1711To George Washington from Colonel David Mason, 1 July 1778 (Washington Papers)
Letter not found : from Col. David Mason, 1 July 1778. On 1 July, Mason wrote GW : “I this Day by favr of Mr John Sewall Junr of Gloster wrote You.” No other letter of that date from Mason to GW has been found.
1712To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 31 October 1781 (Washington Papers)
An unexpected demand is made of 40 Waggons & 200 horses, to transport artillery & military stores to the Southward exclusive of what are attached to the troops destined thither. To that number are to be added probably six waggons for quarter masters stores—There is no possibility of furnishing them without taking both horses & waggons from the troops going to the northward. If your Excellency...
1713To George Washington from Brigadier General Casimir Pulaski, 23 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
The desire which I have of fulfilling my Duty, leads me to make frequent representations to Your Excellency of matters which regard the Service of the Cavalry. What follows is my opinion, and if I am so happy as to find it agreeable to Your Excellencys Views, it will be necessary to carry my Plan into execution as soon as possible. As in all appearance it will be late before we retire to...
1714To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 17 February 1781 (Washington Papers)
I am just honored with your’s of this date. The light-companies shall be immediately formed into battalions, and field officers appointed to them conformable to your directions. But a difficulty arrises with respect to Major Reid; the sentence of the court-martial, which is before your Excellency, has not yet been published, & Major Reid is under arrest. If your Excellency should think proper...
1715To George Washington from Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, Baron [von] Steuben, 8 July 1782 (Washington Papers)
As the Peculiarity of my Situation requires an immediate Explanation with Congress, I have it in Consideration to proceed to Philadelphia, taking the York and Jersey Lines in my Rout. It is unnecessary to inform your Excellency of the Circumstances which render this Measure indispensibly necessary; your own Observations will prevent me the Pain of recapitulating them. A Delicacy due to my own...
1716To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel Tench Tilghman, 18 September 1780 (Washington Papers)
Mercerau arrived late last night with the inclosed. He says the Fleet lay yesterday morning within the point of the Hook, he beleives taking in both Wood and Water. It is most certainly Rodney. The passports for the Flag came out last Evening, that from the Navy is signed in the following particular manner: Geo: Gayton senior Officer in the absence of Sir Geo: Rodney who is at sandy Hook. A...
1717To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 14 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
Inclosed is Colo. Biddles Letter to me upon the distressed state of the Forage Department. Our Cattle for this ten days past have not had one half the necessary allowance of Forage. The Resolution of Congress prohibiting the use of Wheat and the Restrictive Laws in the several States, in the Neighbourhood of Camp, renders it impossible to subsist the Cattle, unless some further aid can be...
1718To George Washington from Colonel Moses Hazen, 28 October 1780 (Washington Papers)
I am Honoured with your Excellencys letter of the 21st Current Inclosing the Copy of a Petition from Sundry Canadian Prisoners at Hartford —Some parts of the Petition is True, others are Doubtfull, Whether those Canadians ware actually in Armes, or in the Batteau Service when Taken Prisoners at Discretion by Col: Brown I can not Say; nor is it of Any Consequence, as they them Selves own that...
1719To George Washington from Nathanael Greene, 5 June 1783 (Washington Papers)
I am now sick with a fever and almost blind with sore Eyes. I only write this Leter to apoligize for not writing. Mrs Greene who will have the pleasure of delivering this letter embarks to day for Philadelphia. Her health is so much improved I am anxious to get her to the Northward notwithstanding my own situation. Mrs Greene will deliver your Excellency a Green silk embroidered pattern for a...
1720To George Washington from Brigadier General Nathanael Greene, 24 July 1776 (Washington Papers)
Camp on Long Island, 24 July 1776 . “Colo. Hand reports nothing new. every thing remains in much the same situation as they were yesterday.” ALS , DLC:GW .
1721From Benjamin Franklin to George Washington, 3 September 1777 (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): Library of Congress M. Gontier de Biran, who will have the honour of delivering this into your hands, is strongly recommended to me by Persons of Merit and Distinction at this Court, as a Gentleman of Family, and of excellent Character for his Morals, Prudence, and Attention to the Duties of his Profession as a Soldier. He is desirous of improving himself in that Profession, under...
1722To George Washington from Lieutenant General James Robertson, 29 September 1780 (Washington Papers)
Perswaded that you are inclined rather to promote than prevent the Civilitys and Acts of humanity which the rules of War permit between civilized Nations, I find no difficulty in representing to you that several letters and messages sent from hence have been disregarded, are unanswered, and the flags of truce that carryed them detained—As I ever have treated all flags of truce with Civility &...
1723To George Washington from Baron de Frey, 11 December 1781 (Washington Papers)
I do myself the Honor to inform your Excellency that the Honorable Congress has been pleased, by their Resolve of the 28th November last, to accept of my Resignation, and as I had the Honor to serve in the army of the United States four year and upward, and conducted myself on all occasions as becometh an Officer of honor, as appears by the Several Certificates from the general officers under...
1724To George Washington from Lund Washington, 17 December 1775 (Washington Papers)
Your Letter of 20th Novmbr I have recieve’d. I am uncertain whether the People got by Cleveland to Value his improvements made upon your Land, was appointed by the Court or not, but If I remember right they were swore by a single majestrate, he has a Certificate of the Valuation, (but whether an order of Court appointing them or not I forget) sworn to, I will enquire more particularly into it...
1725To George Washington from Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de Rochambeau, 15 June 1781 (Washington Papers)
Of my recruits that have been Landed to day, at Boston, there are 400. men, in a condition to do duty and 260 attacked by the Scurvy. These 400. men will arrive here on Saturday, they shall be incorporated on Sunday, and Monday 18 I shall set off with the Regiment of Bourbounois. The horses for the artillery and the Waggons are arriving from different places and I hope that the movement of...
1726To George Washington from Robert Morris, 17 August 1782 (Washington Papers)
I found it necessary, in order to get money for alleviating my distress, to sell Bills which I knew were to be negociated thro’ New York. The remittances coming in too slowly, induced my assent to a plan for bringing out the Specie. This was the money which I lately wrote to you about. I am &ca DLC : Papers of George Washington.
1727To George Washington from Lieutenant General Rochambeau, 1 January 1781 (Washington Papers)
Your Excellency’s Letter of the 23d last, I received Last night. I received Likewise one from Governor Trumbull to which I made the Answer Of which I send you here a copy. I Wish that the 2d Division may be numerous enough to oblige us to extend as far as New-haven. Mr Meyers, nephew of Mr Gerard is gone on the 26th with the Duplicates of our Dispatches, I hope he will have got clear. Major...
1728To George Washington from Edward Hand, 4 July 1783 (Washington Papers)
Anxious to complete the returns of the Army for the last month I calld for a return from Hazens regiment—on the evening of the 2d Instant I received one signed William Satterlee Major Commanding —as I had not before known Major Satterlee (as such) as his promotion & that of several others mentioned in the return have not been communicated to me through the regular Channels, and as the return...
1729To George Washington from Major General Charles Lee, 22 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
About eleven miles from Head Quarters and eight miles from this Camp is a most admirable position for the whole Army either in two or one line—it’s left is coverd by Stony Brook—it’s front Clear, excepting to the front of the right where is a strong wood and mill dam where it will be proper to throw a brigade a strong Brigade or two shoud occupy likewis a Wood on the right—it’s situation is...
1730To George Washington from Robert R. Livingston, 12 March 1783 (Washington Papers)
The Washington Packet arrived this morning, I have not yet had leisure to read all my Letters, but as an Express is ready to go early to Morrow, I rather chuse to rely upon your goodness to excuse a letter written in extreme haste; than to hold myself inexcusable, by not informing you of what we yet know of the State of our Negotiations, none of my Letters are of a latter date than the 24th...
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...