79061To George Washington from Anthony Wayne, 27 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Anthony Wayne, 27 Nov. 1778. On 28 Nov., GW wrote Wayne : “I recd yours of Yesterday late last Evening.”
79062To George Washington from Brigadier Generals James Clinton and Edward Hand, 28 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
Upon the receipt of Your Excellency’s Letter of the 16th I marched the two Regiments with the Artillery of my Brigade to Fishkill, where I received your second Letter of the 20th requesting me immediately to proceed to Albany —After giving the necessary Orders for the embarcation of the Troops, I set forward, & arrived at this Place the 25th Instant. On my Arrival I found that Genl Hand had...
79063To George Washington from Brigadier General Edward Hand, 28 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
Since my last I have been honour’d by the rect of your Excys Favours of the 12th 16th & 20th. in that of the 16th I am order’d to Consult Genl Schuyler & others on the Practicability of Offensive measures at this season—Genl Schuyler I have confer’d with at Saratoga—the result of Our deliberations yr Excy has Inclosed, having first communicated it to Genl Clinton —by yr Order of the 20th I am...
79064To George Washington from Henry Laurens, 28 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
After writing to Your Excellency Yesterday Morning, I had the honor of presenting to Congress Your Excellency’s Letters of the 20th and 21st. The latter was sent to the Board of War where the Papers respecting the Inspectorship are said to be lying, the former produced an Act for disbanding Bedels’ Regiment, which with an Act of the same date the 27th for allowing additional Pay to the...
79065To George Washington from George Mercer, 28 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have writ to you thrice my dear General since my Sojourning in this Kingdom; and although I know that the Person who charged himself with one of my Letters arrived safe in America, yet I have heard of so many being thrown into the Sea, that it is not impossible that mine to you may have shared the same Fate: I therefore write again, and renew to you my dear Sir my Assurances of Friendship...
79066To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel Leven Powell, 28 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
If I could be persuaded that the Service really required my stay in the army, the application for leave to resign the Commission you were pleased to honor me with, would be exceedingly painful to me, but when I consider the peculiar Situation of the Service in which I am placed, I am lead to conclude that such an application will not be disagreeable, & to a person under my particular...
79067To George Washington from Major General Stirling, 28 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
I wrote your Excellency yesterday Evening that the fleet which had been so long between the Hook & the Watering place were at lenght gone to Sea. Capt. Burrow’s from the Highlands of Navesinks since informs me that at Sun set Yesterday they were twenty Miles from Sandy hook Standing South a little Easterly which was the only Course they Could Steer as the Wind hung, unless they were going to...
79068To George Washington from Jean-Baptiste de Ternant, 28 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
Malgré tous mes efforts et ma diligence Je n’ai pu me rendre à Charles-town que le 18 de ce mois—J’avois à peine commencé à me familiariser avec les importants du pays, et à songer Serieusement aux travaux de ma mission, lorsqu’on recut la nouvelle de l’Invasion de la Georgie par une partie des troupes de la floride sous les ordres des Col:s Presvot & Fuser —Nous partimes la même nuit avec le...
79069From George Washington to Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 28 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
I recd yours of Yesterday late last Evening. Genl Muhlenberg had directions not to move from his Ground untill the 2d division of the Convention Troops had passed the North River. This I imagine was effected on the 26th and that the Virginia Troops would march Yesterday Morning: If so, they will have passed you before this reaches you. If they should not, be pleased to send to Genl Muhlenberg...
79070From George Washington to Major John Bigelow, 29 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have yours of the 18th inclosing a Return of Continental Cloathing in your Hands. I desire that the whole may be sent as expeditiously as possible to this place and delivered to Mr Measam or to his Deputy in his Absence. When you make the Return lately called for by the Board of War of the quantity of Goods purchased by you and how disposed of; you are to specify particularly what was...
79071From George Washington to Colonel Theodorick Bland, 29 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have written to Lord Stirling to day to order a Subaltern with 16 Dragoons of Moylan’s Regiment to proceed to Sherard’s ferry and put himself under your command. When you arrive at Fredericktown in Maryland—if you should suppose you will still have occasion for Horse—You will relieve the party from Moylan’s, by taking an equal or inferior number from Baylor’s, if the state of the Horses will...
79072From George Washington to George Clinton, 29 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
I was favoured to day with your Letter of the 26 Instant. It gave me extreme concern to hear of the complaint, which you transmitted. There is nothing I wish for more, than a happy understanding between the Inhabitants and every part of the Army—and this I have constantly endeavoured to promote. I have written to Major Strang & Mr Hyatt, inclosing a Letter to Major Lee with a copy of the...
79073To George Washington from Colonel Christian Febiger, 29 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
In Obedience to Orders from Major Generall Lord Stirling to communicate to your Excellency as well as to him, what Intelligence I could receive and the Discoveries I could make of the Enemy’s Situation in New York. I beg Leave to inform your Excellency that from severall persons I learn, that the Enemy have stopd for the present any further preparations for an Embarkation, this is further...
79074From George Washington to Brigadier General James Hamilton, 29 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
I was last night honored with your polite Letter of the 25th Instant —and am much obliged by the favourable sentiments you are pleased to entertain of me. I feel for the situation of Capn Fetherstone, in whose favor you interest yourself, but yet It is not in my power to comply with your request in his behalf. I should hope he may secure his claim by writing to Sr Henry Clinton—and his friends...
79075From George Washington to Major Henry Lee, Jr., 29 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
I just now received a Letter from His Excellency—the Governor of this State, transmitting a general complaint from Major Strang & Mr Hyat against your Corps, and a particular one against Lt Carnes for an irregular seizure of forrage—and against yourself for refusing to suffer the sheriff to arrest him for it—and demanding him to be delivered to the Civil Magistrate as you will perceive by the...
79076From George Washington to Major General Stirling, 29 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
Colo. Bland is in want of a party of Light Horse to assist him in the Escort of the Convention Troops, be pleased therefore to order a Subaltern and 16 from Moylans Regt to proceed immediately to Sherrards ferry upon Delaware. Should Colo. Bland have passed the Officer is to follow upon the Route of the troops untill he overtakes him. Should he on the contrary not have arrived there, he is to...
79077To George Washington from Major General Stirling, 29 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
Since Writeing the letter which accompany’s this, I have had an Oppertunity of gaining some Articles of Intelligence. vizt that more transport Ships are prepareing and fitting for Sea. that a good deal of Hessian Baggage was Embarked. a frigate of 36 Guns Came in Yesterday, every Mast gone by the board. they are forming a line Across New York Island from Bloomendale to Turtle Bay to be Guarded...
79078From George Washington to Major Joseph Strang and Nathaniel Hyatt, Jr., 29 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
Through the channel of his Excellency Governor I just now received your Complaint against Major Lee’s corps. It gives me extreme pain that there should be the smallest misunderstanding between the Inhabitants and any part of the Army. Nothing is more contrary to my wishes, and I should be happy in the strictest harmony, as being essential to our well doing & success. I have informed Major Lee...
79079To George Washington from Major General John Sullivan, 29 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
The Inclosed Letter of General Stark with the Certificate of Mr Southwick (Issuing Commissary in this Department) will Shew your Excellencey how Little faith is to be placed in the promises of Commissaries; They Lead us along by promises from Day to Day till our Stores are Compleatly Exhausted & then Leave us to provide for ourselves or Starve. If their Impudence as well as Indolence did not...
79080To George Washington from Major Benjamin Tallmadge, 29 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have just recd a letter from C—— which I have the honour to enclose & forward pr Dragoon. I can further assure your Excellency that a Copy of your late instructions has been duly recd by him, an answer to which may be expected by the 6th ensuing. My Anxiety for C——’s feelings in his present situation indu[c]es me once more to remind your Excellency of the necessity of having your further...
79081From George Washington to Major Benjamin Tallmadge, 29 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
I am favoured with your letter of this date with one from C——. His account has the appearance of a distinct and good one, and makes me desirous of a continuance of his correspondence. At the same time, I am at a loss how it can be conveniently carried on, as he is so scrupulous respecting the channel of conveyance. At the station, to which your regiment is going, it would be too circuitous and...
79082From George Washington to the Commissioners for the Exchange of Prisoners, 30 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
His Excellency Sir Henry Clinton having by a Letter to me of the 10th Instant, made a proposition to the following effect, Viz. “to exchange the Officers of our Army who are prisoners on parole or otherwise in his possession, for Officers & Men of the Troops of the Convention, according to the customary proportion, or according to such proportion as might be determined, by Commissioners...
79083To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 30 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
I got to this place last night but too late to take a survey of any part of the Country. I waited upon Lord Sterling as I came through Elizabeth Town and to my great surprise found Col. Moylans Light Dragoons had not been sent off. I spoke to his Lordship upon the necessity of sending them away immediately, he refusd to let them go, and said he would not remain at the Post if they were order’d...
79084From George Washington to Colonel John Lamb, 30 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
Sir James Jay is desirous of making some experiments in Gunnery, in order to which he will require some assistance, which it is my wish you should afford him upon application. I am Sir Your most obt Servt LS , in Tench Tilghman’s writing, CSmH .
79085From George Washington to Colonel William Malcom, 30 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
I intended in my way, to the Jerseys to have called at West Point; but being detained here by the weather, much longer than I expected to stay, I find it necessary to decline my proposed visit to the Garrison. I am to inform you that General McDougall is appointed to take the command in the Highlands—You will therefore receive your future orders from him. I am Sir Your most obedt sert. Your...
79086To George Washington from Major General Philip Schuyler, 30 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
Last night I was honored with Your Excellencys favor of the 20th Instant, which was transmitted me by Brigr General Hand. Sensibly Affected by the Confidence you do me the honor to repose, Impelled by the most affectionate Attatchment, by principles of gratitude, and Influenced by the most unfeigned desire to be Instrumental In promoting your happiness I shall venture my thoughts on the...
79087To George Washington from Major General Stirling, 30 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
There is nothing new Since I wrote your Excellency Yesterday Evening; every intelligence I have had Confirm the Sailing of the fleet and of the Commissioners tho’ not in Company; and that preparations for further imbarkations makeing; the Ships which have taken the Iron Ordinance on board are Still in the harbour; with the Ardent, and the Ships of War refitting & Scarce any others (I mean men...
79088From George Washington to Lund Washington, 30 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Lund Washington, c.30 Nov. 1778. On 17 Dec., in a letter to Lund Washington , GW referred to his letter to Lund of “about the last of November.”
79089To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel William Washington, 30 November 1778 (Washington Papers)
If your Excellency has not determin’d where Col: Baylor’s Regt, shall Winter, in which I have the Honor to be appointed, by Congress, in Room of Col: Byrd, I cou’d wish that Wilmington or Frederick-Town might be assign’d it. Col: Pettit & Cox are of opinion that either of those Places wou’d be more convenient than Bristol; but prefer Frederick-Town, supposing that a sufficient Quantity of...
79090To George Washington from Nathanael Greene, 1 December 1778 (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Nathanael Greene, 1 Dec. 1778. On 4 Dec. , GW acknowledged receipt of a letter of the “1st Inst. which met me on the way to this place.”
79091To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 1 December 1778 (Washington Papers)
This will be handed to you by the Hon. Mr Holker agent to the Royal Marine and Consul of France, whose known worth is universally acknowledged. It is now more than three weeks Since I had the honor to receive yours of the 29th Octr—Incloseing the resolve of Congress of the 22nd of the Same month appointing Major General Gates to the Command of the Eastern District, which I acknowledged in mine...
79092To George Washington from George Measam, 1 December 1778 (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from George Measam, 1 Dec. 1778. On 14 Dec., GW wrote Measam : “I received your two letters of the 1st and 4th Inst. this morning.”
79093From George Washington to Lieutenant Colonel William Washington, 1 December 1778 (Washington Papers)
I received your favor last night and have the pleasure of transmitting your Commission which had just come to hand before in a Letter from the president. Full instructions were made out for Baylors Regiment—but by accident they were put up in the paper Chest with the baggage. They shall follow you as soon as possible. In the mean time you will put the Regiment in motion and proceed with it as...
79094To George Washington from General Henry Clinton, 2 December 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have received your letter of the 27th of last month relative to the Exchange of Prisoners proposed by me in mine to Your Excellency of the 10th and in consequence thereof I shall send Two Commissioners to meet the like number on Your part, at the time and place appointed, when I hope both parties will enter upon the business proposed, with that zeal which the importance of the Object may...
79095To George Washington from Fleury, 2 December 1778 (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Fleury, 2 Dec. 1778. On 13 Dec., GW wrote Fleury : “I recd your favr of the 2d upon the Road between the North River and this place.”
79096To George Washington from Jedediah Huntington, 2 December 1778 (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Jedediah Huntington, 2 Dec. 1778. On 14 Dec., GW wrote Huntington : “Your favor of the 2d Inst. meet me on the road to this place.”
79097To George Washington from Henry Laurens, 2 December 1778 (Washington Papers)
I had the honor of writing to Your Excellency on the 28th Ultimo, and of presenting to Congress your favor of the 23d on the 30th. Last Night Mr Dodge delivered me Your Excellency’s Letter of the 26th which shall be laid before Congress this Morning. This will be accompanied by the undermentioned Papers. 1. An Act of Congress of the 30th November for the more speedily and effectually...
79098To George Washington from William Malcom, 2 December 1778 (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from William Malcom, 2 Dec. 1778. On 7 Dec. , GW acknowledged Malcom’s “two favors of the 2d & 5th Inst.”
79099To George Washington from John Sullivan, 2 December 1778 (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from John Sullivan, 2 Dec. 1778. On 20 Dec., GW wrote Sullivan : “I have your two letters of the 2d and 7th Int. now before me.”
79100From George Washington to Jeremiah Wadsworth, 2 December 1778 (Washington Papers)
By the inclosed you will perceive that the troops at Rhode Island are in extreme distress for want of Flour. If a supply of that Article is not already upon the way, you will, I hope, take every measure to have it thrown in before the Roads are in a worse state than they are at present—As I have not Copies of the inclosed be pleased to take care of them & return them. I am Sir Yr most obt...
79101To George Washington from Lund Washington, 2 December 1778 (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Lund Washington, 2 Dec. 1778. On 17 Dec., GW wrote Lund Washington that he had received “your Letters of the 25th of last month and 2d of this.”
79102To George Washington from John Armstrong, 3 December 1778 (Washington Papers)
By so good a conveyance as that of Coll Irwin I can not wave the pleasure of a line to your Excellency, tho’ destitute of news or any thing of an interesting nature. I hope before this time yr winter quarters or retirement, is some way determined—Towns according to the present exorbitant prices of things, are in my opinion very unfavourable to our Soldiery. The Subalterns of your Army often...
79103To George Washington from Moses Hazen, 3 December 1778 (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Moses Hazen, 3 Dec. 1778. On 7 Dec., GW wrote Hazen : “I received yestrday evening your favor of the 3d Inst.”
79104To George Washington from John Cadwalader, 4 December 1778 (Washington Papers)
The honorable Command given me, lately, by Congress, would have been very agreeable, if I had not conceived the war to be near the close —You may remember, in the last Conversation I had with your Excellency, I gave my reasons, fully, for declining any command in the Army. It is no small mortification to me, that by not entering early into the Service, I lost the opportunity of shareing the...
79105From George Washington to Colonel Thomas Clark, 4–7 December 1778 (Washington Papers)
As the Convention Troops will have passed above you by the time this reaches you, the object of your Station at the Clove will have been effected. You will therefore be pleased to move down to Paramus with the Carolina Brigade and quarter your Men in as compact a manner as the situation of the Buildings will permit. You shall, upon my arrival at Middle Brook receive more particular...
79106From George Washington to Colonel Thomas Clark, 4 December 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have just now received authentic intelligence, that the Enemy have Several Ships moving up the North River with Troops & flat bottomed boats. I do not know what their object is—but you will hold all your troops in readiness, taking care to have them well supplied with amunition & provision, that the pass through the Clove may be defended to the last extremity if the Enemy mean to attempt the...
79107From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 4 December 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have to acknowlege the receipt of your last letters of the 30th Ulto and the 1st Inst. which met me on the way to this place. If Mr Wallace can spare two rooms below Stairs, it will <certainly> make our quarters much more comfortable as well as render them more convenient for public business. You <will be pleased> to concert measures with Mr Wallace for this purpose. I consider with you the...
79108To George Washington from Nathanael Greene, 4 December 1778 (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Nathanael Greene, 4 Dec. 1778. On 5 Dec., GW’s aide Robert Hanson Harrison wrote to Greene that GW “desired me to acknowledge his receipt of your favor of yesterday” (see GW to Greene, 4 Dec. , source note).
79109From George Washington to Major General Johann Kalb, 4 December 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have just received information, that the enemy have sent fifty two sail of vessels up the North River. What may be the design is not easy to determine; but if any thing serious is intended it must be one of three things—to make a stroke upon the forts—to rescue the Convention troops, or to intercept our line of march. To prevent their succeeding in the first, I am to desire, you will...
79110From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 4 December 1778 (Washington Papers)
Between Fredericksburg and this place, where I arrived yesterday afternoon, I had the Honor to receive Your Excellency’s several favors of the 26th 27th & 28th in due order, with their several Inclosures, which shall have my attention. My being on the road from the time of their coming to hand till yesterday, prevented me from acknowledging them before. As many inconveniences would attend the...