82001From George Washington to Lieutenant Colonel John Taylor or Major Samuel Hayes, 10 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
It is yet a matter of uncertainty whether His Excellency the Count D’Estaing will come to the Northward with intent to operate, or return to the West Indies. Should he determine upon the former and New York should be the object, the possession of Staten Island will be absolutely necessary: to accomplish which, we should be previously well informed of the Strength of the Enemy upon it—what...
82002From George Washington to Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 10 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
I find, upon recurring to my letter of the 7th to your Excellency, that I was not sufficiently explicit in answering that part of yours of the 2d instant, in which you desire to know, whether, in my opinion, the Militia at present on duty on the Coast may be safely withdrawn from thence in case of the expected operations, and be considered as part of the 4000 demanded of the State. They...
82003From George Washington to Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 10 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have your favr of yesterday inclosing a sketch of the bearings and distances of the Grounds contiguous to Stoney point. It is not to our Interest to disturb the enemy at that or any other detached post just now. Under present circumstances we should endeavour to keep them as much separated as possible, for if part of my plan, recommended to the Count, can be carried into execution, we shall...
82004General Orders, 11 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
John McDonald of Colonel James Livingston’s regiment was tried on the 9th instant at the General Court Martial whereof Colonel Starr is President for “Desertion” found guilty & sentenced to receive one hundred lashes well laid on upon his bare back. The General confirms the sentence and orders it to be put into execution tomorrow morning at guard mounting. At the General Court Martial whereof...
82005To George Washington from Major General Horatio Gates, 11 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
An Express from Brigr General Cornell, has just delivered me the inclosed Letters. Every means are taking, to know whether The Fleet therein mentioned, are our Friends, or Enemies: The instant that can be determined with precision, I shall dispatch another Express to Your Excelly. This goes from hence by him who brought Your Letters of the third Instant; my Letter in Answer thereto, went from...
82006To George Washington from Lewis Nicola, 11 Oct. 1779 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found : from Lewis Nicola, 11 Oct. 1779. On 19 Oct., GW wrote Nicola: “I have recd yours of the 11th Inst.”
82007To George Washington from John Sullivan, 11 Oct. 1779 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found : from John Sullivan, 11 Oct. 1779. On 14 Oct., GW wrote Sullivan: “I received your favor of the 11th instant.”
82008To George Washington from Jeremiah Wadsworth, 11 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have your Excellencys letter of the 9th respecting rum and hard Bread⟨.⟩ The Issuing Comisarys return of this day will inform you what quantity of each are on hand. I have about one hundred Hhds of rum on this side Boston not in this return. I have applied to Congress for their Prize Rum at Boston which I expect they will order to this army and that it will give us a full supply. Very little...
82009To George Washington from William Woodford, 11 Oct. 1779 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found : from William Woodford, 11 Oct. 1779. On 12 Oct., GW wrote Woodford: “I have received your favor of the 11th.”
82010General Orders, 12 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
Such officers of the line whose duty it is to act on foot in time of an engagement and who are not already provided with Espontoons are to use their utmost exertions to get them, and it is expected from commanding officers of Corps that they will use every means in their power to complete them with bayonets; In a word, they will take care that their corps are in the most perfect order for...
82011From George Washington to the Board of War, 12 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
On the 2d instant I addressed you particularly on the subject of the want of shoes, and informed you that I had made application to Mess[r]s Mehelm—Hatfeild—and Starr the three nearest Commissaries of Hides, and desired to know what quantity of shoes I might depend upon immediately, and what were their future prospects. I have only recd answers from Mr Mehelm and Capt. Starr—Copies of whose...
82012To George Washington from the Massachusetts Council, 12 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
your Excellencys Letter of the 4th of October to the Council of this State was duly received, and immediately laid before the General Assembly which fortunately happened to be then sitting. The Assembly have chearfully complid with your Requisition and accordingly orderd two thousand Men to be raisd with all possible Dispatch for the Purpose mentiond. The Council have appointed Brigr General...
82013From George Washington to Lieutenant Colonel Matthew Mead, 12 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
Our operations may be such in the course of a few Weeks as to render a quantity of facines & gabions necessary —I am therefore to request that you will have a number of them made, in such places as will not expose them to the destruction of the Enemy, and at the same time be convenient to Water carriage. I could wish you to prosecute this business with spirit as it may prove very important to...
82014From George Washington to Brigadier General Peter Muhlenberg, 12 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have received your Letter of the 6th Instant. As some late Regulations have taken place with respect to the Hide department and for furnishing the Army in general with Shoes on a systematic plan —I cannot authorise a deviation from them, and the Shoe makers you mention must be recalled, when the time expires for which they were engaged with Mr Taylor. I am pressing by repeated Letters every...
82015To George Washington from Major General William Phillips, 12 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
I enclose the Copies of two papers which will inform your Excellency by what means Lieutenant Smith of the British Artillery and Captain de Guismere of the Hesse Hanau Regiment are arrived at this place in their way to New York. I am apprehensive the same reasons which detain me here will also prevent those Officers from going forward, and as I have a number of papers here with me relating to...
82016To George Washington from Major General Riedesel, 12 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
Your Excellency, I hope, will have the goodness to excuse my troubling you with this letter, I do it from motives of justice due Mr Randolph the Gentleman who will have the honour of delivering it to you —I beg to recommend him to the knowledge of Your Excellency as the person to whom Colonel Bland the Commandant at CharlottesVille gave the Commission of conducting the Officers of my family...
82017From George Washington to Philip Schuyler, 12 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
Your favor of the 6th which reached me yesterday, gives me hopes of the pleasure of seeing you in a day or two. General Sullivan must from his situation have been totally unacquainted with the circumstances of the Mohawks families at the lower Castle, his motive undoubtedly was to remove a set of people who, he had reason to beleive, were unfreindly and dangerous. But as the public faith has...
82018From George Washington to Alexander Spotswood, 12 Oct. 1779 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found : to Alexander Spotswood, 12 Oct. 1779. On 21 Nov., Spotswood wrote GW: “Your Excellencys favr of the 12th of October I acknowledged” ( DLC:GW ).
82019From George Washington to Brigadier General William Woodford, 12 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have received your favor of the 11th. It appears to me that your present position is such as to afford a proper support to the infantry, and preserve at the same time some relation to the succour of this post. These were the two principal objects we had in view. A more remote one was the prevention of the enemy’s retreat by land from Stoney point, should any circumstances compel them to this...
82020General Orders, 13 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
Varick transcript , DLC:GW .
82021From George Washington to Colonel Theodorick Bland, 13 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have been favored with your letters of the 22d & 23 of last month with their several inclosures, a few days since. The means you have used to prevent the desertions of the Convention troops, and to recover such as had made their escape, ⟨are⟩ perfectly agreeable: and I am glad your attention has checked a practice attended with so very few advantages. In your late transaction with Major...
82022To George Washington from the Board of War, 13 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
We have been honoured with your Letter of the 8th and have communicated to Mr Murray and Major Stein the mode of procuring the Exchange of the latter for Major Murray as pointed out by your Excellency and which we think very just and right both as to the Thing itself and the manner of conducting it. We will enquire into the Numbers of Men of the marching Regiments detained as Artificers. These...
82023To George Washington from the Eastern Department Navy Board, 13 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
Nothing but the present Exigency which no other resourse can Supply would appoligize for the Trouble we now give you at a time when we know you are Engaged in opperations of the greatest importance. The Ship Trumbull will soon be ready to go to Sea if she had powder but it is out of our power to Supply that article it is not to be purchased here we are therefore Constrained to Beg the favor of...
82024To George Washington from Major General Horatio Gates, 13 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have the Honor to send Your Excellency a Letter I received Yesterday from Lieut: Colonel Olney. The intelligence it contains, is strongly marked with The Enemy’s intention to evacuate Rhode-Island. I am endeavouring by all possible means to discover if that be their real design. I have the best look out, as well upon the water, as the Land; and have even some Friends upon the Island, who...
82025To George Washington from George Mercer, 13 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
Although the distinguished and honourable Character in which Mr Izard has been employed by his Country, will of Course recommend him to your Excellency; yet as I have had the Honour of his Acquaintance for many Years, and know his Character as a private Gentleman to be in every Respect virtuous and commendable, I take the Liberty to present him to your Excellency, and to assure you it is from...
82026To George Washington from Goose Van Schaick, 13 Oct. 1779 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found : from Goose Van Schaick, 13 Oct. 1779. On 19 Oct., GW wrote Van Schaick: “I have your favr of the 13th.”
82027To George Washington from Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 13 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
In Obedience to your Orders of the Instant I directed Colonels Putnam & Butler to Reconnoitre the Ground from this Camp by Spring Steels to the point of the Dunderberg opposite picks Kill —who Report that a very good road may be made with little trouble from Spring Stells to a Landing about two Miles & a half in a Direct Line above Stoney Point where a Battery may be Immediately Errect[ed] so...
82028General Orders, 14 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
As many soldiers who have lately joined the Army have not been sufficiently taught the first principles of the exercise; The troops will every afternoon exercise in detail and the officers must take particular care in instructing their men; The exercise by battalions to continue every morning as before. Such officers as are not furnished with Espontoons are to apply immediately through the...
82029To George Washington from Robert Howe, 14 Oct. 1779 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found : from Robert Howe, 14 Oct. 1779. On 14 Oct., GW wrote Howe: “I recd your favr of this date.”
82030From George Washington to Major General Robert Howe, 14 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
I recd your favr of this date with the two prisoners of War. I shall put them into the hands of the Commy of prisoners who makes frequent exchanges of the few privates of ours now of days in the possession of the enemy, by which means Colo. Sheldons Men will probably soon regain their liberty in the regular way. You will be pleased to furnish Capt. Lequaw’s Company with provision and...
82031To George Washington from Samuel Huntington, 14 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
I am honoured with your Excellency’s favours of the 7th & 9th Instant with their Several enclosures. By the Act of Congress of this day herewith enclosd you will receive their Thanks for directing the important Expedition which hath been so Effectually executed by Genl Sullivan & the Brave Officers & Soldiers under his Command. Be assured Sir it is with pleasure I have the honour of...
82032To George Washington from John Jay, 14 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
Your very kind Letter of the 7 instant gave me all that Pleasure, which accompanies marks of cordial Esteem & attachmt from those whose Commendation is Praise and whose Friendship is discriminate. Among the Objects of my Mission are some, which however just, will not be easily attain’d and therefore its Success will be precarious & probably partial. The only Satisfaction I promise myself from...
82033From George Washington to James Mercer, 14 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
I received your favor of the 24th of September several days ago, and should have acknowledged it long before, if I had not been prevented by a variety of pressing & interesting business, which required my constant & closest attention. The facts stated in the draught of the report, which you were so obliging as to inclose, I am perswaded are right, as they corrispond with My own recollection so...
82034To George Washington from Joseph Reed, 14 Oct. 1779 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found : from Joseph Reed, 14 Oct. 1779. On 22 Oct., GW wrote Reed: “Three days ago I received your obliging favor of the 14th” ( RPJCB ).
82035From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 14 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
I received your favor of the 11th instant yesterday evening. We have not yet been able to ascertain how far the Count means to extend his co-operations; nor have we learned the event of his visit to the Southward. We expect however very interesting news every day, from this quarter—Till we can know something more definitive respecting his designs, it will be unnecessary to harrass your troops...
82036To George Washington from Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 14 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
Your Favors of the 4th 7th & 10th are duly arrived—Inclosed you will have our Doings respecting the Militia desired from this State—which are not yet carried into compleat Effect—waitg some further Intelligence from the Count’s Fleet —Respectg your Excellency’s Request for Powder—there is considerable Quantity in the State—I this Day meet my Assembly in this Place—& by their Direction I...
82037From George Washington to Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 14 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have your favr of the 13th by Colo. Wood. As the Road which Colonels Butler and putnam have traced will be so easily opened, there will be no need of working upon it untill we know certainly whether we shall want to use it—A deserter from the Vulture sloop the day before yesterday informs that Sir Henry Clinton, Colo. Robinson and several other Officers came up the River the day he came...
82038To George Washington from Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 14 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
The appearance of the number of Vessels in Haverstraw Bay was a little exaggerated —there is not the least sign of an alteration in the Garrison except that they are employed in erecting a Magazine. had not your Excellency given a hint that you wished to lull, rathar than alarm the Enemy, I should have been tempted (since the arrival of the Virginia Line) to have asked for the Artillery I...
82039General Orders, 15 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
Varick transcript , DLC:GW .
82040To George Washington from John Armstrong, Sr., 15 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
The Counts expected approach to these Shores begins to be thought tedious, but the lodgment of the Enemy to the South being in two places considerably distant from each other, I’m persuaded no time has yet elapsed wherein we cou’d reasonably look for an Official account of that event. A letter from Hampdon of the 9th Inst. asserts the certainty of a compleat Capture of Provosts Army & various...
82041To George Washington from Major General Horatio Gates, 15 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
My intelligence from all Quarters, & Reports from all Stations, Announce the Enemy are preparing to Evacuate Newport; Monday, or Tuesday, it is imagined they will take their Departure; a Deserter from the 22nd Regt Mortally Wounded, but rescued by a party of Our Soldiers, declares the whole of The Troops now on Rhode-Island, are Bound to the West Indies; this may be, but I believe they will...
82042To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 15 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
I am under the necessity of troubling your Excellency with the enclosed papers which have been sent me by General Parsons—The one respecting Mr Adjutant Barker yesterday the other this morning —As the Connecticutt Line have been arranged by a Committee or Board of Officers and such arrangements sent to the Board of War or Congress I do not conceive it proper for me to take any other step than...
82043From George Washington to Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 15 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have been duly favored with your Excellency’s letter of yesterdays date, and thank you for your ready attention to my requisitions. The moment I receive the intelligence from the Count which is to determine our operations or how far the assistance of the Country will be necessary to carry them into execution, I shall do myself the honor to give you the earliest advice. I wait anxiously for...
82044From George Washington to Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 15 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
I received last night your favor of the 14th and am glad to find you have got so good and secure a position. The Carolina Troops have returned and Major Murfree will resume his command in the Infantry. This circumstance makes it unnecessary for Lt Colo. Vose or any other Field Officer to be sent down. I will give orders for the Artificers and Tools you mention—& for a conductor and Ammunition...
82045General Orders, 16 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
Varick transcript , DLC:GW . GW’s expenses for this date included £11.5 “To Margrett McCullock bill for house work” (Revolutionary War Household Expenses, 1776–1780, DLC:GW , Ser. 5). A receipt, dated this date and signed by McCullock with her mark, reads: “Recd of Bildad Edwards Thirty Dollars for two months work which is the full of all Demands that I had against Major Gibbs.” The docket of...
82046From George Washington to Major General Horatio Gates, 16 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have been duly honored with yours of the 8th 11th and 13th instants, which I deferred answering immediately, as I have been in hourly expectation of receiving accounts from the southward which would inform me with certainty of the event of Count D’Estaings operations in that quarter and whether, and when he might be reasonably expected in this: But I have not received a Syllable since mine...
82047To George Washington from William Heath, 16 Oct. 1779 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found : from William Heath, 16 Oct. 1779. On this date, GW’s secretary Robert Hanson Harrison wrote Heath: “I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Letter to His Excellency of this Evening. The General approves of the measures you have taken, in consequence of the movements of the Enemy, and thinks nothing more can be necessary upon the occasion” ( MHi : Heath Papers).
82048To George Washington from Robert Howe, 16 Oct. 1779 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letters not found : from Robert Howe, 16 Oct. 1779. On 17 Oct., GW wrote Howe: “I was favd last Evening with your two letters of yesterday.”
82049To George Washington from the Massachusetts Council, 16 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
Your Excellencies Letter of the Seventh Current was duly delivered, and the contents noted. In answer thereto I am dir[ec]ted to inform you that, the Council have ordered one hundred barrels of Gun Powder to be delivered to the Deputy Quartermaster General in this department; to be by him forwarded to your Excellency without loss of time. That quantity being the whole that, the Council thought...
82050From George Washington to Juan de Miralles, 16 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
I was honored with your friendly letter of the 2d of last month. Nothing could be more acceptable than your present, but the manner in which it was bestowed. This enhanced its value, because it encreased our esteem. I can only send you from this quarter, in return, what you have long had, my very sincere friendship. The intelligence you have been pleased to intrust me with is very agreeable....