51451From George Washington to Major General Robert Howe, 20 August 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have both your favs. of Yesterday. I have not the least objection to your foraging as far as you can consistent with safety, and with your present force. My desire to put this post into as perfect a state of security as possible, renders it inconvenient to spare you any more troops. I approve of your determination to leave your Baggage well in your Rear should you go down for the purpose...
51452From George Washington to Major General Robert Howe, 13 September 1779 (Washington Papers)
We have accounts by vessels arrived at different places which make it probable a French fleet is approaching our coast—If this should be the case, it will be of importance to prevent the retreat of the troops at Kings ferry to their main body—The French Commandant will probably do his part to obstruct it by water and our business is to make such dispositions as are calculated to obstruct it by...
51453From George Washington to Major General Robert Howe, 8 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
I had the pleasure of your letter of the 27th ultimo, and should have acknowleged it sooner, had I not been pressed with a variety of business. When you receive the commands of Congress, I shall be happy to see you at Camp, and am Dr sir Your most obedient and hble servt. Df , in James McHenry’s writing, DLC:GW ; Varick transcript , DLC:GW . Howe’s letter to GW of 27 April, dated at...
51454From George Washington to Major General Robert Howe, 25 May 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have received Your Two favors of the 22d Instant. The distresses of the Troops under yr Comd give me great pain and what adds to it is, I have it not in my power to administer to their relief. Our situation here is equally melancholy—for the Troops on several days have been entirely without meat—and at best on half & quarter allowance for a considerable time. I very sincerely hope that You...
51455George Washington to Major General Robert Howe, 20 September 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
West Point, September 20, 1779. Transmits complaint from the Third Massachusetts Regiment to Howe. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
51456George Washington to Major General Robert Howe, 24 August 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Teaneck, New Jersey ] August 24, 1780 . Questions manner in which Howe’s baggage was guarded. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
51457From George Washington to Major General Robert Howe, 5 February 1780 (Washington Papers)
The state of Genl Heath’s health making a releif from duty necessary he has received my permission for this purpose — This with other considerations which will occur to yourself, (especially as the condition of the river may tempt the enemy to enterprise something in that quarter), renders your presence there essential I have therefore to request that you may return as soon as convenient to...
51458From George Washington to Major General Robert Howe, 9 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have been favd with yours of yesterday. Since I explained to you my motives for directing a change of your position, it has been my wish that you should take such an one, as would enable at the shortest notice to prevent the escape of the enemy by land should they attempt it, but at the same time to have a regard to your own safety. The particular spot I leave to your own discretion and...
51459From George Washington to Brigadier General Robert Howe, 4 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
I was favor’d with your letter accompanied by others to the States of Georgia and North Carolina, a few days since. When I wrote respecting an expedition against St Augustine, I meant it as recommendatory only, sensible, that you almost on the spot, or however well acquainted with the situation and every attendant circumstance, must be the proper judge; and assure you Sir that the reasons you...
51460From George Washington to Robert Howe, 25 February 1783 (Washington Papers)
I have no objection to your setting out for Boston tomorrow, and heartily wish you a pleasant journey & safe return. My Sentiments publicly & privately have been so fully delivered, that I shall say nothing respecting your return. I do not wish to defeat the end & purposes of your going, by limiting the term of your absence to a shorter period than is necessary to accomplish the business which...
51461From George Washington to Robert Howe, 22 June 1781 (Washington Papers)
I am favour’d with your Letter of this date; the Artificers you mention that have been drafted from the several Regiments will continue at the Point ’till further orders. I am with respect your most obedt Humbe Servant. DLC : Papers of George Washington.
51462From George Washington to Major General Robert Howe, 12 August 1779 (Washington Papers)
Such cases as you have mentioned in your letter of the 11th inst. must frequently occur —We have however endeavoured, to avoid considering the citizens of the States as proper subjects of either military capture or exchange. The operation of this principle would be wholly in favor of the enemy. However when circumstances make it necessary to enter upon such an exchange, it should be made by...
51463From George Washington to Robert Howe, 30 October 1782 (Washington Papers)
I find myself under the disagreeable necessity of furnishing you with the Copy of Genl Heaths report of 28th Inst. Report made to me yesterday by Major General Heath—In consequence of this I am obliged to call upon you for your Reasons of absenting yourself from your Division on the march from Verplanks Point to this Ground. I am Sir Yr most obt & hbl. servt. DLC : Papers of George Washington.
51464From George Washington to Major General Robert Howe, 6 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have been duly favored with your two letters of the 4th & 5th inst. We have nothing particular in this quarter for your information. You will be pleased to thank the party of horse in my name for the great gallantry with which they behaved. I am Dr Sir Your Most obt Servt. Df , in James McHenry’s writing, DLC:GW ; Varick transcript , DLC:GW . These letters have not been found. A letter from...
51465From George Washington to Major General Robert Howe, 20 November 1779 (Washington Papers)
Herewith you will receive Mr Pulteney’s lucubrations—and my thanks for the perusal of them. He has made I perceive, the dependance of America essential to the existance of Great Britain as a powerful Nation—This I shall not deny—because I am in sentiment with him in thinking her fallen state in consequence of the seperation too obvious to be disputed—It was of magnitude sufficient to have made...
51466George Washington to Major General Robert Howe, 28 July 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
[ West Point ] July 28, 1779 . Orders Howe to Ridgefield, Connecticut, to “cover the country and prevent as far as possible the depredations of the enemy.” Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
51467From George Washington to Major General Robert Howe, 20 September 1779 (Washington Papers)
The inclosed complaint from the Non commissioned officers and soldiers of the third Massachusettes regiment was delivered me by Col. Scammell. As the form in which it appears is improper, and if attended to, might operate as a precedent for sedition, I have directed Col. Scammell to express my disapprobation of the manner of the complaint and point out the proper channel through which redress...
51468From George Washington to Major General Robert Howe, 20 June 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have recd your favors of the 16th and 18th two of each date—The Express who brought the last left Kings ferry yesterday Morning at Sun rise and informs me that the Vessels had gone down the River and were out of sight. The posts at Stoney and Verplanks points were established more with a view of preventing the communication from being interrupted by a vessel or two with a small body of Men,...
51469From George Washington to Robert Howe, 15 November 1781 (Washington Papers)
I received with much Pleasure your Congratulations conveyed to me in your Favr of the 4th. I think, Considering the length of Time already passed since your Operations in Georgia, that you are quite in the Right to have the Inquiry on your Conduct during that Time, brot to as early Decision as Circumstances will admit—I can easily conceive your present Situation to be very disagreable—& wish...
51470From George Washington to Major General Robert Howe, 21 March 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have before me your two favors of the 16 and 17th instant. I am pleased to find that the notice you had received of the preparations of the enemy, was such as to anticipate my information to you on this subject. Should any attempt be really intended, and take place, against this or your quarter, I am satisfied that nothing which our circumstances will permit, will be left undone, on your...
51471From George Washington to Major General Robert Howe, 21 August 1779 (Washington Papers)
In my Letter of yesterday I observed that through the assistance of —— & his agents, and other Channels, you might obtain accurate knowledge of the position of the enemy without Kings-bridge. I am still of the same opinion; but under the idea I entertain of —— I do not conceive it would be expedient in you to drop the smallest hint by which he could discover the tendency of these enquiries,...
51472From George Washington to Robert Howe, 31 August 1783 (Washington Papers)
I have been favored with your private letter of the 21st, & should have given it an acknowledgement sooner but thought a few days would have let me more into the views of Congress with respect to the Peace Establishment than I had any knowledge of at the time of its receipt—I am as much in the dark now as ever, and as unable to guess at the number of Troops which may be retained or raised for...
51473From George Washington to Major General Robert Howe, 23 June 1780 (Washington Papers)
Your Letter of the 20th reached me this morning. The principal part of the army yesterday marched to this place—Last night I received a letter from General Greene who commands the corps near the enemy containing the following paragraph, “Mr——this moment returned from Elizabeth Town. He says that General Clinton with the whole British army will be in motion this evening; that three thousand are...
51474George Washington to Major General Robert Howe, 15 June 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Springfield [ New Jersey ] June 15, 1780 . Warns of possible attack by British. Sends instructions for the defense of West Point. States, however, “if the enemy’s designs should be against this army, you may be useful to us by making a demonstration in your quarter.” Df , in writings of George Washington and H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
51475George Washington to Major General Robert Howe, 18 June 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Springfield [ New Jersey ] June 18, 1780 . Reports that Sir Henry Clinton is arriving from the South. Warns of possible attack. Instructs Howe to apply to New York, Connecticut, and Massachusetts for reinforcements. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
51476From George Washington to Robert Howe, 11 December 1782 (Washington Papers)
I enclose to you the Arran g emt of Field Officers in the Mass. Line; but as it is not final & may be subject to alteration from various contingency, I have not thought proper that it should be announced in the General Orders—but it will be necessary for you to post the Field Officers to the Regt agreeably to that arrangement, until further Orders that they may take their Commands...
51477From George Washington to Brigadier General Robert Howe, 17 March 1777 (Washington Papers)
Not long since I was honoured with a visit from Colonel Walton, One of the Delegates of Georgia to the Continental Congress who suggested the propriety of an Expedition against St Augustine, requesting at the same time my Opinion to be communicated to you. If the measure can be attempted with a probability of Success, it is much to be desired; but circumstanced as I am in point of situation &...
51478V. From George Washington to Major General Robert Howe, 4 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have received such advices from Congress respecting the French fleet under the command of Count D’Estaing, that I have not a doubt of his coming to this part of the Coast for the purposes of cooperation—nor of his being upon it immediately. I therefore request you to resume yr position on Croton—near pines bridge to effect, if possible, the end mentioned in my letter of the 13th Ulto. I am...
51479From George Washington to Robert Howe, 10 September 1783 (Washington Papers)
As there is but one Regiment at Philadelphia to March to West Point, and the Troops when they get there take their Orders from the Commanding Officer of the Garrison (agreeably to the Original disposition of them) till Congress shall have determined upon a Peace Establishment; there can be no necessity for your Marching with your present command, in its reduced state to that place. I mention...
51480George Washington to Major General Robert Howe, 25 June 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
New Windsor [ New York ] June 25, 1779 . Regrets that Howe’s injury is more serious than was at first believed. Sends news of British movements. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
51481From George Washington to Major General Robert Howe, 4 August 1779 (Washington Papers)
I received your letter of yesterday about three hours ago —For the reasons you assign, I approve of the alterations you have made in the disposition of the troops which had taken place previous to your arrival. I am sorry the proposed removal of the Militia from horseneck has met with the opposition you mention—In the late position of the enemy they were exposed to the most imminent danger;...
51482From George Washington to Major General Robert Howe, 4 July 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have recd your favs. of the 27th and 30th ulto and that of the 3d instant covering a letter from Genl Heath—Mr Moylan has not yet come in—I imagine he is stopped by the heavy rain. I am informed that Genl Glover had missed my letter directing him to stop at Springfeild for the purpose of receiving and forwarding the drafts of Massachusetts —I make no doubt but you have sent him back to...
51483From George Washington to Robert Howe, 25 June 1783 (Washington Papers)
You are to take the command of the Detachment ordered to march to Philadelphia in consequence of the Letter of the Presidt of Congress of the 21st instant—you will move with as much expedition as you can consistently with the health & comfort of the Troops—This Corps must be absolutely light & unencumbered with Baggage, having only two Peices of Field Artillery—you will make Arrangements with...
51484George Washington to Major General Robert Howe, 16 July 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
New Windsor [ New York ] July 16, 1779 . Orders Howe to reconnoiter Verplanks Point and to try to force the enemy into deserting that post. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
51485From George Washington to Major General Robert Howe, 17 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
It is thought from a view of the fortifications on Verblanks point that there is a ⟨g⟩ood prospect of possessing our selves of the Garrison. You will therefore march down your troops and open a battery against their Block House as soon as possible. After beating the block House about their Ears if you can find any apprehensions in the Garrison for their safety, You will make a disposition of...
51486From George Washington to Major General Robert Howe, 30 December 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to transmit You all the Letters which have been sent or received by me, on the subject of Colo. Mitchells attending the Trial of Major General Arnold. They are all numbered in regular order from No. 1 to 9 Inclusive. When the Court have read them, they will be pleased to return them. I have the honor to be with great respect & esteem gentn Your Most Obt st Df , in Robert...
51487George Washington to Major General Robert Howe, 25 September 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
[ West Point ] September 25, 1779 . Orders Howe to appoint a court of inquiry to investigate the complaint against Colonel John Greaton. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
51488From George Washington to Major General Robert Howe, 5 September 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have this morning been favd with your private and public letters of yesterday. The Reinforcement of the enemy —their vigilance at their advanced posts—and seeming desire to draw you down towards them, all conspire to forbid your making any attempt upon them, and to cause a more than common attention on your part. Finding by the date of yours of yesterday that you was still at lower salem, I...
51489From George Washington to Robert Howe, 10 February 1783 (Washington Papers)
I am favord with your Letter of Yesterday. When you mentiond to me the other day the probability of your Affairs requiring your presence at Boston—I believe I told you that if there was an absolute necessity for it—leave should be granted—It is painfull to me to Refuse an Officer any Indulgence it is in my power to grant, but some thing is due to other considerations, the good of Service and...
51490From George Washington to Robert Howe, 23 September 1783 (Washington Papers)
Congress by a Resolve of this date, have directed me to dispose of the Regiment which remains at Philadelphia in any manner I shall see fit. As the business which required the Presence of Troops at Philadelphia is accomplished & the proceedings approved and acted upon by Congress, I am to desire that all the Troops at that place who are able to March may commence it immediately for West point....
51491From George Washington to Major General Robert Howe, 9 August 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have received your (private) letter of the 7th. The present Æra is big of events—the next ten or twelve days will, most assuredly bring forth something of importance—till which (I mean till the designs of the enemy are a little more unfolded) I shall not think it consistent with military prudence to make further detachments from this army however desirous I may be to beat up the enemys...
51492From George Washington to Major General Robert Howe, 13 April 1780 (Washington Papers)
Your private letter of the 11th came safe to hand. The rumour of my going to the Southward has nothing, at this time, to support it. In consequence of the preparations which were making at New York to embark Troops; & the intelligence I had received of the destination of them, I gave information to Congress—accompanied with a state of our strength, & the disagreeable circumstances under wch we...
51493George Washington to Major General Robert Howe, 28 April 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Morristown [ New Jersey ] April 28, 1780 . Discusses deficiencies of Army. Instructs Howe to “set on foot a collection of boats on the river” in order to “make a demonstration of a movement on our part.” Asks Howe to direct Lieutenant Colonel Jean-Baptiste Gouvion to “repair to this army.” Emphasizes that supplies for main Army are not to be diverted. Df , in writing of H, George Washington...
51494From George Washington to Major General Robert Howe, 29 January 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have received your letter of this day with the papers accompanying it. For fear of a revival of the discontents in the Jersey line, I think it adviseable there should remain near them other troops on whose fidelity we can more perfectly rely —on this account I approve the detention of the New Hampshire detachment and the Artillery ’till we hear something more of the movements on Staten...
51495From George Washington to Major General Robert Howe, 11 September 1779 (Washington Papers)
I am pleased to hear, by yours of the 9th, of the success of Major Tallmadges excursion. the stroke, tho’ small, may serve to check an insignificant yet troublesome kind of enemy. Your movement must be directed in a great measure, by your own judgment, and by circumstances. I have only one general caution to give you, which is, to let your position (if you find it advisable to take another) be...
51496George Washington to Major General Robert Howe, 22 January 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
West Point, January 22, 1781. Places Howe in command of detachment ordered to attempt to quell mutiny in New Jersey. Sends general instructions. Df , in writings of George Washington and H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
51497From George Washington to Robert Howe, 7 May 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have received your favors of the 12th of April from portsmouth and 19th from Boston. Business of a very urgent public nature will oblige me to send General Heath immediately to the Eastern States—I am therefore under the necessity of desiring your Return as speedily as possible to take the command at West point, which, with all its dependencies, will be left with only one Brigadier. I am...
51498George Washington to Major General Robert Howe, 1 June 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Morristown [ New Jersey ] June 1, 1780 . Reports fall of Charleston, South Carolina, and news of reported sighting of British fleet off Sandy Hook. Sends instructions for obtaining supplies for the defense of West Point. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress Howe was at this time in command at West Point.
51499From George Washington to Major General Robert Howe, 11 March 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have received Intelligence & from a person who thinks himself well informed, that the enemy have it in contemplation to pay us a visit (& in a very short time) at this Post. At the sametime that I discredit the report (at least with respect to time) I do not despise the information especially as our circumstances, & some appearances with them are not opposed to the measure. The effect I wish...
51500From George Washington to Major General Robert Howe, 6 August 1779 (Washington Papers)
I yesterday received your favor of the 4th—inclosing a Copy of a Letter from Colo. White. The Fleet, of which I had received very particular intelligence before, I believe, is gone to the Eastward in pursuit of our Armed Vessels sent to penobscot. Such is my information by a person who left New York the day before they sailed, which was the 1st; and circumstances strongly point to this...