3441To George Washington from Lieutenant General Rochambeau, 2 February 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have received your Excellency’s Letter of the 23d Last month. I cannot too much admire, on one part the wisdom of the means employed by your Excellency to Leave to congrés an affair in which the military Discipline could not interfere without using rigorous measures that would not have been Well timed. on the other part, all the Sentiments of Patriotism of Virtue, of reason, existing among a...
3442To George Washington from Meshech Weare, 2 February 1781 (Washington Papers)
I am this day honor’d with the Rect of your favor of 22d Ulto, by Express. The important intelligence it contains is truly Alarming but I hope may be a means of Awakening People in general to a thorough Sense of the Absolute necessity of the most Vigerous Exertions for furnishing the Army with proper Supplies, I shall immediately lay your Letter before the Comtee who transact business in the...
3443To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 1 February 1781 (Washington Papers)
Major General Howe returned yesterday from the Jersies, I expected the Battalion Sent from the Lines Under the Command of Colo. Scammell would have returned with the other Troops, but the General informed me that he had n[e]ither Seen or heard from Colo. Scammell, Upon which I immediately Sent off an express to Colo. Scammell with orders for him to return with the Detachment up[on] the receipt...
3444To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 1 February 1781 (Washington Papers)
Some Days Since the enclosed was handed to me by Mr Perote I have endeavoured through the officers of the Brigade Cantoond near mr Perotes to find if any evidence could be obtained that would, lead to a detection of the Persons who killed his Cattle, but upon the Strictest e[n]quiry none can be found. Mr Perote, tells me all the Cattle he has lost except one, were killed before the Present...
3445To George Washington from Major General Steuben, 1 February 1781 (Washington Papers)
I had the honor of addressing your Excellency the 29 Instant informing you of the Enemies movements down to that date they remain at Portsmouth where they are throwing up some works for their defence. Among the greatest mischiefs occasioned by this invasion is the total derangement of all the measures we were taking for the support of the Southern Army—the calling out the Militia will...
3446To George Washington from Philip Van Rensselaer, 1 February 1781 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found : from Philip Van Rensselaer, 1 Feb. 1781. On 9 Feb., GW wrote Van Rensselaer : “I have recd your favr of the 1st instant.”
3447To George Washington from John Parke Custis, January 1781 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found : from John Parke Custis, January 1781. On 28 Feb., GW wrote Custis asking him to “accept a hasty letter in return for yours of last month.”
3448To George Washington from George Clinton, 31 January 1781 (Washington Papers)
I arrived here the 21st Inst.—My Brother will deliver you this—it will be therefore unnecessary to particularize the Situation of the Military—The Spirit of Discontent, which had reached the Troops here and discovered itself by a Mutiny not of a very aggravated Nature, has subsided and I am in Hopes a Repetition is not to be apprehended. There are in the Troops of this State a Number of...
3449To George Washington from Nathaniel Shaw, 31 January 1781 (Washington Papers)
I Imagine it would be Agreable to you to be Inform’d of the movements made by the Brittish Fleet, have now to Inform you that on the 22d Inst. three French Ships Saild from New Port as I am Inform’d to Secure the Comeing in of Two French Friggates and a Store Ship that was Expected from Boston, and Imediately Four Brittish Ships of the Line Saild from Gardners Bay to meet them, but a Gale of...
3450To George Washington from Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 31 January 1781 (Washington Papers)
With much Anxiety I give you an An[s]wer to your late Letters respectg the Supply of the Army. Colo. Champion has been with me on the Subject—he will do every [thing] in his Power, with the Means wherewith he is furnished—Cattle are plenty—Money is wantg—Colo. Champion will send on this Week not less than fifty Haed & not more than One Hundred—he is furnished with Means to procure a further...
3451To George Washington from Meshech Weare, 31 January 1781 (Washington Papers)
In my Letter to your Excellency of the 20th Inst ., I informed you, that the General Assembly of this State, had come to a Resolution immediately to collect a Sum of money, to be exchanged for hard money, to send forward twenty four Dollars for each non-commissioned Officer & Private in our Line, as a Gratuity for their good Services. The money was not collected quite so soon as I then...
3452To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel Burgess Ball, 30 January 1781 (Washington Papers)
Having been indulg’d with a Parole, unsolicitted, and unexpected, thro the Interest of Genl Phillips (as I’m inform’d) for Virginia or elsewhere, and, ever desireous to conduct myself so as to avoid any reproach from Your Excellency, I have thought it expedient thus to write to you. It being, in my present situation, improper and out of my power to take any active part in a military capacity,...
3453To George Washington from James Caldwell, 30 January 1781 (Washington Papers)
This day the Commissioners met at the Jersey Camp to hear the Claims of those Soldiers who suppose they have served the term of their enlistment. We were happy in the Instructions communicated by Your excellency from Ringwood. They perfectly coincide with the plan we had marked out. From the beginning of the revolt I most possitively refused to treat with the revolted Troops, or to bind myself...
3454To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel Gouvion, 30 January 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have here ten men drafted from the pensilvania Line, into the Corps of Sappers, as they Are informed that General Wayne is now Settling the accounts of every Soldier of that line, and discharging those who have Just claims against the validity of their inlistement, they apply’d themselves to me yesterday to have two of them Sent to lay before the General the claim of every one, but I would...
3455To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 30 January 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have this morning been honored with your several favors of yesterday, to which I shall duly attend. Am happy to hear that a supply of Provisions is coming on; some have already arrived. Colo. Vose informs me the new Road is now passable for Sleighs if there is a sufficiency of Snow. I have given an order for the serjeant of Captain Machin’s company to take four inlisted men to New Windsor:...
3456To George Washington from John Mathews, 30 January 1781 (Washington Papers)
As this intelligence received yesterday possibly may not be conveyed to you through any other channel at this time; and being well assured it will aford you much satisfaction to be informed of it: I have therefore taken the liberty of communicating it to you. Tho the information does not come officially from the state, yet it comes in such a manner that it is to be depended on—That Maryland...
3457To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel Francis Barber, 29 January 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have only to inclose the within letters for your Excellency’s reading. As it was supposed General Howe was at or near this place—they were first directed & forwarded for him. I am very apprehensive of disagreeable consequences to the Jersey brigade should the enemy land & there be no troops for either a terror to our malcontents & countenance to the Militia. I am with great respect your...
3458To George Washington from Major General Philemon Dickinson, 29 January 1781 (Washington Papers)
Your Excellency’s favor of the 23d inst. I have received. The Governor being at Borden Town, I sealed, & forwarded his letter to him. Our Assembly, has adjourned untill May next. I am enabled, by the Powers vested in me, to call into actual Service, the whole force of this State, on any emergency—but cannot march the Troops into a Neighbouring State, without an Order from the Assembly, or the...
3459To George Washington from James Duane, 29 January 1781 (Washington Papers)
I had the Honour of writing to you last by our Friend the Marquiss de la fayette intending before this to have followed it by some Information on the Subject of cloathing for the Army. I have taken pains to investigate it fully And you have the best Right to the fruites of my Enquiry: It does not appear that there has been any Inattention in the Body of Congress to this essential Article: that...
3460To George Washington from Major General Robert Howe, 29 January 1781 (Washington Papers)
I unluckily missed of a letter from Col. Barber Sent me express. the purport of it however I fancy Can be pretty well ascertained, as it was brought by an intelligent officer acquainted with the occasion of it who met with Col. Sprout. The enemy had taken post at Staten Island with intention to Support the Jersey insurgents. they Sent out a Spy with a proclamation offering the Same terms to...
3461To George Washington from Major General Robert Howe, 29 January 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have this moment got the letters design’d for me last night & mention’d in my Express of to day & tho’ I See not much cause to alter my determination expressd in that letter yet I Shall wait here your Excellency’s orders. Colo. Barber has detain’d the artillery & the New Hampshire detachment. I am Dear Sir with the Sincerest Respect your Excellency’s Most humble & most obedient Servant. P.S....
3462To George Washington from Lieutenant General Rochambeau, 29 January 1781 (Washington Papers)
The Divine Providence manifests itself always for our cause. In my Last of the 26th inst. I have had the honor to acquaint your Excellency that our frigates, after having been severely beaten by three hard gales of wind were entered safe in our harbour. These same gales have thrown on shore two British Line of battle Ships and a frigate that had put to sea on purpose to intercept ours at their...
3463To George Washington from Major General Steuben, 29 January 1781 (Washington Papers)
My last informed your Excellency of the Enemys having passed Hoods on their way down the River —the 12th I marched with 700 Militia to Cabbin point the Continental Troops being too naked to keep the Field had been sent back to Chesterfield Court House. The 14th the Enemy landed at Hardys ferry 22 Miles below Cabbin point & began their March towards Smithfield—Supposing that Colo. Parker with...
3464To George Washington from John Sullivan, 29 January 1781 (Washington Papers)
after my return to this City I had the Honor of your Excellencys favor of the 16th Instant. we found that the almost total Dissolution of the Pensylvania Line by Furlough or Discharge was absolutely necessary & a re-incorporation the only remedy that could be applied for as a body they would have been Troublesome if not Dangerous[.] they are Trying to Inlist again and I fear too many of the...
3465To George Washington from Brigadier General John Glover, 28 January 1781 (Washington Papers)
Its now about Eight weeks Since I made Application to your Excellency, for Leave of Absence, at which Time flatterd myself with hopes of being Indulged in the Cours of the winter when it Could be Granted, without injury to the Service. Neither business, or Amusements, of any kind, however advantagous, pleasing, or Satisfactory, in the Enjoyment, would have induced me to Addressd your...
3466To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 28 January 1781 (Washington Papers)
Enclosed I have the honor of presenting your Excellency the particulars of the Success of the late Enterprise against the Enemy at Morrissania. The address and gallantry of the Officers, the fortitude and patience of the Soldiery exhibited on the occasion, will, I hope, meet with your Excellency’s approbation. I have the honor to be With the greatest Respect, Your Excellency’s Most obedient...
3467To George Washington from Colonel Israel Shreve, 28 January 1781 (Washington Papers)
I Just Receavd a few lines from your Excellency, which hurts me Exceedingly, after the Destress Occationed by the Jersey line revolting. but I hope to Give Such Reasons for my conduct Yesterday, as to Satisfy your Excellency. when the revolters Got to Chatham Col. Dayton took the Command, and, in the course of their being at that place was Several times Sent by Col. Dayton to Appeas them, and...
3468To George Washington from Major Benjamin Tallmadge, 28 January 1781 (Washington Papers)
Enclosed Your Excellency will receive a Copy of a Letter from B. Arnold , which has this day come to hand. I am equally a Stranger to the Channel thro’ which it was conveyed, the Reasons why it was so long on its way, or the motives which indu[c]ed the Traitor to address himself thus particularly to me. I have determined to treat the Author with the Contempt his Conduct merits, by not...
3469To 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,...
3470To George Washington from Major General Robert Howe, 27 January 1781 (Washington Papers)
In obedience to your Excellency’s Commands I arrived at this place yesterday evening and found that the Mutineers were returning to their huts. Col. Dayton had offered them pardon for their offences provided they immediatly would put themselves under the Command of their officers and would behave in future consistent with that Subordination So essential to Military discipline. To this they...
3471To George Washington from Samuel Huntington, 27 January 1781 (Washington Papers)
Your Excellency will receive herewith enclosed, a Petition from George Wright & others, with an Act of Congress of this Day referring the Petition to your Excellency to take such Measures thereon as you may think proper. By the enclosed Copy of the 23d Instant you will be informed that Congress approve of the Proposals made by Colonel Armand for equipping his Legion, and have granted him leave...
3472To George Washington from Malachy Treat, 27 January 1781 (Washington Papers)
I take the Liberty of informing your Excellency of the distressd Situation of the general Hospital at the Pennsylvania Hutts; These small Buildings have been in a wretched ruinous State for some Time, owing to the disorderly Behaviour of the Patients and Soldiery, which these left undistroyed the late Snow Storm had effected; there is not a Single Hutt in the Captains Line, and these are the...
3473To George Washington from Major General Robert Howe, 25-26 January 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have been endeavouring ever Since I arrived here, I.E. about one o’clock, to learn with Certainty the Motions and designs of the Insurgents, They were assembled at Chatam, and from thence are Said to be returning to their huts, where, they mean to Negotiate, for tho’ they profess to be inclined to open a treaty, they have, by no Means, adopted those Subordinate Ideas which alone can give...
3474To George Washington from George Clinton, 26 January 1781 (Washington Papers)
The Express with your Excellency’s Letter of the 23d Instant over-took me this Afternoon on my Way to Albany about ten Miles from this Place & I immediately returned that I might have an Opportunity of repeating my Orders to the Agent to use every possible Exertion to collect Supplies for the Army & facilitate the Transportation of them to the Posts in the Highlands. I am happy to inform your...
3475To George Washington from Colonel Timothy Pickering, 26 January 1781 (Washington Papers)
Of the seventeen teams impressed by Justice Chandler for the artillery, tents & intrenching tools, five only came in, & those too late to draw the artillery, which I completed with Continental horses by breaking up three double teams. The five single teams which came in I have caused to be loaded with two horsemans tents—75 common tents—& 75 axes besides two crow bars. These will go about six...
3476To George Washington from Lieutenant General Rochambeau, 26 January 1781 (Washington Papers)
This very instant, I receive your Excellency’s Letter of the 9th currtt. I have the honor to inform you of the arrival of our two frigates from Boston, together with the Transport L’isle de France , Loaded with various supplies necessary for the fleet. these vessels had put to sea on the 10th, have beaten very severely beaten by three different hard gales, and we were very much concerned about...
3477To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 25 January 1781 (Washington Papers)
Permit me to congratulate Your Excellency on the success of the American Arms, in the enterprise against the Enemy at Morrissania, which is this moment announced to me, by the enclosed letter from Major General Parsons. The particulars have not yet come to hand, when they do I shall have the honor to forward them without delay. On account of the depth of the snow & fatigued state of the...
3478To George Washington from Major General Robert Howe, 25 January 1781 (Washington Papers)
I arrived here with the detatchment of Massachusets Troops after Surmounting great difficulties in crossing the mountain, from the extraordinary depth of the Snow. The men however in high spirits have proceeded on their march to Ringwood. Gl Heath has assured me he will hasten on the Conecticut and New hampshire detatchments—the artillery I have not yet heard of, but imagine it is on its way....
3479To George Washington from Major General Benjamin Lincoln, 25 January 1781 (Washington Papers)
As General Knox, who well knows the state of our affairs here, will be with Your Excellency as early as this can reach you, I may omit many matters which otherwise I should think it my duty to mention. I am informed that Congress have acceded to a general exchange, and that it is left with Your Excellency to carry it into effect, at such time as you shall think proper. I know too well Your...
3480To George Washington from Colonel Timothy Pickering, 25 January 1781 (Washington Papers)
I wrote last evening to Mr Humphrys, & gave him an account of my expectations respecting forage. The uncommon badness of the roads (either very rough or very miry) has prevented the farmers bringing in the forage the Justices of Ulster & Orange agreed to furnish & have in fact assessed: The present snow will enable them to come in. For instant relief to your Excellency’s horses I directed Mr...
3481To George Washington from John Collins, 24 January 1781 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found : from John Collins, 24 Jan. 1781. On 16 Feb., Collins wrote GW : “I wrote to Your Excellency the 24th of January last.”
3482To George Washington from Colonel Elias Dayton, 24 January 1781 (Washington Papers)
On Sunday morning I was alarmed with an account that the Jersey brigade had revolted, were directing their march this way and were in the neighbourhood of this place. I immediately desired the officers of the detachment upon this station to sound the sentiments of the men under their immediate command, who soon discovered that they had no inclination to join with the seditious part of the...
3483To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Forrest, 24 January 1781 (Washington Papers)
The day after the unhappy Affair happened at Camp in the Line, I receiv’d a Letter from General Knox Ordering me on to Carlile to Superintend the Artificiers, in Compliance with his Order I have proceded thus far, & waited on the Board of Warr for my instructions. my desire to Serve my Country is as great as ever, but the Situation of my little family so Operates against my wishes & Lay’s me...
3484To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 24 January 1781 (Washington Papers)
In my despatches of the 29th Ultimo, I did myself the honor to acquaint your Excellency with the disposition I had made to counteract the movements of the enemy, and to protect the Country from their depredations. Lord Cornwallis continued at Weymissbury, making every preparation, and compleatly equiping his troops for the most active operations, untill the 9th Instant; when having been joined...
3485To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 24 January 1781 (Washington Papers)
My public letter will inform your Excellency of the success of the troops under the command of General Morgan. The event is glorious; and I am exceeding unhappy that our wretched condition will not permit our improving it to the best advantage. I shall do all I can but our prospects are gloomy. Our force is small and dayly declining. We have no cloathing or provisions but what we collect from...
3486To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 24 January 1781 (Washington Papers)
The State of the river, and of the roads forbid me the honor of waiting on you at New windsor. ever Since I had the honor of Seeing your Excellency here I have been impatiently waiting to hear from the Troops below, but have not receivd a Syllable. A Brisk Firing was heard on Sunday morning, and again this morning, The roads are so exceedingly bad, that Intelligence can not be expected so...
3487To George Washington from Colonel Elisha Sheldon, 24 January 1781 (Washington Papers)
By the Bearer of the monthly Return of my Regt I have an opportunity to acknowledge Your Excellencys favor of the 4th Instant. In my last I informed your Excellency that I had no Expectations of any Assistance from the State of Connecticut in point of Horses. since which I have recd a Letter from Lt Col. Jameson of my Regt now at Philadelphia, requesting that I woul[d] desire your Excellency...
3488To George Washington from Colonel Daniel Brodhead, 23 January 1781 (Washington Papers)
A few days ago I received a Letter from Mr William Wilson of Skipton, informing me that, he had undertaken to furnish the Troops here with an hundred head of Cattle upon private Contract & with private money. This account, as there was no other prospect of obtaining meat, and the Troops were suffering for want of it, whilst we were scarcely supplied with Flour, was flattering, and cheered the...
3489To George Washington from Frederick Frelinghuysen, 23 January 1781 (Washington Papers)
I followed the Jersey-Revolters as early on Sunday Morning as the weather would permit, but contrary to my expectation they had marched all night, & I did not overtake them untill yesterday Morning at Chatham—When I arrived they were paraded near the Town, where I read to them the Resolution mentioned in my last, which, Mr Caldwell had already fully explained to them. The greater part of them...
3490To George Washington from Captain James Willing, 23 January 1781 (Washington Papers)
Impress’d by every sentiment that indues the humane breast, and satisfied of the Justness of the cause in which I’m engaged; I presume to appeal to your Excellency in my present unfortunate situation, destitute of almost every comfort of life and liable to suffer for the fate of others—I am inform’d that Lt Colo. Rogers is now a Prissonner in Philada Goal, & well satisfied his doom will be...