1731To George Washington from Nicholas Cooke, 23 February 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have been favoured with your Excellency’s Letter of the 3d instant inclosing a Proposal made to you by General Varnum for recruiting the two Continental Battalions raised by this State. I laid the Letter before the General Assembly at their Sessions on the Second Monday in this Month, who considering the pressing Necessity of filling up the Continental Army, and the peculiarly difficult...
1732To George Washington from Nicholas Cooke, 13 November 1775 (Washington Papers)
I some Time since informed your Excellency that Part of Two Companies of Men, consisting of about Seventy, raised by the Colony in order to join the Continental Army near Boston, had, upon the Arrival of some Transports at Newport, been sent upon Block-Island for the Preservation of the Stock there. Agreeable to your Directions they still continue upon the Island. I am now, at the Request of...
1733To George Washington from Samuel Cooper, 9 December 1782 (Washington Papers)
Knowing how important it is that your Excellency should receive the latest and most authentic Advices from our Friends in Europe, particularly upon the great Point of Peace, I have taken the Liberty to send you a Transcript of a Letter I lately received from our Minister to States of Holland, Mr Adams, dated at the Hague July 2d 1782. His Words are. “When we shall have Peace I know not; I...
1734To George Washington from Captain John Copp, 16 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
To excuse the Liberty I take as an injured Officer in representing my Situation to your Notice. Since the Commencement of the War I have had the Honor to act in the Continental Service as a Subaltern—’till the 16th of April 1776, when I was in Canada appointed Captain of a Company in Colonel John Nicholson’s Regiment: Shortly after which Appointment, I was by the Committ⟨ee of the Pro⟩vincial...
1735To George Washington from Richard Corbin, 18 February 1783 (Washington Papers)
I have just heard a Report of my Son Dickey being at Newyork in his way to his own Country: He went to England in the year 1775 to Secure my Claim to an Estate both in England and Jamaica: In regard to the first, it was Soon Settled & adjusted; The Circumstances of the times, and the distance of place, greatly obstructed the other; and the Value being very Considerable; tho’ founded on the...
1736To George Washington from Phillip Corey, 6 May 1782 (Washington Papers)
I am reduc’d to the disagreeable Necessity of soliciting a Discharge from the Service : Nothing but the unhappy circumstances of my Family, could have induced me, at this late period to request a matter as Foreign from my wish, but this situation calls loudly for my assistance, and I think, humanity claims the first attention to ones ownsituation: nor do I imagine, I shall merrit the Censure...
1737To George Washington from Ezekiel Cornell, 3 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
The Board have been honoured with your Excellency’s letter of the 28 Ultimo and particular Attention will be paid to the Contents. The Commissary General of Military Stores is in a way to be furnished with some Money the necessary purchases and Preparations are making in that department. At the same time we wish you to inform us from time to time of the Measures you wish us to take and you may...
1738To George Washington from Ezekiel Cornell, 15 October 1782 (Washington Papers)
I take the liberty to inform your Excellency that agreable to my instructions from the Honle Robert Morris Esqr. Superintendent of Finance I have Contracted with Mesrs Wadsworth and Carter to supply the Moving or main Army and Garrision at West Point and its dependencys with rations of provisions from the 16th Inst. untill the last day of Decemr next both day included Mesrs Sands & Livingston...
1739To George Washington from Ezekiel Cornell, 26 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
The Board have been honoured with your Excellencys letters of the 9th 17th and 21. Instant. We shall be always happy in promoting the Views of Congress and never more so than we can contribute to your Relief and in some measure make your life agreeable under the fatigues and dangers to which you are unavoidably exposed—The Cash you mention you will see by the enclosed Estimate No. 1. was...
1740To George Washington from Ezekiel Cornell, 24 May 1781 (Washington Papers)
I am sorry to find my self obliged to inform your Excellency that it is the opinion of the best Gun smiths in this place that the Arms here are not worth repairing after a sufficient number are Culled out to Arm the Recruits raised in this state which is and will be done (“and I find in this place Eighty Markers wall and Horse mens Tents mostly new about One Hundred & Twenty Common Tents fit...
1741To George Washington from Ezekiel Cornell, 12 February 1782 (Washington Papers)
Resolved that the promotions here after made of Cols. or Lt Cols. Commodant to the rank of Brigadiers or of Brigadiers to the rank of Major Generals shall not entitle the officer so promoted to any additional half pay or allowance of land on account of such promotion, And that such of the present brigadiers as shall be promoted to the rank of Major Generals shall only be entitled to the half...
1742To George Washington from Peter Corne, 30 August 1782 (Washington Papers)
To give a hearing to this my Simple narrative of facts—I Did apply at the Comandants Office in New York for a flag to Come to Stanford in Connecticut my request was givin in writing expressing the name of the Place as before mentiond I was truly Ignorant of your Excellencys Orders that Dobbs ferry was the only Place where admittance could be given. the fault lays with the person from whom I...
1743To George Washington from Peter Corne, 1 September 1782 (Washington Papers)
To permitt me to memoriall you on the Subject of my unfortunate Situation Occasiond by having Obtaind a flag for Stanford in Connecticut my Application for it at the Commandants in New York was deliverd by my Self to Capt. SinClair the Secretary in writing & plainly Expressd the words Stanford in Connecticut—I Assure your Excellency by every tie of Honor & Honesty I was Ignorant that Dobb’s...
1744To George Washington from Charles Cornwallis, 18 October 1781 (Washington Papers)
I agree to open a Treaty of Capitulation upon the Basis of the Garrisons of York & Gloucester, including Seamen, being Prisoners of War, without annexing the Condition of their being sent to Europe, but I expect to receive a Compensation, in Arranging the Articles of Capitulation for the Surrender of York-Town in its present State of Defence. I shall in particular desire that the Bonetta Sloop...
1745To George Washington from Charles Cornwallis, 27 October 1781 (Washington Papers)
Many of our Officers having repeated their representations to me that they apprehend that they lose the benefit of the Capitulation in that head, by signing their paroles in the form proposed by your Commissary of prisoners, I am under the necessity to requesting that you will be pleased to reconsider that subject. I think it will appear to your Excellency that if they are to be subject to be...
1746To George Washington from Charles Cornwallis, 17 October 1781 (Washington Papers)
I propose a Cessation of Hostilities for Twenty four hours, And that two Officers may be appointed by each side to Meet at Mr Moore’s house to settle terms for the surrender of the posts of York & Gloucester. I have the honour to be Sir Your most obedient & most humble Servant NNPM .
1747To George Washington from Charles Cornwallis, 17 October 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have this moment been honoured with your Excellency’s letter dated this day. The time limited for sending my answer will not admit of entering into the detail of Articles, but the basis of my proposals will be that the Garrisons of York and Gloucester shall be prisoner’s of War with the Customary honours, And for the convenience of the individuals which I have the honour to Command, that the...
1748To George Washington from Lieutenant General Cornwallis, 6 June 1777 (Washington Papers)
Lt Col: Sterling of the 42d Regt wishes to send an Officer with money & necessaries to the men of that Regiment who are confined at Philadelphia & Lancaster: I am to desire that you will please to let me know whether you chuse to comply with Lt Col: Stirling’s Request. I am, Sir, with due Respect Your Most Obedt Servt LS , DLC:GW . The closing and address are in Cornwallis’s handwriting....
1749To George Washington from Lieutenant General Cornwallis, 2 June 1777 (Washington Papers)
I understand that Lieut: Martin when surrounded by a Party of Hessian Cavalry did not ask quarter, but on the contrary wounded one of the Hessians, when they were close to him, which so exasperated the others that they immediately cut him down with their Sabres; When a man is kill’d in that manner his body must of course be mangled: But the Hessians gave the strongest Proof that they were not...
1750To George Washington from Lord Cornwallis, 7 January 1777 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Lord Cornwallis, 7 Jan. 1777. In a letter to Cornwallis of 8 Jan. , GW referred to “your Lordship’s Favor of yesterday.”
1751To George Washington from Corny, 7 August 1780 (Washington Papers)
I reserved, agreable to your permission, the Detachment of the company of herr, untill the arrival of the french army. the dragons were employd in carrying the first accounts. the Count de Rochambeau requested Lieftenant strubing to charge himself With the pacquets of Consequence Wich it was necessary to send With safety to your excellency and Mr De La Luzerne. he Discharged his commission...
1752To George Washington from Corny, 6 July 1780 (Washington Papers)
I am just Arrived from Poppisquash, too much applause cannot be given to the Zeal and attention of Doctor Craig; the dispositions relative to this Establishment entitle him to every gratefull Sentiment, and I shall be particularly carefull to acquaint the Count de Rockambeau how much we are obliged to him. This Hospital will be exceeding usefull for Summer, and for the Convalescents, the...
1753To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel Corny, 4 December 1780 (Washington Papers)
The consequences of a dreadfull Cold which I caught Last june have aflicted me with a disorder in my Breast, the progress of which has determined me to request permission to return to france. I desire to recover spedily my health, that I may immediately return to be a Witness of your Excellency’s Glory, and of the services you will render your Country in bruising her chains and cimenting her...
1754To George Washington from Colonel Philip Van Cortlandt, 28 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
This Acknowledges the receipt of your Excellencys Order to March to Easton with my Regt which I Recd, about Seven Miles from Popaking on my way to the Delaware with a party of men which I was Induced to do in Order to pascify the Inhabitants of this Fruntier who are in Continual Fears Occasioned by Several Reports from that Quarter Communicated to Colo. Paulding by some persons he Can rely on...
1755To George Washington from Colonel Philip Van Cortlandt, 24 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
Upon Consulting Colo. Cantine and several other persons to whom he refer’d me; I have Collected the following Accounts of the Roads, Distances, &ca; from Kingston to Unaxquaga, and Tioga. The first is by the Rout of Poghkatacking, the distance by Land from Kingston landing is 55 Miles, to that place a Tolerable Waggon road at present, then by water, first Sixty Miles down the popaxten Branch...
1756To George Washington from John Coryell, 6 March 1778 (Washington Papers)
I Recd yours of the 1st instant the third at night & am Determined to serve you according to your Directions If Possable the Badness of the weather has hindered me to proceed on with any more Boats since my Last but Expect to Start the Remainder in two or three Days that I now have at my Ferry & when they are gone I will go after the Rest I am afraid I cant Bring up any Cannon in the Fleet...
1757To George Washington from Captain Lewis J. Costigin, 13 December 1778 (Washington Papers)
Since my last, nothing having turn’d up untill this day. A fleet of Jamacia Men about thirty sail are geting into the North river and are to sail in a few days under convoy of a frigate—the Emerald Tomorrow the Amazon of 32 Guns sails for England, a number of Passenge<rs> among whom, is Colo. Wm Bayard, Colo. Campbell of the 22nd Regt the Major of 16th Dragoon’s name unknown, and a Parson...
1758To George Washington from Captain Lewis J. Costigin, 19 December 1778 (Washington Papers)
Mr James Willing, with Two Officers said to be deserters from the British service, at Pensacola have been lately taken in a small sloop from that Quartr bound as suppos’d to Philadelphia. the three on being brought to this place found means to make their escape from the prize, and got into the City. Mr Willing who is some way connected with Lawr. Kirtwright immediatly repair’d to his house,...
1759To George Washington from Captain Lewis J. Costigin, 7 December 1778 (Washington Papers)
After Observing the Troops in Motion on the ev’ning of the second I immediatly dispatchd a person with what I could gather—since which I forwarded three letters carrying ev’ry matter I could Possibly learn, which were near the Facts. Last ev’ning Genl Clinton return’d to town, and the Troops disembarking, passing to Long Island and thier different Cantonments thro’ the Night. Every Species of...
1760To George Washington from Denis-Nicolas Cottineau de Kerloguen, 26 February 1778 (Washington Papers)
Deign to accept the humble respects of a Stranger, who has taken every method to land near your Camp—in order to offer you the more readily such succours as his Cargo may afford—the inclosed contains a list of the articles which compose it and I shall wait for your orders before I begin to sell any thing. I dare flatter myself that you will be pleased to accept my respectful Compliments of...
1761To George Washington from the Council of General Officers at Peekskill, 17 May 1777 (Washington Papers)
We have examined the Obstructions in the North River, and beg leave to observe that the object is too important to be trusted to its present security. If those obstructions in the River can be rendered effectual, and the Passes into the Highlands be properly guarded, which can be done with about four or five thousand Troops, the rest of the Army will be at liberty to operate elsewhere. To...
1762To George Washington from the Council of Maryland, 12 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
Lieut. Colo. Smith by his Letter of the 26th last, informs us that he is desired by the Officers of the second Maryland Brigade to apply to us for Money to inlist the nine Months Men, many of whom they have inlisted for three Years and the greatest Number of whom may be before their Time has expired; that the Money, which they will frequently want, will induce them and, he conceives an Order...
1763To George Washington from a Council of War, 9 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
Having maturely considered the state of facts and representations submitted to us in Council, by His Excellency the Commander in Chief, with a request, that “each member, after a full and candid discussion of the matter in council would furnish him with his sentiments on some general plan, which considering all circumstances, ought to be adopted for the operations of the ensuing campaign.” We...
1764Council of War, 12 July 1776 (Washington Papers)
At a Council of War held at Head Quarters July 12. 1776 Present His Excelly General Washington[,] Major Gen. Puttnam[,] Brigadier Generals Heath[,] Spencer[,] Green[,] Ld Stirling[,] Scott[,] Wadsworth[,] Heard. The General proposed to the Consideration of the Board a Plan of a Descent upon Staten Island in different Places so as to form a general Attack upon the Enemy’s Quarters —And a...
1765Council of War, 17 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
At a Council of War held at Head Quarters Valley Forge the 17th day of June 1778 His Excellency The Commander in Chief Major Generals Brigadier Generals Lee Smallwood Greene Knox Arnold Poor Sterling Patterson Fayette Wayne Steuben Woodford Mughlenberg Huntington Portail The Commander in Chief informs the council, that from a variety...
1766Council of War to George Washington, 24 June 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Hopewell Township [ New Jersey ] June 24, 1778 . The council decided against a general action against the British. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. The questions asked of the council are printed in GW John C. Fitzpatrick, ed., The Writings of George Washington (Washington, 1931–1944). , XII, 115–17.
1767To George Washington from Major William Courtis, 28 April 1778 (Washington Papers)
having Served my Country three years I hope with your Exelenceys Approbation and my frends, not tired with Serving it Longer, but am Constrained through Nessesity to Ask a Dismission, not having a fortune Sufficent to Suppote me, I was at the begin[nin]g of this war in Tolurable good Curcumstanaces but my Pay being not Sufficent to Supporte me, my family Living on what Little I had when this...
1768To George Washington from John Covenhoven, 14 April 1782 (Washington Papers)
The inhabitants of the county of Monmouth being assembled on account of the horrid and almost unparalleled murder of Captain Joshua Huddy, by the Refugees from New York, and as we presume by the approbation, if not by the express command, of the British Commander in Chief, Sir Henry Clinton, hold it as our indispensable duty, as well to the United States in general, as ourselves in particular,...
1769To George Washington from William Cowley, 30 September–12 October 1775 (Washington Papers)
I hope you will please to pardon my taking the Liberty of laying these few Lines before your Excellency, but if I had not I should have thought it would have been doing a great Injustice to my Conscience, & I think every well meaning Man who is a real Friend to Liberty would join in my Sentiments to stop such outragious Actions & Rebellious Works which are going to be put into Execution—please...
1770To George Washington from Lieutenant Benjamin Craft, 10 November 1775 (Washington Papers)
Petitions for permission to resign his commission “for the following Reasons viz. 1[st]ly his wife and Family being Scituated in a Sea-Port Town, and consequently much exposed to danger by the Enemy. 2dly your Petitioner having received Encouragement some Time since that no Difficulty would attend procuring a Discharge; agree’d to make and turn in to the Army one hundred pair Shoes Monthly;...
1771To George Washington from Captain Charles Craig, 15 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
I believe your Excellency may Depend upon the enemys force being drawn to Attact the Fort to day, a very severe and heavy firing began this morning about 10 OClock and has continued ever since, the Enemy Dread the Nothern Armys Joining your Excellency and have been makeing every preparation to Attact before the N. Army Joyn’d, and have not been prepared before to day. I have the Honour to be...
1772To George Washington from Captain Charles Craig, 20 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have delay’d writing in expectation of hearing something new from the City, but nothing has Transpired since I had the Honour of Adressing Your Excellency. Every Account Confirms the enemys haveing but very few men in the City at present, I shall embrace the earliest oppertunity of Communicateing any fa⟨rther⟩ intellegence. I have the Honour to be Yr Excellencys Most Obt Servt ALS , DLC:GW ....
1773To George Washington from Captain Charles Craig, 2 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have thought it my duty to inform Your Excellency that about five Hundred of the enemy Crossed over Schoolkill Last night. The enemy intend to make a push out—and endeavour to drive Your Excellency from the present encampment, Destroy our Fleet Burn German Town & Frankford shou’d the not Succeed in this expedition the will return to the City and prepare for a retreat, Genl How gave orders...
1774To George Washington from Captain Charles Craig, 18 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have this moment receiv’d information of Lord Cornwallace’s crossing in Jersey Last night with four thousand men. I Shall write more percticularly this evening. I have the Honour to be Yr Excellencys Most Obt Servt ALS , DLC:GW . The cover indicates that Craig sent this letter “⅌ Dragoon.” For a fuller account of the British and Hessian troop movements on the night of 17–18 Nov., see John...
1775To George Washington from Captain Charles Craig, 3 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
The enemy have not made any movement since I had the Honour of Adressing Your Excellency. I have been inform’d since my last, that, the Number that Crossed Schoolkill Consisted of Three Thousand Men, with six field pieces, The Took a Number of flat Bottom’d Boats, with which the intend to Cross on your Excellencys rear, the enemy are very Diserous to Know where our Stores and Baggage are at...
1776To George Washington from Captain Charles Craig, 19 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
Since my last letter, I recived a Certain Account of a Number of Heighlanders Crossing to Jersey last Night about Nine OClock The Cross’d at Coopers ferry their Piquets ware Drawn in last night, their lines very Weak by every information. I am Yr Excellencys Most Obt Servt ALS , DLC:GW . The cover indicates that Craig sent this letter “⅌ Dragoon.” Craig is referring to his earlier letter to GW...
1777To George Washington from Captain Charles Craig, 18 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have not been Able to gain any intellegence of Consequence since I had the Honour of Adressing your Excellency. The enemy intend some Grand Menouver in Jersey very shortly which I hope to be inform’d off. the have been makeing small enquiries respecting the Northern Army, and what number of Men your Excellency has in Jersey. Enclos’d is a rough Draught of the enemys lines, I have been so...
1778To George Washington from Captain Charles Craig, 18 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
Since my last, I have had I beleve a True Accot of Lord Cornwalss rout Last night about 12 OClock his Lordship March’d from the City with Two thousand Granadiers & light Infantry, he intends his march for Willmington where he is to Cross the river and march Up the other side and Make an Attackt on red Banks Fort. I have the Honour to be your Excellencys Most Obt Servt this is the only paper I...
1779To George Washington from Captain Charles Craig, 15 January 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have thought it my duty to forward to Head Quarters a Certain Hofman Lowrey—that has under the character of beeing one of my horseman robd a number of Poor people—Takes provisions from the poor and Sel’s it for hard money to others. This man and two others have kept up this trade for some time past. I have Delay’d sendg him in expectation of takeing the others It is not in my power to...
1780To George Washington from Captain Charles Craig, 8 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
By every Accot from the City the enemy intend to Attackt the Fort tomorrow. the Hessians are to stand Guard. the Highlanders Granadiers and Light Infantry to make the Attackt one of their Floating Batteries that was Lanced Yesterday is Sunk to the bottom My Guard was rainforced Last Night I hope I Shall have it my power to provent the Enemys Comming into the Country as much as the have done. I...