1From John Adams to John Sullivan, 3 June 1777 (Adams Papers)
I regret with you the Loss of Coll Stark, of whose Experience and Bravery, I have often heard the best Accounts. I know not the Man: but Some Gentlemen represented him, as unequal in Abilities to the high Command of a General Officer. I am extreamly sorry to learn that you have been so great a Sufferer in the Loss of your Baggage &c. upon several Occasions: But in answer to your first Question...
2From John Adams to John Sullivan, 23 June 1776 (Adams Papers)
Your agreable Favour of May the fourth has lain by me unanswered, till now. The Relation of your Negotiations at New York, in order to convince the People of the Utility and necessity of instituting a new Government, is very entertaining, and if you had remained there a few Weeks longer, I conjecture you would have effected a Change in the Politicks of that Region. Is it Deceit, or Simple...
3From John Adams to John Sullivan, 22 February 1777 (Adams Papers)
I had this Evening the Pleasure of your Favour of the fourteenth instant, and a great Pleasure it was, as it was an Evidence that my old Friends were beginning to recollect me. I have been So long absent that I Seemed to have lost all my Correspondents in the Army. It would be, at all Times an obligation upon me, to hear of the Motions of the Armies, and of our prosperous or adverse Situation,...
4From Alexander Hamilton to Major General John Sullivan, 7 July 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
You will be pleased to forward the inclosed to General Putnam with all expedition, as it is of importance they should not be delayed. By His Excellency’s desire, I wrote to you a day or two ago, requesting that a Capt McConnel & a waggon master who had taken a horse from some inhabitants abused and confined them, should be sent to Head Quarters to have an examination in to their conduct. I am...
5From Alexander Hamilton to Major General John Sullivan, 4 June 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
His Excellency has received your favour of this Day. In answer to it he commands me to inform you that though he is exceedingly happy to hear such an animation prevails among the inhabitants, yet he can by no means, consent to put arms in their hands. This article is too much wanted for the Continental army to be spared to the militia; and experience has taught us, that there has been infinite...
6From Alexander Hamilton to John Sullivan, 6 June 1788 (Hamilton Papers)
You will no doubt have understood that the Antifederal party has prevailed in this State by a large majority. It is therefore of the utmost importance that all external circumstances should be made use of to influence their conduct. This will suggest to you the great advantage of a speedy decision in your State, if you can be sure of the question, and a prompt communication of the event to us....
7From Alexander Hamilton to John Sullivan, [25 December 1785] (Hamilton Papers)
Permit me to introduce to you Mr. Ducher a French Gentleman who is appointed to reside as Vice Consul at Portsmouth in the State of New Hampshire. You will find him an intelligent speculative man. He came to this Country attracted by an affinity of principles and with a view to a philosophical retirement; but having been shipwrecked with a loss of part of himself and a much larger part of his...
8From Alexander Hamilton to Major General John Sullivan, [20 May 1779] (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your favour of yesterday. As you will learn from Major Scot the precise route which the troops are marching, I must leave it with you to meet them with a good guide or two to give them whatever route you think proper. From the time the orders were given for their march, they must now be some distance on their way. I am Dr Sir Yr. most Obed serv ADfS , George Washington...
9Lieutenant Colonels Alexander Hamilton and John Laurens to Major General John Sullivan, 21 September 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
We have just received your favour of Yesterday, desiring from us a Testimony of your Conduct, so far as it fell under our Observation, the day of the Battle on the Brandywine. As we had not the pleasure of seeing you in the fore part of that Action when the Line at large was Engaged, We are unable from our own Knowledge, to say any thing of your Conduct at that time. But we can chearfully...
10From Alexander Hamilton to Major General John Sullivan, [12–25 June 1777] (Hamilton Papers)
His Excellency has received your two last favours to day. In the first you hint the want of a reinforcement; but as the intention of your body is chiefly for observation and skirmishing and not to make any serious stand, it is the less necessary it should be powerful in numbers. It will however depend upon circumstances, how far it will be expedient to reinforce you; and as soon as any thing...
11To Thomas Jefferson from John Sullivan, with Memoranda on the Moose, 22 June 1784 (Jefferson Papers)
I was some time since honored with your favor of the 27th of April and postponed my answer in order to obtain Mr. Dores answer to your Queries respecting the Moose. I now inclose you Mr. Hasseys answer to my Letter with answers to your Queries taken by him from Mr. Dore and the other Hunters in that Quarter. I also send you answers from Gilbert Warren a famous hunter in the province of Main....
12[From Thomas Jefferson to John Sullivan, 27 April 1784] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Annapolis, 27 Apr. 1784. Entry in SJL reads: “Genl. Sullivan. Acknol. receipt his letters—glad of further information on Moose-correspondence—Western territory—adjournment Congr.” Not found. The letters of Sullivan acknowledged by this were those of 12 Mch. (received 13 Apr.) and 3 Apr. (received 23 Apr.).]
13From Thomas Jefferson to John Sullivan, 15 August 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
I have duly received your favor of April 27. wherein you advise me of having drawn on me for £46–17–10 sterl. and refer me to an explanation sent by Capt. Samuel Pierce , which explanation and the captain also have probably miscarried, as I have as yet heard nothing of them. Supposing that this must be for the bones and skin of the Moose which your Excellency had been so kind as to undertake...
14From Thomas Jefferson to John Sullivan, 2 November 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
In the letter which I had the honour of writing to your Excellency on the 5th. of October, I inclosed one from Vautelet by which you would see he did not intend to pay his son’s bill. I now inclose you the bill regularly protested. A pacification between France and England has taken place, by which the affairs of Holland are to remain as they are, the Stadtholder being restored. This country...
15From Thomas Jefferson to John Sullivan, 5 October 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
I have now before me your several favors of Apr. 16. 26. and 30. and of May 9. and 29. and received also a few days ago the box containing the skin, bones and horns of the Moose and other animals which your Excellency has been so kind as to take so much trouble to obtain and forward. They were all in good enough condition except that a good deal of the hair of the Moose had fallen off. However...
16From Thomas Jefferson to John Sullivan, 7 January 1786 (Jefferson Papers)
The readiness with which you undertook to endeavour to get for me the skin, the skeleton, and the horns of the Moose, the Caribou, and the Orignal or Elk, emboldens me to renew my application to you for those objects, which would be an acquisition here, more precious than you can imagine. Could I chuse the manner of preparing them, it should be to leave the hoof on, to leave the bones of the...
17From John Sullivan, with John McDuffee’s Answers to Queries concerning the Moose, 5 March 1781–12 March 1784 (Jefferson Papers)
I have now the honor to inclose answers to your Queries respecting the Moose , and beg you will excuse the long delay. It was late in February when I arrived at Durham and being deeply impressed with the necessity of having your Queries answered with the greatest exactness I wrote to persons in various parts of the Country but have as yet received no answers but the inclosed. My principal...
18From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 27 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
I am favd with yours of the 22d 23d and 24th instants. I cannot conceive what transports those can be that have come into Newport Harbour, except they are those from Hallifax. None have lately gone from New york—It will be very material to know with certainty from whence they came and whether they had any troops on board. If they are those from Hallifax, and empty, it gives weight to an...
19From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 31 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
I transmit you a letter of the 8th—extracts of the 12th—and one of the 24th instant from Brigadier General Hand, which he forwarded to me, not knowing where to find you. I have mentioned in my letter to Gen: Hand my forwarding Them to you. I shall write the board of war to send the supplies of clothing for the 11th Pennsylvania regiment I shall also request them—to forward a set of shoemakers...
20From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 29 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
I last night received your favour of the 26th with the inclosed paper of intelligence—Every thing that tends to show the state and expectations of the Garrison at Rhode Island is highly interesting at this eventful juncture. You will have found by my last, that the fleet which sailed from the Hook did not contain the embarkation as was supposed—These troops still lay in the bay by my last...
21From George Washington to Brigadier General John Sullivan, 13 June 1776 (Washington Papers)
Having received Intelligence of the unfortunate death of Genl Thomas, occasioned by the smallpox he had taken, the command of the Army in Canada devolves on you—I am therefore to request your most strenuous exertions to retreive our circumstances in that Quarter from the melancholy situation they are now in and for performing the arduous Task, of bringing order out of confusion. I confess...
22George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 27 August 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Wilmington [ Delaware ] August 27, 1777. Discusses failure of Staten Island expedition. Advises Sullivan to spare health of men on march to Headquarters. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
23George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 24 October 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Fredericksburg [ New York ] October 24, 1778 . Asks Sullivan to send news of arrival of British fleet to Major General Horatio Gates and to Headquarters. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress
24From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 22 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have just received Major Morris’s letter covering the proceedings of a General Court Martial which I approve off and direct that one of the Criminals the greatest Offender may be executed pursuant thereto. This should be done in the most public manner your Situation will admit as it may serve to convince the rest of the Division that Crimes of this dye will meet the most rigorous punishment....
25From George Washington to Major Generals Benjamin Lincoln and John Sullivan and Brigadier General Philemon Dickinson, 22 … (Washington Papers)
An Inconvenience of considerable Magnitude arising from the Practice of carrying Household furniture &C. in Waggons & Carts to the Enemy has determined me to direct that in future nothing shall be transported that way—I do not mean to prevent such of the Inhabitants as choose to withdraw within the Enemy’s lines from taking with them all their Apparel & Household furniture as usual if they can...
26From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 11 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have just recd advice that on the evening of the 9th about forty sail of Vessels were seen off Stamford standing to the Eastward. The weather was then, and has been since, so thick, that it could not be discovered whether they had troops on Board or how many of them were ships of War. It is more than probable that they are intended for Newport. You will therefore endeavour if they put in...
27From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 3 September 1779 (Washington Papers)
I was made very happy to find, by yours of the 20th ulto that your junction with General Clinton would take place on the next day, and that no opposition had been given to him on the passage down the River. Colonel Pawling, not having been able to reach Anaquaga at the appointed time, and upon his arrival there, finding that General Clinton had passed by, has returned to the Settlements with...
28From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 13 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
I duly received your favor of the 11th Inst. Repeated accounts from different quarters, announce some great and general movement on the part of the enemy—And tho’ the facts with which I have been hitherto furnished are not sufficiently pointed to determine clearly whether the result may be an attack on this army, an enterprise against the french Squadron—or finally a simple evacuation of N....
29From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 19 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
I had the pleasure of your letter of the 15 Inst. last night and another of the 14 the day before. By a resolve of Congress lately passed all horses killed in action are to be paid for by the Quarter Master General on the oath of the party, a sum not exceeding 500 Dollars. We have pretty authentic intelligence of Lord Howes return with his squadron to New york—and a large fleet of transports...
30From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 14 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
I this Morning recd yours of the 12th at the same time one from Genl Borre, by which I find Major Mullen’s Behaviour has been so exceptionable that no concessions can make any amends. I am therefore obliged to confirm the Sentence of the Court Martial. Upon a supposition that the Enemy had gone to the Eastward, I was upon my march further Northward, but an Express overtook me at this place,...
31From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 15 December 1779 (Washington Papers)
I had the pleasure of receiving a few days since by Capt. Bruin your letter of the 1st instant. I assure you, my Dear Sir, I am sensibly touched by so striking an instance of your friendship, at a time and in a manner, that demonstrates its sincerity and confirms the opinion I have always entertained of your sentiments towards me. I wish you to believe, that your uneasiness on the score you...
32George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 28 May 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Middlebrook [ New Jersey ] May 28, 1779 . Discusses problem of arms for expedition against Indians and for Army. Describes latest preparations for the expedition. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
33From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 25 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have been duly favored with your letter of the 22d. The enemy having evacuated both their posts at Kings ferry you will on receipt of this proced with your troops to Sufferans at the entrance of the Clove. Should you not have advanced far on your march to Warwick, Hacketstown—Mount-pleasant—Mount-Hope and Pompton would appear the most eligible route to this place. But that I may know this...
34From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 26 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
In my last to you of the 20th Inst. in answer to yours of the 1st I inclosed my directions to Gen. Stark for his joining your command, not knowing at that time the sentiments of Congress on this head. But since that I have received their resolve of the 20th Inst. by which I find General Stark is ordered to the Northern department. I have inclosed him a letter signifying this which you will be...
35From George Washington to Maj. Gen. John Sullivan, 19 June 1777 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Maj. Gen. John Sullivan, 19 June 1777. In his letter to GW of 19 June , Sullivan says that “I am honoured with your Excys favor of this Day.”
36Instructions to Major General John Sullivan, 15 May 1777 (Washington Papers)
You are to repair to Princeton and take upon you the Command of the Troops at that Post. The Troops from Maryland, the lower Counties (on Delaware) and Hazen’s Regiment, together with the Artillery Company, and light Horse now at that place, are to remain there till further orders; all others now there, or that shall hereafter come to that Post (except the Marylanders and such detachments as...
37From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 11 June 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have yours of yesterday with Colonel Formans letter inclosed. If the Ships that went out are intended for Delaware Bay, the Troops at Brunswic and Amboy will either follow immediately by Sea or wait till they hear of their arrival in the Bay and then make a sudden march to meet them. The Flag upon the Tree was seen yesterday, but if you will hoist it about half way up the Body, it will be...
38From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 14 February 1779 (Washington Papers)
While I was at Philada I recd a letter from you inclosing sundry papers taken in a prize, which I laid before Congress for their information. Your letter was mislaid by their Secretary, and I cannot therefore recollect whether there was any thing more in it than what respected the papers it inclosed. I have since been favd with yours of the 14th ulto: If Jacksons Band consists only of three...
39From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 17 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have recd your favs. of the 6th and 11th instants. The enemy have withdrawn themselves from Jersey and are now employed in making a very considerable embarkation. It is said to consist of ten British Regiments compleated to their full complement by the incorporation of the Regts they will have their Grenadier and Light Companies added to them and will therefore amount to between five and six...
40From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 25 March 1779 (Washington Papers)
Letter not found : to Maj. Gen. John Sullivan, 25 March 1779. Brig. Gen. John Glover wrote GW on 2 April : “Your Excellency’s Letter of the 19th to General Sullivan respecting the Arrangment of Col. Jackson’s Regt I received, with yours of the 25th inclosing a Resolve of Congress respecting the Artillery, & some of the Corps of Infantry.”
41George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 5 July 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
New Windsor [ New York ] July 5, 1779 . Suggests that Sullivan instruct Brigadier General James Clinton to send all but subsistence supplies back to Canajoharie. Discusses advance of Sullivan’s troops and meeting with Clinton. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
42From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 26 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have to acknowledge your favs. of the 18th 19th and 20th Instants. I inclose you the Commissions for Colo. Henleys Regt which be pleased to deliver to Capt. Trescot the commanding Officer. I laid yours of the 20th before the Commissary General who in Vindication of his department wrote me a letter of the 25th and sent me a Copy of Mr Flints letter to you of the 30th October and Copy of Mr...
43George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 31 May 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Middlebrook [ New Jersey ] May 31, 1779 . Sends instructions for Indian expedition. Df , in writings of George Washington and H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
44From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 5 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
Since mine to you of the 3d —I have received yours of the 29th of June—I am glad to find that your second arrival of Stores and provisions was in better condition than the first—I hope what you still expect may prove equally good. I have received a letter from General Clinton of the 30th of June by which I find that his taking so large a quantity of provisions & Stores with him was in...
45From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 20 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
In answer to your favr, and request of yesterday, I wish it was in my power to give you the compleat satisfaction you desire—but how is it possible? I saw nothing of the disposition you had made, not getting up till the action was, in a manner over; & then, employed in hurrying on a reinforcement; and looking out fresh ground to form the Troops on, which, by this time, were beginning to give...
46George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 4 May 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
Middlebrook [ New Jersey ] May 4, 1779 . States that Sullivan will command the Indian expedition and sends instructions concerning the campaign. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
47From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 20 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
I this Morning received your favor of the 17 Instant with the Letters to which it refers. your last favor was misdated as you suppose—and will be altered agreable to your request. By a New York paper of the 17th, it appears that Admiral Biron arrived the preceding day, with the princess Royal of 90 Guns & the Colloden of 74 —His whole fleet has now got in except the ship that put back to...
48George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 29 October 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Fredericksburg [ New York ] October 29, 1778 . Reports that British troops that embarked did not sail. Encloses copy of a congressional resolve. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
49From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 22 July 1778 (Washington Papers)
When I had the pleasure of writing to you on the 17th Inst.—I mentioned the probability of an enterprize being meditated against Rhode Island, as the next capital object, in case the shallow entrance at Sandy Hook, should frustrate admiral d’Estaings first design of an attack, upon the Enemys Fleet, in new York Harbour, The most experienced Pilots have been employed in sounding, and after the...
50From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 1 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have not received any letter from you since the 23d Ulto which I attribute to some mishap of the messengers with whom they were sent. I was anxious to learn the determination and designs of the council of officers, that so I might be prepared for eventual measures—The success or misfortune of your army will have great influence in directing the movements and fortune of this. The disagreement...