. The Idea of our Officers being obliged to sneak, as they phrase it, from the Company of French Officers for Fear of running in Debt with them for a Bottle of Wine,...
On our arrival here M. Gerard told me that he was about to write to the governor and admiral at Port Royal, and asked me whether I also chose to write, or would leave to him the necessary communication, offering to mention to them whatever I might desire. As I was well satisfied that he should take the lead in the business I replied that I was obliged to him, but did not think it necessary for...
53From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 27 December 1779 (Washington Papers)
I last night received a letter, of which the inclosed is a Copy, from General Wayne, informing me that the second division of the Fleet put to sea yesterday. It is generally imagined that the first division, which sailed the 23d consisted of returning Transports and private Vessels bound to Europe. I have reason to expect, in the course of a few days, from a confidential correspondent in New...
54From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 30 December 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with your Excellency’s dispatch of the 24th inclosing two acts of Congress of the 23d and 24th instant. Since the information transmitted Congress of the sailing of a fleet with troops from New-York, I have received accounts which though not as decisive as some I expect, yet I have reason to believe will not fall short of the number detatched. As the intelligence stands,...
55From Thomas Jefferson to Samuel Huntington, 30 December 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
Your Letter inclosing the resolutions of congress relating to the capture of the Portuguese Snow by Captain Cunningham has remained hitherto unanswered because I hoped Daily to be enabled to write more fully on that subject. The resolutions, and documents accompanying them, as soon as received, were put into the hands of our Attorney General, for his opinion, with intention to have such...
56George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 2 January 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Morristown [ New Jersey ] January 2, 1780 . Asks intentions of Congress concerning continuance of Brigadier General Louis Le Bèque Du Portail and Colonels Laumoy and Gouvion in service. Commends their service and recommends that they be retained. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Colonel Jean Baptiste Joseph, Chevalier de Laumoy, and Colonel Jean Baptiste...
57From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 2 January 1780 (Washington Papers)
Congress were pleased by their resolution of the 1st of January last to express their desire of retaining Brigadier General Du Portail, Colonels La Radiere and Laumoy, and Lt Col. De Gouvion in the service of these states for another campaing, if agreeable to them. These gentlemen having accepted the invitation, have now completed the term to which it extended; and it is with pleasure I can...
58From Thomas Jefferson to Samuel Huntington, 3 January 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
A large packet directed to the President of Congress with other dispatches for the Chevalier de la Luzerne and others, coming to my hands two days ago, I thought it proper to forward them to you by express. He should have set out yesterday but it was too tempestuous. I have the honor to be with all possible respect Your Excellency’s most obedient & most humble servt., RC ( DLC : PCC , No. 71,...
59From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 4 January 1780 (Washington Papers)
The following Gentlemen, Colonels Magaw, Mathews, Eli & Lt Colo. Ramsay have been permitted to come out of New York on parole, with some new propositions for an exchange of prisoners—the result of a conference between Major General Phillips & themselves. These they will have the honor of submitting to Congress, as I do not conceive myself authorised to take any steps in the business without...
60From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 5 January 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have been honoured with Your Excellency’s Letter of the 29th Ulto and the Acts to which it refers. I hope the proposed regulation of the post office, will contribute to lessen our expences, but with all deference I would take the liberty to observe, that I think the exigency and good of the service will not admit of a general discharge of the Express Riders. Circumstances very interesting...
Bilbao, Spain, 16 January 1780. RC in John Thaxter’s hand PCC No. 84, I, f. 234; docketed: “No. 3 Letter from John Adams Bilbao Jany 16 1780 Read April 7.” LbC Adams Papers . LbC in Thaxter’s hand Adams Papers ; notations: “Recd in Congress Oct. 15. Triplicate.”; by Thaxter: “No.3.” For a discussion of the presence of two Letterbook copies, see part 2 of the Introduction: “John Adams and his...
62From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 18 January 1780 (Washington Papers)
Major General Baron de Steuben, who goes to philadelphia on business, will do me the honor of presenting this Letter to your Excellency. From this Gentleman’s perfect knowledge of service in general and of the state of our Army in particular, he has it entirely in his power to satisfy Congress in any inquiries they may think proper to make, with respect to it’s situation necessities and wants....
63From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 18 January 1780 (Washington Papers)
The severity of the Weather having rendered a descent upon Staten Island practicable by the Ice, and it being also imagined that the communication between New York and the Island was interrupted by the same cause, a favorable opportunity, of striking the enemy stationed there, (who amounted by report to 1000 or 1200 Men) seemed to present itself—A detachment of 2500 Men, including the troops...
64From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 19 January 1780 (Washington Papers)
I had the honor yesterday to receive your Excellency’s Letter of the 14th by Colo. Magaw with the Resolutions of the several dates to which it refers. I am sorry to trouble Congress again on the subject of the proposed exchange of prisoners, but circumstances and my desire to do what is right compel me to it. I must beg leave to Inform your Excellency that when your dispatches on this point...
65George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 26 January 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Morristown [ New Jersey ] January 26, 1780 . Recommends appointment of Captain Daniel Nevins to Corps of Engineers. Inquires about commissions for officers of Sappers and Miners who will be very much needed in the next campaign. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
66From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 26 January 1780 (Washington Papers)
I take the liberty to sollicit the attention of Congress to a matter, which very materially affects Colo. Bland, late commanding Officer at Charlotteville in Virginia. I am informed that this Gentleman, while in command, drew, from the Commissary, necessaries for his Table, upon a supposition that an allowance of that nature would be made, in consideration of his being obliged to live in a...
67From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 26 January 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to inclose the copy of a letter from Brigadier General Du Portail. From the character he gives and which I have otherwise received of Capt. Nevin, I shall be happy it may please Congress to make the appointment solicited. As the Engineers we now have are only for a temporary service and it will always be essential to have men skilled in that branch of Military science in this...
68From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 27 January 1780 (Washington Papers)
I am sorry to inform your Excellency that the Enemy on the night of the 25th surprised our advanced parties which were stationed at Elizabeth Town and New Ark—and made a part of them prisoners. For a more particular account of the affair, I beg leave to refer Your Excellency to the inclosed Extract from Colo. Hazen’s Report upon the occasion, who then commanded a Detachment in the...
69From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 27 January 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have been honoured with your Excellency’s favor of the 21st inclosing a Report from the Board of War, upon the application of Colonel Armand for promotion to the Rank of Brigadier in the service of the United States, on which, Congress have been pleased to request my opinion. I am ready to acknowledge the Grounds, on which, Colo. Armand founds his pretensions to higher Rank, so far as they...
70From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 30 January 1780 (Washington Papers)
I herewith transmit Your Excellency the proceedings & sentence of the General Court Martial in the case of Major General Arnold for the approbation or disapprobation of Congress. The proceedings will be found in two packets committed to the care of Major Gibbs. I also think it my duty to inclose Your Excellency the Copy of a Letter of the [ ] Instant, from the Quarter Master General on the...
71From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 5 February 1780 (Washington Papers)
In the Letter which I had the honor of writing to You on the 27th of January, I mentioned that Colo. Armand was young in the service of France; by the Inclosed Letter from him it appears that I had been misinformd. as the Colonel is apprehensive this idea may operate in future to His prejudice, I take the liberty to transmit what he has said upon the subject. I have the Honor to be with the...
72George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 6 February 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Morristown [ New Jersey ] February 6, 1780 . Informs Huntington that Colonel Armand is not going to France. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
73From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 8 February 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have now the honor to acknowledge that Your Excellency’s several Letters of the 25th & 27th of last month and of the 1st Instant have been duly received with the acts to which they refer. The matters to which they respectively relate will have my attention in the best manner that their nature and circumstances will admit of. Cols. Mathews & Ely & Lt Colo. Ramsay returned to New York on the...
74From Thomas Jefferson to Samuel Huntington, 9 February 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Your Excellencys letter inclosing that of Mr. Scott to President Reed, and the President’s to the Delegates of Pennsylvania in Congress, together with the resolutions of your honorable body recommending to both States to forbear granting lands within their disputed territory came safely to hand. I immediately availed myself of an opportunity, which occurred at that time, to Pittsburg, of...
75From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 14 February 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have been honoured with Your Excellency’s Favor of the 7th and am much obliged by the transmission of the Letter from Major General Lincoln—and for Major Lane’s state of the prisoners at the Southward. The General is not precise in his information on this subject, as to the number or rank of Our Officers still in captivity, but from what he says, I conclude it is nearly as Major Lane has...
Paris, 15 February 1780. RC in John Thaxter’s hand PCC , No. 84, 1, f. 243; docketed: “No. 4 J. Adams Esqr. Paris Feby. 15th: 1780 Read May 15. arrival in France. interesting News.” LbC Adams Papers . LbC in Thaxter’s hand Adams Papers ; notations: “Recd in Congress Oct. 15. Triplicate.”; by Thaxter: “No. 4.” For a discussion of the presence of two Letterbook copies in the Adams Papers , see...
It is necessary that I should inform Congress, in what manner I have been able to procure Money to defray my Expenses, in my long Journey through the greatest Parts of Spain and France, to this City. On my Arrival at Ferrol, I was offered the Loan of Money by the French Consul Mr. De Tournelle, but at the same Time told me there was a Gentleman at Corunna Mr. Michael Lagoanere, who had...
78From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 17 February 1780 (Washington Papers)
On monday night I had the Honor to receive Your Excellency’s dispatches of the 10th —I shall in compliance with the direction of Congress, take the earliest occasion that circumstances will allow, to transmit the States the Returns required. I think it my duty however to inform Congress, that from the remote and dispersed situation of many Corps not originally raised as part of the State...
Inclosed are Copies of former Letters to Congress, and I shall continue to transmit Copies until I learn that some have arrived; for which Reason I must request the Favour that his Excellency the President, or some Committee, may be desired to acknowledge the Receipt of Letters, so that I may know as soon as may be what Letters have arrived and which have been less fortunate. The Art of making...
Since my Arrival in Europe I have had the Mortification to see in the public Papers a Series of little Successes which our Enemies have had in the prosecution of the War. The first was a very exaggerated Account in the English Court Gazette of their Successes against the Spaniards in South America. The next was the History of the Repulse of General Lincoln and the Comte D’Estaing at Savannah...