1To George Washington from Anthony Wayne, 13 March 1792 (Washington Papers)
I took the liberty to put into your hands (in the course of last summer) a letter from James Seagrove Esqr. mentioning the alarming emigration from Georgia into East Florida in consequence of a Proclamation of the Spanish Governor, and as I can not find it among my papers, may I request the favor, that you will please to direct, one of your Gentlemen, to make a search for it. my reason for...
2To George Washington from Anthony Wayne, 20 March 1790 (Washington Papers)
Nothing but the particular ⟨ illegible ⟩ of an Officer of merit which request I cou’d not refuse shou’d have induced me to intrude upon your Excellency’s time at a season when I know it must be precious—but as the Object which he has ⟨in View⟩ might be lost by any delay—I take the Liberty to mention Colo. James Armstrong —who wishes an Appointment in one of the Regiments which are expected to...
3To George Washington from Anthony Wayne, 1 February 1790 (Washington Papers)
Since the organization of the Federal System, & the establishment of the several departments, I have not presumed to address your Excellency respecting occurrencies in this Quarter, least it shou’d be improper—being totally unacquainted with the Mode now observed, but I have occasionally wrote to the Secy at War—giving such infor[m]ation as I deemed of moment, in full confidence that it wou’d...
4To George Washington from Anthony Wayne, 30 August 1789 (Washington Papers)
This will be presented to your Excellency by my former aid Colo. Fishbourn, whose feelings has been much hurt by the unmerited & wanton attack upon his Character by Mr Gunn in the house of Senators —however chargeable he might have been for some little indiscretions of youth, which time & reflection, has & will correct, even the tongue of slander can not with Justice, charge him with any...
5To George Washington from Anthony Wayne, 10 May 1789 (Washington Papers)
I did myself the honor of addressing your Excellency in April, by Genl Jackson, & have since that period been extremely gratified by hearing of your happy arrival at the seat of Government, & acceptance of the supreme Executive Authority of the United States—an event, that I am confident affords the sincerest pleasure to every true friend of America. I also observe that the Impost Act was in...
6To George Washington from Anthony Wayne, 6 April 1789 (Washington Papers)
Accept of my warmest & sincerest congratulations, upon your appointment to the Presidency of the United States of America! & altho’ it cannot add to the Illustrious Character, you have so justly merited & established through the World, yet it reflects additional honor upon the Western Empire —by a display of her Wisdom—prudence & Gratitude, in the choice she has made of her greatest...
7To George Washington from Anthony Wayne, 14 December 1783 (Washington Papers)
long want of health, occasioned by the extreme of fatigue & loss of blood, in assisting to Vindicate the rights & liberties of America from her coldest , to her hotest sun, deprived me the honor & pleasure, of attending your Excellency into New York, & now adds to my unhappiness, by preventing me from paying you my personal respects in the City of Phila., however I have one consolation i.e....
8To George Washington from Anthony Wayne, 1 November 1783 (Washington Papers)
Having been long accustomed to act under your Excellency’s eye, or particular Orders in the field, & frequently honored by your public approbation, & from a wish to merit a continuance of that favorable Opinion of my Conduct, since detatched from you after the Reduction of York, I am induced to lay before your Excellency a brief detail of the principal Operations of the troops under my...
9To George Washington from Anthony Wayne, 17 January 1783 (Washington Papers)
The total liberation of the Southern States from an enemy, affords the Citizens a flattering prospect of a continuation of peace & tranquility; so that probably the troops of the middle States will be Ordered to return to the Northard in the course of the spring; be that as it may, the shock my constitution has met with from reiterated attacks of the fever, in this Inhospitable climate, render...
10To George Washington from Anthony Wayne, 4 November 1781 (Washington Papers)
The Campaign in this Quarter being gloriously terminated under your Excellency’s auspices—I have to request the Indulgence of a short respite from the field. If that can not be granted, I must beg permission to advance at leasure (Independent of Command) until I join Genl Greene. This is a matter in which I am much Interested not only on acct of my Wound but my feelings your Compliance will...
11To George Washington from Anthony Wayne, 4 November 1781 (Washington Papers)
I wish you to do me the Justice to believe, that I never did not nor never will, be guilty of any Conduct, that will be prejudiced to a Cause in which my life Character & property are engaged. As a friend I told your Excellency my feelings & situation—as a soldier I will submit to every Difficulty. I only requested leave of absence for a short time, your Excellency has put it on a ground that...
12To George Washington from Anthony Wayne, 27 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
Inclosed are a letter Return &ca which I intended to forward sooner—the temper of the Gentlemen aluded to is altered much for the better, but the cause is not yet removed, tho’ I am informed in a fair Way. you will before this arrives have heard of the Intercepted letters from Lord G. Germain in which he has disposed of all matters to his mind on this side the North River & gives orders to Sr...
13To George Washington from Anthony Wayne, 16 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
The Retreat of Lord Cornwallis to Portsmouth, & the advance of Colonel Tarlton with about nine hundred men, Cavalry, and Infantry towards South Carolina, probably with a view of putting General Greene in a disagreeable situation, has determined the Marquis la Fayette to order the Pennsylvania, and Virginia troops under my command to that quarter. The smallness of our numbers has also induced...
14To George Washington from Anthony Wayne, 8 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
After a variety of Marches and counter marches frequently offering battle to Lord Cornwallis upon Military terms, the Marquis Lafayette recd Intelligence on the 5th that the Enemy had marched from Wmsburg for James town & were preparing to throw their baggage and troops over that river, this Induced the General to make a forward move to this place (with the Continental troops Including Major...
15To George Washington from Anthony Wayne, 26 May 1781 (Washington Papers)
I do myself the honor of Inclosing your Excellency a General return of the Detachment of Infantry under my Command, the return of the Artillery has not come to hand, it consists of One Major three Captains & Six subaltns & Ninety NonCommissioned Officers & matrosses with Six field pieces i.e. four six, & two three pounders. You have also the proceedings of two Courts Martial held at this post...
16To George Washington from Anthony Wayne, 7 May 1781 (Washington Papers)
I was honored with your favor of the 18th Ultimo, an extract of which I immediately laid before Congress & the Executive Council of this State, accompanied by a letter to the latter of which the Inclosed is a Copy, with a view to stimulate them to facilitate the advance of the troops, but difficulties arrising in the manner of payment &ca &ca and perhaps an Idea that their services might be...
17To George Washington from Anthony Wayne, 19 March 1781 (Washington Papers)
I was honored, & much Obliged by yours of the 26th Ultimo, & had the most flattering prospects of being able to march a decent Detatchment to co-operate with the Marquis, but the same supiness & torpidity that pervades most of our civel Councils, has prevented any part of the troops from moving, the executive council not having complied with their engagements, or made any essay towards it...
18To George Washington from Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 27 February 1781 (Washington Papers)
I was honored with your favor of the 3rd Instant and experience much happiness in your Approbation of my Conduct during the unfortunate Defection of the Pennsa line but as I am informed that the tounge of slander (among some Individuals in the State of N. Jersey) has not been Idle on this Occation I hold it my duty to mention that as far as Orders & example had Influence the persons & property...
19To George Washington from Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 28 January 1781 (Washington Papers)
The Commissioners appointed by Congress have nearly closed the settlement of the Inlistments of the Pennsa Line, the last or Eleventh Regiment will be finished this Evening, we have now Discharged out of the Aggregate 1220 men so that we may count upon about 1180 Non commissioned Officers & privates as a nest egg, who are all furloughed by Order of the Committee until March & toward April,...
20To George Washington from Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 21 January 1781 (Washington Papers)
In obedience to the Orders of the Commissioners appointed by Congress to settle the terms of Inlistments of the Pennsa Line, we have already Discharged, the Chief part of the Artillery, first, Second, third, fourth & fifth Regiments, I could wish that the Commissioners had given time for the Officers to produce the Attestations before they made the Oath so common, the papers were collected the...
21To George Washington from Brigadier Generals William Irvine and Anthony Wayne, 17 January 1781 (Washington Papers)
I would have wrote your Excellency on my Arrival at Princetown—but did not like to give you trouble as General Wayne informed me he had acquainted you minutely of every particular—the late turn affairs have taken you are also informed of—It was an exceeding unfortunate proposal of the Committee of Congress & Governor Reed—to take the Mens Oaths—a number of the inlistments being lost—all these...
22To George Washington from Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 12 January 1781 (Washington Papers)
I wrote you yesterday morning by Mr Craig, since which I was honored with yours of the 8th Instant, it affords me great Consolation that the troops of the Other States have not yet attempted to follow the example of the Pennsa Line. When we Offered the terms Inclosed you the 4th Instant we had in View the General Line of the Army, & no Circumstance or Consideration could ever Induce us to...
23To George Washington from Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 11 January 1781 (Washington Papers)
In mine of the 9th I had the Honor of giving you a particular account of our proceedings & Situation, yesterday Our Sergts or Commanders agreed as a preliminary to give us up the two Spies & that all such Soldiers as were entitled to their Discharges (which are but few) should Immediately give up their Arms & retire these were Articles which they took the Voice of the Soldiers on—who agreed to...
24To George Washington from Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 8 January 1781 (Washington Papers)
Your favor of the 3rd with a poscript dated the 4th at 7. OClock A.M. by Major Fishbourn came to hand last evening, the manner in which your Excellency has been pleased to Approve of the Conduct of the Officers in General, and ours in particular, Affords a Sensation which words can not express. It would have afforded us Infinate pleasure, had fortune put it into our power to Inform you that...
25To George Washington from Brigadier General Anthony Wayne and Colonels Richard Butler and Walter Stewart, 4 January 1781 (Washington Papers)
Your own anxiety & distress of mind, is the best Criterion to judge of ours by—the Inclosed copy of Orders, propositions, Interogatories & Answers, will Inform you of our prospects & Situation. If with the assistance of the Governor & Council, or a Committee from that body, this unhappy business can not be settled, your presence & Influence will be more proper in an Other Quarter than with us....
26To George Washington from Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 2 January 1781 (Washington Papers)
The most general and unhappy mutiny suddenly took place in the Pennsa Line about 9. OClock last Night it yet subsists—a great proportion of the troops with some Artille[r]y are Marching towards Phila. every exertion has been use’d by the Officers to Divide them in their Determination to revolt—it has succeeded in a temporary manner with near one half—how long it will last God knows. I have...
27To George Washington from Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 25 December 1780 (Washington Papers)
The accounts from New York are so complicated & Contradictory that very little Credit is to be given to anything we hear, the present— or late embarkation (for it is yet a moot point) is the fourth alteration of Corps & Commanders, within these three Weeks, which Induces me to believe, that they only wish to amuse us by some trifling Manoeuvre, in order to mask the Grand Operation. Upon the...
28To George Washington from Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 10 December 1780 (Washington Papers)
I was this morning honored with your favor of the 7th, & the company of the Count de Custine, & the Marquis de Laval, to breakfast, who have since proceeded on their way to Phila. attended by Lt Colo. Mentges. Major Fishbourn has this moment returned from Elizabethtown, with the Inclosed Intelligence & papers, which is Corroborated by the Information of two Deserters from the 54th who left...
29To George Washington from Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 2 November 1780 (Washington Papers)
We have frequently experienced every possible extreme of cold & fatigue in errecting Hutts at a late Season, which from a Variety of Intervening circumstances, could not be avoided—however at present I can not see anything to prevent us from taking time by the forelock, and making use of the new levies in building houses for the reception of such men as we now have, or may receive for the War,...
30To George Washington from Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 10 September 1780 (Washington Papers)
When your Excellency was pleased to lay a state of matters before the Council of War the 6th of June—the prospects were extremely favorable—& we had flattering expectations from the succours p[r]om-ised by his most Christian Majesty—as well as the exertions of these States. upon this ground I did myself the honor of giving my Opinion to your Excellency in writing of what I then thought the...
31To George Washington from Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 3 September 1780 (Washington Papers)
When I was first informed of the discontent that pervaded the whole of the Field Officers of the Pennsa line on acct of the appointment of Major Macpherson to a Command in the Light Infantry—it gave me much pain, but when I found the effect it had on their minds was such as would probably produce a General resignation, I felt every sensation that could possibly take place in a breast,...
32To George Washington from Brigadier Generals Anthony Wayne and William Irvine, 10 August 1780 (Washington Papers)
It was not until some time after your Excellency was made acquainted with the very great dissatisfaction which the Majors of the Pennsa line experienced, on the appointment of Major McPherson to a Command in the Corps of Light troops drawn from that State, that we were Informed of the address they presented to you. the moment we discovered the effect that appointment had upon them—every means...
33To George Washington from Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 22 July 1780 (Washington Papers)
In pursuance of the plan which your Excellency was pleased to adopt —the first & Second Pennsa Brigades with four pieces of Artillery belonging to Colo. Procters Regiment and Colo. Moylans Dragoons, took up their line of march on the 20th at 3. OClock P.M. & arrived a little in the rear of New Bridge at 9. in the Evening, moved again at One in the morning in order to Occupy the Ground in the...
34To George Washington from Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 21 July 1780 (Washington Papers)
being convinced that our field pieces were too light to make the wished Impression on the Block house by Bulls ferry, from an experience of more than an hour (at no greater Distance than from 50 to 70 Yards)—during which time both Officers & men evinced a Degree of bravery seldom equalled—but never excelled —and seeing the Enemy in motion On york Island & their shipping under way—together with...
35To George Washington from Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 18 July 1780 (Washington Papers)
In obedience to your Excellency’s Orders I proceeded with Mr Erskine to reconnoitre the Landing places from Closter to Dobbs’s Ferry, & found the following viz. Closter landing situate about Six or seven miles above Fort Lee—& a little south of Phillips’s was formerly made use of by the Inhabitants in its vicinity, and rendered practicable for two horse Sleds , from the Declivity of the...
36To George Washington from Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 10 July 1780 (Washington Papers)
It was but the evening before last that I had the honor of first seeing the General state of facts your Excellency was pleased to lay before the Council of War on the 6th Ultimo which I have given as mature a Consideration as time & Circumstances would permit. I find by a comparitive view of our present force with that of the Enemy after making proper allowances, for the change of Affairs by...
37VII. To George Washington from Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 23 June 1780 (Washington Papers)
You have heard that the Enemy—after burning Spring-field—are retired to their former post on Elizabeth town point—their Number (from every Judicial Observation) did not exceed four thousand, they brought out three days provision & upwards of twenty pieces of Artillery. I have not yet seen Genl Greene—but from very good Intelligence two Batts. of Grenadrs—& two of Light Infantry together with...
38To George Washington from Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 25 May 1780 (Washington Papers)
I was favored with yours of the 18th last evening—& will in consequence render myself in Camp the latter end of next week —when I shall esteem myself honored by any commands you may please to favor me with. We have nothing new from Charles town—the Investiture was compleated on the 28th Ultimo —all rank’s of people are anxiously waiting the event, may it be favorable, & may your Excellency put...
39To George Washington from Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 11 May 1780 (Washington Papers)
many Gentlemen in this place affect to be very Sanguine in the Defence of Charles town, & remain in the most unworthy state of torpidity, waiting the Issue—whilst others are depressed or elevated (like the ebbing & flowing of the tide) upon the rect of every piece of Intelligence, either of a gloomy or pleasing complexion —but an equal supiness pervades the Whole, & when they are calling upon...
40To George Washington from Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 4 February 1780 (Washington Papers)
I was so unfortunate as not to be acquainted with the Intended attempt upon Staten Island, otherwise I certainly would not wish to be Absent, but the misfortune I most regret is —that Nature had not formed her bridge previous to the Dessolution of the Light Corps —for be assured we remained some days (wishing & anxiously waiting for that event) after the State of our Magazines, together with...
41To George Washington from Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 7 January 1780 (Washington Papers)
I was honored with your favor of the 28th Ultimo, & on the 2nd Instant the Light Corps was Dessolved & took up the Line of march to join their Respective Regiments, after reading the Inclosed Order at the head of each Battalion. the Distinguished & honorable manner in which your Excellency has more than once mentioned my name to Congress, & your very polite approbation of my Conduct thro’ the...
42To George Washington from Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 26 December 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have just returned from a Position where I had a fine view, & Distinctly counted 110 Sail of Shiping standing out to Sea, One Hundred & odd of which were large Ships. The first view I had was about One OClock, when I could only discover Six Vessels which were a great way out & soon disappeared—(they probably might be the rear of a larger Number)—at ½ after one the Van of the Other Ships...
43To George Washington from Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 23 December 1779 (Washington Papers)
The intelligence that Colo. Butler brings from Amboy which place he left at 12 OClock this day is, that 137 sail of shipping lay at Anchor in sandy Hook Bay at 8 OClock this morning. That between that and the hour he left it 102 sail had weighed Anchor and gone out to sea—among which was a large Man of War with a Flag at her fore topmast head, thought to be Admiral Arbuthnot—that 35 sail of...
44To George Washington from Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 21 December 1779 (Washington Papers)
Last Saturday a Considerable Number of transports fell down to red hook—& on Sunday Morning about 10. OClock they weighed anchor & fell lower —but whether there were any troops on board, or whether they went farther than the Narrows, the Informant can’t tell as he could not possibly pass to New York on acct of the Ice in by Bergen point. he is since gone over & an Other to Staten Island, from...
45To George Washington from Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 21 December 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have this moment returned from Paulus Hook, Eighty sail of transports (said to be full of men) fell down to Sandy Hook between the hours of 10 OClock this Morning & three in the afternoon —none had as yet sailed out of the Hook—but seemed to be assembling for the purpose. I have not been able to Determine what troops or Corps are on board but expect further Intelligence every moment which I...
46To George Washington from Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 18 December 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have nothing new from the Enemy but hourly expect my Mercury, Was I to hazard an Opinion it would be that no Embarkation takes place until the Sun has paid his visit to, & on his return from the tropic of Capricorn, for Seamen Always dread the tropical, more than the Equinoctial storms, and shou’d Sr Harry Clinton possess those talents necessary to Constitute a Genl of so powerful an Army as...
47To George Washington from Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 14 December 1779 (Washington Papers)
No part of the Enemies fleet had sail’d yesterday morning—nor do I think had any Considerable Embarkation taken place altho’ everything is undoubtedly ready for the purpose. the Inclosed written Intelligence is to be depended up[on] —the person is again gone in & has it in his power to procure the most authentick Information. You’l find a few very artful Insidious pieces in some of the...
48To George Washington from Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 9 December 1779 (Washington Papers)
In Obedience to your’s of yesterday Colo. Febeger with the Virginia Light Infantry will March tomorrow morning at 8 OClock, but for want of shoes must carry a great many of his People in Waggons. there are a Considerable Number of our men totally barefoot, & many more will soon be in the same predicament, unless the Line sends a speedy Supply of this Necessary article, It’s true that some of...
49To George Washington from Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 9 December 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have this moment recd the Inclosed—it has been unaccountably delayed—but so nearly Corroborates that which I sent you this morning, that I thought it my duty to Communicate it. I shall send a trusty Person to New York in the Morning & expect the earliest Intelligence of any movement of the Enemy—which shall be Immediately forwarded to your Excellency. Interim I am yours Most Sincerely ALS ,...
50To George Washington from Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 2 December 1779 (Washington Papers)
From the best Intelligence I have be[en] able to procure no Embarkation had taken place at New York the day before Yesterday—altho’ all accounts agree that the Shiping are in perfect readiness for the purpose —We have had among many others ten british Granadiers Deserters belong[ing] to the 44th Regiment within three Weeks—besides two that were Captured a few days since—by the Militia—upon...