51To George Washington from Vice Admiral d’Estaing, 9 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
The Letter which Your Excellency did me the honor to write the 5th of this month—was sent down to me last night at 8 OClock by the care of Major General Heath—I recognised in the intelligence which you were so kind as to give me and the speed with which it came, the interest which you take in all that regards the Kings Squadron—and I confess to you, that however persuaded I am that the great...
52To George Washington from Vice Admiral d’Estaing, 25 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have received the letter which Your Excellency did me the honor to write the 19th inst. I entreat you to accept all the thanks which I owe you, for the intelligence you have been so kind as to communicate. it perfectly accords with the little which I have received, both in point of the sickness of Byrons Crews, and the precipitation with which immense means of embarkation are preparing at...
53To George Washington from Vice Admiral d’Estaing, 20 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
Those who have the happiness to be under Your Excellencys orders find in you a father; The Marquis de la fayette has a superior title to your Excellencys affection—he respects admires and loves you—I had the honor of asking you whether you permitted him to send his Cartel to Lord Carlisle to satisfy myself whether you were informed of it—you were so kind as to acquaint me that you had not seen...
54To George Washington from Vice Admiral d’Estaing, 29 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have received the letter which Your Excellency did me the honor to write, the 20th September with the confirmation of what was contained in the Letter with which you honored me on the 19th. the details by which I took the liberty of submitting my ideas to your judgement appeared to me, to include all that was to be said upon the different subjects. The Arrival of new Troops at Halifax seems...
55To George Washington from William Fitzhugh, 24 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
Having the honor to meet with your relation, Capt. Lewis at this place, I am happy in the opportunity of addressing you. I find my son was taken prisoner with a party of our friend Baylor’s dragoons and is now on Long Island. I have not a letter from him; but advice that he is well; and I have sent him by this week’s post letters of credit for whatever he may want. I am afraid, as we have...
56To George Washington from Samuel Fletcher, 18 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have received your Esteemed favr of 14th Septemr and am quite Obliged pr your desiring General Heath to Afford me all possible Assistance in forwarding the Clothing. This Clothing had been arrived here some months before I recd charge of the same, landed in many places & some of the Packages with out any Particular Invoice, had it not been for those Circumstances I should have been able to...
57To George Washington from Samuel Fletcher, 10 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have duely received your Excellencys Esteemed favr 24th Septemr Informing me of Mr Measoms appointment, also a letter from the Honble board War pr Major Nicholas whom they have sent to Inspect the conductg the Cloathing to the Army I shall do everything in my Power for the Public Service in Conjuntion with those two Gentn. The Chief of the imported Cloathing is arrived here and a few days...
58To George Washington from Royal Flint, 26 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
The unexpected demands for provisions at the eastward have nearly exhausted all the magazines of Flour east of Hudsons river. Should there be an expediency, during this campaigne, of collecting any considerable army, in either of the eastern states, I am convinced that with common exertions only, they could not be suppplied with bread. Our dependance cannot with the least degree of prudence be...
59To George Washington from Royal Flint, 22 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
Your Excellency’s favor of the 20th instant was brought to my quarters, when I was absent, on a journey to Poughkepsie, to accomplish the very purposes required in the letter. While I was there, the legislature of this state were compleating a bill, that is to invest the comisaries with full power to secure all the flour & wheat in the state, exclusive of this year’s crop. The purchasers in...
60To George Washington from Major General Horatio Gates, 23 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
Inclosed is a Letter I received Yesterday by the Bearer Doctor Johnston, from General Stark —From intelligence from different places, corresponding with each Other, there is the Strongest reason to believe, that The Enemy meditate an Attack, both by Sea, & Land, upon Boston, and The French Fleet; indeed, they can now, have no Other Objects; in my Letter to Congress of the 3d June last, I...
61To George Washington from Major General Horatio Gates, 9 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
At five yesterday evening, I had the honour to receive Your Excellency’s Letter of the 7th: Inclosed is the proceedings of a General Court Martial held upon two Men, suspected to be Spies; they are sent to Your Excellency under the care of Brigade Major Marshall, who has a quantity of Counterfeit Money to deliver to Your Excellency, that was found upon the delinquents. The Prisoner,...
62To George Washington from Major General Horatio Gates, 19 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
Having most attentively examin’d the several important Objects, which Your Excellency recommended to the consideration of each Member who Composed the late Council of War, I find from the uncertainty of Your Excellencys intelligence, respecting the Designs of the Enemy; That two opinions are to be Given. The One; in Case The Fleet, & Army now in, and near New York, & upon Rhode Island, should...
63To George Washington from Major General Horatio Gates, 28 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
I am just now honour’d with the receipt of Your Excellency’s Letter of Yesterday’s date. The Orders respecting the Cloathing of these three Brigades, shall, as far as in my power, be complied with; I have this morning written to Major Measam, and inclosed Your Excellency’s Letter to him, upon that Subject. A great Quantity of Flour has passed through this Town, this Summer, in it’s way to...
64To George Washington from Major General Horatio Gates, 13 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
in obedience to your Excellencys directions I send the within Letter to The president of Congress, which contains the Letters of Earl Balcarres; a Report prevails that the Enemy have Evacuated Fort Independence, and Their Works at Kingsbridge—I have nothing further from Major Gray since the letter of the 9th Inst:, which I transmitted to Your Excellency. I am Sir Your most Obedient Humble...
65To George Washington from Major General Horatio Gates, 4 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
Since writing to Your Excellency This morning, Two Sailors belonging to Cape Cod, who made their Escape from the prison Ship last Monday night arrived here; They declare, That The British Fleet of Men of War, Saild Ten days ago in quest of The French Fleet; if this intelligence can be depended upon, may not a very large Body of Troops have gone in, and with The English Fleet; with intent to be...
66To George Washington from Major General Horatio Gates, 25 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
Since I sealed my Other Letter by the Bearer, the inclosed has come to my hands from Major Gray; & I am this moment inform’d, that the Hariot packet, with the September Mail from Falmouth is taken and carried into an Eastern port, I am Sir Your Excellencys most Obedt Servt ALS , DLC:GW . Gates was at Hartford on this date, not at Danbury (see his first letter to GW of this date ). Although...
67To George Washington from Major General Horatio Gates, 28 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have the Honor to Inclose your Excellency The proceedings of a General Court Martial held at The Request of Colonel Brewer. You will please to give Your Orders to the Adjutant General thereupon. I have not heard from General Scot, so am intirely unacquainted with the Enemys movements in Advance, or upon the Flanks of his Command, or if, They retired towards Kingsbridge. I sent Your...
68To George Washington from Major General Horatio Gates, 19 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
General Poor’s Brigade will halt this night at Newtown; and in Obedience to your Orders received Yesterday Evening by the bearer, The Late Learned’s Brigade will march to morrow morning by the same route; General Poor being unable to go with the Troops, his Brigade will be Commanded by Colonel Hazen, and the late Learneds by Colonel Bailey. Your Excellency’s Commands, in respect to Discipline,...
69To George Washington from Major General Horatio Gates, 21 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
Last night I was favoured with the receipt of Your Excellency’s Letter of Yesterday’s date. General Paterson’s Brigade are just Marched for Newtown, on their way to Hartford, and will proceed according to the following Route, exactly as poor’s, & the late Learned’s were Ordered, vizt: Miles “Wednesday 21st from Danbury to Newtown 9 Thursday 22nd from Newtown to Woodbury 10 Fryday 23rd from...
70To George Washington from Major General Horatio Gates, 30 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
I am this moment honoured with the receipt of Your Excellency’s Letter of to day’s date. I am sorry for the disgrace we have suffered in the Jerseys; but imagine the Enemy take advantage of the Supineness that constantly seizes our people, when they have been long unmolested. This is an evil, that even the best Officers cannot remedy. General McDougall’s Division will be put upon the March...
71To George Washington from Major General Horatio Gates, 21 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have the Honor to acquaint Your Excellency that General Mac dougals Division arrived here Yesterday, and The whole Left Wing are now encamped upon a Height, to the East of this Town; about one Mile upon the road leading to Hartford; in my Judgement, exactly the position your Excellency recommended: I apprehend the Troops posted upon the Sound, and to the Southard of Danbury, are order’d to...
72To George Washington from Major General Horatio Gates, 10 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Maj. Gen. Horatio Gates, 10 Oct. 1778. GW wrote Gates on 11 Oct. : “Your favour of yesterday was handed me in the afternoon.”
73To George Washington from Major General Horatio Gates, 3 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
At seven o’Clock last night, I was favour’d with the receipt of Your Excellency’s Letter, dated the 1st Instant from Fish Kill; though the hour is not mentioned, it must at any rate have been unreasonably long upon the Road: The bearer John Turner, says he received the packet from Thomas McCarty, at half an hour After 3 o’Clock yesterday Afternoon, at Fredrick’sbourg. I mention these...
74To George Washington from Major General Horatio Gates, 27 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
This morning at two o’Clock I was honour’d with the receipt of Your Excellency’s Letter of Yesterday’s date. From the beginning of the War, I devoted myself to the service of the United States; and while I continue to serve, I shall cheerfully obey all Orders from Congress, or Your Excellency, or any my superior Officer: Your Excellency has therefore, only to signify your Commands, to have...
75To George Washington from Major General Horatio Gates, 6 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
Your Excellencys letter of Yesterday from fish kill, came to my Hands at Nine o Clock, last Night; I shall endeavour, as You direct, to send to the West End of Long-Island, but believe the Enemy’s Design will be fully ascertain’d before the return of that intelligence; The French Fleet, & Boston, must be the Sole Objects of the British Arms upon this Continent; The Season of The Year will...
76To George Washington from Major General Horatio Gates, 4 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
At eight O Clock last Night I had the Honor to receive Your Excellencys letter dated 3d October. I have not any intelligence from Major Gray since the letter I sent to your Excellency by General Mcdougal. A Report prevails, & gains Credit, that an Empidemical Disease was brought to New York, in Admiral Byrons Fleet, which causes great Mortality, & Desertion, amongst the Sailors; it may not be...
77To George Washington from Major General Horatio Gates, 25 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
Yesterday poors, & the Late Learneds Brigades, arrived, & incamped in the Neighbourhood of this Town; & tomorrow, Pattersons will Join them; I have received no intelligence of any kind, from any Quarter, since that contain’d in Your Excellencys Lre: of the 21st Instant; Colonel pickering came here last Night, & this morning wrote the inclosed Letter to Your Excellency. Your Commands thereupon...
78To George Washington from Major Ebenezer Gray, 30 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
By Leiutt Brewster who returned last evening from Setocket, and also by a Gentn who came from N. York last Friday, & to this Place from Huntington Yesterday, I have the following Intelligence, both Stories agreing, (Lt Brewster’s Informant left N. York the same Day the other did,) that for 4 or 5 Days before they left N. York Troops were Constantly imbarking from the City to the Narrows where...
79To George Washington from Major Ebenezer Gray, 21 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
By Capt. Daviss who returned from the Iland this morning I have Recd the following Intelligence which he received from two credible Persons who left N. York last Saturday in the afternoon viz. that a Day before yesterday all the Light Horse were ordered to the City in order to Imbark that many of the Transports had Arm[i]ngs built for the Conveyance of Stock, and that Genl Jones was to Imbark...
80To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 18 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
Your Excellencys queries laid before the Council held the 16th of this instant, Has been duly considerd and I shall endeavor to give them an answer as far as I am able to comprehend the subject. The first query is whether it will be prudent and advisable to make a detachment from this Army for Boston & of what force? A detachment to move towards Boston can only be necessary upon the...
81To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 24 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
Agreeable to your Excellencys commands I have been in company with Colo. Putnam and examined all the Country from this place to Fish Kill from FishKill to Pecks Kill and from Pecks Kill to Crumpond, Croten and Bedford and from thence up through Salem to this Place and can find but one Tract of Woodland of sufficient extent to Hut the Army collectively. That is called the Furnace Lot and lies a...
82To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 27 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
The Campaign being near a Close, the Cantoning of the Troops for the Winter is probably under Your Excellency’s Consideration. In the Choice of a Position I doubt not due Regard will be paid to the Practicability of obtaining Supplies of Provisions & Forage; But as the Means of furnishing these Capital Articles fall much within my Department, and I am apprehensive of some Difficulties which...
83To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 21 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
Upon examination into the state of the Forage department I find there is wanted 200 Men to mann a number of Battaues which are to go up the River single and then be lashed together and come down double. Six tuns of Hay may be brought upon two Battaues in this way. The weather is now good for the business and the greater exertions are necessary as the Time will be short. There is Fifty Fatigue...
84To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 16 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
The growing extravagance of the people and the increasing demand for the Article of forage in this quarter, has become a very alarming affair. Hay is from 60 to 80 Dollars ⅌ tun and upon the rise. Corn is 10 Dollars a bushel and oats 4 and every thing else that will answer for forage in that propo[r]tion. Carting is 9/ ⅌ mile by the tun and People much dissatisfied with the price. I have...
85To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 28 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
Inclosd is General Schuylers Letter, which I have read. The utility of the plan which he recommends being altogether dependant upon the Canada expedition; and that being rather in contemplation than agreed upon, I think it will be necessary before I give any orders upon the matter to receive your Excellencys instructions upon that head. Your Excellency expressed a desire to have all the...
86To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 5 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
Your Excellencys favor of the 22d of Sept. and the 1st of October came to hand last Evening. I am exceeding sorry for Col. Baylors misfortune. The surprise is the worst part of the affair; and no Man will more sensibly feel upon the ocasion than the Col. should he recover. Col. Butlers and Major Lees surprise made upon the Chasseurs was a compleat one. These two events serves to shew how much...
87To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 19 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
Your Excellency’s Letter of the 15th came to hand last Night. I have waited upon General Heath and have got the state of the cloathing department. Mr Fletcher has forwarded for Springfield from this place between 10 & 12000 Blankets 7669 pair of Shoes, 8000 Suits of Uniforms & 2000 Shirts. He is forwarding from Portsmouth about 15,000 Pair of Hose & 11,000 Suits of Uniforms. Messrs Otis &...
88To George Washington from William Greene, 2 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
I was Honour’d with your favor of the 22d Ulto together with Colo. Biddle and Charles Pettit Esqrs. upon the subject of Forrage —prier to the receipt of yours, I received one from Major General Greene mentioning the same difficulties. I then Call’d the Council of War and in the mean time the General proceeded to Boston on business of the same kind and laid it before the Legislative Authority...
89To George Washington from David Griffith, 15 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
The Glass your Excelly desired to be procured for you, was in the Pocket of Major Clough when he fell into the hands of the Enemy, who left, neither him, nor any other Officer, any of their Cloths but their Shirts—one of them, (Capt. Swan,) not so much. Lord Stirling has a Glass of the same construction, made by the same hand; If your Excellency pleases, I will endeavour to procure it for you....
90To George Washington from Brigadier General Edward Hand, 20 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
His Excelly Gouvernor Clinton having information that the Settlement at Anaquaga is already Destroyed, & that the Enemy has retired to Chemung a Settlement 56 miles distant from thence, on the Cayhuga River, where agreable to Col. Hartleys Account they are fortifying themselves, he has drawn the Outlines of an Expedition against Chemung to be executed this fall or early in the spring as your...
91To George Washington from Brigadier General Edward Hand, 18 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
In Answer to the Queries your Excy has been pleased To submit to the Opinion of the Council on the 16th I beg leave to offer my opinion that the Troops should by All means be held in a Collected state during the Winter, admitting the Enemy to continue in their present Situation. Distributing the Army into Cantonements might be an inducement to the Enemy to Attempt some Enterprise which they...
92To George Washington from Brigadier General Edward Hand, 29 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
I think it my duty to Acquaint your Excy that I arived here on the 24th & Communicated my instructions to Genl Stark. I had reason to expect that in compliance with your orders I should be made acquainted with many particulars necessary for my Gouvernment in this Command, but found myself much mistaken, Genl Stark left this place on Tuesday 27th without Communicating a Single Circumstance...
93To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel Udny Hay, 21 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
Enclosed I have the Honour to transmitt your Excellency the act for regulating the impresses of Forage and Carriages within this State, together with <t>he Copy of a Letter from Governour Clinton to me on <t>hat subject, in consequence of which General Gates then commanding in this department <t>hought proper to grant me a general Press warrant, <in> executing of which I have been so carefull...
94To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 30 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
At the pressing request of Brigadier General Hamilton, I have given permission to Captain Masters of the 24th Regiment, British, attended by Captain Bliss to proceed to your Excellency to receive your further orders, with respect to a packet with which he is intrusted, addressed to General Sir Henry Clinton. As Major General Phillips intends writing to your Excellency, prehaps respecting his...
95To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 23 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
yesterday noon I received the Honor of yours of the 18th Instant and about an hour after that, of the 20th. The Letters addressed to his Excellency Count D. Estaing I immediately forwarded to him as I alwaies keep an Express Boat ready for that purpose —The General Opinion here Seems to be that the Enemy are going to the West Indies—but the Possibility and Some degree of Probability that their...
96To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 28 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
This day I was honor’d with yours of the 24 Instant. shall observe it’s injunctions in transmitting immediate intelligence to your Excellency, and to Major General Gates, should the Enemy appear in this quarter, and shall endeavor to ascertain, should a Fleet appear in the Bay, whether they have Troops with them. The People here are quite Secure, and but very few will believe that it is in the...
97To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 21 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
On fryday last a Vessel arrived at Piscataqua in forty Days from Nantz, in France, Dispatches were yesterday brought up to the Count de Estaing, the Master of the Vessel reports that on the 27th July last a Navel Engagement happened off Ushant between the Squadron of his most Christian Majesty Commanded by Monsieure de Chaffault and the British Fleet Commanded by Admiral Keppel which lasted...
98To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 19 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
Yesterday I received the honor of yours of the 13th Instant. From my first being informed of Mr Fletcher’s appointment I have afforded him every assistance which he has asked for without the least delay, and have constantly enjoined upon him to acquaint me of any, the least, embarrassment which may fall in his way, which, if in my power, shall be immediately removed. Mr Fletcher has already...
99To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 30 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
I am still makeing every preparation for the march of the Troops of the Convention, on wednesday next. As Sir Henry Clinton has not left New York as appears by your Letter of the 25th Just Come to hand, perhaps he may attempt a rescue at or near the Time that the Troops pass Hudsons river, or in the Jersies. I have endeavoured therefore to keep them in Ignorance what rout they are to take...
100To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 12 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with the receipt of yours of the 29th Ulto per Brigr Genl Portail, and since, with that of the 4th Instant—The General has been taking a survey of the different Works every day since his arrival here, but has not as yet taken a plan. I shall pay strict attention to the injunctions of your Excellency’s Letter respecting the works. I beleive the intelligence communicated by...