80351From George Washington to Juan de Miralles, 18 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
I take the liberty to trouble you with duplicate and triplicate of a letter which I did myself the honor to write to His Excellency The Governor of Havannah some time since, the original of which I am apprehensive may miscarry —and I entreat your care in forwarding them by the earliest and safest opportunities. I am anxious that this letter should get to His Excellency, as it conveys to him my...
80352To George Washington from Brigadier General Charles Scott, 18 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
Your Excys favour of the 5th Instant Respecting the recruits marching to the Southward came to hand this day. Be assurd Sir that every attention that the nature of the Case will admit of, shall be paid, to Your instructions. but the arival of the enemy have so Totally deranged our affars with respect to Clothing the troops and indeed every other thing that it Will be impossable to say with any...
80353To George Washington from Major General John Sullivan, 18 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
I met the Inclosed at this place & Take the Liberty to Inclose the whole to Your Excy that You may See our prospects & have an Idea of the Existing Difficulties The ⟨Ne⟩w Hampshire Regt Seems to be without Tents or any thing Else I was apprehensive that unless Tents was mentioned in the orders Sent for marchg they would Come without them Yr Excy will please to forward the Letter to Genl Green...
80354To George Washington from Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 18 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
I was honored with yours of the 8th Instant, & am fully convinced of the force, as well as propriety of your Objections to the plan which I took the Liberty to Suggest—Indeed the reasons against it are so just, & so pointed that had they sooner Occured, I certainly shou’d not have Intruded upon your Excellencies time & patience on that Occation. I am now to Inform you that I have succeeded so...
80355General Orders, 19 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
Captain Nathaniel Burril of Colonel Harrisons regiment of Artillery is appointed Aide-De-Camp to Major General Howe he is to be respected accordingly. The executions and punishments which were to have been this day are postponed ’till the first fair day 11 oClock A.M. —The Parties from the several brigades will attend accordingly. A conductor of military stores is to be appointed to each...
80356To George Washington from Elias Boudinot, 19 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
I must beg leave to trouble your Excellency once more, with a matter, I think worth Communicating—Some time ago, a Person of a very loose & suspicious Character, who was a mere Gambler in & about this Quarter, was employed as a recruiting Sergeant, or an assistant in this Business for some of our Officers—His Behaviour was such as to give great disgust to our Friends here, and he was...
80357To George Washington from William Fitzhugh, 19 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
I had the Honor to recieve your Acceptable favor of the 10th Ulto & am Happy to Hear of yours & your Ladys Health. Be Pleas’d to accept Mrs Fitzhugh’s & my thanks for your Kind Attention to My Son; I did Expect that a Cartel wou’d have taken Place, & am Sorry the Flattering Hope is Pass’d away. I Cannot think the Enemy will be Able to Hold N. york & Rhode Island this Summer. Considering the...
80358From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 19 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
I inclose you a letter from Major General Sullivan with the several papers to which he refers. The difficulties that have arisen through a deficiency of waggons—and the want of tents and other articles in your department, will claim the earliest notice. The papers will point out the embarrasment which our operations must experience should they not be removed. I have therefore to request your...
80359To George Washington from Nathanael Greene, 19 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
Letter not found : from Nathanael Greene, 19 May 1779. GW wrote to Greene on this date enclosing a letter from Maj. Gen. John Sullivan complaining about the shortage of wagons and other supplies. GW then wrote to Sullivan on this date enclosing Greene’s “answer,” which he had just received.
80360To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel Adam Hubley, Jr., 19 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
By the resighnation of Colo: Hartley of the 11th Pennsya Regt—I, as eldest Lieut. Colo: of the line, considered myself, intitled to the same, and accordingly, wrote to the Hone the Executive Council of the State of Pennsya, requesting they would, recommend me to the Board of War, and procure the Appointment to which I was intitled. The Council, in consequence of a certificate sign’d by Genl St...
80361To George Washington from John Jay, 19 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with your Excellency’s Favors of the 11th—14th—16th—two of the 17th—and the one by General McIntosh with the several Papers referred to in them. Congress concur with your Excellency in Opinion that an immediate Enquiry into the Matters of Complaint, preferred by General McIntosh, would at present be inexpedient. Copies of three Acts of Congress are herewith enclosed—One of...
80362To George Washington from John Jay, 19 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
Herewith enclosed Your Excellency will receive a Copy of an Act of Congress of the 11th Inst. making further Provision for Officers in the Quarter Master’s Department. I have the honor to be With the greatest Respect & Esteem Your Excellency’s Most Obedient Servant LS , DLC:GW ; LB , DNA:PCC , item 14. The enclosed copy of a resolution of 11 May is in DLC:GW ; see also JCC Worthington Chauncey...
80363From George Washington to Theodosia Prevost, 19 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
It is much to be regreted, that the pleasure of obeying the first emotions in favor of misfortune, is not always in our power. I should be happy, could I consider myself at liberty to comply with your request, in the case of your brother, Mr Peter De Visme. But, as I have heretofore taken no direction in the disposal of marine prisoners, I cannot with propriety, interfere on the present...
80364To George Washington from Peter Scull, 19 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
Your Excellency’s Letter of the 10th instant inclosing the arrangement of the ninth Virginia Regiment was delivered the 15th by Colonel Gibson. Commissions have been issued and delivered in consequence of it. I herwith transmit the promotions in the 6th Regiment of Connecticut, occasioned by the resignation of Captain Pond. I have the honor to be with profound respect Your Excellency’s most...
80365From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 19 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
Your letter of the 18th instant came to hand to-day. I have made such communication of its contents to the Quarter Master General as appeared necessary to releive our operations from their present embarrasments, and have recd this moment the answer which I inclose —In the return of the New-Hampshire regiment I observe over alls and shirts. These were ordered to be drawn at Peeks kill—and in...
80366From George Washington to the Virginia Field Officers, 19 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have received Your report on the claims of John Allison and John Lee Esquires to the Lieutenant Colonelcy in the first Virginia State Regiment, and am exceedingly sorry the Board have been so concise in their proceedings. I must request that they will not only state their opinion of the parties rights, which they have done; but that they will give a summary, of the grounds on which they...
80367To George Washington from Lund Washington, 19 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
Letter not found : from Lund Washington, 19 May 1779. GW wrote to Lund Washington on 29 May acknowledging receipt of “Your Letter of the 19th which came to hand by the last Post.”
80368General Orders, 20 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
Varick transcript , DLC:GW .
80369From George Washington to a Board of General Officers, 20 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have the Honor to transmit you such papers respecting the rank & Arrangement of the Maryland Officers, as concern the points meant to be referred by Yesterday’s Orders to Your consideration. After Your report and Arrangement on the 13th of April (No. 6 & 7) —the matters unfinished by you were submitted to a Committee of Field-Officers in that line. The papers No. 1 & 2 contain their Report &...
80370To George Washington from James Clinton, 20 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
Letter not found : from James Clinton, 20 May 1779. On 28 May , GW acknowledged receipt of a letter from Clinton of 20 May.
80371To George Washington from Richard Humpton, 20 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
Letter not found : from Richard Humpton, 20 May 1779. On 1 June, GW wrote to Humpton: “I received several days ago Your favor of the 20th Ulto” (DLC: GW).
80372Certificate for Henry Beekman Livingston, 20 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
I certify that Henry B. Livingston Esquire has served in the Army of the United States in the capacities of Captain, Lieutenant Colonel & Colonel, with the command of a regiment, in all which he has maintained the character of an intelligent, active & brave Officer, having distinguished himself upon several occasions. Given under my Hand at Middle Brook Camp the 20 day of May 1779. Df , in...
80373From George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 20 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
General Huntington and some Officers of his Brigade were some time since on a Court Martial at Reading —I have directed General Putnam to appoint another Court at that place consisting wholly or principally of the same members to try one of the persons concerned in the same transactions who did not attend as he ought to have done and apparently endeavoured to elude his trial by a resignation...
80374From George Washington to the Pennsylvania Supreme Executive Council, 20 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
A few days since I was honored with your favour of the 8th instant. It is my constant endeavour to cultivate the confidence of the governments of the several states by an equal and uniform attention to their respective interests, so far as falls within the line of my duty and the compass of the means with which I am intrusted. With a consciousness of this, it is natural that my sensibility...
80375From George Washington to Jeremiah Powell, 20 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to inclose your Excellency an extract from the proceedings of the Court Martial upon Lt Colonels Mason & Smith held by order of Congress in consequence of a report of the committee of the Honorable the Council appointed to inquire into the conduct of the officers employed in the public works at Springfield. These proceedings were transmitted to Congress and by them referred to...
80376From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 20 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
I return you the papers relating to the officers at Springfield —I find by them that Major Ayres has avoided a trial by a resignation. This is a matter which it would be inconsistent with my duty to permit as the charge against Major Ayres is of a very serious nature and founded on the report of a public body. It is contrary to practice that the resignation of an officer while under arrest...
80377To George Washington from Israel Shreve, 20 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
Letter not found : from Israel Shreve, 20 May 1779. On 21 May, GW wrote to Shreve : “I have duly received your favor of yesterdays date.”
80378General Orders, 21 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
Varick transcript , DLC:GW . Adj. Gen. Alexander Scammell’s orderly book entry for this date includes the following additional general orders: “The review of General Woodford’s Brigade is postponed ’till Monday next. The General Court Martial whereof Colonel Greene is President is adjourned ’till tomorrow ten ôClock in the forenoon; The Members will give punctual attendance at that time”...
80379From George Washington to Colonel Theodorick Bland, 21 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
Inclosed is an order of Congress of the 7th instant. You will be pleased to take immediate measures for the execution of its objects. I have forwarded a copy to Lt Col. Washington for his government on this occasion. I would suppose it is not intended by the resolve that you should leave the command at Charlotte Ville. I am sir &c. Df , in James McHenry’s writing, DLC:GW ; Varick transcript ,...
80380From George Washington to Colonel Daniel Brodhead, 21 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
Your favors of the 3d & 6 instant came to hand the 18th with the papers to which they refer. The irregularity among the troops occasioned by the inhabitants selling them liquor should be stopped by such means as we have in our power. The establishment of military law where the civil prevails, is a measure of extreme necessity, and which I have no authority to recommend. On the present occasion...
80381From George Washington to Daniel De Hart, c.21 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
Letter not found : to Daniel De Hart, c.21 May 1779. On this date GW wrote to Israel Shreve enclosing a “letter to Mr Daniel De Hart.”
80382From George Washington to Major General Horatio Gates, 21 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
I am duly favored with your letter of the 7th. Immediately on the receipt of it, I forwarded the inclosed packet to Congress and seconded your application. I have since learnt though not from authority that a supply of money must have reached you ere this. I am equally concerned and alarmed at the dangerous spirit which has appeared in the troops under your command from the unfortunate causes...
80383To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 21 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
In the month of September last Standing in need of an aid De Camp in conformity to the resolution of the Hon. Congress of the 27th May 1778 I appointed one from the line vizt Capt. Thomas Cartwright of Colo. Henry Jacksons Regt Since which in the new arrainging the officers of His Regiment Captain Cartwright was omitted, The Colonel apprehending as he has Since declared that Capt. Cartwright...
80384To George Washington from Elijah Hunter, 21 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have Just ariv’d from Newyork as I have Been Down with a Flag agreeabl to our Plan I have Been In the City for Several Days and have had Recourse to any Person I Chose and Peticular with Governor Tryon and General Clintons A.D.C. Capt. Andrew which I Was in a Conferrence Several Times with them Conserng The Ensueing Campain They were Very Peticular With me to obtain your Strength also the...
80385From George Washington to George Morgan, 21 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
I thought it necessary to transmit you the inclosed extract of a letter from Col. Brodhead, that you may be on your guard with respect to the design formed against the Indians under your care. I have directed Colonel Brodhead in a letter of this date, to meet them with an escort on their return for their better protection. It may be proper in this case, to communicate to him, the route you...
80386From George Washington to Philip Schuyler, 21 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
The duplicate of your favor of the 27th Ulto (the original is also come safe) and of the 10th & 12th Instt reached my hands with their inclosures this day, and I thank you for the several articles of intelligence therein contained. Lieutt McClelans acct of his Scout from Fort Schuyler to Oswegatchie is plain distinct, & pointed, so far as he undertakes to relate; but I can find no such water...
80387To George Washington from Philip Schuyler, 21 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
Both Your Excellency’s favors of the 10th Instant I had the honor to receive last night. the letters which were Inclosed for General Clinton and Colonel Van Schaick were Instantly returned to Albany. Immediately on receipt of Your favor of the 5th Instant I dispatched Instructions to Colo: V. Schaick and Mr Deane pointing out the mode I wished to have pursued In exploring the Country from Wood...
80388To George Washington from Peter Scull, 21 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
Your Excellency has been pleased to forward us the report of the Board of Officers respecting Majors Murray, Mentges, & Nichols, which were receiv’d at the office yesterday. As I should conclude from the tenor of the letter accompanying that report, that there no longer subsist any disputes in the pennsylvania line of field officers, I would request to be instructed in what manner the...
80389To George Washington from Isaac Sherman, 21 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
Letter not found : from Isaac Sherman, 21 May 1779. On 30 May, GW wrote to Sherman : “your favor of the 21st came duly to hand.”
80390From George Washington to Colonel Israel Shreve, 21 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have duly received your favor of yesterdays date. The Inclosed letter to Mr Daniel De Hart contains a permission for Mrs Chamier and her daughter, a chariot two horses—a servant and baggage to pass to Maryland. You will therefore suffer her on her coming from New York to proceed on her journey. I shall write to the board of war for the alteration in the dates of Appleton and Pecks...
80391From George Washington to Brigadier General William Smallwood et al., 21 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have the Honor of transmitting you a Copy of the Arrangement of the Field Officers in your line by the Board of General Officers—and of the Captains Lieutenants &c. &c. by the Committee appointed for the purpose—both of which are confirm’d; and I have to request that you will digest the whole regimentally as soon as possible and return the arrangement to me that it may be sent to the Board...
80392To George Washington from Major General John Sullivan, 21 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
“General McDougle was apply’d to for Frocks and overhalls for the new Hampshire Troops he ordered one pair of over halls ⅌ man but nothing else and I believe There is not a single article sent from that Quarter for the Regiment of Courtland and Spencer, these things must be remedied but I cannot point out a method perhaps Tents may be sent on from the magazine at the main Army or at Moris...
80393To George Washington from the Virginia Delegates, 21 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
Letter not found : from the Virginia Delegates, 21 May 1779. On 25 May, GW wrote to the delegates , “I was last night honoured with your favor of the 21st Instant.”
80394From George Washington to Lieutenant Colonel William Washington, 21 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
Inclosed is an order of Congress of the 7th instant, for the equipped and as many of the dismounted men of your co[r]ps, as Colonel Bland may be able to furnish with spare horses, to join his regiment under proper officers and proceed therewith to the Southern army. You will attend to its execution immediately; at the same time reserving the necessary proportion of officers to the care of that...
80395General Orders, 22 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
The duty of Sub-Inspector. The Sub-Inspectors are to consider themselves at all times subject to the orders of the commanding officers of the divisions to which they are respectively attached. They are to receive their instructions relative to the department from the Inspector General and are to see that the new regulations are carried strictly into execution. They will take the general orders...
80396Circular to the States, 22 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
The situation of our affairs at this period appears to me peculiarly critical, and this I flatter myself will apologise for that anxiety which impels me to take the liberty of addressing you on the present occasion. The state of the army in particular is alarming on several accounts—that of its numbers is not among the least. Our battalions are exceedingly reduced, not only from the natural...
80397From George Washington to the Board of War, 22 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
I herewith transmit the board two letters, one to Colonel Bland, the other to Lt Col. Washington with the resolve of Congress of the 7th, ordering them to proceed to join the Southern army. The inclosed copy of a letter from Lt Col. Washington has induced me to imagine that the resolve has not yet reached him. I therefore send the letters open, through the board, lest in their transmission I...
80398From George Washington to the Board of War, 22 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have been honoured with your favor of the 17th Instant. Besides the absence of General Hand and the want of a state of his claim—the Resolution of the 4th of February only authorises me to settle the rank of Officers under the degree of a Brigadier —and therefore at any rate the case between him and General Irvine could not be taken up without special authority for the purpose; which has...
80399To George Washington from Colonel Daniel Brodhead, 22 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
I am Honored with yours of the third instant and the Inclosure. The Strictest Attention Shall ever be paid to all the Instructions your Excellency may from time to time be pleased to give me and I am very happy in having permission to establish the posts at Kittaning and Venango and am Convinced they will answer the Grand purposes mentioned in your letter, The Greatest difficulty will be to...
80400From George Washington to Archibald Cary, c.22 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
I very sincerely lament that the situation of our service will not permit us to do justice to the merits of Major Monroe, who will deliver you this, by placing him in the army upon some satisfactory footing. But as he is on the point of leaving us and expresses an intention of going to the Southward where a new scene has opened, it is with pleasure I take occasion to express to you the high...