1731To George Washington from William Heath, 13 April 1782 (Washington Papers)
On the 13th of March I took the liberty to mention to your Excellency my wishes, as well as the necessity of my making a short visit to the eastward, before the campaign opened. Several family matters have since that time conspired to encrease my desire as well as the necessity of making the journey, if it can be granted. It is disagreeable to me to ask the indulgence at this season; but as...
1732To George Washington from Louis de Sigougné, 13 April 1782 (Washington Papers)
Relying on the Undeviating justice of your Excellencies charecter, and induced by the confidence which it inspires—I beg leave to solicit your Attention to a representation of facts, which I am persuaded will incline your Excellency to direct an enquiry into the causes of my present Application. Ever since the 2d February 1778 I have served in Col. Armands legion in which the regular Course of...
1733To George Washington from Jonathan Willard, 13 April 1782 (Washington Papers)
After spending six years in the Service of my Country in which I would account myself happy to Continue untill the Close of the War if Practicable but my Domestic affairs are such at present that I’m reduced to the disagreeable necessity of Soliciting yr Excellency to grant me a Discharge from the Service. with the highest Esteem & respect I have the Honour to remain yr Excellency’s Most obedt...
1734To George Washington from Thomas Johnson, 13 April 1782 (Washington Papers)
I wold inform you That Sevril months have of varry havely as I have been hoping That Sum Dore Wold open That I might have A quanted you of Sum A Fares That I Think must have been a greabel To you as I have been made So well a quanted with your Desires inclinations and A Teachment To The British Crown I Shall with The greater Meashur inform you how the Rebels are imposed on and as my Life my...
1735To George Washington from Jeduthan Baldwin, 12 April 1782 (Washington Papers)
The third of June last I wrote your Excellency requesting leave to retire with the benefits allowed by the Honble the Congress to the reduced Officers. and mentioned some of my pretentions as colonel of Engineers I am informed, that, that matter has not been fully taken up by Congress, only so far as to refer it to the minister of war. I can not from any dislike to the cause, or to the service...
1736To George Washington from Jacob Bayley, 12 April 1782 (Washington Papers)
I delivered to general Lincoln Some minutes to be made use of by your Excelency, the late resolution in Vermont has had Such Influence of the people respecting my Self that I am more Saft at Home than for a year Past, I now find that Capt. Johnson can and do corrispond with Genl Halderman which Corrispondance is made known to me and two others, his reason for the corrispondance is he says that...
1737To George Washington from William Burnet, Sr., 12 April 1782 (Washington Papers)
Moses Hatfield of Elizabeth-Town was convicted last January Term, of going into the Enemy’s Lines. He pretended, that he was sent by your Excellency, but had lost his Pass & requested the Court would defer giving Judgment against him, untill April Term, that he might have an Opportunity of procuring another Pass, & convincing the Court of his Innocence. He has now produced a Certificate from...
1738To George Washington from Abraham Davenport, 12 April 1782 (Washington Papers)
While your Excellency was absent from the army, the authority, and select men, of this town, applied to Genl Heath, to furnish a detachment of troops, for the protection of this part of the country, on the expiration of the time for which Genl Waterburys brigade was raised. Their request was granted; and Majr Maxwell with one hundred and fifty men, have been stationed with us till now. Under...
1739To George Washington from William Heath, 12 April 1782 (Washington Papers)
The inclosed from captain Pray I received the last evening. It contains the manoeuvres of the enemy when up the river on the 10th. Inclosed is also a letter from mr Marshall magazine-keeper to the contractors, respecting the damaged provisions. I wrote the mr Sands, some days since the state of the provisions; I have not had a written answer—but am informed verbally that they would have a...
1740To George Washington from Tobias Hernald, 12 April 1782 (Washington Papers)
Lieutenant Raiment will present a Petition to your Excellency from Lieutenant Franciss of the 10th Massachusetts Regiment requesting a discharge from the service, without his being Obligated to apply personally—Lieut. Franciss has ever discharged his duty as good officer yet in the department he has of late been acting has bennefited the service but very little it is now above fifteen months...
1741To George Washington from Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette, 12 April 1782 (Washington Papers)
However Sensible I am that our Cause May Be Better Served By My Presence Here, than it Could Possibly Be at this Period By My Returning to America, I Cannot Refrain from A Painfull Sentiment at the Sight of Many french officers Who Are Going to Join their Colours in America—I Shall, thank God, follow them Before Any thing Passes that May Have Any Danger or Any Importance—But I am So far from...
1742To George Washington from Richard Varick, 12 April 1782 (Washington Papers)
In my Letter of the 10th I omitted to inform Your Excellency that the Congress Letters are recorded to the 31st Octr 1779. in 4 Volumes complete; The military Letters from 25th June 1775. to the 20th Jany 1778 in 4 Vols complete & from the 1st Jany to the 10th Septr 1779. in two other Volumes complete; And the Civil Letters to Augt 31st 1779. in two Volumes and Part of a third. The Letters to...
1743To George Washington from James Clinton, 11 April 1782 (Washington Papers)
I am under the mortifying Necessity of informing your Excellency, that from certain late Resolves of Congress I find myself a second time superceded by the Promotion of a junior officer; and I should be wanting in Candor if I omited to mention that my Feelings on this Occasion are the more sensibly wounded by the reflection that the Basis on which this promotion is founded, is declared in the...
1744To George Washington from William Eustis, 11 April 1782 (Washington Papers)
I conceive it my duty to represent to your excellency, that since the troops have gone thro’ the small pox, the infection is still kept up in the quarters of every regiment on West point by the arrival of recruits and men from command or furlough who have not had it. So long as these men are permitted to come into the garrison it is necessary to inoculate them, and the barracks cannot be...
1745To George Washington from Henry Knox, 11 April 1782 (Washington Papers)
We are here yet, but have brought our business to no kind of conclusion. We have detained Colonel Smith, with the intent to send by him a particular report of our proceedings, and that he might be able to fully explain every thing to your Excellency . I write this note just to inform you of the arrival of a large fleet from charlestown which came in yesterday. they consist of about 130 sail,...
1746To George Washington from John Mathews, 11 April 1782 (Washington Papers)
Your Circular letter of the Twenty Second day of January, I had, the honor of receiving on the Twenty Ninth Ultimo. The legislature of this State had risen before your Excellency’s letter came to hand, but I am very happy in being able to inform you that the Subject of your letter had been fully considered by them in their last Session in January and February, and your Requisition anticipated....
1747To George Washington from Matthias Ogden, 11 April 1782 (Washington Papers)
I recieved your Excellencys letter enclosing the instructions—& the one from Newburg of the 2nd Inst the contents of which I shall attend to—I make no doubt of the truth of the information it contained; I have similar accounts. Yesterday a fleet said to be from Charles Town arrived at the Hook, consisting of 130 sail; I am in doubt whether there are Troops on board or not; I shall however know...
1748To George Washington from William Heath, 10 April 1782 (Washington Papers)
The inclosed from captain Pray came to hand a few minutes since with the two New-York papers. The serjeant who was the bearer of the letter acquaints me that after he left captain Pray he was informed that a party of refugees landed early this morning at Haverstraw and took several militia men, and then reimbarked. Probably this manoeuvre is a feint to cover a design somewhere else on the...
1749To George Washington from Jedediah Huntington, 10 April 1782 (Washington Papers)
your Excellencys Favor of the 19th ult. reached me the Day before yesterday—since I wrote by Col. Trumbull, the County Committees have adjusted with the Towns, their respective Deficiences—the total is but little more than 700: of this number I expect to receive 500. in the month of May, of which, I imagine three fourths will be engaged only to the 1st of January, or for a Year. The Spirit and...
1750To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 10 April 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to transmit Your Excellency a resolve of Congress regulating the Paymaster’s department—By this resolve it is directed that warrants issue from your Excellency for contingencies—at Lieutenant Wheaton’s request I enclose you his accounts—for the payment of which he wishes to obtain a warrant on the Paymaster General. I have the honor to be, With perfect respect and esteem, My...
1751To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 9 April 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with yours of the first instant—By mine of the 26th ultimo I meant only to ask what number of servants the public should feed and pay for the several Officers in the Staff department in case they hired them themselves. The money will be immediately paid to the Workmen at Burlington. Three hundred suits of clothes are put up for the recruits raised by Maryland, and most of...
1752To George Washington from Jacob Schreiber, 9 April 1782 (Washington Papers)
As your Excellency honoured me with the Promise at your departure from Philadelphia that in Case the Exchange of Prisoners of war will not take place, your Excellency would favour me to demand from the English my Exchange in particular, I have then the honor in my Disagreable Situation to apply again to your Excellency, in representing as your Excellency allready acquainted with my being...
1753From Benjamin Franklin to George Washington, 8 April 1782 (Franklin Papers)
LS and copy: Library of Congress I did myself the honour of writing to you a few Days since by the Comte de Segur. This Line is chiefly to present the Prince de Broglie to your Excellency, who goes over to join the Army of M. de Rochambeau. He bears an excellent Character here, is a hearty Friend to our Cause, and I am persuaded you will have a Pleasure in his Conversation. I take leave...
1754To George Washington from Henry Dearborn, 8 April 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have the honour of inclosing to your Excellency an act of this State passd at the last Session of the general Assembly for raising the deficient cies of this States quota of Troops. the delinquent Towns are now begining to exurt them selves in procureing the men, but I have too much reason to fear they will fall far short of compleeting the whole; the State has authorised me to appoint...
1755To George Washington from Benjamin Franklin, 8 April 1782 (Washington Papers)
I did myself the honour of writing to you a few Days since by the Comte de Segur. This Line is chiefly to present the Prince de Broglie to your Excellency, who goes over to join the Army of M. de Rochambeau. He bears an excellent Character here, is a hearty Friend to our Cause, and I am persuaded you will have a Pleasure in his Conversation. I take leave therefore to recommend him to those...
1756To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 8 April 1782 (Washington Papers)
Colonel Carrington has laid before me several estimates for the southern service, among which is that of purchasing a number of horses for Colonel Armand—the necessity and importance of granting them depends upon the force your Excellency intends to send into the southern States—and; as the state of our finances not only requires the most rigid oeconomy, but that the little money at our...
1757To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 8 April 1782 (Washington Papers)
Messrs Livingston, Phelps, and others have contracted to supply the moving army with rations for the next campaign from the first day of may to the last of december. Mr Phelps, who will have the honor of delivering this to your Excellency, and Timothy Edwards Esq. both of the State of Massachusetts have made a sub-contract to supply all the meat which shall be called for under the first...
1758To George Washington from Charles, marquis de La Rouërie Armand Tuffin, 7 April 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with your answer to my last lettre—by the formers thestimony of the patronage which your exellency granted to my military fortune & by the uncheangeable resolution in which you are thot to inter in to the motives & stepts conducive to restore what promotions out of regular course have make me lost, I must be convinced of the unpropriety of my past & further application on...
1759To George Washington from George Clinton, 7 April 1782 (Washington Papers)
I do myself the Honor of transmitting to your Excellency, Copies of Dispatches taken upon a certain Beatie, who calls himself an Ensign in Roger’s Corps, lately captured at a Place called New Town about twelve Miles north of Albany. The Commissioners for Conspiracies there detained the originals to offer in evidence against him on his Trial. I was in hopes I should have been able to have...
1760To George Washington from James Duane, 7 April 1782 (Washington Papers)
It is with great Pleasure that I find your Excellencys arrival at Newburgh announced in the publick Papers. The Circumstances of my Family prevent me from paying you my Respects at present: but the visit shall only be deferred till the Impediment is removed. I long, my Dear Sir, to see you: to congratulate you on the glory which you have acquired the last Campaign: and to felicitate with you...
1761To George Washington from Nathanael Greene, 7 April 1782 (Washington Papers)
Being informed by Major Burnet that the arrangement of the several Lines of the Southern States had not been made agreable to my order on that head, I have enclosed a Copy of all that have come to my hand, or that I have been able to procure. The distraction that has prevailed in these States, the great number of Officers belonging to the several Lines in captivity, and the great extent of...
1762To George Washington from William Heath, 7 April 1782 (Washington Papers)
I take the liberty to enclose the two latest New York papers that have come to my hand. Two deserters from the enemy who came in this morning, inform me it was reported five or six days since, that there was a hot press for seamen in New York—that it was said a detachment from the grenadiers and other corps were to embark; but the embarkation had not taken place, nor was the destination known....
1763To George Washington from David Humphreys, 7 April 1782 (Washington Papers)
Memorandum for His Excellency the Commander in Chief. In consequence of the frequent encouragement your Excellency has given me, to suggest freely whatever might occur which appeared benificial to the public Interest, I have the honor to submit the following observations respecting the object of the Campaign for your consideration & future decision. In the first place, I believe we may venture...
1764To George Washington from William Shepard, 7 April 1782 (Washington Papers)
Capt. Lebbeus Drew of the 4th massts Regt being Desirous of Resineing his Command in the Army. I recommend him to your Excellency for a Discharg—and do hearby certify that he has no Public accounts unsettled to my Knowledge Except Such as may have accrued. During his being a Prisoner of War. I am your Excellencys obedt Humle Sert DNA : RG 93—Manuscript File.
1765To George Washington from William Colfax, 6 April 1782 (Washington Papers)
I am obliged to address you Excellency on a subject I know to be disagreeable, but my reasons, I am persuaded, will aboundantly make it appear that I am not to troblesome, without a cause. The third arrangment of the subaltern Officers of the Connt Line will be presented for your Excellency’s approbation—As an individual; & as an injured person, I protest against. Agreeable to the proceedings...
1766To George Washington from William Heath, 6 April 1782 (Washington Papers)
In December last I received orders from the honorable the secretary at war to direct the commissaries and all others at West-point and its vicinity who had public provisions in their hands on the first day of January to deliver them to one of the mr Sands, &c. Orders were given conformably. There were at that time fifteen or sixteen hundred barrels of salted provisions in the magazine at...
1767To George Washington from Richard McDonald, 6 April 1782 (Washington Papers)
The petition of Richard McDonald Humbly Sheweth That your Excellencies petitioner (a Soldier of the Maryland line) was taken prisoner by the Enemy on Statin Island In an expedition Headed by Generals Smallwood, Sullivan and Debois in the year 1777. That your petitioner after suffering eighteen Months Imprisonment and its consequent difficilties in the Sugar-house at new York sound means to...
1768To George Washington from Samuel Holden Parsons, 6 April 1782 (Washington Papers)
When I was last with you I forgot to mention the Name of Mr William Heron of Redding who has for several Years had Opportunities of informing himself of the State of the Enemy, their Designs & Intentions with more certainty & Precision than most Men who have been imploy’d: as I have now left Service I think it my Duty to inform your Excellency of this Person & my Reasons for beleiving him more...
1769To George Washington from Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de Rochambeau, 6 April 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to send to your Excellency the Letter which I have received from General Greene and a copy of the answer which I have made according to your Excellency’s intentions, of the 19th of march. I wait with the greatest impatience for news from France and the Duke de Lauzun, who was said to be at Brest when the Last vessel which is arrived at Philadelphy set sail from L’orient. I...
1770To George Washington from Henry Tiebout, 6 April 1782 (Washington Papers)
Have thought it my duty to inclos to your Excellency a letter I Recd from the Sheriff of Bergen County in whose custody I found the prisoner Henry Lawbach who was Concern’d in ing the post. I am your Excellency’s most obedt Humble Servent DLC : Papers of George Washington. After I Left you I met With Cornl Haring Who Informed me that Henry Lawback wass Taken Prisinor in Seventy Six by Our...
1771To George Washington from William Heath, 5 April 1782 (Washington Papers)
Inclosed is a New York paper of the 1st instant, the latest which has come to hand, and a letter I have just received from colonel Tupper. Twenty-seven recruits arrived yesterday from Massachusetts. By letters and other information the recruiting service is successful at the eastward. I have the honor to be, With the highest respect, Your Excellency’s Most obedient servant DLC : Papers of...
1772To George Washington from Thomas Sim Lee, 5 April 1782 (Washington Papers)
We are honored with your Excellency’s favor of the 4th Ulto—We will take measures to have Waggons Supplied to the Officers who have Charge of the Goods for the British and German Prisoners at Frederick Town—and to prevent imposition or molestation in this State. We have the honor to be with very high personal respect & Esteem Your Excelly’s Mo. Obedt Servants DLC : Papers of George Washington.
1773To George Washington from James McHenry, 5 April 1782 (Washington Papers)
Doctor Craik gives me but a moment to acknowlege your Excellency’s letter of the 12 of last month. I think precisely with your Excellency in your observations on the war. Its prosecution is certainly intended, and it is our business to bring as early as possible a respectable force into the field. Shall I tell you, that we inlist but slowly, and that I am very apprehensive our Assembly will be...
1774To George Washington from Philip John Schuyler, 5 April 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have perused the Charges exhibted by M: Gen: Heath, against M: Gen: McDougal, and the letter of the 1st Instant from the latter to your Excellency. The Charges contained in the first five articles, appear to me to be so clearly and particularly defined that General McDougal may either plead not guilty, and produce Evidence to refute them, or he may plead guilty, and claim the Indulgence of...
1775To George Washington from William Lord Stirling Alexander, 5 April 1782 (Washington Papers)
On the 19th of February last I stated to General Heath by Letter, the Objections made by General McDougal to my siing as president of the Court Martial appointed for his Tryal, with my reasons for being of Opinion that there was no good cause of Challenge shewn either by the Martial Law known to us, or by any Common or Statute Law that we can have referrence to, of this Letter I suppose...
1776To George Washington from Matthias Ogden, 4 April 1782 (Washington Papers)
The Memorial of Lewis Costigin formerly a Lieutenant in the Jersey Line Most respectfully Sheweth, That your Memorialist was taken Prisoner by the Enemy in the Month of January 1777 and continued in Captivity untill the 17th of Sepr 1778. That your Memoralist was prevailed upon by the Solicitations of Major General Lord Sterling & Colonel Ogden To Stay in the City of New York after his...
1777To George Washington from Antoine-Jean-Louis Le Bègue de Presle Duportail, 4 April 1782 (Washington Papers)
I take this opportunity of presenting my Respects to your excellency and Recalling to your memory a person entirely devoted to you. I will not speak of any political or military matters because you will Receive by this same opportunity letters of gentlemen who was acquaint you of the situation of the affairs better than I can do. I beg leave only to assure your excellency that the distance has...
1778To George Washington from Ann Hawkes Hay, 4 April 1782 (Washington Papers)
This will be handed to your Excellency with a letter from Dr Latham who has Gov. Clintons permission for his sister in law to come out of New York & reside with him at Manor Livingston. for which purpose he has proceeded thus far on his way to Elizabethtown intending to send for his to meet him there & to carry her & her baggage in waggons home with him. To save my Friend such a vast expense....
1779To George Washington from James Latham, 4 April 1782 (Washington Papers)
His Excellency Governor Clinton has been so kind as to grant me a permit for my Sister inlaw to Come from New York, & to reside with me in the Manor Livingston, of which the inclosed is a Copy, I should have sent the original, but for fear of losing it. for this purpose, I am so far on my way to Elizabeth town, and have my friend point me out an easier and less expensive mode of Conveying my...
1780To George Washington from William Heath, 3 April 1782 (Washington Papers)
Inclosed your Excellency will find a New York paper of the 27th ultimo, which came to hand this morning—is the latest I have received. The escort to the mail on the return from Morristown on Sunday afternoon, was attacked by Moody and his gang a few miles beyond Suffrans—One of the escort was killed but the mail was saved. I have just received a letter from colonel Tupper, dated at Albany the...