1From George Washington to Lieutenant Colonel William Stephens Smith, 27 January 1778 (Washington Papers)
I recd yours this Evening by Lieut. Patterson inclosing a letter from the Board of War directing you to seize the Persons, Carriages &ca that have lately arrived at Lancaster with Cloathing for the British Prisoners and secure the same untill you receive further directions from me or from the Board. As this order was founded upon a misapprehension of facts, I desire that they may be released...
2From George Washington to Lieutenant Colonel William Stephens Smith, 14 March 1778 (Washington Papers)
I expected you would have been at Camp with the detatchment under your command before this time but I imagine the Weather and Roads have hindered you. I desire you will lose no time in marching after you receive this; and that you will bring with you all the Men of other Corps that are sufficiently recovered from the Hospitals and properly clad to do duty. I am &c. Df , in Tench Tilghman’s...
[ Totowa, New Jersey ] November 4, 1780 . Approves Smith’s decision to take the place of a retiring lieutenant colonel. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Smith was a lieutenant colonel in Spencer’s Regiment. In January, 1781, he became adjutant and inspector on the Marquis de Lafayette’s staff.
4From George Washington to Lieutenant Colonel William Stephens Smith, 4 November 1780 (Washington Papers)
The subject on which you spoke to me yesterday did not strike me in a proper point of view, which prevented my immediately acquiescing in it; but on revolving the matter, I perceive there can be no inconvenience, and wish exceedingly it could take place. If more of the Lt Colonels of either of the lines you mentioned are willing to retire than the establishment will permit provided they could...
5From George Washington to William Stephens Smith, 14 May 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have received your favor of the 22nd of April. Having been informed that Colonel Vose wished to return to the Northward, Colonel Tupper was ordered to relieve him previous to the receipt of Your Letter—Nothwithstanding the Marquis had suggested that your being appointed to that Command would be exceedingly agreeable to the Regt. I did not think it could possibly be done, without involving...
6From George Washington to William Stephens Smith, 30 May 1781 (Washington Papers)
I fully intended in my letter of the 14th to have desired you to return to this Army, but I might possibly in the hurry of Business have forgot to give the Gentleman who wrote it instructions to that purpose. Should this find you in Philadelphia, you will look upon yourself fully at liberty to return, or proceed to the southward, should your inclinations lead you to prefer that service to...
7From George Washington to William Stephens Smith, 24 June 1782 (Washington Papers)
Leutenant Colonel William S. Smith entered the service of the United States at the Commencement of the present War In August 1776 he was appointed Aid de Camp to Major General Sullivan with the rank of Major in the Army on the 1st of January 1777 he was promoted to be a Leutenant Colonel in one of the Additional Battalions raised by the CommonWealth of Massasuchets, after which he had the...
8From George Washington to William Stephens Smith, 24 June 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have this Moment received your Application to me requestg Liberty to join the combined Armies in the West Indies, for this Campaign. I applaud Gentlemen the noble & generous Ardor displayed on this Occasion—But having never taken upon me to grant Leave of Absence to Officers in the American Army, with out permission of Congress, your Application shall be conveyed to that Hono. Body—for their...
9From George Washington to William Stephens Smith, 10 July 1782 (Washington Papers)
The enclosed (one for yourself & the other for Major Clarkson) comes in consequence of Generl Knox’s application. To give you such Letters, was My first intention; but not knowing who was to command the Forces destined for the Invasion of Jamaica, I had resort to the Certificates with which you were furnished; conceiving it would appear odd to write, & not be able to direct. or to direct to...
10From George Washington to William Stephens Smith, 7 September 1782 (Washington Papers)
I, a few days ago, reced your favor of the 28th of Augt from Pompton—You certainly cannot be deemed reprehensible for making use of this time of leisure to pay a visit to your family and friends—after so long an absence. When I mentioned you to the Commander of the combined Forces in the West Indies, in the terms to which you allude, I confess I did not imagine you had any intention of...
11From George Washington to William Stephens Smith, 8 October 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have received your favor of Yesterday. From the ill success which I have lately experienced in Attemptg to obtain Alterations in Arrangements made by Congress—I have very little Encouragement to hazardg another—The best Advice I can give you therefore; is to wait the Arrival of the Secretary at War, who is expected here in a short Time; & make your Application to him—As he is in fact, I...
12From Jonathan Trumbull, Jr. to William Stephens Smith, 15 October 1782 (Washington Papers)
Mr Smith has been to West point—and on Enquiry, finds that the two Men, Isaac Raymond & Thomas Lilleck, who he was seekg are now at the Provost. His Excellency therefore directs that you will be pleased to have them sent into N. York as soon as convenient—that they be accounted in Exchange for Henry Chiecester & Joel Smith, who are already sent out from the Enemy in that Expectation. I am &c....
13From George Washington to William Stephens Smith, 19 November 1782 (Washington Papers)
In conducting the common business, at the Post of Dobbs’ Ferry (of which you have the superintendance), You will cause the Orders & Regulations contained in the several written Instructions which will be delivered to you by the present commanding Officer, to be duly attended to & observed—but I have thought it necessary to give you this private Instruction, hereby authorizing you to take such...
14From George Washington to William Stephens Smith, 1 December 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have duly received your two favors of the 27th and 29th Ulto—I am very well satisfied with the account contained in the former; and approve of your conduct respecting the detention of the Flag as reported in the latter, but it will be best under our present circumstances, for you to send back Mr Gardener with his Flag Vessel, at the same time making a representation of his conduct to the...
15From George Washington to William Stephens Smith, 6 December 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have to acknowledge the receipt of your two Letters of the 2nd & 3d inst. & to inform you that the matter which has been in agitation is suspended for the present—Notwithstanding which, I wish you to continue your efforts to obtain the best & most particular information in your power. A Command from Hazens Regt will be sent in a few days to relieve the Light Infantry Company at Dobbs’ Ferry....
16From George Washington to William Stephens Smith, 9 December 1782 (Washington Papers)
The Bearer Mr Cutts, upon the recommendation of General Sullivan, has permission to endeavour to get admittance into New York to relieve a Mr Lord a prisoner there—You will be pleased to send his letter by a Flag and permit him to go in should he obtain liberty to do so, or to have an interview with any Gentleman, should that mode be proposed. You will at the same time forward the letters...
17From George Washington to William Stephens Smith, 16 December 1782 (Washington Papers)
Your Letter of the 12th Instant was deliverd me yesterday with its several inclosures, and I am to thank you for the intelligence it contains. I have myself seen the Work at Dobbs ferry, but cannot agree with you as to its indefensible State; it never was calculated to withstand a serious attack, but has always been supposed equal to any small party that might attempt it by a Coup de Main; and...
18From George Washington to William Stephens Smith, 22 December 1782 (Washington Papers)
I am favored with yours of the 20th. The Money you have recd for Governor Harrison agreably to his desire you will be pleased to remit to Mr Saml Inglis of Philadelphia, or inform him it is in your hand, subject to his Orders. I have also to request you will inform Messrs John Channing, Peter Taylor and Aaron Loocock, whose Petition you inclosed to me, that Congress having recommended that no...
19From David Humphreys to William Stephens Smith, 27 December 1782 (Washington Papers)
The Commander in Chief who has just gone to Poughkeepsie, has left it in charge with me to acknowledge the receipt of your Letter of the 25th and to inform you that he has no objections to your coming to the Army for the purposes you Mention; at which time your friends will be very happy to see you at Head Quarters—Mrs Washington (who desires me to present her Complts to you) has often...
20From David Humphreys to William Stephens Smith, 2 January 1783 (Washington Papers)
Mr Merrit who has permission to go into New York with a Massachusetts sum of Money for theNaval Prisoners, with upon you in his route for your advice & assistance. If it shall be thought as small effort is necessary for the protection of the money he is possessed of, The Commander in Chief wishes you would provide one to attend him to Dobbs Ferry.I am Dear Sir with perfect respect Your Most...
21From David Humphreys to William Stephens Smith, 17 January 1783 (Washington Papers)
The General received yours of the 14th yesterday. We have no news but the promotion of Cols. Greaton, Dayton, & Putnam to be Brigadr Generals—and the death of that brave & verable Officer My Lord Stirling; who left the World the 14th inst. I am My dear Smith Yours sincerely MH : Dearborn Papers.
22From David Humphreys to William Stephens Smith, 22 January 1783 (Washington Papers)
I have recd yours of the 20th & laid the subject of it before the General, who is clearly of opinion, as Congress have left no latitude for partial exchanges in their Act of the 16 of Octr that it is not in his power to give any discretionary Orders & it would I am persuaded be disagreeable to urge the matter—previous however to that Act, it is recollected application had been made by Genl...
23From George Washington to William Stephens Smith, 28 January 1783 (Washington Papers)
I have received your two Letters of the 23rd & 27th instant. It seems strange that such a number of naval Prisoners should be sent on without any provision being made for their subsistence on the way I will mention the circumstance to Mr Morris and will immediately give directions to the Contractors to provide against such Exigencies so far as regards your Post. The Letters for New York are...
24From George Washington to William Stephens Smith, 10 February 1783 (Washington Papers)
You will proceed immediately with a Flag to Paulus Hook and from thence to New York to make the necessary arrangements in your Department with the British Commissary of Prisoners at that place. One servant is permitted to attend you into New York, and the Officer and Party mentioned in the Margin to escort you to the British Out Posts. NjP : DeCoppet Collection.
25From George Washington to William Stephens Smith, 10 February 1783 (Washington Papers)
I have recd your two favours of the 8th with the several Papers enclosed therein, & now send you the Passport requested—the Letters transmitted herewith you will be pleased to have forwarded to their respective addresses. I am Dr Sir. With great esteem Your Most Obedt Servt. DLC : Papers of George Washington.
26From George Washington to William Stephens Smith, 3 March 1783 (Washington Papers)
I have been favored with your several Letters of the 23d 24th 25th and 27th of Febry. It gives me great satisfaction to inform you, that I fully approve of your conduct in the late attempt to negociate the business of your Department with the Enemy. I am of opinion that giving a Letter of Service to Lts Sutherland & Campbell would be merely eluding the intention of Congress, who by prohibiting...
27From George Washington to William Stephens Smith, 3 March 1783 (Washington Papers)
I have been favoured with your private letter of the 24th Ulto & thank you for the information contained in it. It is much to be regretted that while I am using every means in my power to comply with the orders of Congress (founded in my opinion on our true interest & policy) that there should be such a counteraction as we daily experience from individuals. But more lamentable is our...
28From David Humphreys to William Stephens Smith, 9 March 1783 (Washington Papers)
The Commander in Chief desires you will send in to N. York the Naval Prisoners forwarded to you by the Adjt Genl & have proper Rects taken for them; unless there should be a Commissy of Marine Prisoners at Dobbs’ Ferry who will in that case negociate the business. Pray inform us whether there is such a Commissy residt there or not—I am Dr Sir Your Most Obedt Servt DLC : Papers of George...
29From George Washington to William Stephens Smith, 12 March 1783 (Washington Papers)
Your favor of the 8th instant is duly received. M. Mersereau being out of military office, and retired to the Class of Citizens, his application to me for Liberty to go into New York, is not properly made, but should be addressed to the civil power of the State within which he resides—Independant of this principle, I should have no Objection to granting his request. You may communicate my...
30From Benjamin Walker to William Stephens Smith, 17 March 1783 (Washington Papers)
His Excellency has reced the packet transmitted by you of the 14th. The Money you mention is for Genl Chattelleux and is the same that has been desired to be Sent to the Chev. de la Luzerne. Yrs &c. DLC : Papers of George Washington.
31From Jonathan Trumbull, Jr. to William Stephens Smith, 19 March 1783 (Washington Papers)
The Commandr in Chief has recied A Letter from a Mr Richd Corbin of Laneville in Virginia— desiring him to cause Enquiry to be made for his Son Dicky , who left his Father in the Year 1775—and went to England to secure family Claim to an Estate in England & in Jamaica—The Father is informed that his Son is now in N. York, & wishes to get a Certainty of the Fact—His Excellency desires you to...
32From George Washington to William Stephens Smith, 23 March 1783 (Washington Papers)
Your favor of the 21st was delivered to me last Evening. You will please to give Capt. Douglass permission to pass within the Enemy Lines, agreeable to his recommendation from Major Turner. But at the same Time, you will, as from me, declare positively to Capt. Douglass, that the proposed Communication for the Exchange of Marine prisoners, mentioned by him, to be opened by Way of Elizabeth...
33From George Washington to William Stephens Smith, 6 April 1783 (Washington Papers)
It is not improbable, that as the Arrival of the Packet at N. York with the news of Peace, Sir Guy Carleton will send out an Officer with dispatches for me, containing that agreable intelligence—in such case, the Officer may be permitted to come to this place and you will send an Officer with him or accompany him yourself as you may think proper. DLC : Papers of George Washington.
34From Benjamin Walker to William Stephens Smith, 19 April 1783 to 20 April 1783 (Washington Papers)
I am directed, in reply to your Letter of the 17 to inform you that Letters may in future be Sent direct from N. York to Elizabeth Town—I am Dr Sir Your very humble Ser. 20th Your Letter of the 18th just came to hand when the Commander in Chief Returns this Eveng. it Shall be answerd. DLC : Papers of George Washington.
35From George Washington to William Stephens Smith, 21 April 1783 (Washington Papers)
In answer to your private letter of the 16th I can promise no more than a disposition to promote your wishes—& this if it is in my power and circumstances are not opposed to it will carry me to the extent of your desire; but no Peace establishment is yet adopted nor do I know upon what terms it will—whether Continental—State—or any at all. Whether the present Troops (who have part of their...
36From George Washington to William Stephens Smith, 15 May 1783 (Washington Papers)
Sometime in the Winter, or early this Spring, a Frenchman in New York applied (after representing the manner of his getting to that place) for leave to come out—Being a Stranger of whom I had no knowledge and only his own word to support his narrative, I informed him that his application would go with more propriety to the Minister of France at Phila., than it came to me, & referred him there...
37From George Washington to William Stephens Smith, 21 May 1783 (Washington Papers)
I wrote to you a few days ago for some Books, &ca—Since then, I have seen the following Books advertised for Sale by Miles & Hicks at their Printing Office, which I beg the favor of you to procure, and send to me. Charles the 12th of Sweeden Lewis the 15th. 2 Vols History of the Life & Reign of the Czar Peter, the Great Robertsons Histy of America 2 Vols Voltaires Letters. If they are in...
38From George Washington to William Stephens Smith, 18 June 1783 (Washington Papers)
The return of Doctr La Moyuer (who has been sick since he came to this place) affords me an oppertunity of acknowledging the receipt of your several letters of the 20th and 30th of May, and of the 1st and 7th Instt—and to thank you for your attention to the different matters I gave you the trouble of. If the Books which I required in one of my former letters, & were not then to be had are now...
39From George Washington to William Stephens Smith, 20 June 1783 (Washington Papers)
Doctr La Moyaer, by whom I expect you will have received my letter of the 18th had scarcely left this when your favor of the 17th accompanied by Vertots Romish Histy & Watsons History of Philip the III were put into my hands. For sending me the latter unasked, please to receive my thanks—I shall be obliged to you for sending me by the first good conveyence the following Books which are...
40From George Washington to William Stephens Smith, 6 August 1783 (Washington Papers)
I returned to this place yesterday afternoon from a tour of Nineteen days through the Northern & Westwern parts of this State. Upon my arrival I found the enclosed from Mr Rivington accompanied by the Books therein alluded to. Be pleased to thank Mr Rivington for sending them to me, and get Money from Mr Parker & pay for them as (if any thing more was meant) it is upon these terms only I shall...
41From George Washington to William Stephens Smith, 31 August 1783 (Washington Papers)
I have received your favor of the 26th and am much obliged by your attention in procuring the Articles I had requested—I am also glad to find there is at length a prospect that the British will in reality soon take their departure from the United States. Whatever my private sentiments as an Individual may be, respecting the violent Policy which seems in some instances to be adopted; it is not...
42From George Washington to William Stephens Smith, 10 October 1783 (Washington Papers)
I have to reply to your several Letters of the 20 September and 3 & 6 of this Month. The Glass was safely delivered me by Captain Pinkney. I am obliged to you for your information respecting the oppression of some of the Inhabitants of Long Island by the British but as the offence is against the subjects of the State it belongs more properly to the Executive Authority to take cognizance of it,...
43From Thomas Jefferson to William Stephens Smith, 22 June 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
I have been honoured with your letter of May 28. inclosing those you had been so kind as to bring for me from America, as I had before been with a note informing me that such letters were in your possession. We had hoped you might have taken your passage in the French packet which might have given us the pleasure of seeing you here. Your arrival however in London was so well timed with respect...
44From John Adams to William Stephens Smith, 5 August 1785 (Adams Papers)
In answer to your Letter of yesterday, you will give me leave to say, that your assistance and advice, has been at all times so usefull and agreable to me, that I should loose the advantage of it with reluctance if it were only for a few Weeks, or even day’s— nevertheless the month of august is so dull and so disgusting & unwholesome in London the Place is so deserted by Men of Business as...
45Abigail Adams to William Stephens Smith, 13 August 1785 (Adams Papers)
Your letter from Harwich, dated August 10, reached us upon the 11th. We were very glad to hear of your arrival there, and continue to follow you with our good wishes. When you tendered me your services, and asked my commands, I did not know you had any thoughts of returning by the way of Paris; otherwise I should have charged you with a few. I now write by Mr. Short, requesting your care of an...
46Abigail Adams to William Stephens Smith, 18 September 1785 (Adams Papers)
Col. Franks being detained to day by an accident gives me the opportunity of replieing to your kind Letter last evening received; Col. Forrest had inclosed them to Mr. Adams and we were not a little rejoiced to hear from you after an interval of 4 weeks in which we had spent many conjectures where you was at one time, and where you was were at an other. Mr. Adams received your Letter from...
47From John Adams to William Stephens Smith, 19 September 1785 (Adams Papers)
I have rec d your Favours from Harwich, Amsterdam and Berlin, and congratulate you on your Reception by the King of Prussia. I Shall have much Occasion for your Assistance but Still I would not advise you, to leave Paris without Spending a Week or Ten Days there and being presented by M r Jefferson to the King, provided there is a Court day at Versailles. I have been much pressed with Business...
48Abigail Adams to William Stephens Smith, 25 February 1786 (Adams Papers)
Last evening col Forrest sent a servant with a Letter addrest to me, but upon opening it, I found I was honourd only with the cover. The inclosed I deliverd the Lady who sat next me but as I could not prevail with her to communicate a word more than “that the cake was good” I threatned her with opening the next unless I should find something in the cover to appease me. But I did not keep my...
49From Thomas Jefferson to William Stephens Smith, 4 May 1786 (Jefferson Papers)
The morning after John left me at Dover, that is to say, on Friday, the wind became so favourable as to place me at Calais in three hours. At the moment therefore of your writing your friendly letter, to wit at a quarter before four of that day, I was on the road between Calais and St. Omer and I reached Paris in 48 hours from Calais. Whenever you come again to Paris come by the way of St....
50From Thomas Jefferson to William Stephens Smith, 17 May 1786 (Jefferson Papers)
Monsieur de Tronchin, minister for the republic of Geneva at this court, having a son at this time in London, I take the liberty of introducing him to your acquaintance. A respect for the father induces me to this liberty, together with an assurance that the son merits it. He is young and may need a monitor, who, with the gay, may mix the serious, when it becomes necessary to keep him out of...