51To George Washington from Major General Samuel Holden Parsons, 6 February 1781 (Washington Papers)
I was on my Way to wait on your Excellency but the Difficulty of passing the River prevents my pursuing my Intention. The inclosd Letter from Major Alden & Certificate from the Officer commanding the Regiment, is to request his Discharge from the Service —I am sorry his Circumstances require him to leave the Army, but am convincd his Reasons are such as ought to intitle him to his Discharge—I...
52To George Washington from Brigadier General Samuel Holden Parsons, 16 March 1778 (Washington Papers)
On the 14th Inst. I had the Honor of receiving your Letter of the 7th of March and also one of the 8th containing a Copy of One of the 5th of March. I Shall pay a particular Attention to forwarding the Work of the Boats designd for transporting Over, as well as to those which are to be improvd for Defence on Hudson’s River. I have orderd all the Boats & other Craft on the River to be collected...
53To George Washington from Brigadier General Samuel Holden Parsons, 20 August 1780 (Washington Papers)
I was Yesterday honored with yours, of the 16th Instant, and shall take every Measure in my Power for the immediate Return to Camp of such Officers as are now in the State: I have detained only four nor have any continued in the State by my Direction or Licence; I beleive it will not be necessary to retain more than Six or Seven within the State to receive and forward Recruits to Danbury—The...
54To George Washington from Samuel Holden Parsons, 30 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
The Fever by which I have been confined has left me exceedingly weak, and unable to attend to any business of importance, nor do I expect to recover my strength soon unless a Journey to which I am advised, shall restore me—I hope to be able to join the army by the forepart of June, but have no expectation of being sooner able to do my Duty there—Two severe Fevers in Six months are very...
55To George Washington from Major General Samuel Holden Parsons, 25 December 1780 (Washington Papers)
Lieuts. Grant and Cook who were made Prisoners on the Surrender of Fort Washington and are now exchangd, apply to me to be arrangd in the Connecticutt Line; on which I beg your Excellency’s Direction—these Gentlemen were appointed Officers for the Army raisd in 1777 but being Prisoners were not Commissiond in the Regiments rais’d on the present Establishment; they were noticed of, and accepted...
56To George Washington from Brigadier General Samuel Holden Parsons, 23 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
the Weather has been so boisterous as has prevented passing the Sound some Days: The inclosd Examination of a Prisoner from Newyork I have sent. A Woman from thence the Day before Yesterday says a considerable Body of Troops are relanded in the City, that She Saw them land last Fryday & Says She was informd the Fleet was returnd whither the Storm had Shatterd so that they were obliged to put...
57To George Washington from Brigadier General Samuel Holden Parsons, 21 May 1777 (Washington Papers)
Since the 15th Inst. I have had no Returns by which I can give any further particular Information of the State of the Regiments; in General small Additions are daily making: next Monday the finall Draft is to be made which I hope will nearly compleat Us: at present we have very few who have ingagd to the first of Jany Only. So great a proportion of our men when raisd will not have had the...
58To George Washington from Brigadier General Samuel Holden Parsons, 29 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
Col. Webb’s falling into the Enemy’s Hands the 10th Inst. you have doubtless before this been made acquainted with. The Descent on Long Island was designd to destroy the Timber & Boards prepard at the East End of the Island for Barracks in New York, to destroy the Fleet there from Rhode Island for Wood. Attack a Regt Stationd about Eight Miles Eastward of Jamaica & remove or destroy whatever...
59To George Washington from Brigadier General Samuel Holden Parsons, 2 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
Your Letter of the 28th Ulo directed to the Commanding Officer here came safe to me about four o’Clock this Morning. according to your Excellency’s former Orders of the 23d I had given Orders to General Huntington’s Brigade (whose Tour of Duty it is mine having perform’d the last) to hold themselves in Readiness to march on the Shortest Notice and on receiving Inteligence of the Embarkation of...
60To George Washington from Brigadier General Samuel Holden Parsons, 11 May 1777 (Washington Papers)
The 5th Inst. I was honord with the Rect of your letter of the 23d of Aprl—I have order’d all the Troops in this State who are of the Continental Army to N. Haven, & Danbury; in the western Parts of this State; Govr Trumbull desire’s me to post them there untill he shall receive an answer to a letter he has sent your Excellency, respecting the Defence of this State; As their March to...
61To George Washington from Brigadier General Samuel Holden Parsons, 7 March 1778 (Washington Papers)
The Writer of the Letter herewith transmitted you, is Chaplain of the Brigade under my Command: He is a Person of extensive Literature, an amiable private Character, and has happily united that Virtue and Piety which ought ever to form the Character of a C[l]ergyman with the liberal generous Sentiments and agreable Manners of a Gentleman. The Merit of the Performance he mentions I am not a...
62To George Washington from Brigadier General Samuel Holden Parsons, 29 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
By my Son from Long Island, yesterday, I learn that Genl Clinton’s Baggage arrivd at Flushing last Wednesday. he was expected there last Thursday; about forty Field Peices had arrivd at Flushing from New York: that the Hessians at Huntington had marchd for Jamaica: that the Dragoons at Huntington had receivd Orders to march to the Narrows; but when they were ready to march were Orderd to wait...
63To George Washington from Brigadier General Samuel Holden Parsons, 16 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
An Officer sent to Long Island returnd the 14th and informs the Enemy’s Troops at the East End of the Island have their Baggage pack’d Up, and that One Regiment have marchd Westward by the South Road. That a Packett has lately arriv’d in New York from England, and tis reported that the Ships in the Sound are orderd to New York. He says there are very few Troops on Lloyd’s Neck and about Thirty...
64To George Washington from Brigadier General Samuel Holden Parsons, 16 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
Inclosd I send you several Examinations taken of Persons who lately left New York. Ld Cathcart’s Corps I am informd have Orders to sell all except European Horses. I am obliged to continue a few Days longer on the Sea Coasts before I return to Camp; the Small Parties of the Enemy exceedingly distress the Inhabitants in this Vicinity, If a Brigade could be posted near the Coast it would Prevent...
65To George Washington from Brigadier General Samuel Holden Parsons, 17 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
The march of Part of the Troops towards Boston being determind, it only remains for me to give my Opinion in what Manner the Army shall be disposd during the Winter and how they are to be provided with Forage and Provisions. The Security, good Government, and Discipline of the Troops will be best attaind and Promoted in a compact Body, and Bread will be easier supplied in a Station near the...
66To George Washington from Samuel Holden Parsons, 8 May 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have the Honor of your Excellency’s Letter by Capt. Walker. The Detachment at Danbury shall march as soon as the Quarter Master has provided Teams for transporting the Provisions from Danbury, which I hope will not exceed two or three Days. the prisoners which cannot be tried before they march will be sent with them to Fishkill. inclos’d are the Proceedings of a Court Martial against,...
67To George Washington from Brigadier General Samuel Holden Parsons, 8 September 1780 (Washington Papers)
I had the Honor of your Letter of 5th Inst: previous to which I had orderd the March of the Troops from Horseneck agreable to the Order of the 2nd Inst. & had gone to take a Command there. on Receit of your Last Letter I shall join the Army as soon as possible. I should set out to Morrow but the Return of my Son last Night from a Cruize necessitates me to continue one or Two Days longer in the...
68To George Washington from Samuel Holden Parsons, 28 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
From the Inteligence I have receivd from the Country and from my own Observation, I am convincd that the Inhabitants in the Rear of the Army are intimately connected with the Refugees who are on the Roads in our Rear & at many Times form part of the Robbers who are constantly distressing the Inhabitants & render it dangerous to pass the Roads. I would therefore propose as a further Security...
69To George Washington from Brigadier General Samuel Holden Parsons, 1 October 1780 (Washington Papers)
I beg you to excuse my not waiting on you with the inclos’d Letter: I am so exceedingly unwell as to be unable to go from my Quarters, if I should recover Strength enough & the weather should clear off serene I will ride down to Day. the inclos’d Letter is from General Arnold, the Cover & Seals as they came to me except their being broke you may still see the inward Seal has not been broken. I...
70To George Washington from Brigadier General Samuel Holden Parsons, 16 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
I am informed General Prescott who was made Prisoner last Week, is order’d to Windham; I think it my Duty to express my Fears respecting that Matter, I am perfectly acquainted with the People there & am fully persuaded tis in his Power to effect his Escape at any Time he pleases, unless a Guard is sent there under the Care of a vigilant Officer to Secure him. The Credulity of Friends to their...
71To George Washington from Samuel Holden Parsons, 11 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
Letter not found : from Samuel Holden Parsons, 11 May 1779. GW wrote to Parsons on 28 May : “Your favours of the 11th and 15th instant came duly to hand.”
72To George Washington from Brigadier General Samuel Holden Parsons, 15 May 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have recd your’s of the 7th Inst. & have Ordrd all the Troop’s who have had the Small pox and are able to March to peck’s Kill’s; by the Numbr wanting Still to Compleat our Battalions with those who have not yet gone thro’ the Small pox tis probable we shall Soon have Two or three Thousand Men who have not had that Disease as I beleive our Quota will be raisd soon in this advancd Season will...
73To George Washington from Samuel Holden Parsons, 26 June 1781 (Washington Papers)
The Comittee from the Connecticut Line appointed to adjust their Accounts with the State have returned without effecting a settlement, the Lower House of Assembly refuse to pay any part of the Subsistance of the Officers before the first of April last, & from that time no more than Eight pence half penny per Ration; the Resolutions of Congress notwithstanding. In stating the accounts the...
74To George Washington from Samuel Holden Parsons, 10 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
According to your Excellency’s Direction, I am to State in writing the Claims of the different Ranks of officers in the Connecticutt Line to a Board of officers to settle their relative Rank: or that your Excellency would decide the Claims without a Board. Captains Bulkley & Morris at the Time of settling the Rank of Captains were Prisoners and have never had Opportunity to be heard & suppose...
75To George Washington from Brigadier General Samuel Holden Parsons, 6 April 1780 (Washington Papers)
By Letters from Colo. Sherman & other Officers I am informd of the Distresses of the Connecticutt Line of Officers, for Want of Clothing and should be happy if I could give them fairer Prospects of Supplies from this State. the Legislature have voted Monies for that Purpose and appointed their Agent to purchase, but the Monies are not collected nor is any Clothing yet procurd; the Truth is,...
76To George Washington from Brigadier General Samuel Holden Parsons, 9 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have this Moment arrivd here after a Tour of Sixty Miles Since 11 o’Clock last Night: The few Militia at New Haven behavd exceeding well, repulsd the Enemy several Times & considerable Loss was sufferd by the Enemy; they burnt a Number of Houses at East & West Haven & plunderd New Haven: they have destroyd Fairfield, almost every House: the Abuses of Women, Children & Old Men are unparaleld:...
77To George Washington from Brigadier General Samuel Holden Parsons, 4 September 1780 (Washington Papers)
I am induc’d to beleive very few Recruits will be added to the Connectt Line this Campaign, and I should wish your Excellency’s Permission to join my Brigade —some Success has attended the inlisting Volunteer Companies to be cal’d when New York is invested & to continue subject to the Regulations of the Army during the Seige. I am not yet certain of the Numbers ingag’d three or four Companies...
78To George Washington from Brigadier General Samuel Holden Parsons, 19 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
Capts. Lockwood and Leavingworth returnd Yesterday from Long Island where they went to meet a Man sent by Capt. Lockwood to New York: this Man left New York last Monday and informs that Part of Admiral Biron’s Squadron returnd to the Hook last Fryday & part on Saturday, that the Norfolk & One Frigate had come up to the City both dismasted in a violent Storm the Fleet met at Sea, that they met...
79To George Washington from Brigadier General Samuel Holden Parsons, 11 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
In my last, I informd that the Enemy landed last Night: at four this Morning the Enemy on their Advance were met by the Militia & some Skirmishing insued, but without any considerable Effect on either Side; at about Six o’Clock the Troops under Genl Wolcott, & my Small Detachment of 150 Conl Troops were joind & took possession of an Emminece the North End of the Town. the Enemy advanced in our...
80To George Washington from Brigadier General Samuel Holden Parsons, 3 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
On reviewing my Letter of Yesterday I find I have not fully expresd my Intentions respecting the March of the Brigade under my Command. I suppose from the Tenor of your Excellency’s Letters an immediate Danger is apprehended at the North River and in that Case it becomes necessary to reinforce those Posts sooner than it will be possible to collect my Baggage & out Guards and march my Brigade;...
81To George Washington from Samuel Holden Parsons, 20 May 1782 (Washington Papers)
Messrs Reuben Smith Norton, Samuel Mix & Ezekiel Cowles are young Gentlemen whose Family Connections render them respectable in this State & whose personal Accomplishments give fair Prospects of their being Serviceable if admitted to Command in the Army. They are desirous of Subalterns Commissions in the Corps of Sappers & Miners: I beleive they will not disappoint your Excellency’s...
82To George Washington from Brigadier General Samuel Holden Parsons, 10 July 1780 (Washington Papers)
I this Day receivd your Excellency’s Letter of the 29th of June; previous to which I had orderd the Drafts from the Troops of Horse within the State to join Sheldon’s Regiment until your Excellency’s Pleasure should be known, assuring them at the same Time that they were not to expect to act on Horseback unless the Service requird more Cavalry than were mounted already, and that I had no...
83To George Washington from Samuel Holden Parsons, 27 December 1781 (Washington Papers)
After a long Confinment to a sick bed, I have just recovered Strength to be brought Home; and am able to attend to a little Business though I have not strength to go abroad. The Board of War in a Letter to me of the 23d of October, directed that the disabled Officers of the Connecticutt Line might, if they consented, go out of Aervice as retireing Officers, a Copy of which Letter is enclosed....
84To George Washington from Brigadier General Samuel Holden Parsons, 16 December 1779 (Washington Papers)
The Embarkation in New York was not completed this Morning, by information of a Gentleman who left the City this Morning. The Number designd to be imbarked is said to be 8400; Ld Rawdon’s Corps, and Skinner’s Brigade except Buskirk’s Regiment, and two british Regiments left Staten Island the 14th for New York said to be designd as part of the present Embarkation, the Object is understood, in...
85To George Washington from Major General Samuel Holden Parsons, 17 February 1781 (Washington Papers)
Last Night Six prisoners were brought to the Provost Guard in Fishkill; who belong to the State of Connecticutt, three of them viz: Jos. Easton Trowbridge Henry Gibbs and Benja. Prescott were sentenced last October to be confind in Symsbury Mines Eighteen Months, the two former escapd on their Way & joind the Enemy[.] Prescott, a Brother in Law to Roger Sherman Esqr. made Interest through his...
86To George Washington from Brigadier General Samuel Holden Parsons, 23 February 1777 (Washington Papers)
having receivd Information that a Vessel was laden with Provisions in a Harbour on the East End of Long Island & bound to New York I sent Lt Wait with a Party of Men to bring her over to the Main; they left this Place the 16th Inst., but the Shippers of the Wheat &c. having receivd some Information of the Party coming over, removd the Provisions into different Parts remote from the Water that...
87To George Washington from Brigadier General Samuel Holden Parsons, 6 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
by the inclosd Copy of a Letter from Mr Hubbard your Excellency will be able to form a Judgment of the Embarasments in the Way of my Brigade’s marching so early as I could wish. This is no Neglect of mine: on the 23d of April the Day I received your Excellencys Letters of the 17th & 19th I sent to Mr Hubbard desiring him to send in the Horses and Teams belonging to the Brigade and forward the...
88To George Washington from Brigadier General Samuel Holden Parsons, 4 July 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have been through most of the Towns in the eastern Parts of this State since I last wrote you; and from present Appearances I am inducd to beleive the Recruits orderd for the continental Army will be furnish’d; the orders were so lately made by the Assembly, that the Recruits will be later in the Field than I could have wishd and their Term of Service in general does not exceed the first of...
89To George Washington from Brigadier General Samuel Holden Parsons, 15 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have this Moment returnd from Sawpitts & Kingstreet, where I am informd that the Enemy have advancd a Party of Horse & Foot this afternoon to Harrison’s Purchase; and that the greater Part of the Troops movd Yesterday afternoon from Maroneck towards White Plains. the Fleet after lying about Twelve Hours before this Town have gone Westward to Day and are now at Anchor nearly Opposite New...
90To George Washington from Brigadier General Samuel Holden Parsons, 23 December 1778 (Washington Papers)
When I last conversd with your Excellency on the Subject of Clothing my Brigade; I receivd your Assurances I Should have my rateable Proportion of the Blankets, Shirts and other small Clothing for my Brigade according to a Return then given in; since which Time I have receivd no Article of any kind; I am sure the great Multiplicity of Business in which your Excellency is ingag’d must have...
91To George Washington from Brigadier General Samuel Holden Parsons, 2 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
Q. 1. What or whither any Operations can be undertaken with Probability of Success? 2d Shall any Part of this Army move Eastward? 3. Can any Attempts be made on the Posts at New York with a Probability of Success? An. The Number & Strength of the Enemy. The Situation of Genl Sullivan’s Army the Probable Intention of the Enemy in my Opinion ought to be known with greater Certainty before a...
92To George Washington from Brigadier General Samuel Holden Parsons, 25 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
your Excellency’s Letter of the 23d Inst. with the Inteligence from Genl Maxwell inclosd I receivd this Afternoon. I have receivd Information that about the 22d Inst. a large Number of Empty Waggons came up to Fort Washington; the Enemy for about a fortnight past have Prohibited all Passing over King’s Bridge and observe the greatest Secrecy in their Transactions at that Post. The Accounts we...
93To George Washington from Samuel Holden Parsons, 17 May 1782 (Washington Papers)
I receivd last Week a Letter from General Lincoln in Answer to mine of the 10th of April on the Subject of retiring from the Army, in which he informs me that no General Officer will be sufferd to retire on the proposd Derangment, and adds "if your Want of Health forbids your taking the Field at present I see Nothing which will prevent your being indulged—this however is solely with the...
94To George Washington from Brigadier General Samuel Holden Parsons, 26 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
I find Capt. George Starr of this Town is appointed by the Board of War to take Charge of the Leather belonging to the Continent, purchase Shoes, Cartouch Bozes [boxes] & other Military Accoutrements, by the inclosd Order you will find the Board have impowerd him to contract for those Articles in Exchange for raw Hides; I am fully Satisfied he will do all that any Man can do in that...
95To George Washington from Major General Samuel Holden Parsons, 24 February 1781 (Washington Papers)
I left my Hutt last Tuesday to visit the Rhode Island Troops, with General Heath’s Permission to make a Small Excursion to see my Family which was Twenty five Miles East of that Line of Troops on Condition I was to be again at my Quarters to Day —I understand, on my Return, that Capt. Walker has gone Eastward, with your Excellency’s Commands for me; I have not seen him, if any Thing of...
96To George Washington from Brigadier General Samuel Holden Parsons, 8 April 1777 (Washington Papers)
Since mine of the 21st of March I have receivd your Excellency’s Letters of the 6th 12th 20th & 29th of March that of the 6th came to Hand not till the 28th; by the Length of Time between the Date & my receiving it; The Seal not being such as I had ever before seen from Head Quarters; The Direction on the Cover very different from the handwriting of the Letter writer, and the omission of the...
97To George Washington from Brigadier General Samuel Holden Parsons, 10 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
I arrived here last night and find the fleet which transport the British Incendiaries is returned to Huntington Bay opposite to this Town where they now are. The Troops employd for these purposes are, by the best information I can get, about 2,000 commanded by Governor Tryon. At New Haven the few Militia gathered in season to oppose the enemys progress, behavd with great resolution and...
98To George Washington from Samuel Holden Parsons, 23 March 1781 (Washington Papers)
Agreeable to your Excellencys Orders; I have attended to the Business with which I was Charged; and have been through Various parts of the State where I judged the most Essential service might be Rendered; have succeeded in some Measure; but being Seized a few days ago with a fever am at present unable to stir abroad; hope in a short time to be able to attend to my duty where your Excellency...
99To George Washington from Samuel Holden Parsons, 15 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
Letter not found : from Samuel Holden Parsons, 15 May 1779. GW wrote to Parsons on 28 May : “Your favours of the 11th and 15th instant came duly to hand.”
100To George Washington from Brigadier General Samuel Holden Parsons, 8–11 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
I receiv’d a Letter Yesterday from Colo. Gray of which the following is an Extract. “This Moment Lt Tiffany returnd from Long Island who informs me that a Body of Hessians are marching from the Westward, but were not so far up the Island as Huntington: that Officer’s Baggage every Day is transporting toward the East End, that the Militia of the two western Counties are to assemble this Week at...