1731To George Washington from Thomas Lowrey, 1 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
Yesterday I received your Excellencys Favour, of the 23d Ultimo, and observe the Contents. I have had Mr Morris’s further Orders, for another Thousand Barrells Flour for the use of the Army, have now Finished Purchaceing the Two Thousand Barrells, and in Consequence of your Excelencys Letter shall Continue to Purchace, an other Thousand Barrells, as fast as Possible I find the Millers Can...
1732To George Washington from Louis-Philippe de Rigaud, marquis de Vaudreuil, 14 November 1782 (Washington Papers)
J’ai reçu la lettre que Votre Excellence m’a fait l’honneur de m’ecrire le 5 de ce mois avec l’intelligence que vous avez recue de Newyork. Je serois infiniment obligé a Votre Excellence si vous voulies bien prendre la peine de vous informer quel est le nombre et la force des Vaisseaux qui restent a Newyork, quels sont les 14 qui ont mis a la voile, la quantité de provisions dont ils sont...
1733To George Washington from Brigadier General Charles Scott, 30 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
I this moment recd a letter from Majr Lee who has been on the Lines for several days in order To make what Discoverys he Could. his letter Your Excellency has Inclosd togather with two Nuse papers. I have Accounts from long Island Last evening. that very Nearly agree with that of majr Lees. but as it was not through the proper Channil from whence I expected it I did not give Credit to it,...
1734To George Washington from Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette, 1 September 1782 (Washington Papers)
The bearer of my letter, Chevalier de Lambert, a French gentlemen, will do himself the honor to wait upon you, and I beg leave most earnestly to recommend him to your Excellency’s kind patronage.—You know, my dear General, I have ever been averse to the introduction of foreigners in our army, and since I am in France I have been deaf to every application of that sort. In the present instance,...
1735To George Washington from Isaac Sherman, 4 June 1782 (Washington Papers)
The officers of the first and second Connecticut brigades beg leave, as a part of the army, to express the great joy and felicity we feel on the auspicious birth of the Dauphin of France. Permit us to request of your excellency to address his excellency the minister of France with our hearty congratulations upon this important event, and to express for us in the warmest terms the very sincere...
1736To George Washington from François-Jean de Beauvoir, marquis de Chastellux, 23 August 1783 (Washington Papers)
the King having honored me since my return to Europe with a commission of inspector of his troops, and the Regiments, I am to inspect being scattered through all the frontiers of this Kingdom, I am engaged in a progress of four thousand miles; but I find myself presently as near america as possible; and I wish heartily that instead of travelling on by land, I might embark at this place and...
1737To George Washington from Brigadier General James Mitchell Varnum, 10 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
The Enemy this Morning opened against us with five Batteries. At two this afternoon, no Man was killed or wounded. The Cannonade and Bombardment have continued feebly since that Hour. I suppose the Rain has prevented their being more brisk—They have thrown some Shot among our Shipping: Theirs remain below us. They have made but little Impression upon the Works or Pallisades. I have just...
1738To George Washington from General Henry Clinton, 8 September 1779 (Washington Papers)
Having occasion to remit £10,000, Sterling in Specie to Virginia for the Troops of the Convention of Saratoga; and wishing also to send by the same Conveyance that carries this Money, a quantity of Wine and other Refreshments for their Use, I am to request you will be so obliging to send me the necessary Passports for the safe conveyance thereof, in the Brigantine Patsey, of about 180 Tons...
1739To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 2 April 1782 (Washington Papers)
By the latest accounts from the West Indies there is the highest probability that the French will have a decided naval superiority the Ensuing Campaign To detain their whole fleet on that Station in the hurricane months would be placing a great part of the marine of France in a situation too hazarduous, while the will being of that Nation depends so much on it’s safety—That it will return...
1740To George Washington from Lord Howe, 20 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
Being on the point of sailing from Rhode Island when I received the application referred to in your letter of the 10th Inst I could not then obtain an answer to the inquiries it was necessary to make into the particulars of Mr John Chace’s case; Both with regard to the allegations, and the propriety of concurring in the discharge of a person not a prisoner , but retained in an office of trust...
1741To George Washington from Brigadier General William Livingston, 5 July 1776 (Washington Papers)
I forwarded the inclosed early this morning, but thro’ a mistake of the express was this moment returned to me. Since which I am honoured with your Excellency’s Letter of this Day, part of which is answered by the enclosed Letter. Every thing in my power shall be carefully attended to, for the public Good. We have plenty of Provision, I am informed it will continue. I forgot to mention in my...
1742To George Washington from James Cleveland, 16 November 1775 (Washington Papers)
I Tack This oppertunity to Let you know how I have proseded In your bisness on the ohio First I proseded To the Tract Directed on the kanhawa 10990 acres as Directed I Sarchet That Extenceve Tract Fore Dayes To Find the best place To be gin my Impruve ments at lingth I Fixt in the great Bend Not be Cause it tis the best Land For it is all So Rich that I Saw no Choss but Thought I had reson To...
1743To George Washington from Maj. Gen. Israel Putnam, 17 December 1776 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Maj. Gen. Israel Putnam, 17 Dec. 1776. GW on 21 Dec. wrote Putnam : “I have been favoured with your Two Letters of the 17th and 19th Instt.”
1744To George Washington from Captain George Lewis, 14 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
By orders receiv’d of Captain Jones, from your Excellency, I have made an exact return of the remainder of our Regiment, which you have inclosed. Those Horses return’d Sick and Lame, will never be fit for the Service Longer, Should be glad to know your Excellencys pleasure what would be best done with them, the Qr Master Complains that the forrage they have already distroyed is more than they...
1745To George Washington from James Mease, 21 January 1777 (Washington Papers)
since I had the pleasure of writing your Excellency I have been confined with a bad fever & Cold, wh. prevents my being able to set out for Camp for a few days In the mean time have thought proper to send the bearer Mr Young to take care of such business for me as may Occur in that department I have engaged him as assistant to me in the execution of the business not doubting but some will be...
1746To George Washington from Major General Philip Schuyler, 24 July 1776 (Washington Papers)
Your Excellency’s Favor of the 17th Instant was last Night delivered me by Mr Bennet. If I had with me the Remonstrance of the Field Officers against quiting Crown point, I should attempt to point out the Insufficiency of each of the several Reasons they give against the Removal of the Army to Ticonderoga and which would at the same Time shew on what I founded my opinion of the propriety of...
1747To George Washington from Benjamin Tallmadge, 25 November 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have inclosed for Your Excellency papers of Intelligence No. 1 & 2, the former via Kingsbridge, the later from Long Island—On Wednesday I expect to see a Person from below, whose information I think will be important, & very shortly I hope to have the Cantonments of the Enemy on Long Island. With respect to the paper No. 2, I beg leave to make a few Observations for Your Excellency’s...
1748To George Washington from Major General Stirling, 19 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
In order the better to Satisfy my self with regard to the Strenght and number of the Enemy’s fleet I came here about an hour ago, I find from a very Intelligent person formerly <a> Captain <of> a merchant Ship, that the Number of Ships at the Hook this morning was about 130. fifteen of their Capital Ships 10 or 12 frigates, they began to Weigh Anchor about nine oClock this morning. when I came...
1749To George Washington from Wills Clift, 18 August 1782 (Washington Papers)
I think it my duty to acquaint your Excellency with an unlucky circumstance, Since my Command at this Post, which has Produced the greatest Anxiety and most disagreeable feelings of Mind, I have ever experienced Since my being a Soldier. Mr Abram Lott having obtain’d Permission from Governor Livingston, to go to New York, apply’d to me for a Flagg, which was granted—Agreeable to your...
1750To George Washington from James Duane, 2 January 1781 (Washington Papers)
I receivd with infinite pleasure your very friendly favour by Lt Col. Smith. I shall have occasion to give you some Information on passages of it which you ought to know but I have already trespassed on my Health to assist our new Minister. I have just got rid of a Violent Inflamation in my Throat and find myself at an extinguishd fire an hour after midnight. The provision you wished is made...
1751To George Washington from Brigadier General William Maxwell, 9 February 1777 (Washington Papers)
I am going to explain some querys I find in Your Excellency’s Letter of the 27th Jany pr favour of Mr Vanzant. You desire to know by what authority Pearson and others took away a Quantity of Iron Rum and other Stores from Acquackonock Bridge. The next Morning after my arival at Springfield I found that the Enemy had evacuated Newark and gone to Elizh Town, the next night I had information that...
1752To George Washington from Lt. Col. William Palfrey, 8 March 1778 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Lt. Col. William Palfrey, 8 Mar. 1778. On 10 Mar., Tench Tilghman wrote Palfrey, “His Excellency commands me to acknowledge yours of the 8th and this day” (MH).
1753To George Washington from Benjamin Tallmadge, 1 September 1782 (Washington Papers)
Agreeable to the Genl Orders of the 7th Ulto I beg leave to recommend Serjt Elijah Churchil of the 1st Company of Lt. Infantry, 2d Regt Lt Dragoons to be enrolled in the Book of Merit & to receive the honorary Badge to be conferred for Singularly meritorious Conduct, for the following Reasons—viz. 1st In the surprisse of Fort St George on Long Island on the morning of the 23d of Novr ‘80,...
1754To George Washington from Major General Arthur St. Clair, 12 July 1780 (Washington Papers)
The Fleet having entered the Bay of New York, and that City being the Object, it appears necessary to pass some Vessels of Force through the Narrows in order to oblige the Ennemy to discover their Intention with regard to Staaten Island. If they do not mean to keep Possession of it the Garrison will be instantly withdrawn. But it may be that they may chuse to sacrifice some Part of their...
1755To George Washington from Major General Philip Schuyler, 29 October 1776 (Washington Papers)
Your Excellency’s obliging Favor of the 22d Instant, I had the Honor to receive Yesterday—I read with sensible Satisfaction your judicious Remarks on the Militia—I assure you they are reallized in this Quarter and if General Gates was not so very importunate to have them at Tyonderoga, I should certainly dismiss many of them, as they move with much Reluctance, and will neither assist in...
1756To George Washington from Josiah Quincy, 25–26 March 1776 (Washington Papers)
Your obliging Letter of Yesterday was handed to Me this Morning by General Wards Son: The Fleet still continues in Nantasket Road; and I can’t discern any Diminution of their Numbers: five or six Transports, and a Man of War arrived last Fryday afternoon; as the Man of War saluted the Admiral I suppose they came from England. The Signal at the Light House was thrown out again on Saturday; but,...
1757To George Washington from Joseph Reed, 15 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
I should not trouble you with the inclosed Paper if I did not know that you can look down with Contempt on these feeble Efforts of Malevolence & Resentment, and that I am introduced into it to bear false Witness. I have addressed a Peice to the Printer wherein I have made such Remarks & taken such Notice of this Attempt as I thought a Respect to my own Character required. I have also the...
1758To George Washington from the Fairfield Committee of Inspection, 14 May 1776 (Washington Papers)
A letter has lately been received from Captain Harding , commander of the brig Defence , one of our Colony armed vessels, that he hath taken a small sloop in the Sound with ten Tories on board, who, on examination, confessed they were bound to Long-Island , in order to join the Ministerial troops. They are in custody, and expected in town soon. At the time they were taken some of the party...
1759To George Washington from Robert Howe, 21 Aug. 1779 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found : from Robert Howe, 21 Aug. 1779. On 24 Aug., GW wrote Howe: “I am this moment favoured with your two letters of yesterday, one public one private—and yesterday with that of the 21st.”
1760To George Washington from Lieutenant William Colfax, 26 March 1780 (Washington Papers)
I am sorry I have occasion to address your Excellency on a subject so disagreeable to me; or draw your attention from Objects of greater importance. Major Gibbs has inform’d me, that my conduct was such, in his absence, as has incur’d your Exclys displeasure. my surprise can only be equalled by my concern; I hope I may be able to remove every impression of that Nature. Conscious of having done...
1761To George Washington from Captain John Stokes, 14 February 1779 (Washington Papers)
Letter not found : from Capt. John Stokes, 14 Feb. 1779. GW wrote Stokes on 15 Feb. : “I have received your letter of yesterday.”
1762To George Washington from Major General Robert Howe, 26 July 1780 (Washington Papers)
I inclose your Excellency the Feild Returns I have received —I expect them all in to Day & they shall be forwarded to Morrow —I recd your Favor demandg them the Day before yesterday, & instantly issued Orders thereupon—I have scarcely a moment to add that all you require shall be most faithfully performed. The Enemy are certainly intending, at least did intend some Enterprize—The inclosed is...
1763To George Washington from the Massachusetts Council, 8 December 1776 (Washington Papers)
Immediately on receiving your Excellencies intimations that it was necessary your Army should be reinforced with Four thousand of the Militia from this State, Orders were issued to raise the men—And since that as our affairs grew more serious & Alarming, the Court have given orders to Augment the number to about Six Thousand —every measure hath been adopted to forward the Troops to you with...
1764To George Washington from Brigadier General Casimir Pulaski, 28 February 1778 (Washington Papers)
Jais l’honeur de Vous rapporter qu aiant rassemble toute La Cavalerie du Regiment Blan et de detachement que jais eu avec moi jais trouvè 44 Cavalie 5 bas Officiers pour les Services et quoique ils ne sont pas dans le melieur etat jais marchè avec eux vers L’Enemi mais come le chemin est insuport⟨able⟩ je suis force de Passe la Nui a burlington de demain je Comte de reconoitre L’Enemi et...
1765To George Washington from François-Joseph-Paul, comte de Grasse-Tilly, 23 September 1781 (Washington Papers)
Les nouvelles que Votre Excellence m’a fait parvenir par l’Aide de camp de M. de Rochambeau, sont des plus affligeantes: je connois peû le mal et les progrets que cette opération peut faire, mais je vois que notre position change par l’arrivée de L’amiral Digby. Les Enemies commencent a être à peu de choses prês égaux à nous; et il seroit imprudent á moy de me mettre dans une position á ne pas...
1766To George Washington from Major General Steuben, 23 February 1780 (Washington Papers)
The Delay which must result from collecting the Returns of all the dispersed Corps which you mention in your Letter of the 18th inst. is a difficulty which I apprehended as soon as I Saw the Resolutions of Congress on that Object. Besides that it will be almost impossible to make out those Returns with the necessary Exactness, We shall Certainly lose two months at a Time when we ought not to...
1767To George Washington from the Pennsylvania Committee of Safety, 15 June 1776 (Washington Papers)
By the Inclosed Resolution of Congress, Your Excellency will perceive there is an Intention of erecting some Works of Defence at Billingsport, on the River Delaware, under the Direction of the Committee of Safety. As they are extremely desirous of rendering that important Post as strong as the Nature of its situation will permit, a skilful Engineer should be on the spot to View the Ground, and...
1768To George Washington from George Clinton, 20 May 1783 (Washington Papers)
Mr Chief Justice Morris who will have the honor of delivering this to your Excellency is now on his way to Westchester County. His principal Business thither is to establish the civil Authority of the State in that part of the County which has lately been relinquished by the British and to concert with the civil and military Officers and other principal Inhabitants of the County the most...
1769To George Washington from Lieutenant General Rochambeau, 22 December 1780 (Washington Papers)
Your Excellency’s favor of the 15th instant, addressed to the Ch. de Ternay and me, I have received to day, by this time you must have had intelligence of his Death and I dare say you have sincerely lamented him, as well as I. Since the Epocha of time wherein Your Excellency has wrote me, you must have received several letters whether they be the news I sent you from Boston, or those that have...
1770To George Washington from John Welles and Edward Chinn, 4 March 1779 (Washington Papers)
Your Excellency will perceive, on a settlement of Coll Lewis’s Accounts as Deputy Qr Mr Genl, a State of which we have furnished him with, that there is due to him, a Ballance of Twenty thousand five hundred and twenty seven pounds fourteen shillings—equal to Fifty one Thousand, three hundred and Nineteen Dollars & 2/8, for which Ballance we have this day, requested Your Excellency to grant a...
1771To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel Udny Hay, 9 August 1780 (Washington Papers)
The late Derangement of every part of my business prevented my sending your Excellency before now the enclosed Copy of an order I gave Major Fonda, when in Albany, for victualling the Indians by Contract; though I look upon this as a profitable agreement, as it was not strictly in the line of my Duty I should not have adopted it, had not our then allmost total want of Provisions rendered such...
1772To George Washington from Brigadier General Charles Scott, 15 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
As a Considerable Number of the Carolina Mens times of Inlistment is now expierd and others that will Shortly be so, I have thaught it proper to Send the whole of them up to Camp, in order to be Replaced by others whos inlistments are of a longer Duration—this matter brings to my memory a conversation between my self and some of Colo. Blands Regt Whos times also expier the first of December....
1773To George Washington from Brigadier General Charles Scott, 22 March 1779 (Washington Papers)
I received Your Excellencys Instructions Respecting the recrutes this day, and shall Set out Tomorrow morning for Williamsburg in order to receive The Govrs farther Instructions, I cannot but Observe to You That I am fearfull it will not be in my power to git them to Camp So soon as Your Excy Expects, Owing to the inattention respecting the Clothing without Which (by an Act of our Assembly)...
1774To George Washington from Major General Israel Putnam, 27 May 1777 (Washington Papers)
I recived your favor at this Plas as I in company with ginrol Clinton thought proper to Com to this plas to see how the Obstructions in the rever went on and also to see what could be don as to Booms with Logs we have not as yeat Com to any Detarmenation what is beast to be don but when we shall Com to any detarmenation about it I Shall inform your Exelancy of it. as to your Plan of Supris by...
1775To George Washington from Gunning Bedford, 9 March 1778 (Washington Papers)
I was unfortunately made a Prisoner the day after I had the pleasure of seeing your Excellency at your Head Quarters last month. I was overtaken by a company of new raised Dragoons about twelve miles from town, on my way to my family. I took the earliest opportunity after I was brought here, to inform General Howe of my bearing no commission in the service of the States, & requesting the...
1776To George Washington from the New York Committee of Safety, 17 April 1776 (Washington Papers)
New York, 17 April 1776 . Request GW “to obtain a release of Seven Citizens, now detained on board the ships Pheonix and Asia, as prisoners. They are well informed an exchange may be effected, if your Excellency would be pleased to give them the benefit of a number of your Prisoners, of equal rank.” LS , DLC:GW ; copy, enclosed in GW to Hancock 22 April 1776, DNA:PCC , item 152; copy, DNA:PCC...
1777To George Washington from Major General Artemas Ward, 25 August 1775 (Washington Papers)
Of the Ordnance, Implements, Ordnance Stores &c. which I wrote your Excy for the 22nd Inst: only the follg are sent Viz. two—12 Pounders—2 doz: Cannisters without powder, a proper complement of round Shot. Implements for the Cannon only 1 Sponge to each. also a Gin —The cannon recd can be of no service witht powder. It appears a little mysterious that all the articles were not sent as I am...
1778To George Washington from Captain Stephen Chambers, 24 March 1778 (Washington Papers)
Since the Sealing of my letter of the 23rd Inst. Mrs Morris’s Daughter call’d on me for the Grey horse taken from her Mother as they were going to move into the Country this day. her Situation induced me to return him tho’ he is mentd to your Excellency in my letter. Mrs Morris informs me that there is a Lady at her house who came out of Philada yesterday who knows two fellows that are gone to...
1779To George Washington from Colonel Anthony Wayne, 14 May 1776 (Washington Papers)
In Obedience to your Excellencies Commands I have waited on the Genl and find Sufficient of Arms for the Remainder of my Battalion—for which I Obtained an Order, and expect they will be put into proper repair, by the time Liet. Col. Johnston Arrives with the troops—except Bayonet Scabbards which cannot be procured for want of Leather. I also have the pleasure to Inform your Excellency that...
1780To George Washington from Hugh Hughes, 21 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have the Honour to Inclose your Excellency the Knife you sent me. If the Point is not agreeable, it shall be alter’d whenever your Excellency is pleased to order it back. Permit me to assure you that I have not been inattentive to the accommodation of your lady or self. I sent to Hartford in order to know if a Fare of Salmon could be had, and was inform’d that none could be procured on...