80351To George Washington from Joseph Reed, 26 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
Letter not found : from Joseph Reed, 26 April 1779. On 27 April , GW acknowledged “the receipt of your two letters in Council of the 24th and 25th inst, to which I should have added that of the 26th.”
80352To George Washington from the Rhode Island Legislature, 26 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
This Council being informed that Major General Gates hath orders from Your Excellency to hold General Glovers Brigade in readiness to march from this post on the Shortest notice —and sensibly Affected with the distresses which our Inhabitants already feel, and which must be greatly increased by the Removal of so great a part of the force now here—take the Liberty of Stating our peculiarly...
80353General Orders, 27 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
A General Court-Martial of the line to sit tomorrow morning 10 ôclock at the usual place to try all such persons as shall come before them—Colonel Gunby to preside. The Honorable the Congress have been pleased to pass the following resolution—In Congress February 18th 1779. Plan for the department of Inspector General. Resolved, That there be an Inspector General to the Armies of the United...
80354To George Washington from James Duane, 27 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
I beg Leave to recommend the enclosed papers transmitted by Governour Clinton to your Excellency’s Attention—As you have full power to conduct the Exchange of Prisoners it is needless to lay them before Congress. Permit me to request your Excellency to favour Governour Clinton with the Directions you may think proper to give on this Subject. I have the Honour to be—for myself and the Delegates...
80355To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 27 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
His Excellency the Ambassador is now at this place. He sets off for Camp at 7 oClock in the morning and intends dining with your Excellency. I have this moment arrivd here I left Philadelphia between two & three this afternoon. Before I left Town an Express arrivd from Georgia that brought dispaches from General Lincoln—He says there has been two little skirmishes lately in both which we gaind...
80356To George Washington from Brigadier General Lachlan McIntosh, 27 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
In obedience to your Excellency’s desire I am to inform you the Situation of the Several posts west of the Mountains, & will add the reasons for Establishing them which may enable you to Judge the better of their propriety. When I went there first, I found Fort Pitt in the fork of Ohio—Fort Randolph at the point, or, Mouth of great Kanhawa 300 Miles down the River Ohio. and Fort Hand on...
80357To George Washington from Brigadier General William Maxwell, 27 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have the pleasure to inclose Your Excellency Yesterdays New York Paper giving an account of the Packet’s arival. I likewise inclose you a note I got with the Paper last nigh[t]. The person who deliverd my man the papers, last night says that the Flat bottom’d Boats went down to the Hook the day the note was wrote. Some emajins they are for Munmoth others for Egg Harbour I think it must be...
80358From George Washington to Joseph Reed, 27 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
In a line of yesterday, as I did not think it proper to detain the express & delay the notice then given till I could prepare a more explicit answer, I only briefly acknowledged the receipt of your two letters in Council of the 24th and 25th inst, to which I should have added that of the 26th —I am now to enter into a particular consideration of their contents, and to offer such explanation as...
80359From George Washington to Philip Schuyler, 27 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
Your Letter of the 15th by Doctr Cochran came to my hands yesterday—The intelligence contained in it is of importance, if true, and I shall be much obliged to you for sending persons into Canada (if you have them not already there) for the purpose of ascertaining the truth of the report. The certainty of which must affect, materially, the intended Indian Expedition. I will thankfully pay any...
80360To George Washington from Philip Schuyler, 27 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
Last Night Captain Graham, of Van Schaick’s, delivered me Dispatches from that Officer, advising me of the Success of the Troops of the united States under his Command on the Enterprize against Onondaga; for particulars, permit me to refer your Excellency to the inclosed papers. The Secrecy, Dispatch and propriety with which Colonel Van Schaick has executed his orders do him great Honor and...
80361To George Washington from Peter Scull, 27 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
I return your Excellency the four commissions sent for alteration in your Letter of the 22d, together with a memorial of Captain Keene late of patton’s Regiment praying to be readmitted into the pennsylvania line as his health is reestablished; and his extreme low state at the time the late Committee sat having been the only reason why he was excluded. Captain Stoddards resignation has been...
80362To George Washington from Charles Stewart, 27 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
Your Excellency’s Instructions of the 21st Instant I receiv’d Yesterday and for Answer beg leave to inform you that being desirous to know the state of the Stores in my Department on the first of this Month and to have if possible regular Monthly Returns in future from the respective Deputy-Commissaries-General to enable me at all times to furnish Your Excellency with Accurate Monthly Returns...
80363To George Washington from Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 27 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have taken time and opportunity to consult with Gentlemen, in order to give the better information on the head of inquiry, mentioned in your letter of the 24th of March last. This State intend to compleat their quota of Continental Battalions—After this, it is my opinion that one Battalion of Militia, equal in number to a Continental one, may be drawn from hence, well equipped, & commanded...
80364General Orders, 28 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
Varick transcript , DLC:GW . Adj. Gen. Alexander Scammell’s orderly book entry for this date includes the following general order: “A Sub—Serjt & twenty R[ank] & File from the 2nd pennsylvania Brigade for Fatigue—Tomorrow.” (orderly book, 22 Dec. 1778–26 June 1779, DNA : RG 93, Orderly Books, 1775–1783, vol. 28).
80365From George Washington to Major General Benedict Arnold, 28 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
I informed you in a short line of the 26th that your trial was postponed, with a promise to explain the reason at another opportunity. I had received a letter from the Council, representing that the period appointed for the purpose, and the previous notice given, were too short to admit of the necessary witnesses being produced in time. One of the most material they inform me is in Virginia...
80366From George Washington to John Jay, 28 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have been duly honored with your Excellency’s favor of the 25th and its inclosures. You will perceive by the within resolution of the assembly of the State of Massachusetts, that there are several pieces of cannon (18 pounders) the property of the Continent, now in that state. General McDougall informs me that only two pieces out of the seven have been received. The defenceless situation of...
80367To George Washington from Samuel Hodgdon, 28 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
Captn Winder calls on me with a Letter from Mr Henry inclosing an Invoice and receipt for sundry Military Stores delivered Captn Winder for the use of the First Maryland Brigade, and requests that I would take the Brigade Quarter Masters receipts & charge them to the Brig[ad]e and forward him my rect to Cancel Captn Winders. as this mode is entirely new, and for several reasons...
80368To George Washington from Richard Henry Lee, 28 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
The inclosed letter from the Lieutenant Governor of South Carolina, committed by Congress to the consideration of a committee of three, and which, in the name of the committee I have now the honor to inclose your Excellency, will shew you the extremity to which our affairs in that quarter are driving. The Committee find a choice of difficulties in this business, because the reliance on Militia...
80369From George Washington to William Livingston, 28 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to inclose your Excellency extracts of three letters I have just received—one from a confidential correspondent at New York of the 25th another from General Maxwell, inclosing that , of the 27th and another from Lt Col. Ford stationed in Monmouth County of the 26th. From the correspondence of time and circumstances, it appears that the troops mentioned in these different...
80370From George Washington to Brigadier General William Maxwell, 28 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
Your letters of the 25 and 26th came duly to hand with their inclosures. I have considered the Court Martial held at New-Ark of which Major Piatt was president; and as John Malcom appears from the face of the evidence to have been the most active and criminal in the transaction, I have therefore confirmed his sentence of death and inclosed a warrant for his execution. McDonald appearing less...
80371From George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 28 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have duly received within these few days past your several favors of the 15th 17th and 24th instant. In a letter of this date I have requested the interposition of Congress, that the cannon in the State of Massachusetts, the property of the Continent, may be pr[o]cured for the Posts on the North river. I would imagine that my last orders to the officer commanding at Reading, which were...
80372To George Washington from Major General Alexander McDougall, 28 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
I was honored with your Favor of the 23rd, accompanied with one to General Putnam, which was immediately forwarded. The Closing the Communication thrô the Enemy’s Lines, has been explained by a Forage, made by Colonel Emerick to East Chester—That Measure was necessary for them; as many Waggons were collected, least our Parties might disturb him. The Object of the Enemy for the Campaign, is now...
80373From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 28 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
By intelligence received from different quarters, there is great reason to suspect the enemy have some important movement in contemplation—In this aspect of things, it becomes the part of prudence to provide as effectually as we can for the security of those points, at which we are most vulnerable. I am therefore to desire you will, without delay , detach General Parsons’ Brigade to reinforce...
80374To George Washington from Brigadier General Charles Scott, 28 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
After finding the Recruits did not meet at Alexandria agreable to my orders, I returnd to this post where I found about four hundred new Recruits and two hundred of the Reinlisted men on furlough. I have with Some difficulty Clothed three hundred of the recruits who togather with one Hundred of the reinlisted men marches for Camp this day, the men are now begining to colect preety fast but I...
80375To George Washington from Colonel Philip Van Cortlandt, 28 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
This Acknowledges the receipt of your Excellencys Order to March to Easton with my Regt which I Recd, about Seven Miles from Popaking on my way to the Delaware with a party of men which I was Induced to do in Order to pascify the Inhabitants of this Fruntier who are in Continual Fears Occasioned by Several Reports from that Quarter Communicated to Colo. Paulding by some persons he Can rely on...
80376General Orders, 29 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
Varick transcript , DLC:GW .
80377To George Washington from Brigadier General James Clinton, 29 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
I am just returned from an Excursion up the Mohawk River, in consequence of an Alarm given by a Body of Indians, who made their Appearance, and attacked several parts of that Country at the same time tho’ without doing any considerable Damage. I have erected a small Bloock house about 10 Miles from Johnstown on the Fork of the Roads leading to May-Field and Sochondoga. On my return I was...
80378From George Washington to John Jay, 29 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to inform your Excellency, that by a letter from Capt. Burrows dated the 26th at Middle Town, it appears, that the body of the Enemy mentioned in my last, as having made an incursion into Monmouth County reimbarked the afternoon of the same day and returned to New York. A small party of fifteen Continental Troops under Capt. Burrows had kept up a desultory fire upon them for a...
80379From George Washington to Captain Samuel Kearsley, 29 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have to acknowlege your letter of the 25th instant. When officers have decided on leaving the army; as I cannot oblige them to continue, so it would be in vain to make the attempt. I could not add superior considerations to those of serving their country; nor would it be in my power to reconcile every change of situation, to the sentiments of those who may be seperated from their brother...
80380From George Washington to William Livingston, 29 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
I had the honor to write your Excellency yesterday on the subject of an incursion made by the enemy into Monmouth County. The inclosed copy of a letter from Capn Burrows to Lord Stirling will inform you of their retreat and embarkation. I cannot suppose the Captn mistaken as to their going off—tho’I have not received any advice from Col. Ford the substance of which I communicated since his...
80381From George Washington to Colonel William Malcom, 29 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have received your two favours of the 24th and 25th—and can only regret, that circumstances should have been such as to induce you to decline the command of the new corps—I am also sorry for the dissatisfactions, that appear among the officers and men; the request of the latter cannot be complied with—I have no power for it—it would lead to extensive consequences—and indeed I dislike the...
80382To George Washington from the Maryland Council, 29 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
Mrs Chamiers Friends are very desirous of obtaining Leave for her sending her Household Furniture and Cloathing round from New York by Water we are not satisfied of the propriety of any particular State giving a permission of the Kind though we wish, because of Mr Chamiers generous Conduct to many of our prisoners his Widow should obtain the desired Indulgence this has laid us under the...
80383To George Washington from Philip Schuyler, 29 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
Your Excellency’s Favor of the 19th I had the Honor to receive on the 27th Inst., a few Hours after the Express with mine of that Date was dispatched. The Arguments adduced in Favor of employing General Clinton’s Brigade from the Mohawk River against the left Flank of the Enemy, cogent as they are, appear to me to be more than ballanced by those urged for a Junction with the main Body at Owege...
80384To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel William Stephens Smith, 29 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
Immagening that the multiplicity of Business that your Excellency must at present be necessarily engaged in, would render it something inconvenient to honour me with a private Audience; I have thought it most proper to adopt this method to inform you of my Situation which at present is not so agreable as I could wish. I was permitted by M.G. Sullivan to come on with him to H. Quarters, to...
80385From George Washington to Colonel Oliver Spencer, 29 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
I am informed by Colonel Malcom in a letter of the 25th in[s]tant of your arrival and that you were to take the command of the new corps. He has declined the service. It appears from his letter that the officers and men are dissatisfied in their present situation—the latter in particular have expressed a desire to be distributed among the regiments belonging to the States where they have been...
80386From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 29 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
I shall be so much engaged with the minister and Don Juan during their stay and other indispensible business that it will be next to impossible to attend steadily to the objects of the expedition which you are to command. But that no obstructions may be thrown in the way on this account, or the least suspension occasioned in our arrangements—you will inform me in the mean time should any new...
80387To George Washington from Major General John Sullivan, 29 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
I am this moment honored with your Excys favor of this morning I am to be upon the Business you are pleased to Mention this afternoon & Shall take Care to See that Every thing is in Readiness as I know much of your Excellys time will be taken up. As I am to go upon the Business by appointment at three of Clock your Excelly will please to Excuse my not doing myself the honor to Dine with you to...
80388General Orders, 30 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
Varick transcript , DLC:GW .
80389To George Washington from Royal Flint, 30 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
By some accounts, just received from Philadelphia, I find the Purchasers have lately had good success, in procuring flour. My apprehensions of falling short in that article are fully removed. I make no doubt, the several armies may be comfortably subsisted, through the campaigne. Colonel Blaine had not returned to Philadelphia the 28 inst.; An express was every moment expected from him. There...
80390From George Washington to Brigadier General Edward Hand, 30 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
your several favors of the 16th from Lancaster—and the 23d & 26 Instant from Esthertown were duly handed me. Proper measures have been taken with the commissary of ordinance and military stores to have the necessary supply of such articles as are the subject of yours of the 16th forwarded. As to the axes & pack-saddles; on enquiry I find that the latter, of which you complain, were not...
80391From George Washington to John Jay, 30 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to inclose you an extract of a letter from Major General Gates relative to the complaints among the troops in the Eastern department for want of their pay —It will naturally claim the notice of Congress should not the nec[e]ssary supply of money have been ordered before this time. I have the honor to be with great regard and esteem Your most hble sevt. Df , in James McHenry’s...
80392From George Washington to Richard Henry Lee, 30 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
I was duly honored with your letter of the 28th in behalf of the Committee for Southern affairs, with the inclosed copy of one from the Lt Governor of S. Carolina. The situation of affairs in that quarter has an aspect truly alarming; and though our force here after the troops intended for the Indian expedition are detached will be reduced so low as to afford cause of uneasiness; yet as the...
80393To George Washington from Major General Alexander McDougall, 30 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
Altho I am extremely averse, to detaching men from their Corps; yet I cannot help expressing a Wish, to detain the Masons of General Poor’s Brigade, if I have your Orders for it. It is next to impossible, to get a sufficient Number of them, on any Terms, and they are much wanted to compleat the Works at West Point—The whole Number in it, is under Ten—The Place is a central Position, for them;...
80394To George Washington from Colonel Oliver Spencer, 30 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
your Excellency’s favour of Yesterday I Receiv’d, have ordered the Stores at Machocamack to be conveyed down as far as Van Camps, where a quantity of Stores are Deposited by Col. Hooper, I do not think the Stores will be very Safe there, without a guard. as bringing off our men from that part leaves the Whole Country on the Delaware open—enclsed is a return of Such Officers as chuse to remain...
80395To George Washington from Colonel Oliver Spencer, 30 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
agreable to your Excellency’s Orders the Regiment, has arrived at this place there are no proper tools for mending the roads in this town but have orderd those at Minisink to Meet us at Col: Strouds, as there are various roads from this, Leading thro’ the great Swamp to Wyoming am at Some loss which road your Excellency may have in View for us to take and repair. Shall be much Obliged to be...
80396From George Washington to Major Benjamin Tallmadge, 30 April 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have been duly favoured with your letter of the 21st instant, and its inclosure. The plan for opening the communication by way of Staten Island may be delayed till C. hears further from me on the subject. However, I would have him to keep his eye upon such persons as he may think worthy of confidence. Should Brown be released from the Provost, and return to Burgen; and appear fully adequate...
80397General Orders, 1 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: “B. Genl Gist is to take Command of the 2nd Maryland Brigade. “A Serjt Corpl & twelve men from the pennsylvania Line with two Days provision to be send to the Commisary Genl of prisoners Tomorrow Morning & to receive his Orders” (orderly book, 22 Dec....
80398To George Washington from Colonel Richard Butler, 1 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
When I left Camp I had no Idea that my little buisiness would have given me So much trouble else I would have requested more time of your Excellency to do it in, but, as there is A good field Officer with my Regt, I hope the Service will be at no loss & that your Excellency will Excuse my Stay untill I get it done which I hope will be in A few days—& I think it will be better to have my...
80399To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel Benjamin Flower, 1 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
I once more take the liberty of addressing your Excellancy on the subject of my private concerns which I am now sensible I have too long neglected. But your benevolent disposition will not suffer any distance of time to exclude from Justice, an Officer who has had the Honor of serveing under You. As a general arrangement of the Officers of the army is now on the Carpet, it appears to be the...
80400From George Washington to Major General Horatio Gates, 1 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have to acknowledge the due receipt of your two favors both of the 12th instant, and their several inclosures. The paragraph in your letter relative to money for paying off the Troops I have transmitted to Congress. I herewith send you a resolution of Congress of the 14th on the case of Major Harnage and Capt. Hawker of the Convention Troops with which you will be pleased to make him...