81051Enclosure: Plan of Attack, c.15 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
The troops are to march [ ] at [ ] o Clock and move by the right, making a short halt at the Creek, or run next on this side Clements’s. Every officer, and non commissioned officer will remain with, and be answerable for every man in their platoons. No soldier to be permitted to quit the ranks on any pretence whatever, untill a general halt is made, and then to be attended by one of the...
81052General Orders, 16 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
The Commander in Chief is happy to congratulate the Army on the success of our Arms under Brigadier General Wayne, who last night with the corps of Light Infantry surprised and took the enemy’s post at Stony-Point with the whole Garrison Cannon & Stores with very inconsiderable loss on our side. The General has not yet received the particulars of the affair, but he has the satisfaction to...
81053From George Washington to the Officer Commanding Artillery at Chester, N.Y., 16 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
You will be pleased immediately to send to this place, the two 12 pounders & the 24 now with the park properly Officerd & manned, they will receive their orders here —I have to observe that the heavy pieces which came down some time ago, had but one Officer with them—the matter I wish to be attended to—The remaining Officers & Men I desire you will hold in readiness to move at a moments...
81054To George Washington from the Board of War, 16 July 1779 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found : from the Board of War, 16 July 1779. GW wrote the Board of War on 25 July: “I am honored with your two letters of the 15th and 16th.”
81055From George Washington to George Clinton, 16 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have the pleasure to transmit Your Excellency the enclosed copy of a letter from Brig. Gen. Wayne, which this moment came to hand. I congratulate you upon our success—and what makes it still more agreeable, from the report of Capt. Fishbourne who brought Gen. Wayne’s letter, the Post was gained with but very inconsiderable loss on our part. I have not yet obtained the particulars of the...
81056To George Washington from Conrad-Alexandre Gérard, 16 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
The letter your Excellency did favour me with the 5. instant is come to my hands as well as that which is directed to the Mr delafayette. I shall take care to deliver it to him at my arrival in france; but my journey is postponed and I supose I shall not set out before the 10th of next month. I can receive thus in the mean time the further commands of your Excellency. I beg leave, sir, to...
81057To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel Udny Hay, 16 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
From some information I have lately had am convinced the Enemy at some times have their scouting parties on the mountains not very far distant from this; Permitt me to observe to your Excellency, that though the most valuable stores are removed from this Post, yett it is an object of very considerable consequence to the Enemy, as the destruction of all the buildings would certainly cripple us...
81058From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 16 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have received your favour of the 14th with its inclosures. I would not wish you to advance further eastward, unless the movements of the enemys main body in that direction should make it necessary. It is my intention that your division should as far as possible preserve a relative position to, and ensure a timely communication with the Highlands posts. This may not be practicable if the...
81059From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 16 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
You will be pleased to march tomorrow morning early towards Peeks Kill—in the vicinity of which you will find Major General Howe with a couple of Brigades. The command of the whole will, of course, devolve upon you. He will communicate the instructions he has received by which you will govern yourself. Send to hasten on Glovers brigade to join you at the same place. I am Dr Sir Your most Obed....
81060To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 16 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
I do myself the honor to forward the enclosed intelligence this moment come to hand. I believe our manœuvres here have induced Sir Henry Clinton to alter his. I have ordered one of the Regiments Sent to Stamford to join the Division immediately, have order’d a detachment to move towards North Castle to observe the motions of the Enemy in that quarter & have directed the militia at Crompond to...
81061From George Washington to Major General Robert Howe, 16 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
Two Brigades commanded by Brigadiers General Nixon and Patterson have been ordered to march towards the Continental Village —You will proceed towards that place and take the command of them. You are to continue your route in the vicinity of Peeks Kill and take some convenient position there ’till further orders, or ’till there should be a necessity to relinquish it to a superior force. You...
81062From George Washington to John Jay, 16 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have the pleasure to transmit Your Excy the inclosed Copy of a Letter from Brigadier Genl Wayne, which this moment came to hand. I congratulate Congress upon our success—and what makes it still more agreable—from the report of Captain Fishbourn who brought me Genl Wayne’s Letter, the post was gained with but very inconsiderable loss on our part. As soon as I receive a particular account of...
81063From George Washington to William Livingston, 16 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have the pleasure to transmit Your Excellency the inclosed Copy of a Letter from Brigadr Genl Wayne, which this moment came to hand. I congratulate you upon our success—and what makes it still more agreable, from the report of Capn Fishbourn who brought me Genl Wayne’s Letter, the post was gained with but very inconsiderable loss on our part. I have not yet obtained the particulars of the...
81064From George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 16 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have the pleasure to inform you that Major Fishbourn has just arrived from Genl Wayne with the agreable account of our having possessed ourselves of Stoney point and the whole Garrison with very little loss. You will throw the Troops across the River, which I mentioned yesterday, with all possible expedition. I am Dr sir Yr Most Obedt st P.S. You will order Nixon’s Brigade to move...
81065To George Washington from Uzal Ogden, 16 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
Although I have not the Honor to be personally acquainted with the Commander in Chief of the Armies of the United States, I am no Stranger to the general Fame of his Virtues. This alone emboldens me to take the Liberty of inclosing a Sermon, just published, for the Promotion of practical Religion, at this Period of it’s too unhappy Declension. If amidst the Din of War and Scenes of Business,...
81066From George Washington to Simon Phillips, 16 July 1779 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found : to Simon Phillips, 16 July 1779. Phillips wrote GW on 18 July: “I am Just now honourd with your Excellencys Letter of the 16th Inst.”
81067From George Washington to Maj. Gen. Israel Putnam, 16 July 1779 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found : to Maj. Gen. Israel Putnam, 16 July 1779. Putnam wrote GW on 16 July: “I am this moment honord with your Excellencys Letter, announcing the agreeable & happy news of Genl Waynes Success.” The date is supplied on the basis of Washington’s letters of this date on this topic to George Clinton, John Jay, William Livingston, and Alexander McDougall.
81068To George Washington from Major General Israel Putnam, 16 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
I am this moment honord with your Excellencys Letter, announcing the agreeable & happy news of Genl Waynes Success, on which I most heartily congratulate you. Your Excellencys Letter of yesterday did not reach me till 7 oClock this morning and as the Horses are at a considerable distance I do not think it will be prudent to delay the March of the Troops till they arrive —I shall accordingly...
81069To George Washington from Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 16 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
The fort & Garrison with Colo. Johnston are ours—Our Officers & men behaved like men who are determined to be free. Yours Most Sincerely ALS , DLC:GW ; copy, enclosed in GW to George Clinton, this date, sold by Christie’s, Sale No. 1770, 5 Dec. 2006, no. 324. A letter from GW’s secretary Robert Hanson Harrison to an unknown recipient, written on this date, reads: “His Excellency requests you...
81070To George Washington from Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 16 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have now the pleasure to assure you of the surrender of the Fort, at Stoney Point; and transmit you herewith, a return of the Killed, wounded, prisoners, ordinance, and military stores. It is with infinite satisfaction I acknowledge to you, that the officers, and men under my command behaved with the greatest bravery, and fortitude. Too much praise cannot be given to Leiutenant Colo. Fleury,...
81071General Orders, 17 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
A Major, two Captains, four Subalterns six serjeants and one hundred rank and file from General Woodford’s Brigade to march immediately with their Packs, Arms & Provision to relieve the detachment with the british Prisoners whom they are to escort to such place as ordered by the Commissary of Prisoners—The Major will receive directions from the commanding officer of the party he relieves—A few...
81072To George Washington from Ezekiel Cheever, 17 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
His Excelly Govr Trumbull having been pleased to apply to me as Commissary of ordnance Stores by Letter the 10th Inst. advising the dangerous State of Connecticut & thair absolute need of Some Field pieces with thair apparators, and that he had well founded reasons to Believe that it was the determined Resolution of the Enemy to penetrate into the Country & extend thair Ravages as far as...
81073From George Washington to Brigadier General John Glover, 17 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have received your favour of the 15th. In my letter of yesterday to General Heath I directed him to send you orders, immediately to join him with your brigade, which I presume you have received. He will probably have informed you that General Wayne had surprised & taken the post where we now are with the Garrison cannon and stores, with but inconsiderable loss on our side. I am Sir Yr most...
81074From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 17 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have been favoured with Your Two Letters of the 15th. I wrote you Yesterday upon the subject of your conduct and now inclose you a Copy, Lest my Letter should have miscarried. I have written to General Glover and commit the Letter to your care, which you will forward to him, if you have not already given him orders to join you with his Brigade, in consequence of my Letter of Yesterday....
81075To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 17 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
I am Just honored with your two favors of yesterday which came to hand within an hour of each other as Soon as the advance Pickets can be Called in the Division will begin their March for Pecks kill. I most heartily Congratulate your Excellency on the Success of the American arms in the reduction of Stony Point—with so little loss, hope this is an Omen of future Success, I have Sent Expresses...
81076From 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...
81077To George Washington from Major General Robert Howe, 17 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
I joined the Division at the Continental Village the last Evening, and arrived at this Post at five this Morning. I now only halt for the Return of a Reconnoitring party, sent out last Night, and shall immediately proceed to execute your Excellency’s Orders. The Field pieces you suppose to have been taken on with the Brigades are not with them. General Nixon informs me there are not any...
81078To George Washington from Major General Robert Howe, 17 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
I am now very near Verplank’s point, which I have been reconnoitring, and shall still more fully inspect. What I discern of the Works appears to be properly constructed, & seems capable of considerable Defence, if the Numbers and Spirit of the Garrison are adequate to the Task. The Troops, except such as I have fixed at particular Passes, are with me: The heavy Cannon are by this time, I hope,...
81079From George Washington to Major General Robert Howe, 17 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
I just now received your Two favors of to day. I am sorry for the difficulties you seem to be under. I had no doubt but that the Cannon and Ammunition would proceed together—as One without the other could be of no service. I hope before this reaches you, you will have received both. I have sent you a number of intrenching Tools—and expected they had gone before from West point. There is not...
81080To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, 17 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
I some time ago inclosed to you a printed Copy of an Order of Council, by which Governor Hamilton was to be confined in Irons and in close Jail. This has occasioned a letter from General Philips of which the inclosed is a Copy. The General seems to suppose that a prisoner on capitulation cannot be put into close confinement tho his Capitulation shall not have provided against it. My idea was...
81081Enclosure: Major General William Phillips to Thomas Jefferson, 5 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have received from Colonel Bland a Copy of the Letter you were pleased to write him in answer to my request for Lieutenant Governour Hamilton a british prisoner of war being allowed to make me a visit at this place. I have also read in a public print the resolution of a Council held at Williamsburg on the 16th of June 1779 with your orders in Consequence; this publick paper seems of such...
81082From George Washington to Maj. Gen. Alexander McDougall, 17 July 1779 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found : to Maj. Gen. Alexander McDougall, 17 July 1779. McDougall wrote GW on this date: “Your Excellencys Favor of this Day is this Moment received.”
81083To George Washington from Major General Alexander McDougall, 17 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
Your Excellencys Favor of this Day is this Moment received. Colonel Hamiltons of equal date, reached Me at 3 P.M. Only Eight of the Boats written for, can be procured and are now ready. It is imposible at this post, to furnish the Horse Harness desired; for few of the Artillery brought here are accompanied with Horse Harness. I have however directed the Quarter-Master to write immediately to...
81084To George Washington from Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 17 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor of giving you a full & particular relation of the reduction of this post by the light Infantry under my command. On the 15th instant at twelve o Clock we took up our line of march from Sandy beach, distant 14 miles from this place; The roads being exceedingly bad and narrow, and having to pass over high mountains, through deep morasses, and difficult defiles, we were obliged...
81085To George Washington from Major General Oliver Wolcott, Sr., 17 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
I was honored with the orders of Governor Trumbull particularly to attend to the defence of the Sea Coasts in the western parts of this State; In consequence of which I had with about Seven Hundred of the Militia, arrived at Norwalk about Twenty four hours before the destruction of that Town, upon the moving of the Enemys Fleet westward I have come on to this place, with about the same number...
81086General Orders, 18 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
At a General Court Martial held at Stony-Point in the Light-Infantry the 17th instant by order of Brigadier General Wayne whereof Colonel Meigs was President, William Fitzgerald of the 9th Pennsylvania regiment, Isaac Wilson of Colonel Bradford’s regiment —John Williams of the 4th Maryland regiment—Joseph Case of the 1st Connecticutt regiment and John Blackman of Colo. Bradley’s regiment were...
81087To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel Samuel Blackden, 18 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
I had the honor of rec[e]iving your Excellency’s letter of 23d June yesterday, in which you are pleased to direct that I send you explicit & specific charges against Colonel Sheldon to be the foundation of an enquiry into his conduct. When I wrote your Excellency the 4th of June desiring leave to retire from the regiment, I did not mean to accuse Colonel Sheldon of any thing but want of...
81088To George Washington from Major General Horatio Gates, 18 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have within this Half Hour received the inclosed papers, and Letters, from Colonel Cheever, Colonel Mason, and the Officer Guarding the Arsenal at Springfield. Since my being Commanded to This Department, I have not given any Orders with Regard to the post at Springfield, lest my directions should Clash with those given by Your Excellency, or General Knox; I well know Ordnance Affairs are...
81089To George Washington from James Geary, 18 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
A day or two ago I recd an order from Col: Scammell Adj: Genl informing that your Excellency desired an immediate return of all the Cloathing then in this Store, which business we immediately began upon, and have continued ever since opening and counting the different packages—I could have sent your Excellency immediatly after the reception of the aforesd order a Return of all the Cloathing...
81090To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel Udny Hay, 18 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
About two hours ago I was informed by the Qr Master at West Point that Your Excellency had ordered to be sent to Kings ferry without delay Harness sufficient for eighty Horses to go singly, he made application to me, and in about an hour I shall send away to the Fort a sufficiency to compleat about fifty, I do not believe that the Remainder can be gott nearer than the Park, and therefore take...
81091From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 18 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have received your favour of yesterday—From the information I have had, it is probable you will have joined General Howe before this reaches you—I have given him instructions which he was directed to communicate to you—But for fear of a miscarriage I shall repeat them. It was directed that one of the four brigades, which compose your two commands, should be stationed in the Gorge of the...
81092To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 18 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
Yesterday at half past 9 oClo: A.M. I recieved your orders to march for Pecks kill, at twelve the Division began their march, Marched 15 Miles & Halted. at three this Morning pursued the march reach’d Pecks kill at half past 3 P.M. On my arrival I found Genl Howe had sent off his Cannon & his Division was fileing off towards the Highlands the Enemy appear’d to be advancing in force near the...
81093To George Washington from Captain Bartholomew von Heer, 18 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have the Honour to acquaint You, of the present Situation of my Troop, by which I am sorry that I am obliged to lay before the Complaints made by myn Dragoons returning from their respective Detachments that General Waen and his Aide Camp liikewiise other Field Officer under His Command dismounts the Dragoons and Rite ther Horses by which in three Relieves consisting of one Corporal and four...
81094To George Washington from Major General Robert Howe, 18 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have received Intelligence three different Ways of the Approach of the Enemy. One informs me that “several Thousands of the Enemy were yesterday one Mile below White Plains, moving towards this place”: Another (a verbal Account) says that about 200 of their Horse were seen on some Heighths at New-Bridge by the Informant. As I cannot doubt the Credibility of these Accounts from the Character...
81095To George Washington from Major General Alexander McDougall, 18 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
There is no Horse Harness at New-Windsor or Newburgh; what were at Fish-Kill I fear is sent off with the Quarter-Masters Stores. They are however sent for, but I am informed those for Waggons, will not suit to draw Artillery. If the Enemy reinforce Verplanks point, General Howes Cannon will be in great danger of being lost, as they are placed near the Old-Ferry; and the Enemy in that Case can...
81096To George Washington from Colonel Thomas Nixon, 18 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
Your Excys letter of the 14th Instant came to hand, & observe the contents. I have sent a Detachtment of Recruits Consisting of 236 men Under the command of Capt. Marshall Yesterday in the Afternoon destind for the Camp, part of Which was Armed. others withou⟨t.⟩ I have Delivered Your Excys letter to the Commissy of Military stores. who promises to deliver Arms but has no Cartouch Boxes on...
81097To George Washington from Simon Phillips, 18 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
I am Just now honourd with your Excellencys Letter of the 16th Inst. the Rider it Seems as unhappily missd his road, or by Some other accident Did not arrive until this moment—on the Rect of it I immediately applied to Mr kiers the Q. Mr at this post, for waggons to forward the flour according to your Excellencys orders but am Sorry to inform your Excellency that I have not above four Bbs....
81098To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 18 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
Last evening an express arrived here from Charlestown, which place he left the 23d of June. He brought a letter of that date to the honble Mr Laurens, who gave the following extract, viz. “General Lincoln having received such intelligence of the intentions, strength & position of the enemy as rendered it advisable to attack them at Stono Ferry, did so on the 20th inst., about 7 o’clock in the...
81099To George Washington from Commander Andrew Sutherland, 18 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
I am to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of this date; & tho’ not regularly authoriz’d, conceive, myself warranted, as well from principles of humanity, as a thorough knowledge of His Excellency the Commander in Chief’s disposition, to accept your terms. I shall therefore send Boats; & in order to put the Men to as little pain as possible, shall order a Transport up to receive them; to...
81100General Orders, 19 July 1779 (Washington Papers)
The following disposition of the Army is to take place for the present. The Right-Wing to be composed of—The Virginia Maryland & Pennsylvania divisions under the command of Major General Putnam. The Left-Wing to be composed of the two Connecticutt brigades, and of Nixons and Glovers forming two divisions under the command of Major General Heath. Moylan’s and Sheldon’s regiments of Cavalry &...