1From George Washington to John Parke Custis, 18 August 1777 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to John Parke Custis, 18 Aug. 1777. When writing to GW on 11 Sept. , Custis says: “Your kind Favour of the 18th Ult. came safe to Hand.”
2From George Washington to Colonel Samuel Blachley Webb, 15 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
Your favour of yesterdays date is just come to hand. You have my thanks for your care of the Spirits and Cheese, which I could wish to have sent forward to me at this place, or wherever I may be. Colo. Trumbull went from hence to day, to Peekskill; if you could get it into his care he will, I am perswaded, put it into hands that will not suffer it to be stolen or adulterated on the way—but as...
3From George Washington to Major General Stirling, 30 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have desired Genl Gates to give you immediate information of the arrival of the Enemy’s Fleet in Delaware, upon which you are to move down to Philada with all the Troops at Trenton. My former directions were to wait orders of march from me, but you are now to attend to those of Genl Gates. Be pleased to communicate this to the Officers commanding the different Corps and desire them always to...
4From George Washington to Captain Thomas Nelson, Jr., 18 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have been favoured with your Letter of the 7th Inst. You plead so powerfully and urge so many reasons to leave the ⟨Ar⟩my, that I cannot refuse your request altho it is with regret I see a Gentlem⟨an⟩ go out of it. The principal cause of your Application, However, you have no⟨t⟩ expl⟨icit⟩ly ⟨s⟩tated, But yet I p⟨res⟩ume my Conjectures respecting It, are just and right. I suppose it is your...
5To George Washington from Major General Philip Schuyler, 7 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have this Moment received a Letter from General Learned, Copy whereof I do myself the Honor to inclose. I am extremely apprehensive that the greater part of the Garrisons of Tyonderoga and Mount Independance is in the Enemy’s power and if they make a push they may do what they please, as I have not above 700 Continental Troops to oppose them with, and, I fear, not above twice that Number of...
6To George Washington from Brigadier General Samuel Holden Parsons, 14 June 1777 (Washington Papers)
The Part of my Brigade which were Present & Able to march have cros’d the River according to your Excellency’s Order receiv’d Yesterday. The Number which have march’d I cannot inform with certainty as more Attention has been paid to forwarding them to your Excellency’s Aid, than to a particular Return of Numbers; however I think they will not be far from 1000, about 200 More of the Brigade...
7To George Washington from Joseph Trumbull, 7 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
Inclosed, I send your Excellency Some Extracts from a Letter recd this Evening from my Bro[the]r at Albany, by Express—also—A Return of Provisions on Hand at Tyconderoga, the 20th June—& the Number of Rations Issued—by which Your Excellency, can Judge of the State of Provisions there —The Express will go off on his return to Albany, by 10—or 11 oClock in the Morning—unless Your Excellency,...
8To George Washington from Maj. Gen. Benjamin Lincoln, 3 July 1777 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Maj. Gen. Benjamin Lincoln, 3 July 1777. Charles E. Tuttle Co. of New York reportedly sold in 1951 an autograph letter signed “addressed to ‘His Excellency Gen. Washington’, regarding the march of General De Hoar’s brigade to Morristown to join the main army. Washington’s reply (as written by his adjutant T imothy P ickering ) is written at the bottom of Lincoln’s...
9From George Washington to Major General Philip Schuyler, 22 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
Since mine of this Date, in order the more effectually to enable you to give the Enemy a seasonable Check, I have come to a Resolution to send a further Reinforcement and have accordingly directed Genl Putnam immediately to forward General Glover’s Brigade to you. I have been informed of a fresh Arrival of Tents at Peek’s Kill, and have desired that every one which can possibly be spared from...
10To George Washington from Major General Du Coudray, 4 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have received yesterday with the most respectfull Gratitude, the answer with which your Excellency has honoured me. I was not surprised, in finding that you disown’d the Authority which the Commandant of Artillery at springfield pretended to have, to execute the strange demande which he said he had received from the Commanding officer in Canada, to send to that country, twelve pieces of...
11II. Major General Nathanael Greene’s Opinion, 7 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
Philadelphia is an object of such magnitude, the prejudices of the People in the surrounding States so strong, in its fervor, as to its importance, and consequence, the manufactories & supplies for the Army so numerous in that City, that the loss of it would so effect the Country, and the Army, that very great injury would arise to the common cause of America. to prevent so great an evil, it...
12From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 22 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have just received Major Morris’s letter covering the proceedings of a General Court Martial which I approve off and direct that one of the Criminals the greatest Offender may be executed pursuant thereto. This should be done in the most public manner your Situation will admit as it may serve to convince the rest of the Division that Crimes of this dye will meet the most rigorous punishment....
13From George Washington to John Hancock, 22 June 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor and pleasure to inform you that the Enemy evacuated Brunswic this morning and retired to Amboy, burning many Houses as they went along. Some of them from the appearance of the Flames were considerable Buildings. From several pieces of information and from a variety of Circumstances it was evident that a move was in agitation, and it was the general Opinion that it was intended...
14To George Washington from George Walton, 2 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
Despairing of an opportunity of personally communicating a peice of business, in your present perplexing situation, I beg leave to take this method of doing it. The exposed state of Georgia calls aloud for a pretty formidable force to defend it; for this reason congress have not forbid Col. White recruiting deserters from the british Army. I have been informed that there are a considerable...
15General Orders, 19 June 1777 (Washington Papers)
The Quarter Master of each regiment is to draw provisions for such sick as remain with the regiments; for which purpose they are to be included, and their numbers ascertained, in each provision return—The Commissary will supply them with fresh meat when on hand. The General Court Martial now sitting, will proceed forthwith to the trial of Major Peers, Brigade Major to General Weedon, arrested...
16To George Washington from Major General John Sullivan, 11 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
upon Seeing Some Cloathing pass by here & knowing that my men are in a wretched Condition for Cloaths both officers & Soldiers & that we are always too far Detached from the Main Army to Draw I Ran the venture to Stop Some Riffle Frocks Some Shirts & three pieces of Cloaths which Qr Mr Sheriff has Sent a Recet for to the Cloathier Genl & will Deal them out if yr Excy aproves our having them if...
17To George Washington from Major General Benedict Arnold, 27 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
I arrived at Camp Fort Edward the 21st Instt and should have done myself the honor of writing your Excellency imediately on my arrival, but was informd by Genl Schuyler that he had communicated every intelligence in his Power, by an Express sent off the day before my Arrival; The day after my coming here the Army was divided into two divisions & Head Quarters moved to Moses Creek three Miles...
18To George Washington from Major General Israel Putnam, 14 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have received no intelligence of the Enemy’s fleet Since the 1st of this month that may be depended on—theres a rumour that they have appeared in Chesapeak bay, another that they were Seen off natucket Shoals—we have frequent desertions from the Enemy both british & Hessian. Jud: McDonald, taken Septr last in our Service on york Island and inlisted into Delancys Coir deserted from them 9...
19To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 19 June 1777 (Washington Papers)
The last evening I received the Honor of yours of the 8th Instant. In my last I wrote your Excellency that Cloathing was now preparing with the utmost dispatch for the Troops of this State, and that I was in hopes there would be no more complaints on that Head. Your Excellency in your last, on mentioning that the Troops have been illy supplied is pleased to observe that “This however has not...
20To George Washington from John Langdon, 12 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
I had the honour of Receiveg Your Excellency’s particular favor of the 29th Ult. ⅌ post. I hope may say I’ve a greatful sense of your Excellencys kind intention, to Serve us with Arms if they could have been possably spared, from the Army but the reason your Excellency has Condescended to give is full Sufficient to stop every expectation for Rather then the Army should want, the few we have of...
21To George Washington from Major General Thomas Mifflin, 27 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
A Gentleman well known in this City is this Minute come to Town from little Egg Harbour. He declares he saw Seventy Sail of Vessels at 4 OClock Yesterday Afternoon pass by little Egg Harbour toward Cape May. I enclos’d to you a Letter from Doctor McGinnis to Colonel Bradford on the same Subject. The Destination of General Howe cannot now be mistaken as Egg Harbour or but a few Hours Sailing...
22From George Washington to Captain Ephraim Anderson, 15 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
You are directed to proceed from hence to Pluckemin and enquire of Colo. McDaniel by what authority he lately went to Staten Island with a Flag. I am told he produced the Copy of a permit, the original of which he said he obtained from me. As I never granted any such to him it must be a forgery When I was at Colo. Mehelm’s I granted a liberty to send a Flag to an old Gentleman of the Name of...
23General Orders, 11 June 1777 (Washington Papers)
The Commissary General to deliver no rum for guards, or fatigue service, but in the following manner—A gill per man, for all out-guards, and picquets—the order for it to come from the Brigadier of the day—the same allowance for all fatigue parties, either from the line, a division, or brigade—the order for it to come in the first instance, from the Major General of the day—in the second, from...
24To George Washington from Colonel Theodorick Bland, 25 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
I intercepted a deserter this evening from Elizth Town in his way to Chester County Pensylvania. He is one of the greens as they are called, & belonged to Allens Battalion in Skinners Brigade his name John Watts or Watson formerly belonged to the Delaware Blues; He says he left Staten Island on wednesday about noon. that on Sunday last the fleet consisting as was Said of 500, but as he thinks,...
25General Orders, 11 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
That few Complaints were made for damage done to fences and other property while the troops lay at or near German Town has given much satisfaction to the well disposed Inhabitant of that neighbourhood and such peculiar pleasure to the Genl that he thinks it an act of Justice to express his approbation of their conduct in G.O. some instances however were not wanting of a contrary behaviour but...
26From George Washington to Robert R. Livingston, 18 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
Your Letter of the 16th Inst., I received to day. Tho I am & shall always be happy in your Favors, I feel with you but too sensibly, the cause giving rise to our present intercourse. But we must look forward to more fortunate events—The Evacuation of our posts on the Lake has taken place, and cannot be recalled. Agreable to the Idea you have so obligingly hinted to me, I have written to the...
27From George Washington to William Gordon, 29 June 1777 (Washington Papers)
I am rather asham’d to be so long in debt for your favor of the 10th Ulto but a variety of matters for my consideration; and of late, the bustle, & moving condition of the Army, will, I am perswaded, sufficiently appologize for the seeming neglect. I am too far remov’d from Philadelphia, and have too much business of my own, to know, or enquire into the springs which move Congress to such...
28To George Washington from Major General Philip Schuyler, 18 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
Your Excellency’s Favor of the 15h Instant was delivered me about three this Morning. You will, before this, have received my Letter inclosing the Resolutions of the Council of General Officers held at Tyonderoga on the 5th Instant, containing the Reasons for the Evacuation of Tyonderoga: you will see how much I was mistaken as to the Numbers, and by recuring to the D. Muster Master General’s...
29From George Washington to John Hancock, 3 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
Your Favor of this date with its inclosures is now before me. At the same time that I express my thanks for the high mark of confidence which Congress have been pleased to repose in me by their Resolve authorizing me to send an Officer to command the northern Army, I should wish to be excused from making the appointment. For this, many Reasons might be mentioned, and which, I am persuaded will...
30From the Continental Congress Committee to Inquire into the State of the Army, 16 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
Messrs Livingston, Clymer, & Gerry present their Complimts to his Excellency General Washington, & beg Leave to inclose him a Copy of the Resolution of Congress appointing them a Committee to repair to the Camp & enquire into the State of the Army. As they have not Time to wait upon his Excellency this Evening, they propose to be at Head Quarters in the Morning at ten OClock, & shall be glad...
31From George Washington to Colonel Elias Dayton, 31 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have this moment receiv’d information from Philadelphia that the Enemies Fleet made their appearance at the Capes of Delaware yesterday, you are therefore to march as expeditiously as you can with your own and Colo. Ogdens Regts to Philadelphia by the way of Trenton where Boats will be prepar’d to carry you across. you will take care and not over march your Men. I am yr most Obet Servt. come...
32To George Washington from Major General John Sullivan, 18 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
I had the honour of receiving your Excellency’s favor of the 14th Inst: & have notified your Approbation of the sentence against the unfortunate Majr Mullins. I have also rectified the mistake about the Pay Abstracts agreable to your Excellency’s directions. I am inclined to think your Excellency will soon hear from Mr Howe at the Southward where I beleive he is bound, & will even land though...
33To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 16 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
Yesterday afternoon a Committee from the Board of War of this State presented me the inclosed Resolve of the General Assembly & Estimate of Stores and provisions necessary for the secret Expedition to St Johns River, an Expedition some time since recommended by the Honble Congress, of which I doubt not your Excellency has been fully acquainted. The Committee desired that I would furnish them...
34From George Washington to John Hancock, 31 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
I am this Moment Honor’d with yours of 5 OClock this morning, & have accordingly sett the Army in Motion One Division had Cross’d the Deleware the day before Yesterday, & I am in hopes the whole of the Troops now here will be able to reach Philada tomorrow Evening Lord stirlings Division lies just in my rear & will move on with us I propose setting off for your City as soon as I can get the...
35To George Washington from Major General Philip Schuyler, 14 June 1777 (Washington Papers)
I do myself the Honor to enclose your Excellency a Letter to Congress, under flying Seal—The Variety of Affairs which claim my Attention do not permit me Time to communicate to your Excellency and Congress seperately such Information, as it may be necessary both should know; you will therefore please to excuse the Mode I take. Our Numbers are so few to the Northward; and we have so little...
36To George Washington from Colonel Mordecai Gist, 8 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
my last was of the 2d Instant, covering a Return of the Troops forwarded from this place total 1694, since which only a small detachment of my Regt has come in, who are to March to Morrow. I take the liberty of laying before your Excellency the Inclosed act of Assembly, by which you will find that the Officers of the last Regts orderd by Congress are precluded the priviledge of recruiting in...
37General Orders, 15 June 1777 (Washington Papers)
As it is proper the mode of performing and receiving the Grand rounds, should be the same throughout the Army, as well for the sake of security, as uniformity and order. In future the following is that, which is to be pursued. The Field officer of the grand rounds, before he begins his visits, to procure such an escort as he chuses, not exceeding a Serjt and six—Accompanied by these, he is to...
38General Orders, 4 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
The Commander in Chief approves the following sentences of a General Court Martial, held the 2nd Inst:, whereof Colonel Stewart was president, and orders them to be put in execution forthwith—viz: George Deal of Col. Armand’s Independent Corps, charged with “Desertion” found guilty, and sentenced to receive 39 lashes. Charles Mulley of the 1st Pennsylv: regt charged with “Deserting, and...
39From George Washington to Major General Stirling, 22 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
I am favd with yours by Major Howell. I would have forwarded your Baggage immediately to you, but I think the chance of your returning is at least equal to your staying where you now are. The greatest part of the fleet have fallen down from the narrows towards the Hook, but whether they have gone out to sea we cannot discover. If they should have gone out, and have stood to the Southward, you...
40From George Washington to John Hancock, 6 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
I beg leave to be informed, whether Congress have written, or mean to write themselves to Generals Schuyler & St Clair to repair to Head Quarters, or whether they expect me to do it. My reason for this is, the Resolves for their recall, transmitted in your Favor of the 2d Instant do not mention how the same should be communicated. I have the Honor to be with great respect Sir Your Most Hble...
41From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 4 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
Your favor of the 16th Ulto only came to hand Two days ago. The arrivals which you mention and the capture of the Brig. by Commodore Manly are fortunate circumstances. The Cargoes are valuable & such as we wanted. In respect to General Spencers claim of pay on the footing of a separate command, It is what I do not conceive myself authorized to allow. I know of but One separate command in the...
42IV. Brigadier General Anthony Wayne’s Opinion, 7 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
Genl Wayne’s Opinion of the Defences necessary for the River and Land in case the Enemy should Attempt the Reduction of Phila. The Works, as Contracted by Agent De Coudre to be Compleated and Supplied with Six or Eight pieces of Artillery and men Sufficient to fight them with about 500 Troops—One Redoubt on the High Ground at Darby Creek Sufficient to Contain 200 men. the fleet fire ships &...
43To George Washington from Major General Du Coudray, 23 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have received last week the answer, with which your Excellency has honoured the respectful representations which I addressed to you, by Mons. de Goy, on the information which you were pleased to give me by your favour of the 30 June, concerning the resolution you had taken to leave at Springfield t[h]e 21 pieces of long construction, which came by the Amphitrite, and to cast them again into...
44To George Washington from Colonel Arendt, 7 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
Relying upon your words bidding me to have an intire Confidence in you, I entreat Your Excellency to give this Letter a favorable Reception. I have just discover’d since my absence that there is a great deal of Discontent in my Regiment, and altho’ I am perfectly convinced, that no one can complain either of my conduct towards him or on any other account, I believe however that the Discipline...
45General Orders, 23 June 1777 (Washington Papers)
The Commander in Chief approves the following sentences of a General Court Martial, held the 20th instant, whereof Col. Stevens was president; and orders them to be put in execution forthwith—Viz: Thomas White, alias Jones, of Col. Hartley’s battalion, charged with “Desertion”—the prisoner pleaded guilty, and was sentenced to receive 50 lashes, on his bare back. Alexander Gray of the 5th...
46From George Washington to James Mease, 23 June 1777 (Washington Papers)
I yesterday received your favor of the 21st. I am happy to hear you have so good a prospect of Cloathing the Troops—the distress of those from the Massachusets now at peeks Kill is great indeed & requires every exertion to releive it. The inteference of a particular State or body of Men with Cloaths imported on Continental account is certainly wrong, and confusion & Inconvenience will be the...
47From George Washington to John Hancock, 27 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
I do myself the Honor to transmit you, the inclosed Memorandum of Warlike stores wanted for an Expedition to the River St John’s, which I received in a Letter from Genl Heath of the 16th Inst. The Memorandum was sent, that I might order the Stores to be supplied. Not knowing, that Congress have such an Expedition in view at this Time, I do not conceive myself authorized to comply with the...
48From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 14 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
I this Morning recd yours of the 12th at the same time one from Genl Borre, by which I find Major Mullen’s Behaviour has been so exceptionable that no concessions can make any amends. I am therefore obliged to confirm the Sentence of the Court Martial. Upon a supposition that the Enemy had gone to the Eastward, I was upon my march further Northward, but an Express overtook me at this place,...
49To George Washington from Major General Israel Putnam, 19 June 1777 (Washington Papers)
I recd your Favour of 17th Inst. last Evening. I have dispatched Expresses to Govr Trumbull Col. Sheldon and Col. Chandler, respecting the sending forward the Troops as fast as raised, and properly Officered, in which last particular there has been much Neglect. Cloathing has not yet arrived, I have sent an Express to Genl Schuyler, as you direct—Mr Young, (the Clothier sent for this...
50To George Washington from Colonel Stephen Moylan, 12 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
I Lodge in the house of a man who I verily believe, has as good a heart as any man can have, I have had many oppertunitys of enquireing into his character. he Lays out at Least one hundred pounds Sterling ⅌ annum, amongst the poor of his neighborhood; he is a Phisyscian who receives no fees, he is the freind of the distress’d—this gentleman is by proffession a Quaker of Course a peaceable man,...