1To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 1 January 1778 (Washington Papers)
It gives me the greatest pain to hear the murmurs and complaints among the officers for the want of spirits—they say they are exposd to the severity of the weather subject to hard duty and nothing but bread and beef to eat morning, noon, and night, without vegetables or any thing to drink but cold water—this is hard fare for people that have been accustomd to live tolerable—The officers...
2From George Washington to James Mease, 21 January 1778 (Washington Papers)
I this day recd yours of the 18th by Lieutenant Gamble who has brought down 463 Coat ready cut out. I could have wished that had not been done, as I intended to have had them made up in a new fashion which I think will save Cloth—be made up quicker and cheaper and yet be more warm and convenient to the Soldier. I desire that all the remainder of the Virginia Goods may be immediately sent on in...
3General Orders, 14 February 1778 (Washington Papers)
Varick transcript , DLC:GW . Artist Charles Willson Peale wrote in his diary that he dined with GW on this date after arriving in camp at noon ( Miller, Peale Papers Lillian B. Miller, ed. The Selected Papers of Charles Willson Peale and His Family . 5 vols. New Haven, 1983–2000. , 1:266).
4To George Washington from Brigadier General William Smallwood, 1 January 1778 (Washington Papers)
We have recovered our Sloop which I wrote concerning the other Day, & no other Damage sustained by the Tories retakg her, than a few Barrells of Flower, & some Pork, our Party havg surprized & drove them of[f] whilst unloading her. The Brig is like to be much more valuable than was at first supposed, there appears to be a great Quantity of Arms, Baggage & some Cloths, Ammunition Rum & Wine,...
5To George Washington from the Board of War, 27 December 1777 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from the Board of War, 27 Dec. 1777. GW wrote the Board of War on 2–3 Jan . 1778 that “Your several Letters of the 23d, 24th & 27th Ulto have been recieved.”
6To George Washington from Brigadier General Casimir Pulaski, 27 February 1778 (Washington Papers)
Je renvois La Letre du General Wayne qui m’a honoré de Son Ordre pour Le joindre a Mount Holly je L’ais repondû que çela ne se pouvoit pas vû que la Cavalery restente avec moi forme un peti nombre pour Les Services et quentout je ne trouverais pas plus de 18 Homs de quels jais envoie Les melieurs sur Le chemins de Philadelphie pour assurè les passages du Transport des Beuvs qui marche pour...
7To George Washington from Ephraim Blaine, 28 February 1778 (Washington Papers)
On my Arrival at the Head of Elke, thought it prudent to look out if a place more remote, and secure from the Enemy, could not be found upon the Head of Chesepeak Bay to store what Provision might come from the Eastern shore & the Southward, I proceeded from thence to Johnstons Ferry, at the Head of the Tide on this side the River Susquehannah, no conveniency of Wharfe or Store Houses,...
8To George Washington from William Livingston, 9 January 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have directed the Bearer to take your advice respecting the part he is to act to counterplot the Designs of the Enemy. They want excedingly to know what Troops are stationd in this State, & to establish a line of Communication by Land—Should you advise Morseiles to aid in settling their Posts, & he is trusty enough to communicate it to us when established, we might by that means procure...
9To George Washington from Brigadier General Casimir Pulaski, 29 January 1778 (Washington Papers)
L’instrucçion que je recois de Colonel Biddle est souffisente pour placer commodement La Cavalerie dans les Quartiers il y a une chose à ajouter qu’il faut qu on nous forme à Trenton un Magasin souffisent pour que La Cavalerie puisse subsisster etant rassemblé pour Lé Gnrl exerçise aumoins pendent 15 Jours. Lé comendement des Lençeurs puisque Votre Excelence juge a propos je remetrais au...
10To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 20 February 1778 (Washington Papers)
General Wayne wrote me last Evening that all his troops had crost over the River Delaware into the Jerseys—He intends to collect all the Stock and burn all the Hay along the River that will be within the reach of the Enemy—If he executes the business effectually the only chance the Enemy will have of forageing will be between Schuylkill and the Delaware—I am told there is considerable Hay upon...
11From George Washington to Lund Washington, 9 January 1778 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Lund Washington, 9 Jan. 1778. Lund Washington wrote GW on 28 Jan. : “Yours of the 9th Inst. came to hand yesterday.”
12From George Washington to James Nourse and Alexander White, 30 January 1778 (Washington Papers)
By a Letter from Genl Lee of the 30th Ulto, which came to hand the 26th Instant, he seems to be anxious about the state of his Farm & Affairs and requests me “to recommend the care of them to you & Mr White.” I have taken the earliest Opportunity to inform you of his desires on these subjects, and have no doubt but you will render him every service in your power. I am happy to acquaint you,...
13General Orders, 17 February 1778 (Washington Papers)
At a division Court Martial (Feby 13th 1778.) whereof Lieutt Coll Sprout was president, Lieutt Austin Alden of Coll Brewer’s Regiment, tried for behaving in many instances unbecoming the Character of an officer and gentleman, 1st in taking Jack Brown’s allowance of Whisky and drinking it and then refusing to pay for it—2nd In messing, frequently drinking & sleeping with the soldiers—3rdly—For...
14From George Washington to Maj. Gen. Nathanael Greene, 17 February 1778 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Maj. Gen. Nathanael Greene, 17 Feb. 1778. John Laurens docketed Greene’s letter to GW of 16 Feb. “Answd 17th.”
15To George Washington from Major General Stirling, 29 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have received yours of Yesterday evening about an hour ago. have Orderd in all the parties that are out both of my division and of the fifteen detached parties; I expect they will be ready to march for Camp by Noon. There is now a fine oppertunity for the Q.M.G. & Commissary Genl of provisions to employ their Waggons, at one place within Six miles of this place there is above 100 Tun of Bar...
16To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel Fleury, 18–20 January 1778 (Washington Papers)
Observations Made at Cooper’s ferry. the 18. january. 1778. situation of the River. The River Delaware which is frozen at trenton, is not such opposite to philadelphia; the Current being very free, the ferry boat goes & Comes back every day. (that i have seen myself). But the boats Can not Land in any other place, than the wharf of kings-point , & the two of Cooper’s ferry . all the Remainder...
17To George Washington from Major General Lafayette, 9 February 1778 (Washington Papers)
I can not let go back my guide without taking this opportunity of wraiting to your excellency tho’ I have not yet public business to speak of—I go on very slowly some times pierced by rain, sometimes covered with snow, and not thinking many handsome thoughts about the projected incursion into canada —if succèss were to be had it would surprise me in a more agreable manner, by that very reason...
18General Orders, 30 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
Great numbers of prisoners are now in the Provost, suffering extremely from the severity of the season. Brigade General Courts Martial are to be appointed for to morrow, and to sit daily, ’till all the prisoners belonging to the respective brigades are tried. Varick transcript , DLC:GW . Brig. Gen. George Weedon’s orderly book adds the following passage to the general orders for this date: “a...
19To George Washington from Captain Henry Lee, Jr., 18 January 1778 (Washington Papers)
Col. Hellum of the militia, now a prisoner in Philada, in a memorandum of intelligence sent me this day, says, that an officer of the Anspachers engages to bring off three hundred of that corps, provided the command can be ensured him. He also mentions, that there are several persons throughout the country contracting for horses for the use of the Philada, light dragoons now raising. There are...
20From George Washington to Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 9–12 February 1778 (Washington Papers)
The good People of the State of Pennsa Living in the Vicinity of Philadelphia and near the Delaware River—having suffered much by the Enemy Carrying off their Property without allowing them any Compensation —thereby Destressing the Inhabitants—Supplying their own Army and Enabling them to protract the Cruel and unjust War that they are now Wageing against these States. And Whereas by Recent...
21To George Washington from William Livingston, 14 January 1778 (Washington Papers)
It is represented to me, that Robert Wilson, who I am told, acts as Commissary under Mr Blain, for the Counties of Sussex, Morris and Somerset in this State, has in the County of Somerset employed only part of the Mills. By this means, the distance that Wheat must be carted is most amazingly encreased; and either the Farmer put to an unnecessary trouble, or the States to an additional Expence....
22General Orders, 5 February 1778 (Washington Papers)
In Congress June 10th Resolved, That for the future the Quarter Master or other Person drawing provision for any Regiment Corps or Detachment shall on the last day of every month make out an abstract of the number of retain’d rations due to each officer respectively and also the number of each part of a ration due to each regiment corps or detachment and deliver the same to the respective...
23From George Washington to Thomas Wharton, Jr., 23 February 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor of yours of the 17th inst: The Militia from the Westward, who had been detained by the badness of the weather, have arrived at Genl Laceys Camp, and those from Northampton have, I hope, come in by this time. Their presence had become exceedingly necessary, as the insolence of the disaffected in Philadelphia and Bucks Counties had arisen to a very alarming Height. They have...
24From George Washington to Major Peter Scull, 5 January 1778 (Washington Papers)
A few days ago I recieved your Favor of the 27th Ulto. I wish it had been on any other subject than that of your resignation, and am extremely sorry the situation of your Affairs should have made such an application necessary. I must request, Sir, if it can be done, that you will not entertain an idea of it. It is no time for Officers of merit in which class I consider you, to leave the Army....
25To George Washington from Henry Laurens, 25 January 1778 (Washington Papers)
The 22d Inst. I had the honour of writing to your Excellency by Lieut. Colo. duplessis whose assurances induces me to beleive he has travelled as expeditiously as any of our post Riders. Inclosed your Excellency will receive an Act of Congress of yesterday relative to the Legal distribution of prize Money arising from Captures made on the Water by detachments from the Army, & in a seperate...
26From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 1 January 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have been duly honored with your several favors of the 23d 24th and 25th ulto with the enclosures to which they allude. In my letters of the 22d and 23d of last month, I mentioned the difficulties which the Service laboured under for want of a Qr Masr Genl and as I am induced to beleive that a new nomination has not been made since Genl Mifflins resignation, because Congress could not fix...
27To George Washington from Prisoners in Philadelphia, 21 January 1778 (Washington Papers)
When we presume to address your Excellency be Assured it Cannot Arise from a trival affair humanity is the subject which we wish to dwell on & when that Amiable Quality is mentioned who can doubt that M/rs Gray is the Lady who amply has display’d that part of the grand scenery of Life which Shee was born for & which will Ever be indiliably impress/d in the Obliged Hearts. If individuals...
28To George Washington from Major Thomas Cogswell, 14 February 1778 (Washington Papers)
in my travels through the different States i found that the recruitting officers from your armey where Enlisting Deserters from Generall Hows and Burgones Armeys and allso Receiveing them as Subtitutes in roome of the inhabitantes for your armey. i have Discovered that there has many Deserted from Mr Burgoyne Armey Sin[c]e he arived at Boston and the Committyes of the Differents Town and...
29General Orders, 2 January 1778 (Washington Papers)
The Commander in Chief, to prevent unnecessary Applications for Furloughs informs the Officers that none will be granted by him unless the Officers who apply for the same produce Certificates from the Major Generals of the Divisions to which they belong, that the state of their Regiments will admit of their absence from Camp. And it is expected that the Major-Generals previous to their giving...
30To George Washington from Joseph Jones, 22 January 1778 (Washington Papers)
On my return to Congress I found the speakers Letter informing me my resignation was accepted by the House of Delegates and that I might as soon as I pleased return home which I did after staying abt a week to put the Business we had been sent upon to Camp in a proper train—the Issue of which I had then every reason to expect wod be according to the wishes of the Army but what the event has...
31To George Washington from General William Howe, 14 February 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have received the favor of your Letter of the 10th Inst., in consequence of which I shall send two Commissioners to meet those on your part at German Town on the day appointed. The distresses, which from too good authority I understand the lower class of prisoners labor under, induce me to request you will give such directions as may expedite the exchange of the non commissioned officers and...
32To George Washington from Brigadier General Jedediah Huntington, 27 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
Most or all the within Commands might be releived by the Troops near the North River without any Inconvenience that I can see, at present the Men are without any regular Payments of Money or Clothes, and being out of the Care & Inspection of their own Officers, I fear many of them will run away. I wish, if it is agreeable to your Excellency, that a Field Officer from the Brigade with Your...
33To George Washington from Major Peter Scull, 27 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
I trouble your Excellency with extreme reluctance on a Subject so wholly personal as my present application, but indispensable necessity obliges me to do it. It is to inform you that my situation in life is such, that to remain longer in the Army would subject me to great inconvenience and distress, & on that account to request your Excellency’s permission to resign the appointment I now hold...
34General Orders, 28 February 1778 (Washington Papers)
A return of the drums, drum-heads, Snares cords &c.—and Fifes wanting in the several Brigades to be made immediately. At a General Court Martial whereof Coll Cortland was President (Feby 25th) Thomas Booth of 4th North-Carolina Regiment tried for desertion found guilty and sentenced to receive one hundred lashes on his bare back. The Commander in Chief approves the sentence and orders it to be...
35From George Washington to Lieutenant Colonel John Fitzgerald, 28 February 1778 (Washington Papers)
This instant returning from the Comee & finding the Post here you must put up with a line or two in acknowledgement of your favr of the 16th Instt from York, instead of a long Letter, which it was my intention to have written you. I thank you sincerely for the part you acted at York respecting C—y’s Letter; & believe with you, that matters have, & will, turn out very different to what that...
36To George Washington from Brigadier General Casimir Pulaski, 9 January 1778 (Washington Papers)
I arrived here yesterday with the Cavalry where I expeted to have found forage Sufficient to Subsist the Cavalry at least for a few days, my Brigade forage master had been informed by Colo. Biddle that Such provision was made & that he would have nothing more to do then Issue the same but So farr to the Contrary there was not a Load of Hay in Town, with the greatest dificulty we have been...
37From George Washington to General William Howe, 30 January 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have duly received your Letter of the 19th Ulto. It is unnecessary to enter minutely into its contents; since the inclosed Resolutions of Congress will shew you, that the matter is now put upon a footing different from that mentioned by Mr Boudinot, which, at the same time you will be pleased to consider as final and decisive, and to regulate your measures accordingly. I shall be glad as...
38To George Washington from Patrick Henry, 20 February 1778 (Washington Papers)
you will no Doubt be surprized at seeing the inclosed Letter, in which the Encomiums bestowed on me are as undeserved, as the Censures aimed at you are unjust. I am sorry there should be one man who counts himself my Friend, who is not yours. Perhaps I give you needless Trouble in handing you this paper. The Writer of it may be too insignificant to deserve any Notice. If I knew this to be the...
39To George Washington from Major General Thomas Conway, 10 January 1778 (Washington Papers)
I remain in a state of inaction untill such time as your Excellency Will think fitt to employ me. I understand that your aversion to me is owing to the Letter I Wrote to general Gates. I have made you a candid answer upon that subject, and such an answer as must satisfy you and every man of a Liberal Disposition. there is not a subaltern in europe but What will Write to his friends and...
40To George Washington from Joseph Webb, Jr., 30 January 1778 (Washington Papers)
I Enclose you a Copy of my Flag from His Excellency Govr Trumbull & wou’d let you know that after a most fatigueing Jaunt, we arrived safe here with General Prescott, Capt. Barrington his Ade de Camp & the others mentioned in the flag except Majr Huntington who being an Officer in the Army they thot cou’d not consistantly be addmitted He’s return’d—I am treated by the first in power with the...
41From George Washington to Major Benjamin Tallmadge, 20 February 1778 (Washington Papers)
I am glad to be informed by your Letter of the 9th Inst. that you are established in quarters, where you are likely to have means of putting your men and horses into good Condition; As you have been so successful in contracting for boots and Leather Breeches, I would not have you confine your views in these articles, to the precise number that may be wanted by your Regiment; but wish that you...
42To George Washington from Colonel Henry Emanuel Lutterloh, 17 February 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have the honour to reply in answer to your Letter just received That Mr Blain has been with Me and he fixed 150 Waggons as a Sufficient Number for his Department, and I wrote directly to Mr Young to forward that Number. Mr Blain also gave Me the places where the Waggons should be loated with Flower, Porck & Salt. & I desired Mr Young that the Waggons must be loated. This Letter I got this...
43To George Washington from Colonel Southy Simpson, 9 February 1778 (Washington Papers)
I hope youl excuse my taking the Liberty, to Intreat you not to take from this too much expos’d part of the State of virginia, those Soldiers Lately Draughted by virtue of an act of the State: I Esteem it as one of the greatest Honnours to be your Soldier, and Such I consider Myself, and am ready when ever you think the Service of the States makes it necessary, to risk my Life, and I will Risk...
44From George Washington to Major Samuel Blackden, 30 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
Being appointed by Colo. Sheldon to procure Cloathing and Accoutrements for the Regiment agt the ensuing Campaign, you are to repair immediately to Boston as the most probable place of furnishing yourself. Upon your arrival there, you are, thro’ General Heath, (to whom I have written) to apply to the persons purchasing Cloathing for continental use, for as much as will be sufficient, and as...
45From George Washington to Lieutenant William Patterson, 18 January 1778 (Washington Papers)
General Knyphaussen having obtained a passport for Quarter Master Major Kitz to go to Fredericksburg in Virginia with a Serjeant & Servant and a Waggon with Cloathing and Necessaries for the Hessian Officers at that place, In order that the same may be safely conveyed, and that no irregularities may attend the execution of this Business, you are to proceed with all convenient expedition with...
46To George Washington from Continental Artillery Officers, 10 February 1778 (Washington Papers)
The Memorial of the Officers of Artillery now in Service at the Park of Artillery Humbly Sheweth—That it is with pain we address your Excellency upon the disagreeable Subject before us; Your Excellency’s Ears have been so often wounded of late With Complaints that we wou’d rather sooth & Suppress our present Uneasiness than to trouble you with them at this time: But to remain silent We...
47To George Washington from Brigadier General James Potter, 14 January 1778 (Washington Papers)
I Recived your favor of the 12th Instant I will do every thing in my Power to put a stop to Carring provision into the City the passes that have been Given I have sent you enclosed a Copey of one of them which has passed Mrs Larrans Sarvant in with Sundrey waggan-Loads if I am not wrong Informed. I would Inform your Excellency that there is a quenty of Buckskin and Britches in Germentown and...
48To George Washington from General William Howe, 5 February 1778 (Washington Papers)
By Advices lately received from Rhode Island, transmitting to me a Copy of a Letter from General Heath to Lieutenant General Burgoyne, (Copy of which is enclosed) I am informed that it is determined to detain General Burgoyne’s Troops in New England, until all Demands for their Provisions and other Necessaries are satisfied; and that this Determination is grounded, not only upon a Requisition...
49From George Washington to Colonel Joseph Ellis, 24 February 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have sent over ⟨Captn Lieut. Symonds⟩ to take the charge of some peices of heavy Artillery; with which I have directed him, to give the Enemy’s shipping near the City all the annoyance in his power, while the rivers continues in its present situation. He will stand in need of a body of infantry to cover the Artillery in this opperation and to Aid in throwing up some little work that may be...
50General Orders, 6 February 1778 (Washington Papers)
At a General Court Martial whereof Coll Clark was President January 27th Lieutt William Williams of 13th Virginia Regiment tried for repeatedly behaving unbecoming the Character of an officer and a Gentleman, 1st in buying a pair of Continental shoes from a soldier and thereby rendering the soldier unfit for service—2ndly for messing and frequently sleeping with the soldiers, taking their...