Date: c. 1744
Reel, film counter, LWS: 63, 181-182, 2034
To/From:
Location:
GW's hand: Y
Number of pages: 2
Type of manuscript: Homework?
Signature:
Content: Not in Fitzpatrick
Sample of GW's handwriting as a twelve year old
Date: 9/10/1747 - 4/19/1750 with additional entries for 1763 and 1765 ? Jan.
1 - Mar. 8 1760
Reel, film counter, LWS: 63, 183-200, no LWS number
To/From:
Location:
GW's hand: Y
Number of pages: 18
Type of manuscript: Bound cash account journal
Signature: N
Content: Not in Fitzpatrick
Journal of cash account, bound probably by a dealer
Date: 19th March 1752
Reel, film counter, LWS: 63, 201-202, 3116
To/From: For George Fout?, cc: John Lonering?, Daniel Wood, James Cassidy?
Location:
GW's hand: Y
Number of pages: 2
Type of manuscript: Survey, deed ?
Signature: GWashington
Content: Not in Fitzpatrick
Survey of 2 tracts of waste land (600 + 200 acres) for George Fout?
Date: 15 Nov. 1762
Reel, film counter, LWS: 63, 206-208, 2036
To/From: Robert Cary and Company (from Fitzpatrick) / GW
Location: Williamsburg
GW's hand: Y
Number of pages: 3
Type of manuscript: Letter
Signature: GWashington
Content: Letter describing the difficulties encountered with a shipment
*To ROBERT CARY & COMPANY Williamsburg, November 15, 1762.
Gentn: As I got to this place after the Fleet Sailed, I am obliged to make use
of a Scotch Ship bound to Glasgow to forward the Inclosed Invoices for Goods,
which please to send, and charge as there directed.
I am left in a very odd situation in regard to the Tobacco which I kept for,
and expected had gone in, the Latitia, many oppertunities I refused of putting
it on board other Ships that offered liberty of Consignment because I woud not
be instrumental tho' but in a small degree towards the disappointment of the
Vessel you might send to us, and now Captn. Hammond is not only gone without
it (after I have directed Insurance to be made, and actually saw the Tobacco
put into Craft which Collo. Lee sent up for it) but I do not even know what
is become of the Tobacco for Collo. Lee who seemed to take upon himself the
management of these matters is not yet come to Town and I have only bare report
for his having put it on board of some other Ship; but what Ship, and whether
she went with Convoy, or is yet in the Country I am a stranger to, this matter
carries evident Marks of ill usage however, but on whom to fix the blame I am
as yet, a little at a loss to determine, time may shew.
I find my own Crops (and those of my Ward) on this River something better than
I was given to expect and hope the Tobacco, what there is of it, will proove
exceeding good this year; but my Tobacco on Potomack as formerly mentioned will
fall greatly short of the usual Quantity. I was not a little surprized to find,
upon coming to this place, that there was nothing in the report of the Unity's
putting back by distress of Weather, as I had informed you in two or three Letters.
The advice of her doing so came to me through such a Channel, that I coud not
conceive a posibility of doubting it; and therefore gave you the earliest notice
I coud of it. I shall expect soon to hear what has become of that Tobacco, and
to get the Sales of all such as was Shipped last year.
I have drawn upon you (the 9th. Instt.) for Twenty pounds Sterling, payable
to Mr. Walter Magowan Tutor to Master and Miss Custis, which Sum is to be paid
by the Children equally, and to them respectively charged. I am Gentn., etc.
Date: c.1762 (Nov. 27, 1762 ?)
Reel, film counter, LWS: 63, 209-210, 3110
To/From:
Location:
GW's hand: Y
Number of pages: 2
Type of manuscript: From a judgment document
Signature: N
Content: Not in Fitzpatrick
Appraisal of a parcel of land decided by 12 jurors. Washington seems to be the
recording secretary.
Date: c.1763
Reel, film counter, LWS: 63, 211-212, 2113
To/From:
Location:
GW's hand: Y
Number of pages: 2
Type of manuscript: An indenture
Signature: N
Content: Not in Fitzpatrick
An indenture granting of a share land between two parties ?
Date: 1768
Reel, film counter, LWS: 63, 213, 454
To/From:
Location:
GW's hand: Y
Number of pages: 1
Type of manuscript: Lottery ticket
Signature: GWashington
Content: Not in Fitzpatrick
Mountain Road Lottery ticket #366
Date: Dec. 17 1770
Reel, film counter, LWS: 63, 214-221, 2114
To/From:
Location: Cameron ?
GW's hand: Y and other hands
Number of pages: 8
Type of manuscript: Deed/indenture as per the document's title
Signature: N
Content: Not in Fitzpatrick
Indenture to a parcel of land from Valinda Wade to GW with two accompanying
letters between John West, Jr. and Col. Pendleton acting as agents
Date: 27th April 1772 ?
Reel, film counter, LWS: 63, 203-205 and 222-223, 2112
To/From:
Location:
GW's hand: Y
Number of pages: 5
Type of manuscript: Memorandum/accounts journal
Signature: N
Content: Not in Fitzpatrick
A listing of transactions
Date: May 4th 1772
Reel, film counter, LWS: 63, 224-226, 2037
To/From: The Revd. Wm. Boucher in Maryland / GW
Location: Mount Vernon
GW's hand: Y
Number of pages: 3
Type of manuscript: Letter
Signature: GWashington
Content: On the subject of an American Episcopate and various other local matters.
??Check against microfilm
To REVEREND JONATHAN BOUCHER
Mount Vernon, May 4, 1772.
Dr. Sir: After a tiresome, and in my opinion, a very unimportant Session, I
returned home about the middle of last Month accompanied by Colo Bassett &c.
The expediency of an American Episcopate was long and warmly debated, and at
length rejected. As a substitute, the House attempted to frame an Ecclesiastical
Jurisdiction, to be composed of a President and four other clergymen, who were
to have full power and authority to hear and determine all matters and causes
relative to the clergy, and to be vested with the [power] of Suspension, deprivation,
and visitation. From this Jurisdiction an Appeal was to be had to a Court of
Dele gates, to consist of an equal number of Clergymen and Lay men; but this
Bill, after much canvassing, was put to Sleep, from an opinion that the subject
was of too much Importance to be hastily entered into at the end of a Session.
-- An Act has passed this session empowering Trustees (to be chosen by ye Subscribers
to the Scheme) to raise money by way of Subscription, & Lottery, for the
purpose of opening, and extending the Navigation of Potomack from the Tide Water,
to Fort Cumberland; and for perpetuating the Toll arising from vessells to the
Adventurers in the scheme 50 --
but ye Execution of it must necessarily be suspended till some thing similar
passes into a Law in your province. -- An Act has also passed for Erecting a
Light House on Cape Henry, from which I think the Shipping will derive great
advantages 51 -- and a Bill went
through the House, but rejected in the Council, for having Septennial Vestrys,
and a general dissolution of all those now in existence. 52
[Note:See Hening's Statutes at Large,
vol. 8, p. 570. ]
[Note:See Hening's Statutes at Large, vol. 8, p. 539. ]
[Note:One of the grievances of the Colonies was this question of the Established
Church's rule from London. Young men from America who desired to enter holy
orders were obliged to travel to England to be ordained, and few, if any, could
stand the expense. The American episcopate was thus, like the American governors,
an alien body and not likely to be in sympathy with the people. ]
Herewith I send the Pamphlets you desird me to get, together with your Accts
from both Printing Offices discharged; both Printers being desired to forward
your Gazettes for the future to the care of Mr. Lowndes of Bladensburg.
I expected to have made you a visit soon after my return from Williamsburg,
and to have gone from thence to Annapolis, but am a little uncertain now when
it will be in my power to enjoy this pleasure; as I have business that will
call me into Loudoun, Fauquier, and Berkeley (one of the New Counties taken
from Frederick, the other Dunmore) sometime between the middle, and last of
this month; and am now engaged in Fishing 53
and other matters which seems I think to require my attendance.
[Note:Seining in the Potomac
for his yearly supply of fish for salting, some of which he sold. "Ledger
B," in the Washington Papers, shows that in the latter part of April
and the beginning of May Washington sold over 11,000 fish, mainly herring. ]
Date: 28th day of May 1772
Reel, film counter, LWS: 63, 227-228, 2114
To/From: Agreement between Charles West and GW
Location:
GW's hand: Y
Number of pages: 2
Type of manuscript: Memorandum/agreement
Signature: GWashington
Content: Not in Fitzpatrick
Agreement on the sale of land to GW. The land is located in Fairfax County,
VA.
Date: July 28th 1772
Reel, film counter, LWS: 63, 229-230, 2031
To/From: Col. Samuel Washington / GW
Location:
GW's hand: Y
Number of pages: 2
Type of manuscript: Letter
Signature: GWashington
Content: Not in Fitzpatrick
Letter from GW to his brother Samuel regarding GW's tenants, a Mr. Johnson and
a lawsuit.
Date: Feby 15th 1773
Reel, film counter, LWS: 63, 231-233, 597
To/From: Burwell Bassett Esq. at Eltham / GW
Location: Mount Vernon
GW's hand: Y (N in Fitzpatrick)
Number of pages: 3
Type of manuscript: Letter
Signature: GWashington
Content: Letter to Bassett expressing unhappiness about events concerning the
fate of some form of paper currency. Also mentions a marriage between a Mr.
Henderson (of Colchester) and a Miss More (of the same place).
To BURWELL BASSETT 86
Mount Vernon, February 15, 1773.
[Note:Of New Kent County, Va. He married Anna
Maria Dandridge, sister of Martha Washington; was a member of the Virginia House
of Burgesses from 1764 until the Revolution. Washington frequently visited his
home, Eltham, in New Kent County. ]
Dear Sir: Your favor of the 5th came to my hands in course of post last Thursday,
and filled us with no small concern at the indisposition of yourself and family.
Equally concerned am I to hear of the unhappy state of our paper currency, and
that the interposition of the Assembly is thought necessary. Should this measure
be resolved on, be so good as to advise me, whether it be intended that the
country business generally shall be proceeded on, or this alarming affair of
the money only taken into consideration. In the former case, I shall come down;
in the latter, as the session will be short and my business obliges me to the
Gen'l Court, I believe I shall decline it.
Could there have been anything favorable said on the subject of corn, I should
not have neglected advising you of it till this time. I have scarcely heard
the name of corn mentioned since I left Williamsburg, and nothing can contribute
more towards keeping down the price than the mildness of the winter hitherto,
having had no snow to cover the ground here yet, and but little hard weather.
I have a few hundred barrels of my own to sell, but have met with no offers
for it as yet.
Our celebrated fortune, Miss French, 87
whom half the world was in pursuit of, bestowed her hand on Wednesday last,
being her birthday (you perceive I think myself under a necessity of accounting
for the choice) upon Mr. Ben Dulany, who is to take her to Maryland in a month
from this time. Mentioning of one wedding puts me in mind of another, tho' of
less dignity; this is the marriage of Mr. Henderson 88
(of Colchester) to a Miss More (of the same place) remarkable for
a very frizzled head, and good singing, the latter of which I shall presume
it was that captivated our merchant.
[Note:Elizabeth French, daughter of Mrs. Penelope
French, married Benjamin Dulany, son of Daniel. They afterwards resided at Shooters
Hill, Va. ]
[Note:Alexander Henderson. He removed to Dumfries, Va., in 1789. ]
Mrs. Washington, Patsy Custis and Jack, who is now here, are much as usual,
and the family not sicklier than common. Hoping this will find you perfectly
restored, and the rest of the good folks of Eltham in better health than when
you wrote last, I am with best wishes to Mrs. Bassett, yourself and the children,
in which all here join. 89
[Note:The text is from Ford, who does not give
his source. ]
Date: 23rd Mar 1773
Reel, film counter, LWS: 63, 234-235, 463
To/From: James Tilghman, Esq. in Alexand(as?) / GW
Location: Mount Vernon
GW's hand: N
Number of pages: 2
Type of manuscript: One paragraph letter
Signature: GWashington
Content: A one paragraph letter to James Tilghman from GW asking him to come
and stay a day or two as a Mr. Eden and others are visiting from Maryland.
To JAMES TILGHMAN 97
Mount Vernon, March 23, 1773.
[Note:Tilghman was a Marylander who had removed
to Philadelphia in 1760 and had served as secretary to the Pennsylvania land
office; he was a member of that State's provincial council in 1767 and was suspected
of royalist sympathies during the Revolution. ]
Dear Sir: I expect Gov'r Eden and some Gentlemen from Maryland here this afternoon.
If you are disengaged I should be glad if you would come down and stay with
us a day or two, or as long as they remain with Y'r most obed't Serv't. 98
[Note:In private hands. It was sold at auction
in 1892. The meeting was presumably in reference to the Potomac navigation.
]
Date: April 20th 1773
Reel, film counter, LWS: 63, 236-237, 460
To/From: Dr. James Carter / GW
Location:
GW's hand: Y
Number of pages: 2
Type of manuscript: Letter
Signature: GWashington
Content: Not in Fitzpatrick
Letter to Dr. James Carter suggesting that he pay interest due on his bond to
Mr. James Hill instead of to GW.
Date: Aug. 20th 1773
Reel, film counter, LWS: 63, 238-240, 2035
To/From: John Taylor Esq. Mount Airy / GW
Location: Mount Vernon
GW's hand: Y
Number of pages: 3
Type of manuscript: Letter
Signature: GWashington
Content: Not in Fitzpatrick
Letter to John Taylor discussing a power-of-attorney that Taylor has from Col.
Mercer concerning the disposition of a Shenandoah and Bubrich estate involving
a Col. Maion?.
Date: 14 Jan 1774
Reel, film counter, LWS: 63, 241-242, 2112
To/From:
Location:
GW's hand: Y
Number of pages: 2
Type of manuscript: Legal document
Signature: N
Content: Not in Fitzpatrick
Possibly a power-of-attorney but difficult to discern between whom
Date: May 1774
Reel, film counter, LWS: 63, 243-245, 708
To/From: Thomas Adderbrooke? Shropshire, England / GW
Location: Mount Vernon
GW's hand: Y
Number of pages: 3
Type of manuscript: Letter
Signature: GWashington
Content: Not in Fitzpatrick
Reply to a letter inquiring about land which GW knew nothing of.
Date: ...
Reel, film counter, LWS: 63, 246-409,
To/From:
Location:
GW's hand:
Number of pages:
Type of manuscript: Letterbook ?
Signature:
Content:
Date: 14th day of September 1775
Reel, film counter, LWS: 63, 410-415, 2106
To/From: Benedict Arnold / GW
Location: Cambridge
GW's hand: N
Number of pages: 6
Type of manuscript: Orders (in near calligraphy) (marked as "copy")
Signature: Signed Geo. Washington but not GW's signature
Content: Orders to Benedict Arnold. It is a copy of the original. Relates to
the detachment of the Continental Army against Quebec marked No. 3. Marked as
"copy".
INSTRUCTIONS TO COLONEL BENEDICT ARNOLD
1st. You are immediately on their March from Cambridge to take the Command of
the Detachment from the Continental Army again Quebec, and use all possible
Expedition, as the Winter Season is now advancing and the Success of this Enterprize,
(under God) depends wholly upon the Spirit with which it is pushed, and the
favorable Disposition of the Canadian and Indians.
2nd. When you come to Newbury Port, you are to make all possible Inquiry, what
Men of War or Cruizers there may be on the Coast, to which this Detachment may
be exposed on their Voyage to Kennebeck River: and if you should find that their
is Danger of your being intercepted, you are not to proceed by Water, but by
Land, taking Care on the one Hand, not to be diverted by light and vague Reports,
and on the other, not to expose the Troops rashly to a Danger, which by many
judicious Persons has been deemed very considerable.
3rd. You are by every Means in your Power, to endeavour to discover the real
Sentiments of the Canadians towards our Cause, and particularly as to this Expedition,
ever bearing in Mind, that if they are averse to it and will not co-operate,
or at least willingly acquiesce, it must fail of Success. In this Case you are
by no Means to prosecute the Attempt; the Expence of the Expedition, and the
Disappointment are not to be put in Competition with the dangerous Consequences
which may ensue, from irritating them against us, and detaching them from that
Neutrality which they have adopted.
4th. In Order to cherish those favorable Sentiments to the American Cause that
they have manifested, you are as soon as you arrive in their Country, to disperse
a Number of the Addresses you will have with you, particularly in those Parts,
where your Rout shall lay, and observe the strictest Discipline and good Order,
by no Means suffering any Inhabitant to be abused, or in any Manner injured,
either in his Person or Property, punishing with examplary Severity every Person
who shall trangress, and making ample Compensation to the Party injured.
5th. You are to endeavour on the other Hand to conciliate the affections of
those People and such Indians as you may meet with by every Means in your Power,
convincing them that we come, at the Request of many of their Principal People,
not as Robbers or to make War upon them; but as the Friends and Supporters of
their Liberties, as well as ours: And to give Efficacy to these Sentiments,
you must carefully inculcate upon the Officers and Soldiers under your Command
that not only the Good of their Country and their Honour, but their Safety depends
upon the Treatment of these People.
6th. Check every Idea, and crush in it's earliest stage every attempt to plunder
even those who are known to be Enemies to our Cause. It will create dreadful
Apprehensions in our Friends, and when it is once begun, none can tell where
it will stop. I, therefore again most
expressly order, that it be discouraged and punished in every Instance without
Distinction.
7th. Whatever King's Stores you shall be so fortunate as to possess yourself
of, are to be secured for the Continental Use, agreeable to the Rules and Regulations
of War published by the Honourable Congress. The Officers and Men may be assured
that any extraordinary services performed by them will be suitably rewarded.
8th. Spare neither Pains or Expence to gain all possible Intelligence on your
March, to prevent Surprizes and Accidents of every Kind, and endeavour, if possible,
to correspond with General Schuyler, so that you may act in Concert with him.
This, I think, may be done by Means of the St. Francis Indians.
9th. In case of an Union with General Schuyler, or if he should be in Canada
upon your Arrival there, you are by no Means to consider yourself as upon a
seperate and independent Command; but are to put yourself under him and follow
his Directions. Upon this Occasion, and all others, I recommend most earnestly
to avoid all Contention about Rank. In such a Cause every Post is honourable
in which a Man can serve his Country.
10th. If Lord Chatham's Son should be in Canada and in any Way fall in your
Power, you are enjoined to treat him with all possible Deference and Respect.
You cannot err in paying too much Honour to the Son of so illustrious a Character
and so true a Friend to America. Any other Prisoners who may fall into your
Hands, you will treat with as much Humanity and kindness, as may be consistent
with your own Safety and the publick Interest. Be very particular in restraining
not only your own Troops, but the Indians from all Acts of Cruelty and Insult,
which will disgrace the American Arms, and irritate our Fellow Subjects against
us.
11th. You will be particularly careful, to pay the full Value for all Provisions
or other Accommodations which the Canadians may provide for you on your March.
By no Means press them or any of their Cattle into your Service; but amply compensate
those who voluntarily assist you. For this Purpose you are provided with a Sum
of Money in Specie, which you will use with as much Frugality and Oeconomy as
your necessities and good Policy will admit, keeping as exact an account as
possible of your Disbursements.
12th. You are by every Opportunity to inform me of your Progress, your Prospects
and Intelligence, and upon any important Occurrence to dispatch an Express.
13th. As the Season is now far advanced, you are to make all possible Dispatch,
but if unforseen Difficulties should arise or if the Weather shou'd become so
severe as to render it hazardous to proceed in your own Judgment and that of
your principal Officers, (whom you are to consult) In that Case you are to return,
giving me as early Notice as possible, that I may give you such Assistance as
may be necessary.
14th. As the Contempt of the Religion of a Country by ridiculing any of its
Ceremonies or affronting its Ministers or Votaries has ever been deeply resented,
you are to be particularly careful to restrain every Officer and Soldier from
such Imprudence and Folly and to punish every Instance of it. On the other Hand,
as far as lays in your ower, you are to protect and support the free Exercise
of the Religion of the Country and the undisturbed Enjoyment of the rights of
Conscience in religious Matters, with your utmost Influence and Authority. Given
under my Hand, at Head Quarters, Cambridge, this 14th Day of September one Thousand
seven Hundred and seventy-five. 50
[Note:The draft of these specific instructions
to Arnold is in the writing of Thomas Mifflin. ]
Date: September 14, 1775 (from Fitzpatrick)
Reel, film counter, LWS: 63, 416-419, 3254
To/From: Benedict Arnold / GW
Location:
GW's hand: N
Number of pages: 4
Type of manuscript: Letter (marked as "copy")
Signature: Signed GWashington but not GW's signature
Content: Letter to Benedict Arnold relating to the attack on Quebec. A copy
of the original marked additional instructions to be communicated to Colo. Arnold's
officers and men.
To COLONEL BENEDICT ARNOLD
Camp at Cambridge, September 14, 1775.
Sir: You are intrusted with a Command of the utmost Consequence sequence to
the Interest and Liberties of America. Upon your Conduct and Courage and that
of the Officers and Soldiers detached on this Expedition, not only the Success
of the present Enterprize, and your own Honour, but the Safety and Welfare of
the Whole Continent may depend. I charge you, therefore, and the Officers and
Soldiers, under your Command, as you value your own Safety and Honour and the
Favour and Esteem of your Country, that you consider yourselves, as marching,
not through an Enemy's Country; but that of our Friends and Brethren, for such
the Inhabitants of Canada, and the Indian Nations have approved themselves in
this unhappy Contest between Great Britain and America. That you check by every
Motive of Duty and Fear of Punishment, every Attempt to plunder or insult any
of the Inhabitants of Canada. Should any American Soldier be so base and infamous
as to injure any Canadian or Indian, in his Person or Property, I do most earnestly
enjoin you to bring him to such severe and exemplary Punishment as the Enormity
of the Crime may require. Should it extend to Death itself it will not be disproportional
to its Guilt at such a Time and in such a Cause: But I hope and trust, that
the brave Men who have voluntarily engaged in this Expedition, will be governed
by far different Views. that Order, Discipline and Regularity of Behaviour will
be as conspicuous, as their Courage and Valour. I also give it in Charge to
you to avoid all Disrespect to or Contempt of the Religion of the Country and
its Ceremonies. Prudence, Policy, and a true Christian Spirit, will lead us
to look with Compassion upon their Errors without insulting them. While we are
contending for our own Liberty, we should be very cautious of violating the
Rights of Conscience in others, ever considering that God alone is the Judge
of the Hearts of Men, and to him only in this Case, they are answerable. Upon
the whole, Sir, I beg you to inculcate upon the Officers and Soldiers, the Necessity
of preserving the strictest Order during their March through Canada; to represent
to them the Shame, Disgrace and Ruin to themselves and Country, if they should
by their Conduct, turn the Hearts of our Brethren in Canada against us. And
on the other Hand, the Honours and Rewards which await them, if by their Prudence
and good Behaviour, they conciliate the Affections of the Canadians and Indians,
to the great Interests of America, and convert those favorable Dispositions
they have shewn into a lasting Union and Affection. Thus wishing you and the
Officers and Soldiers under your Command, all Honour, Safety and Success, I
remain Sir, etc. 49
[Note:The draft is in the writing of Joseph Reed.
]
Date: 15 Nov. 1775
Reel, film counter, LWS: 63, 420-421, 2032
To/From: Gov. Cooke, Providence / GW
Location: Cambridge
GW's hand: N
Number of pages: 2
Type of manuscript: Letter
Signature: GWashington
Content: Not in Fitzpatrick - a similar letter of the same date to Gov. Jonathan
Trumball is in Fitzpatrick.
Letter imploring the seizures of known Tories within the Governor's ??
Date: December 7, 1775
Reel, film counter, LWS: 63, 422, 5056
To/From: The Committee of Safety at Portsmouth, New Hampshire (from Fitzpatrick)
/ GW
Location: Cambridge
GW's hand: N
Number of pages: 1
Type of manuscript: Letter
Signature: GWashington
Content:
To THE COMMITTEE OF SAFETY
AT PORTSMOUTH, NEW HAMPSHIRE Cambridge, December 7, 1775.
Gentn.: Richard Emms a prisoner at Portsmouth, having expressed a strong desire
to go to his family and friends in the West Indies, in a Schooner which is about
to go there; you will be pleased to grant him a permit for that purpose, unless
there be objections against it, which I am not apprized of. -- I am &c.
Date: 27th March 1776 (Fitzpatrick says March 17, 1776 ??)
Reel, film counter, LWS: 63, 423, 2167
To/From: Lord Stirling / GW
Location: Cambridge
GW's hand: N
Number of pages: 1
Type of manuscript: Letter
Signature: GWashington
Content: Letter sent in preparation for a move of the army to where Lord Stirling
was, as enemy has quitted the harbor and is headed his way.
To LORD STIRLING Cambridge, March 17, 1776.
My Lord: I crave your refference to my last to you of the 24th instant, since
which I am honor'd with your Lordship's favour of the 20th. It gives me much
pleasure to find that you are making such good preparations for the reception
of the enemy, who have this day entirely quitted this harbour. A brigade under
General Sullivan will set off on the morrow to your assistance. I will not be
long after, with the main body of this army. I observe that Brigadier Genl.
Thompson was arrived. He is a gentleman of liberal sentiments, who I dare say
your Lordship will be happy with, and I have not the least doubt, but you will
give him every assistance in your power. 40 I have the honor to be, etc.
[Note:Thompson ranked Stirling by seniority.
]
P.S. General Putnam will set out tomorrow or next day. If General Schuyler is
not with you, he will take command of the troops.
41
[Note:In private hands. It was sold at auction
in 1929. ]
Date: 28th June 1776
Reel, film counter, LWS: 63, 424-426, 3162
To/From: Gov. Livingston / GW
Location:
GW's hand: N
Number of pages: 2
Type of manuscript: First two pages of a letter
Signature: N
Content: Not in Fitzpatrick
First two pages of a letter advising that Howe (spelled How) has left Halifax
and is headed to Sandy Hook. Warning that arrangements must be made quickly.
Date: 19th July 1776
Reel, film counter, LWS: 63, 427-429, 2146
To/From: Gen. Ward at Boston / GW
Location: Head Quarters, N. York
GW's hand: N
Number of pages: 3
Type of manuscript: Letter
Signature: GWashington twice
Content: Letter requesting 500 barrels of powder to be forwarded to Norwich,
CT. Also, discussion of troops bound northward from Boston. Mention of small
pox in the P.S.
To MAJOR GENERAL ARTEMAS WARD Head Quarters, New York, July 19, 1776.
Dear Sir: In my Letter of the 7th. Inst. I mentioned the Propriety of forwarding
a Quantity of Powder and lodging it between this and Boston. I am now more fully
convinced of the Necessity of such a Measure, and would wish you to forward
with all convenient Speed, five hundred Barrels, to be stored at Norwich in
Connecticut, till further Orders.
In a Postscript to my Letter of the 9th. Inst. I was of Opinion, it would be
much easier for the Troops bound from Boston to the Northward, to proceed this
Way for the Benefit of Water Carriage. This being intirely cut off by the Ships
up Hudson's River, you will speed their March by the nighest and most convenient
Rout.
The several Articles wrote for in my Letter of Yesterday, 66
you will please to forward to Norwich, with Orders for them to be sent on by
Water, provided the Enemy's Ships should not stop the Communication, in which
Case Land-Carriage must be procured. I am, etc.
[Note:The letter of July 18 was written and signed
by Samuel Blatchley Webb. "His Excellency General Washington having occasion
to ride out early this morning, has dictated and Ordered me to acknowledge and
answer your two Letters of the 11th Inst." The Continental agents for prizes
had disposed of the cargoes of prizes without Ward's orders, The list of articles
wanted are entered, with Webb's letter, in the Washington "Letter Books,"
and calls for all the muskets, bayonets, canteens, clothing, etc., taken in
the ships George, Anne, and Lord Howe, and the brig Annabella.
]
P.S. In speaking of the Troops marching to the Northward, I have Reference to
the three Regiments bound to Ticonderoga; The other two, I hope, will be on
their Way to this Place before this reaches you.
P.S. Since writing the above, your Letter of the 15th. Inst. came to Hand. If
the three Regiments you mention have marched they may proceed to this City.
If not, one of them to march for Ticonderoga; the two remaining (sick) to follow
to the last mention'd Place by Divisions, as fast as a Field Officer's Proportion
is well enough; as they will be much the properest (having had the small Pox)
for that Department. Yours&c.
Date: Augt. 5th 1776
Reel, film counter, LWS: 63, 430, 2145
To/From: John Bradford (from Fitzpatrick) / GW
Location: Head Quarters N. York
GW's hand: N
Number of pages: 1
Type of manuscript: Letter
Signature: GWashington
Content: Letter requesting provisions to be stored in the future with their
agents, until needed. Contains a warning against embezzlement.
To JOHN BRADFORD Head Quarters, New York, August 5, 1776.
Sir: Yours of the 29th. Ulto. is duly Received; for the future I must desire
all Warlike Stores and Necessaries for an Army, taken by the Armed Vessels in
public Service, may be safely Stored, under care of the Different Agents, 'till
they receive Orders from proper Authority. you will please to enjoin it upon
the different Commanders of the Continental Cruisers, to be particularly careful,
no Embezelment is made by their Crew or others. I am &c.
Date: ? Typed at the bottom: c.1776-1783 / written on one side Sept. 1777 ??out
of order then
Reel, film counter, LWS: 63, 431-432, 3163
To/From: Officers and soldiers of the militias in the counties of Hunterdon,
Burlington, Glouster, Salem and Cumberland / GW
Location:
GW's hand: N
Number of pages: 2
Type of manuscript: Letter
Signature: N
Content: Not in Fitzpatrick
Letter imploring county militias in central and southern New Jersey to repel
British attempt to enter from Philadelphia.
Date: ? Typed at the bottom: c.1776-1783
Reel, film counter, LWS: 63, 433-440, 2136
To/From: The Several States / GW
Location:
GW's hand: N
Number of pages: 8 and page(s) missing
Type of manuscript: Circular letter
Signature: GWashington and after the P.S. GWh
Content: Not in Fitzpatrick (as date is uncertain should be checked against
Fitzpatrick vols. other than nos. 5 and 6)
Circular to the several states imploring among other things the desisting of
the use of militias in lieu of a professional force.
Date: January the Eight 1777
Reel, film counter, LWS: 63, 441-442, 609
To/From: The Council of Safety at Philadelphia / GW
Location: Head Quarters at Morristown
GW's hand: N
Number of pages: 2
Type of manuscript: One paragraph letter
Signature: GWashington
Content: Not in Fitzpatrick
Letter directing the hand over of 45 rank and file Waldeck? and Hessian prisoners.
Date: 10th Jan 1777
Reel, film counter, LWS: 63, 443-444, 607
To/From: Col. David Forman / GW
Location: Head Quarters Morristown
GW's hand: N
Number of pages: 2
Type of manuscript: Letter
Signature: GWashington
Content: Not in Fitzpatrick (in Fitzpatrick a letter exists dated Jan. 11, 1777
that seems to reference this letter)
An offer by GW to Foreman of command of one of the sixteen battalions Congress
has authorized.
Date: Jan 12th 1777
Reel, film counter, LWS: 63, 445, 393
To/From: Henry Jackson Esq. Boston / GW
Location: Morris Town
GW's hand: N but in Fitzpatrick Y
Number of pages: 1
Type of manuscript: Letter
Signature: GWashington
Content: Letter offering Henry Jackson the opportunity of turning out a regiment
from the Boston area.
*To COLONEL HENRY JACKSON Morris Town, January 12, 1777.
Sir: From the good report I have of you, and from the desire I feel of affording
the Town of Boston an oppertunity of turning out a Regiment (and such an one
as may become a pattern to others) I do myself the pleasure of sending you the
Inclosed appointment, Recruiting Orders, and Warrant upon the Paymaster in that
district for money to recruit with.
The confidence I repose in you will not, I am satisfied, be abused, time will
not admit of delay, nor the Necessity of the case of Indecision, you will therefore
I am perswaded, set about this Work with all possible diligence. ***19
[Note:The omitted portion is the same as the
conclusion of Washington's letter to Col. Samuel Blatchley Webb and others of
the same date as this letter. (See preceding letter.) ]
Date: 19th Jan. 1777
Reel, film counter, LWS: 63, 446-448, 1321
To/From: Brigadier Gen. Geo. Clinton / GW
Location: Head Quarters Morris Town
GW's hand: N
Number of pages: 3
Type of manuscript: Letter
Signature: GWashington
Content: Not in Fitzpatrick
Letter to George Clinton imploring him to raise the body of men of which his
state has given him command.
Date: 19th Jan. 1777
Reel, film counter, LWS: 63, 449-451, 88
To/From: Brig. Gen. George Clinton / GW
Location: Morris County
GW's hand: Y but N in Fitzpatrick
Number of pages: 3
Type of manuscript: Letter
Signature: GWashington
Content: Letter to Gen. Clinton beseeching him to nominate and set four gentlemen
as captains who in turn should raise companies for the Continental Army.
To BRIGADIER GENERAL GEORGE CLINTON Morris County, January 19, 1777.
Dear Sir: Let me beseech you, to nominate, and set four Gentlemen, such as you
conceive will make good Captains, to raising Companies upon the Continental
Pay and establishment, and to be annexed hereafter to one of the Sixteen additional
Regiments; I shall also leave the Nomination of the Subaltern Officers for these
Companies to yourself and the Captains; all I ask is, that they may be Gentlemen,
and that they be not taken out of any Continental Corps, because by so doing
you will give a check to the recruiting of that Corps.
You may give Majr. Pawling assurances, that he shall become Major of the Regiment,
to which these Companies shall be annexed, and that I hope he will exert himself
in the raising of them speedily. I will give a Warrant to your Order, or in
consequence of a Letter from you, for Recruiting. If you could fix upon four
other Captains in the same manner, and upon the same terms as above, and would
let me know it soon, I dare say there will be vacancies for them. The Selection
of Officers for these Companies, may possibly be made from the Militia, you
are empowered by your State to call in, and the Men recruited from them. The
Colo. and Lieutt. Colo. I shall appoint hereafter. Most sincerely I remain etc.60
[Note:The draft is in the writing of John Fitzgerald
and is signed in full by Washington. ]
Date: Jan. 19th 1777
Reel, film counter, LWS: 63, 452-454, 599
To/From: Joseph Reed Esq. at Princeton / GW
Location: Morris Town (the word Morris is obsured)
GW's hand: Y but N in Fitzpatrick
Number of pages: 3
Type of manuscript: Letter
Signature: GWashington
Content: Letter stating that GW has resolved to recall? (reach on UVA website)
the protection given by Gen. Howe.
To COLONEL JOSEPH REED Morris Town, January 19, 1777.
Dear Sir: Your letters of the 16th and 17th Inst., are before me. I have come
to a Resolution to reach the Protection given by Genl. Howe, and am now preparing
something by way of Proclamation for that purpose in order that the Country
may stand upon the same Footing or friends distinguished from Foes. I have also
Issued something in general orders explaining the former orders relative to
the appropriation of Plunder etc., and have sent copies to the different Posts.
The Morris County light horse have disbanded themselves I believe, for I have
seen none of them for some time. A strict scrutiny will, I hope, be made into
the conduct of Col. Chambers64
and his officers, and proper examples made. Genl. Putnam was directed long ago
by me to have the arms collected from the Country I hope he has done it. I have
no objection to his allowing some compensation for the trouble of collecting
and bringing them in. Genl. Grant's65
waggon was really taken with his Steward, who is now here a Prisoner.
[Note:Col. David Chambers, of the New Jersey
Militia. ]
[Note:Maj. Gen. Francis Grant, of the British Army. ]
Would it not be best to order P. Vanhorne to Brunswick. These People in my opinion
can do us less injury there than any where else. I presume he will plead the
difficulty of obtaining Quarters, maintaining himself etc., but is this sufficient?
I have wrote a line of thanks myself to Capt. Ransom,66
and when you see Col. White67 please
to express the sense I entertain of his conduct, and those of the other two
Gentlemen who were with him on the occasion. I am etc.68
[Note:Capt. William Reinsen, of the Monmouth
Light Horse. ]
[Note:Lieut. Col. Anthony Walton White, of the Third New Jersey Regiment. ]
[Note:From a copy in the Toner Transcripts in the Library of Congress. ]
Date: Jan. 29th 1777
Reel, film counter, LWS: 63, 455-456, 462
To/From: Brig. Genl. Knox Commander of the Corps of Artillery / GW
Location: Morris Town
GW's hand: Y
Number of pages: 2
Type of manuscript: Letter
Signature: GWashington
Content: Letter to Knox inquiring into the appointment of a Mr. Machin, who
GW says appears to be of merit. Also about Machin's pay, which Machin says he
hasn't received since May.
*To BRIGADIER GENERAL HENRY KNOX Morris Town, January 29, 1777.
I have no doubt but that in the new appointment of Artillery Officers you thought
of Mr. Machin33 in the manner he
deserves; however as he is now here, and has heard nothing from you on the subject,
I cannot help reminding you of him, as he appears from observation, and information,
to be a person of merit.
[Note:Captain-lieutenant of the Second Continental
Artillery. He was wounded at Fort Montgomery, N.Y., on October 6; promoted to
captain in August, 1780; served to June, 1783. ]
He has also mentioned something to me respecting his pay, which you will cause
to be enquired into; he has received none, he says, since the Month of May.
I am, etc.34
[Note:In private hands. It was sold at auction
in 1910. ]
Date: Jan. 31st 1777
Reel, film counter, LWS: 63, 457, 1311?
To/From: ? / GW
Location: Head Quarters
GW's hand: N
Number of pages: 1
Type of manuscript: Letter
Signature: GWashington
Content: Not in Fitzpatrick
Concerns GW's upcoming evaluation of some subaltern officers.
Date: 7th Day of Feb. A.D. 1777
Reel, film counter, LWS: 63, 458-460, 608
To/From: Col. William Thidor? Esq. Judge Advocate General or his deputy / GW
Location: Head Quarters at Morristown
GW's hand: N
Number of pages: 3
Type of manuscript: Warrant
Signature: GWashington
Content: Not in Fitzpatrick
Warrant for the trial of Col. Andrew Ward of the Regiment of Connecticut.
Date: Feb. 12th 1777
Reel, film counter, LWS: 63, 461-462, 610
To/From: Rob. Morris Esq. / GW
Location: Morristown
GW's hand: Y
Number of pages: 2
Type of manuscript: One paragraph letter
Signature: GWashington
Content: Not in Fitzpatrick
Note thanking Rob. Morris and mentioning frequent skirmishes between GW's scouts
and enemy foraging parties.
Date: Mar. 14th 1777
Reel, film counter, LWS: 63, 463-465, 604
To/From: Edw. Hand Esq. Colonel of the First Continental Regiment Lancaster
/ GW
Location: Morris Town
GW's hand: Y but N in Fitzpatrick
Number of pages: 3
Type of manuscript: Letter
Signature: GWashington
Content: Letter to Edw. Hand wondering where he and his regiment have disappeared
to. (Uses and exclamation point at one point).
To COLONEL EDWARD HAND Morris Town, March 14, 1777.
Sir: You left this place many weeks ago to collect, as I understood, the remains
of your Regiment together. No good, that I have yet seen, has resulted from
it; by the last returns, just handed in, you have 263 Sick, absent; Strange
this! after such a length of time spent in assembling your Regiment. The season
of the year and the exigency of our affairs, will admit of no more delays; I
have therefore, in express terms, to desire that you will immediately join your
Regiment, that you will order all your Straglers to be brought forward, and
that you will use your utmost endeavours (by employing the best qualified and
most diligent of your Officers) to compleat your Regiment to its Establishment.
What is become of your Lieutt. Colo.? If there is not some cogent reason to
assign, his long absence from Camp will stand in a very unfavourable point of
View. As your Regiment is deficient in point of numbers and wanting of Officers,
I think you had better reduce the number of Companies to the proper establishment
of eight. I am etc.18
[Note:The draft is in the writing of George Johnston.
]
Date: 15th March 1777
Reel, film counter, LWS: 63, 466-468, 606
To/From: Hon. Robert Morris Esq. Philadelphia / GW
Location: Head Quarters Morristown
GW's hand: N
Number of pages: 3
Type of manuscript: Letter
Signature: GWashington
Content: Letter to Robert Morris, hand delivered by Major Gen. Greene, informing
Morris that Greene will appraise Congress of the current situation.
To THE MEMBERS OF CONGRESS Morris Town, March 15, 1777.
Dr. Sir: Give me leave to introduce to your attention, Major Genl. Greene, who
obliges me by delivering this. He is a Gentleman in whose abilities I place
the most intire confidence. A long acquaintance with him justifies me in this;
the danger of Communicating by Letter our present Situation, and the indispensible
necessity of Congress knowing it, have compelled me, tho' I can illy Spare so
useful an Officer at this time, to Send him to Philadelphia. His perfect knowledge
of our Strength, and of my opinion, enables him to give Congress the most Satisfactory
Accounts they can desire. I am &c.20
[Note:The draft is in the writing of George Johnston.
This letter was a circular to the Delegates. ]
Date: 5th April 1777
Reel, film counter, LWS: 63, 469-470, 2144
To/From: Brigadier General James Clinton, in his absence the commanding officer,
at Fort Montgomery / GW
Location: Head Quarters Morris Town
GW's hand: N
Number of pages: 2
Type of manuscript: Letter
Signature: GWashington
Content: Letter to Clinton directing the route to be taken by the Massachusetts
regiments from the Greenwoods to New Jersey.
To BRIGADIER GENERAL JAMES CLINTON
OR OFFICER COMMANDING FORT MONTGOMERY Head Quarters, Morris Town, April 5, 1777.
Sir: In order to shorten the march of the Massachusetts Regiments intended for
this quarter, they are directed to take their Route thro' the Green woods to
Kinderhook, Claverack or Red Hook.…44
The Vessels then to go down with the tide of Ebb and land the Troops where directed.
Signals to be fixed upon and given by the Boat that remains below, in case any
of the Enemy's Vessels should be seen coming up, whilst ours are going down.
If you should have occasion to be absent from the Garrison, for ever so short
a time, be sure to leave a Copy of these orders with the next in Command. I
am etc.45
[Note:The omitted portion is a repetition of
the last two paragraphs in Washington's letter to Maj. Gen, William Heath, the
same date as this letter, q. v . ]
[Note:The draft is in the writing of Tench Tilghman. ]
Date: April 21st 1777
Reel, film counter, LWS: 63, 471-473, 398
To/From: Col. Ward Muster Master Genl. To the Continental Army / GW
Location: Morris Town
GW's hand: Y but N in Fitzpatrick
Number of pages: 3
Type of manuscript: Letter
Signature: GWashington
Content: Letter to Col. Ward expressing his befuddlement as to what Congress
intended relative to the appointment of (a) muster master(s).
To COLONEL JOSEPH WARD Morris Town, April 21, 1777.
Sir: I have looked over the Resolutions of Congress relative to the appointments
and duties of your Department, and find myself at a loss in the present unassembled
State of the Army, to prescribe, as you desire, any immediate rule for the Government
of your Conduct.
At this time, few of the Continental Troops have assembled, and those which
are, we find in so disjointed and broken a State, as to render a muster of them,
difficult, uncertain and of little avail. Add to this, I cannot pretend to say,
that I clearly understand the intention and Views of Congress in these appointments,
and wish you had satisfied yourself, whether the four Deputy Muster Masters
General were designed for different districts, or different Armies; And whether
by a Grand Division is meant a Major General's command; which by the plan I
laid formerly before Congress was to consist of three Brigades of four Regiments
each, composing in the whole, as many, I conceive, as the Circumstances of the
Army will admit of being mustered by any one Officer, in the course of a Month.
If it be the intention of Congress, that each district should have a Deputy
Muster Master General, the sooner the allotment is made, the better, that the
duty may be begun so soon as circumstances will admit of it; but for my own
part, I should have thought, that a Deputy Muster Master General to each seperate
Army, would have been sufficient, with the aid of those of the different divisions.
By alloting them to districts, it may happen that some of those appointments
may become mere Sinecures if there should be no, or but a small part of the
Army in that quarter.
Upon the whole, you will have full time to obtain a thorough knowledge of the
views of Congress upon these points which I advise you to learn and when known,
every assistance in my power shall be given to carry them into execution. I
am &ca.86
[Note:The draft is in the writing of Robert Hanson
Harrison ]
Date: 26th April 1777
Reel, film counter, LWS: 63, 474-475, 487
To/From: Maj. Morris of the 1st New Jersey Continental Battalion / GW
Location: Headquarters Morris Town
GW's hand: N
Number of pages: 2
Type of manuscript: Warrant
Signature: GWashington
Content: Warrant for the arrest of Hugh Hughes.
To MAJOR JOSEPH MORRIS Head Quarters, Morris Town, April 26, 1777.
Sir: Information of the inimical disposition of Mr. Hugh Hughes of Sussex County
having been lodged with me, by which it becomes necessary to secure him, You
will proceed, with the guard under your Command, to his house, or wherever he
may be found, seize and secure him, and conduct him to Philadelphia; when there,
you will deliver him up to the Pennsylvania Board of War, and then return. I
am etc.29
[Note:The draft is in the writing of George Johnston.
]
Date: May 19 1777
Reel, film counter, LWS: 63, 476-477, 397
To/From: Robert Morris Esq. Member of Congress Philadelphia / GW
Location: Head Quarters Morris Town
GW's hand: N
Number of pages: 2
Type of manuscript: Letter
Signature: GWashington
Content: Letter pertaining to the commission of Monsieur D'Armandt.
To ROBERT MORRIS
Head Quarters, Morris Town, May 19, 1777.
Dear Sir: Your favor by Monsieur Armand was duly handed me. I have been happy
to show him every mark of attention in my power, the considerations you mention,
gave him a just claim to it, and derived additional weight from your recommendation.
I am pleased to find Congress took such distinguishing notice of him, as they
did in their late appointment, he has requested to have the command of a partisan
corps, composed of Frenchmen; to which proposal I readily assented, as I wished
to avoid as much as possible making draughts from the corps already formed.
I have recommended to him to engage as many as he can meet with fit for his
purpose; and have left it to him, to nominate such French officers, as he thinks
qualified for the position to serve under him, as I confide in his making a
judicious choice, I doubt not they will be such as I can approve.
He appears to me to be a modest, genteel, sensible young Gentleman, and I flatter
myself his conduct will be such as to give us no reason to repent any civilities
that may be shown him. I am etc.58
[Note:In private hands. It was sold at auction
in 1892. ]
Date: 28 May 1777
Reel, film counter, LWS: 63, 478, 2113
To/From: Robert Morris Esq. Philadelphia /
Location: Head Quarters Morris Town
GW's hand: N
Number of pages: 1
Type of manuscript: Just the envelope
Signature: N
Content: Not in Fitzpatrick
Just the envelope
Date: May 1777
Reel, film counter, LWS: 63, 479-482, 3182
To/From: Captn Gibbs at present in Philadelphia / GW
Location: Morris Town
GW's hand: Y
Number of pages: 4
Type of manuscript: Letter
Signature: GWashington
Content: GW is writing to inquire about locating a qualified person to serve
as a butler or steward. Also discusses cloth for his servant.
Date: 14th June 1777
Reel, film counter, LWS: 63, 483-484, 1369
To/From: Gen. Sullivan / GW
Location: Middle Brook
GW's hand: N
Number of pages: N
Type of manuscript: Letter
Signature: GWashington
Content: Not in Fitzpatrick
Letter asking Gen. Sullivan to send GW an update on the status of his quarter.
It is includes at the top of the page a newspaper clipping and is followed by
a page of various newspaper clipping of unknown relevance.
Date: 18th July 1777
Reel, film counter, LWS: 63, 485-486, 559
To/From: Col. Mordecai Gist / GW
Location: Head Quarters at the Clove
GW's hand: N
Number of pages: 2
Type of manuscript: Letter
Signature: GWashington
Content: Letter about the difficulty of recruiting where states, specifically
Maryland, are filling their quotas first.
To COLONEL MORDECAI GIST
Head Quarters at the Clove, July 18, 1777.
Sir: I received both of your favours of the 2nd. and 8th. instant. The State
of Maryland hath not been particular in refusing to suffer the Officers of the
16 Battalions to recruit before they have completed their own Quota. Several
others have done the same thing. As the Officers of Colo. Nathl. Gist's Regiment
were precluded from going on with recruiting, you were right to send them where
they have a chance of raising Men. As most of the Troops raised to the Southward
are forwarded on, I think you would render more Service by being with your Regiment
than remaining at Baltimore. If therefore the State do not demand your further
attendance, you are to join the Army as soon as possible. I am etc.70
[Note:The draft is in the writing of Tench Tilghman.
]
Date: 22nd July 1777
Reel, film counter, LWS: 63, 487-488, 559 ?? this number is the same as the
18th July 1777 doc.
To/From: Lord Stirling / GW
Location: Head Quarters Clove
GW's hand: N
Number of pages: 2
Type of manuscript: Letter
Signature: GWashington
Content: Not in Fitzpatrick
Writing about the transfer of luggage for Lord Stirling and the fact that the
British fleet moved from the Narrows toward the Hook.
Date: 23rd July 1777
Reel, film counter, LWS: 63, 489-490, 2151
To/From: Col. Morgan at Hackensack / GW
Location: Head Quarters Clove
GW's hand: N
Number of pages: 2
Type of manuscript: Letter
Content: Warning to Morgan that while staying at Hackensack he may be subject
to a surprise by the enemy.
To COLONEL DANIEL MORGAN
Head Quarters, Clove, July 23, 1777.
Sir: While you are lying at Hackinsack you may be subject to a surprise by a
party of the enemy from Fort Washington except you keep your Guard advanced
to Hackinsack Ferry and the Bridge above. Patrolling Parties may safely lay
by day at Fort Lee, from whence they may observe what is doing at Fort Washington,
or down the River toward New York. When you move it will probably be at a very
short warning, you are therefore to hold your Corps in readiness to march in
an Hour after you receive Notice either by Night or day. I am etc.
P.S. Whenever you receive any material intelligence transmit it immediately
to me by Express.1
[Note:In private hands. It was sold at auction
in 1931. ]
Date: 29th July 1777 9 o'clock PM
Reel, film counter, LWS: 63, 491-492, 685
To/From: Maj. Gen. Sullivan on his march from Peekskill / GW
Location: Camp at Coryell's Ferry
GW's hand: N
Number of pages: 2
Type of manuscript: Letter
Signature: GWashington
Content: Letter directing Sullivan to halt at Morristown as the British fleet
has left the Hook but their destination is unknown.
To MAJOR GENERAL JOHN SULLIVAN
Camp at Coryell's Ferry, 9 O'Clock P.M.,
July 29, 1777.
Dear Sir: Notwithstanding it will be a week to morrow since the Fleet left the
Hook, none of the Ships had, by the latest accounts, made their appearance in
Delaware Bay. About Seventy Sail were seen a few days ago, off little Egg Harbour.
This delay makes me Suspicious that their real intentions are yet a secret to
us; and therefore that we may not draw too much of our Force Southward, I desire
you will halt at Morris Town, or upon good Ground near the place where this
shall meet you, till further orders. This respects your coming forward, but
if you should receive certain information from Genl. Putnam that any number
of the Enemy's Ships are moving up the North River, you are to return immediately
without waiting for orders from me, and send forward an Express to me with the
intelligence. I am etc.
P. S. During your halt at Morris Town or elsewhere you will have every thing
got into the best order and ready for a Sudden move either North or South.50
[Note:The draft is in the writing of Tench Tilghman.
]
Date: Aug. 1st 1777 10 o'clock PM (Fitzpatrick version is from 9:30 PM)
Reel, film counter, LWS: 63, 493-494, 2152
To/From: Maj. Gen. Sullivan on his march from Morristown to Coryell's Ferry
/ GW
Location: Chester on Delaware
GW's hand: N
Number of pages: 2
Type of manuscript: Letter
Signature: GWashington
Content: Fitzpatrick version is missing a one sentence addition to the left
of the signature.
Directions as to where to proceed in response to Howe's movements. Very difficult
to read.
To MAJOR GENERAL JOHN SULLIVAN
Chester, ½ after 9 O'Clock P.M., August 1, 1777.
Dear Sir: By an Express this moment received from Cape May, The Enemy's Fleet
put to Sea Yesterday Morning at Eight O'Clock and were out of sight three Hours
when the Express came away. From this event it appears Genl. Howe has been practising
a deep feint, merely to draw our attention and whole force to this point. I
am to request, that you will countermarch the Division under your command and
proceed with it, with all possible expedition, to Peeks Kill, as there is the
strongest reason to beleive, that the North River is their object and that they
will make a rapid push to obtain possession of our posts there. The inclosed
Letter for the Commanding Officer of the two Eastern Brigades which were ordered
to march from Peeks Kill to reinforce this Army, you will transmit without a
moment's delay. I am etc.3
[Note:The draft is in the writing of Robert Hanson
Harrison. ]
Date: Sept. 12th 1777
Reel, film counter, LWS: 63, 495-497, 2099?
To/From: Brigadier General William Smallwood (from Fitzpatrick) / GW
Location: Derby
GW's hand: N
Number of pages: 3
Type of manuscript: Letter
Signature: GWashington
Content:
To BRIGADIER GENERAL WILLIAM SMALLWOOD
Derby, September 12, 1777.
Sir: Having more maturely considered the Situation and circumstances of the
Enemy since Colo. Hamilton wrote you this morning. It appears to me, that the
Forces under your command, cannot be employed to so much advantage in any way,
as by failing on the Enemy's Rear and attacking them as often as possible. I
am persuaded many advantages will result from this measure. It will greatly
retard their march and give us time, and will also oblige them, either to keep
a strong guard with their Sick and Wounded, with which they must now be much
incumbered, or to send them back to their Shipping under a large escort, which
you will have an opportunity of attacking with a good prospect of Success. Add
to these considerations, that before you could join me by a circuitous march
and your Troops were rested, matters might be brought to a crisis. I therefore
wish you to pursue the line of conduct I have pointed out, and must urge you
to every possible degree of diligence and dispatch. I also wish you to write
to Genl. Rodney of Delaware and Colo. Gist, requesting them to push on and join
you with all the force they have and can collect. It will be advisable too,
for you to send into the Country as you march, and to call in every aid you
can. But I would not have you to wait for their joining, as they can do it after
you have proceeded near the Enemy. No exertions can be too great at this time,
and if the people would make a Spirited effort, there is the strongest Reason
to believe the present contest would terminate happily and Speedily. I am, etc.2
[Note:The draft is in the writing of Robert Hanson
Harrison. ]
Date: 13th Sept. 1777
Reel, film counter, LWS: 63, 498-502, 2149
To/From: Thomas Wharton, Esq., Philadelphia / GW
Location: Head Quarters Germantown
GW's hand: N
Number of pages: 5
Type of manuscript: Letter
Signature: GWashington
Content:
To PRESIDENT THOMAS WHARTON, JUNIOR
Head Qurs., Germantown, September 13, 1777.
Sir: I was this morning honored with yours of yesterday. I am pleased to find,
that you have ordered an additional number of Militia to assemble at the Swedes
Ford, at which and the other practicable passages for some distance up the River,
I have directed small close Redoubts to be thrown up. This work will be executed
under the Command and direction of Genl. Armstrong, who will also employ some
of the Militia at present in the Field, upon the same Service.
I wish it were in my power to turn any part of my present force, to the Completion
of the Works upon Delaware, but in our present Situation, it cannot be afforded;
except Genl. Howe can be checked upon land, the obstructions in the River will
be of little avail, for if he can once totally defeat this Army, he will take
possession of the Forts of course and turn our own Guns upon our Ships, Galleys
and floating Batteries. In my opinion, the River would be Sufficiently Secured
against any Sudden attack by Water only, if the City Artillery Companies were
thrown into Fort Mifflin, and all the Vessels of War of different kinds, drawn
up behind the Chevaux de Frize. I have given orders to Colo. Penrose9 to overflow
the Ground upon Province Island, which will render it impossible for the Enemy
to approach the Fort in the rear and raise Batteries against it. As I am well
apprized of the importance of Philadelphia, you may rest assured, that I shall
take every Measure in my power to defend it, and I hope you will agree with
me in Sentiment that the only effectual method will be to oppose Genl Howe with
our whole united Force. I am this moment favored with yours of this date and
thank you for your Compliance to my request for removing the Continental Soldiers,
who may be loitering in the City. I have the honor etc.10
[Note:Col. Joseph Penrose. He had been colonel
of the Tenth Pennsylvania Regiment, but resigned early in 1777 in a rank dispute.
From this letter he seems to have again entered either the State or Continental
service. ]
[Note:The draft is in the writing of Tench Tilghman. ]
Date: 6th day of Oct. 1777
Reel, film counter, LWS: 63, 503, 2965
To/From: Brig. Genl. David Forman Esq. / GW
Location: Phila. County
GW's hand: Y
Number of pages: 1
Type of manuscript: Letter/order
Signature: GWashington
Content: Not in Fitzpatrick - 2 other letters on this day making similar requests
to other individuals are in Fitzpatrick
Authorization to obtain from the inhabitants of Jersey blankets, shoes, stockings
and other articles of clothing.
Date: 19th March 1778
Reel, film counter, LWS: 63, 504-505, 2148
To/From: Brigadiers and Officers Commanding Brigades (from Fitzpatrick) / GW
Location: Head Quarters (someone added Valley Forge)
GW's hand: N
Number of pages: 2
Type of manuscript: Letter
Signature: GWashington
Content: A request to recommend officers for the positions of Inspector General
and sub-inspectors.
To BRIGADIERS AND OFFICERS
COMMANDING BRIGADES
Head Quarters, March 19, 1778.
Sir: As it is found necessary for the purpose of establishing uniformity of
discipline and manoeuvres in the army to appoint an Inspector General; and in
order to form a well organised Body of Instructors it is proposed to have Sub-Inspectors
to superintend divisions or larger portions of the army according to their numbers;
and Brigade-Inspectors to be charged with the Instruction of Brigades, which
last officers are to be chosen in the Brigades respectively. I have to desire
of you to make choice of a Major from the Regiments under your command, whose
activity, Intelligence, Address and decided Taste for the kind of employment,
qualify him in a superior degree for the office.
The importance of the object and the little time which remains for executing
what is necessary to accomplish it, render every moment precious; you will therefore
without loss of time, make the choice and give me notice of it.
The Brigade Inspector retains his rank, but is to be exempt from the duties
of the Line during the exercise of his office. I am, etc.
PS. As the danger of delay in this business is more to be dreaded than any other
inconvenience; if no Major should be present possessing the qualities required,
any other officer in whom they are united, and who is ready at once to assume
the functions of his office may be taken. 67
[Note:One of the original Ls. S., in the writing
of Richard Kidder Meade, is in the National Museum, Independence Hall, Philadelphia;
another is in the Morgan Library; and another, addressed to General Varnum,
is in the Huntington Library. ]
Date: 26th March 7?? (1778)
Reel, film counter, LWS: 63, 506-507, 706
To/From: Col. Sylvannus Seely at Elizabeth Town / GW
Location: Head Quarters Valley Forge
GW's hand: N
Number of pages: 2
Type of manuscript: Letter
Signature: GWashington
Content: Not in Fitzpatrick Letter acknowledging receipt of information regarding
troop movement from New York and requesting additional information regarding
their destination.
Date: 22th May 1778
Reel, film counter, LWS: 63, 508-509, 2148
To/From: Officer in Command of General Weedon's Brigade (note the Fitzpatrick
note below) GW
Location: Head Quarters Valley Forge
GW's hand: N
Number of pages: 2
Type of manuscript: Letter
Signature: GWashington
Content: Not in Fitzpatrick but note the note in the letter below.
A request for an accounting of members of his regiments due to some issue with
a Virginia draft law?
To BRIGADIER GENERAL CHARLES SCOTT
Head Quarters, Valley Forge, May 22, 1778.
Sir: I want to obtain a very particular account of the Number of Men who have
come from Virginia under the old and new draught law. You are therefore to order
the commanding Officers of the different Regiments in your Brigade to make you,
as soon as possible, an exact Return of the Men in their respective Corps who
came out as Draughts or Substitutes, distinguishing those of the old from the
new. If you can obtain a Return of those who either died or deserted after they
joined their Regiments, I should be glad to have it. After the Returns have
been made to you, be pleased to examine them carefully, and send them to me.
I am &ca.
P.S. Let the County be mentioned from whence the draughts came.
33
[Note:The same letter was sent to Brig, Gen.
Peter Muhlenberg and the commanding officers of Weedon's and Woodford's brigades.
]
Date: 31 Augt. 1778
Reel, film counter, LWS: 63, 510, 670
To/From: Colonel Aldens? / GW
Location: Head Quarters
GW's hand: N
Number of pages: 1
Type of manuscript: Letter
Signature: GWashington
Content: Not in Fitzpatrick
Request for information on enemy movements, specifically pertaining to sailing
from the Hook.
Date: 2nd October 1778
Reel, film counter, LWS: 63, 511-512, 2147
To/From: Gov. Clinton at Poughkeepsie / GW
Location: Fishkill
GW's hand: N
Number of pages: 2
Type of manuscript: Letter
Signature: GWashington
Content: Letter to Gov. Clinton on subject of Capt. Machin's extra service and
payment due for it.
To GOVERNOR GEORGE CLINTON
Fishkill, October 2, 1778.
Dear Sir: Capt. Machin 30 has been
employed since the year 1776 in the engineering Branch without coming to any
regular settlement for his Services. He does not chuse to fix any price himself,
and I am really ignorant of what is just and proper. You have been a witness
of a good deal of his work and he is willing to submit the matter to your decision.
Capt. Machin holds a Commission in the Artillery, and has besides an account
of his extra Expences in transacting his Business. The sum therefore to be ascertained
is what he is intitled to above his pay of an Officer of Artillery, and an allowance
for extra Expences. 31 I am &c.
32
[Note:Capt.-Lieut. Thomas Machin, of the Second
Continental Artillery. He had been wounded at Fort Montgomery, N.Y., in October,
1777; promoted to captain in August, 1780; served to June, 1783; later served
as captain, Twenty-ninth United States Infantry. ]
[Note:Clinton replied (October 3) that Machin's services in fixing the chain
across the Hudson and sinking the cheveaux de frises had been of great value;
that he "frequently endangered his Health by working in the Water when
it was floating with Ice." Clinton's letter is in the Washington Papers.]
[Note:The draft is in the writing of Tench Tilghman. ]
Date: 17th October 1778
Reel, film counter, LWS: 63, 513-514, 2141
To/From: Lord Stirling (from Fitzpatrick) / GW
Location: Head Quarters Fredericksburg
GW's hand: N
Number of pages: 2
Type of manuscript: Letter
Signature: GWashington
Content: Request for information of enemy movement by ship.
To LORD STIRLING
Head Quarters, Fredericksburg, October 17, 1778.
My Lord: I have received your favours of the 14 and 15th. instants. I have undoubted
intelligence, that a very considerable embarkation is making from New York.
It is of the utmost importance that we should ascertain the numbers as near
as possible, their destination the time of their sailing and above all how they
are convoyed as to numbers and force of ships of War. Upon this, and a certain
account of what ships of War remain in New York the Count D'Estaing will probably
form his plan of Operations. I therefore intreat your Lordship to leave no means
untried to come at a knowlege of these facts. I would not wish you to take up
any vague reports, because I shall forward your intelligence to the Count. You
may always distinguish in your letters between what you think may be depended
upon, and what is dubious.
If an Officer acquainted with marine Affairs was stationed at Bonum Town he
wou'd have an opportunity of seeing every thing going in or out of the Hook
and could give intelligence of the time of the fleets sailing; endeavouring
to distinguish the men of war from the transports. Major Howell will have a
better opportunity of counting the exact number from his Station at Black point.
Be pleased to give him notice that a fleet is upon the point of sailing, desire
him to be attentive and inform him of the importance of being particular, and
expeditious in communicating his intelligence.
I do not intend that Woodfords Brigade shall remain at New Ark, longer than
untill the views of the enemy are more fully known. This will in all probability
be very shortly. I would not therefore have them order down more of their Baggage
than is absolutely necessary. As the enemy have retired, a small escort from
the Brigade will serve to convoy the Baggage, who may carry down the field Artillery
at the same time. I am &ca. 90
[Note:The draft is in the writing of Tench Tilghman.
]
Date: 16th November 1778
Reel, film counter, LWS: 63, 515-516, 2142
To/From: Brig. Genl. Hand / GW
Location: Head Quarters Fredericksburg
GW's hand: N
Number of pages: 2
Type of manuscript: Letter
Signature: GWashington
Content:
To BRIGADIER GENERAL EDWARD HAND
Head Quarters, Fredericksburg, November 16, 1778.
Sir: I have recd. yours of the 13th. containing the disagreeable account of
the attack upon Colo. Aldens Regt. at Cherry Valley. But your Letter of the
10th. has never come to hand. I have ordered Genl. Clinton with the two remaining
Regts. of his Brigade to march immediately to Albany,
93 that they may be ready to act as circumstances may require. It
is in the highest degree distressing to have our frontier so continually harrassed
by this collection of Banditti under Brand 94
and Butler. 95 I would have you
without loss of time consult Genl. Schuyler and some of the Gentlemen and others
in the part of the Country where you now are, upon the propriety or practicability
of some offensive operation at this season of the year, with the number of Men
which the addition of the two Regts. will make against these people, by means
of which they may be removed to such a distance as to make it inconvenient for
them to make such frequent incursions. If any thing is to be undertaken let
me know upon what quarter it is to be, as soon as it is determined. If it shall
not be judged expedient to carry an expedition at this time, you will then consult
with the Gentlemen above mentioned upon the most proper disposition of the troops
to support each other in case of an attack upon any of the separate posts, and
at the same time to afford protection and cover to the Frontier. Count Pulaski's
legion consisting of about 250 Horse and Foot are at Coles Fort in the Minisink
settlement. I intend to strengthen them, with the addition of some other Corps
say about 250 more. Colo. Cortlandts Regt. is between Minisink and Rochester.
In deliberating upon the matter before mentioned, you will keep these troops
in view, as they may either co-operate with those to the Northward, or make
any diversion to favor them, should an offensive operation be determined upon.
I am &ca. 96
[Note:The draft is in the writing of Tench Tilghman.
] [Note:"In writing to him, [General Hand] it was only intended that matters
should be getting in train." -- Washington to James Clinton , Nov. 16,
1778. This letter is in the Morgan Library. ]
[Note:Joseph Brant. ]
[Note:Walter Butler. ]
Date: 20th November 1778
Reel, film counter, LWS: 63, 517-519, 2143
To/From: Genl. Hand / GW
Location: Head Quarters Fredericksburg
GW's hand: N
Number of pages: 3
Type of manuscript: Letter
Signature: GWashington
Content:
To BRIGADIER GENERAL EDWARD HAND
Head Quarters, Fredericksburg, November 20, 1778.
Sir: Since mine of the 16th. your missing letter of the 10th. and another of
the 11th. have come to hand. A supply of Cloathing for the 4th. Pennsylvania
Regt. and the Rifle Corps has been ordered up by Captn. Cobourn 44
of Colo. Alden's Regt. and I hope it may be arrived with them by this time.
[Note:Capt. Asa Coburn, of the Seventh Massachusetts
Regiment. He served to June, 1783. ]
The exigency of Affairs to the Northward having required an additional number
of troops to be sent thither, I have ordered up the New York Brigade as being
most convenient and suitable upon several accounts. Genl. James Clinton their
own Brigadier going with them will of course supersede you, and as the whole
force in that quarter will not admit of being divided into commands suitable
for two General Officers, I have thought it would be more agreeable to you to
remove down to the Minisink settlement and take the command of a Body of troops
which we are under the necessity of assembling there to protect that Frontier
against the incursions of the Indians. The Corps at the Minisink will consist
of Count Pulaski's Legion, Colo. Armands Corps and Colo. Spencers Regt. making
about 500 Horse and Foot. Colo. Cortlands Regt. is at Rochester in the neighbourhood
of Minisink. This Regiment, tho' part of Genl. Clintons Brigade, will remain
under your command for the present. The troops upon the Susquehanna (tho pretty
remote) consisting of Colo. Hartley's Regiment and two independent Companies
will also be under your general direction, should there be any means of cooperation.
I have just heard that the Indians have again appeared at Wyoming and threaten
that quarter seriously.
If you have in consequence of my last formed any plans of offence you will be
pleased to communicate them to Genl. Clinton and repair as speedily as possible
to Minisink and inform me upon your arrival there. As Govt. Clinton goes himself
to the Frontier, he will be the best judge of the propriety of taking the ranging
Companies into pay again. I send you a Copy of Colo Hartleys letter
45 by which you will perceive the situation of Matters upon Susquehanna.
I am &ca. 46
[Note:This letter of Hartley's is not found in
the Washington Papers.]
[Note:The draft is in the writing of Tench Tilghman. ]
Date: 2nd January 1779
Reel, film counter, LWS: 63, 520-521, 185
To/From: Lord Stirling / GW
Location: Philadelphia
GW's hand: N
Number of pages: 2
Type of manuscript: Letter
Signature: GWashington
Content: Letter advising Lord Stirling that GW communicated Stirling's cannon
ball concern to the Board of War and Ordinance.
To LORD STIRLING
Philadelphia, January 2, 1779.
My Lord: I am favd. with yours of the 30th. ulto. with the information from
Z 59 inclosed. I thank you for
that and what you have collected from other quarters.
[Note:Lieut. Lewis J. Costigan, of the First
New Jersey Regiment. He was taken prisoner and pretended to foreswear his allegiance,
and after being exchanged continued in New York City for four months and sent
in secret intelligence to Washington over the signature of "Z" His
memorial to Washington for compensation, under date of Apr. 4, 1782, is in the
Washington Papers.]
I shall communicate that part of your letter respecting Cannon Ball to the Board
of War and Ordnance, and if they have not already made contracts for a sufficient
Quantity they may if they think proper make their proposals known to the managers
of those Works under your Lordships direction. I return your Lordship the Compliments
of the Season and am etc. 60
[Note:The draft is in the writing of Tench Tilghman.
]
Date: 7th Feb. 1779
Reel, film counter, LWS: 63, 522-525, 3123
To/From: Brigadier General Edward Hand (from Fitzpatrick) / GW
Location: Head Quarters Middle Brook
GW's hand: N
Number of pages: 4
Type of manuscript: Letter
Signature: GWashington
Content:
To BRIGADIER GENERAL EDWARD HAND 99
[Note:Then at Minisink, N. Y. ]
Head Quarters, Middle Brook, February 7, 1779.
Sir: I have been favd. with yours of the 9th. 10th. and 15th. January with their
several inclosures, which I have not had an opportunity of answering before.
Count Pulaski's Legion being ordered by a Resolve of Congress of the 2nd. Instant
(Copy of which you have enclosed) to repair to South Carolina, you will be pleased
to direct the Officer commanding the Infantry of the Legion to march immediately,
by the shortest Route to Lancaster where he will meet orders for his future
destination. There is a small corps under the immediate command of Capt. Schott,
1 which formerly belonged to Colo. Armands old and now attached to his new Corps.
As they are unhappy in their situation on account
[Note:Capt. John Paul Schott, of the Independent
Pennsylvania Company, which was attached to Ottendorff's corps the end of December,
1776; attached to Armand's corps early in 1777. He was taken prisoner at Short
Halls, N. J., in June, 1777; his name appears on Armand's return of Sept. 1,
1778, as prisoner. ]
of a disagreement in point of Rank, I have thought it best that they shall also
march to the Southward with Pulaski's Legion. You will therefore give Capt.
Schott orders to march to Lancaster, where he will also find orders how to proceed.
Count Kokowski, 2 arrived in Philada.
before the proceedings of the Court Martial held upon him, he has I believe
returned or is about to return to Europe, and consequently you will have no
more trouble with him. I fancy had he staid he would not have been able to have
made the Man he abused any reparation for his damages.
[Note:Count Kotkowski (Kolkowski). He was a captain
in Pulaski's Legion, and had abused David Wesfall, of Minisink, N.Y., and damaged
his property. ]
To replace the Corps before mentioned I have directed the Officer commanding
the German Battalion now at Easton to hold himself ready to obey your orders
for marching 3 You will therefore
order that Battalion to join you, except you think they may remain where they
are 'till the approach of the season for action, as they are more easily subsisted
in their present quarters than at Minisink.
[Note:This order, dated Feb. 8, 1779, in the
writing of James McHenry, is in the Washington Papers.]
Although all thoughts of an Indian expedition are laid aside for the Winter,
I do not know but we may be induced to prosecute one in the Spring should circumstances
demand it and the situation of Affairs on the sea Coast admit of it; I would
therefore have you be making every possible enquiry in the course of this winter,
of those who are best informed, of the different Routs leading to the Country
of the Six Nations by land and Water, having particular regard to the distances,
face of the Country, and kind of navigation.
Colo. Butler need not at present be making any preparations at Wyoming. Should
any operations be determined upon, which are to be carried on by the waters
of Susquehannah perhaps building the necessary Boats lower down may be more
proper, as it would not awaken the suspicions of the Enemy. They can easily
be carried up to any part of the [river] where they may be wanted. I would not
wish you to entrust any person with the true reason of making enquiry concerning
the Routes to the Indian Country. Let it seem as if intended to satisfy your
own Curiosity. Be pleased to mark down the different accounts you receive and
transmit them to me when you think they are sufficiently full, noting the names
of the persons from whom you receive your information.
Upon a supposition that an expedition will be carried into the Indian Country
from Susquehannah I should be glad to be informed where you think would be the
most proper place to establish a Magazine for the supply of the troops destined
for that Service, having particular regard to the safety of the position. After
having satisfied yourselves as to the most probable Route, it will be well to
have some place reconnoitered upon that Route to which we may advance a post
for the security of the main Body, while they are assembling and preparing for
their march.
Inclosed you have the General Order of Yesterday for the reinlistment of all
Men in the Continental Army who are engaged for a limited time. Be pleased to
have them published to the troops under your command, and if the commanding
Officers of Corps find any of their Men willing to accept of the terms, let
them specify the number and send down an Officer for recruiting Money. I am
etc.
P.S. Since writing the above I have determined that Captn Schott's Corps shall
remain where they are, as I find they occupy a small detached post. 4
[Note:The draft is in the writing of Tench Tilghman.
]
Date: 28th Feb. 1779
Reel, film counter, LWS: 63, 526-529, 3124
To/From: Brig. Genl. Hand / GW
Location: Head Quarters Middle Brook
GW's hand: N
Number of pages: 4
Type of manuscript: Letter
Signature: GWashington
Content:
To BRIGADIER GENERAL EDWARD HAND
Head Quarters, Middle Brook, February 28, 1779.
Sir: I have been favd with yours of the 17th. and 22nd. instants. If the Serjeant
of the 3rd. Penna. Regiment will be as useful to you as you represent you may
keep him with you. I will direct the Commissary of Musters to send up a deputy
to your quarter who will transact the Business with more regularity than an
Officer not acquainted with the proper mode of making returns.
I approve of your plan of sending out the foraging party provided there is no
risque of their being intercepted and cut off. I would wish a very discreet
and careful Officer might be sent to command this party on many accounts, particularly
to attend, in the collection of Grain, Horses and Cattle, to the real wants
of the Inhabitants, who may be obliged to render service and afford supplies
to the Enemy from necessity and not from inclination. In your instructions therefore
to the commanding Officer, be pleased to direct him to leave as much Forage
to each farm as will serve the remaining Stock 'till next Grass, as much Grain
as will support them 'till Harvest, sortie Milch Cattle and a reasonable number
of Horses. Of the latter we should procure as many as possible, without driving
the inhabitants to the utmost distress, as we shall want them much for the expedition;
89 Direct an exact
account also to be kept, of the names of every person and the Articles taken
from them, that we may at a future day, make a discrimination between those
who have taken an active part against us and those who are not really inimical.
Whatever is brought in, in this way, is to be deemed for the benefit of the
Continent.
[Note:The expedition against the Indians. ]
If the party upon their return appear to have been industrious and active some
compensation shall be made to them, but to allow them any certain share in what
they collect would encourage them to maraud and commit every act of violence
upon the inhabitants.
I have upon the hint in your last directed Mr. Deane the Indian Agent to make
the inquiries you mention.
Inclosed you have a set of questions which I want resolved as accurately as
possible. You can take an opportunity of putting them occasionally without any
seeming design to persons acquainted with the parts of the Country which they
respect, and mark down the answers, in the Margin opposite each question. When
you have obtained answers to all or as many as you can, be pleased to return
them to me. 90 I am &c.
91
[Note:Hand answered (March 20), and his answer
is in the Washington Papers . Later he filled in the questions which Washington
inclosed in above letter, and these answers, together with those from Cols.
John Cox, William Patterson, and John Stewart, were summarized by Washington.
This summary is filed in the Washington Papers at the end of May, 1779.
]
[Note:The draft is in the writing of Tench Tilghman. ]
Date: March 8th 1779
Reel, film counter, LWS: 63, 530-533, 2150
To/From: Maj. Genl. Greene / GW
Location:
GW's hand: Y
Number of pages: 4
Type of manuscript: Letter
Signature: GWashington
Content: Fitzpatrick version is missing the last paragraph.
Inquiry into the location of four missing tablecloths and the inability to procure
Queensware.
*To MAJOR GENERAL NATHANAEL GREENE
March 8, 1779.
Dr. Sir: Early last Fall I wrote to Mr. Mitchell for 1 Dozn. Table Cloths, and
while we lay at Fredericksburg received Seven (three at one time and four at
another). About a fortnight ago, by letter, I enquired why the others were not
sent, and received the following answer: "I sent eleven Table cloths at
different times, they went by three several Persons, General Greene had some
each time, and it was particularly noted to the Quarter Master at the Quarter
Master Generals Store in Camp" I shall be obliged to you to cause enquiry
to be made at your Stores what was done with the four I miss.
At the same time I wrote to Mitchell for a sett of Queens Ware consistg. of
the followg. articles.
" 2 large Turennes
" 3 dozn. dishes; sized
" 8 dozn. Shallow plates
" 3 dozn. Soup Ditto
" 8 Table drinking Mugs
" 8 Ditto Salts;
and Some pickle plates to which he gave the following answr. on the 21st Ulto.
viz "I have made enquiry for a sett of Queens ware but am affraid it will
be difficult if not impossible to procure them. I will do all in my power to
get them as quick as possible". Since which nothing further has been said
about them, from whence I conclude my chance in that quarter is but indifferent.
I therefore apply to you to procure them as Lady Stirling informed me a few
days ago that they were to be had at Brunswick. I am thus particular lest you
may know more of my dependance on Mitchell than I do myself. I am, etc.
Date: 24 March 1779
Reel, film counter, LWS: 63, 534-538, 3291
To/From: Genl. Hand / GW
Location: Head Quarters Middle Brook
GW's hand: N
Number of pages: 5
Type of manuscript: Letter
Signature: GWashington
Content:
To BRIGADIER GENERAL EDWARD HAND
Head Quarters, Middle Brook, March 24, 1779.
Sir: I am favd. with yours of the 20th. with the inclosures 12
to which it refers. As soon as the Weather will admit I intend the
German Battalion, Armand's and Schotts Corps shall move over to Wyoming to take
post there, and as Spencer's Regt. will remain some time behind them, as a cover
to part of the Country in which you now are, and to wait for a detachment [from
[Note:The inclosures were evidences of Col. Thomas
Procter's rank. ]
the No River] that is to be incorporated with it, I think they may as well move
immediately up to Mahocomac, and erect a small stockade including the Church
you mention [(if Cole's fort in its prest. situation is not sufficient) this]
may afterwards serve for the Militia to throw themselves into, should the Continental
forces be all drawn away, [and be a security to our Convoys.] For this reason
it will be unnecessary for any others than Spencer's Regt. to move up. [Unless
you shall think the Post too much advanced, for so small a body of Men 'till
there can be some slight inclosed Work thrown up. Or unless it will be as convenient
for the other Corps to proceed from thence to Wyoming as from where they now
are which is the case by the Maps if there is no natural impediment, and a way
opened.] Be pleased to let me know how far the place of your present Cantonement,
and how far Rochester is from Mahocomac? and also how far it is from Middle
Brook to Mahocomac, what kind of Road, and which is the best Route? I wish to
be informed of the distances from Chemung and Ononaquaga to Niagara? which is
the easiest and best route across? and which would lead most directly to the
principal settlements of the Six Nations, especially the Senecas?
By your account the Cannedessaga Castle is about 60 Miles from Chemung. Be pleased
to enquire how far it is from Cannedessago to Chenessie a capital Seneca Village,
and whether they both lye on the Route from Chemung to Niagara.
What time did the Women, who were brought down by the foraging party, say the
Indians threatened to fall upon them?
When the party sent to reconnoitre the Road from Mahocomac to Chemung returns,
be pleased examine them accurately and give me their information as speedily
as possible. If the Country is favorable for a march, it may prove a valuable
discovery.
You will immediately send down a Quarter Master or some proper person to Head
Quarters with a Return of the Arms, and what Articles are wanting in the Quarter
Master's and Cloathiers departments. Let the Returns be exact, and for no more
than are really necessary, as you should not be incumbered with anything superfluous.
A number of Kegs for the transportation of Flour, and other Stores are making.
If you will give an order to the Officer who comes down for the Arms &c.,
or to any of the Regimental paymasters, who may be coming down for Money to
receive the Sum advanced to Pulaski's Corps, it shall be paid to them.
Both the persons apprehended by you come I think under the denomination of Spies,
perhaps by holding this Idea up to them strongly, and threatning them with the
consequences except they confess, something material may be got out of them
[by examining them apart from each other] especially if they were going with
a message from New York to Niagara. If they were only straglers upon their own
Business, they cannot possibly be acquainted with anything material. Do you
think they might be kept and used as Guides, if they were to be told, that instant
death would be the certain consequence of treachery, [you cannot trust them
out of confinement.]
Inclosed you have a Resolve of Congress of the 15th. instant which includes
Spencers, Armands, and Schotts Corps, be pleased to communicate it to them,
and direct them to make the Returns called for.
Should you accompany Mrs. Hand to Lancaster, I must insist upon your punctual
return within the time you mention as the Season will be considerably advanced
by that time. [I shall be glad, indeed it is expedient that I should see you
at head Quarters in your way to Lancaster as from thence it will be found necessary
for you to proceed to Wyoming. The sooner you set out the better (after puting
every thing in a proper train) as the Season will render it very inconvenient
for an Officer who is to bear a principal share in the intended Expedition to
be absent. It is with surprize I observe in your return, so many men absent
on Furlough from Spencers and the German Regiment; let them be immediately recalled,
and inform me how it happens that the prest. total of Armands Corps is 73 only
and by the last return 91 without any reason assignd for the difference.]
The money of the two emissions called out of Circulation is exchanged and sent
back by the Express. I am, &c. 13
[Note:The draft is in the writing of Tench Tilghman.
The portions in brackets are in the writing of Washington. ]
Date: 7th April 1779
Reel, film counter, LWS: 63, 539-541, 669
To/From: Brigadier General James Hogun (from Fitzpatrick) Commanding at Philadelphia
/ GW
Location: Head Quarters Middlebrook
GW's hand: N
Number of pages: 3
Type of manuscript: Letter
Signature: GWashington
Content: Advises that he cannot spare troops to augment the garrison.
To BRIGADIER GENERAL JAMES HOGUN
Head Quarters, Middlebrook, April 7, 1779.
Sir: I received your favor of the 3rd. instant. It will not possibly be in my
power, to make any augmentation of the garrison from this Army. Should the daily
guards, as you have stated them be indispensably necessary at Philadelphia,
you must apply to the board of war, and represent the matter, that the militia
may be called on for this purpose. 20
[Note:General Hogun was stationed at Philadelphia
at this time. ]
As the draughts returning home, will leave a number of the officers unemployed;
you may, as you have suggested, send some of these, to take charge of the men
to their State; to keep them together and prevent abuses on the march.
The company stationed at Trenton, cannot be relieved at this time. I am, etc.
21
[Note:The draft is in the writing of James McHenry.
]
Date: 31st May 1779
Reel, film counter, LWS: 63, 542-545, 2139
To/From: Brig. Genl. Hand / GW
Location: Head Quarters Middlebrook
GW's hand: N
Number of pages: 4
Type of manuscript: Letter
Signature: GWashington
Content:
To BRIGADIER GENERAL EDWARD HAND
Head Quarters, Middlebrook, May 31, 1779.
Sir: I have before me your several favors of the 8th. 12th. and 24th. instant
with the inclosures.
I shall transmit them to General Sullivan, who is now at Easton, and mention
to the board of war the clothing wanted for the 11th. Pennsylvania regiment.
Our stores I am afraid, are by no means equal to our several demands. What they
can furnish, will require to be managed with the strictest frugality.
I think with you that a set of Shoe-makers tools, and some spare leather in
each regiment or brigade, would be very proper. I shall endeavour to have them
sent forward, if to be procured by the board of war.
That part of late Malcoms regimint belonging to Pennsylvania, now doing duty
with Col. Spencers, has orders to join the 11th. Pennsylvania, when it reaches
Susquehannah. I shall however repeat the order to Gen: Sullivan to this purpose.
When Captn. Schot was at this camp I expressed my sentiments to him pretty freely
to which I would refer. The difficulties attending the introduction of officers
of one corps into those of another, are such as to forbid almost any further
experimints of this kind. If Captn. Schot and his officers should not be willing
to submit to the inconveniences of the service I can only lament their loss.
Gen. Sullivan will give directions on the propriety of the measure recommended
by Majr. Prowel. He will also receive your communications while on the present
command.
With respect to your relative rank, in the line of Brigadiers. It is a subject
on which I have never given any opinion. Should it be found to interfere with
that of others, when you join this army that mode will be adopted for its determination
which may appear free-est from exception. To do justice and preserve harmony
is my principal care. Be assured therefore no advantage whatsoever shall be
taken from remoteness of situation, so far as I am concerned. I am etc. 70
[Note:The draft is in the writing of James McHenry.
]
Date: August 1st 1779
Reel, film counter, LWS: 63, 546-547, 452
To/From: Col. Moylan of the Dragoons / GW
Location: Head Qtrs
GW's hand: N
Number of pages: 2
Type of manuscript: Letter
Signature: GWashington and again GWashington on the envelope.
Content: A thank you for intelligence received along with info on Howe movements
to Ridgefield. Also says unable to lend a hand with personnel.
To COLONEL STEPHEN MOYLAN
Head Quarters, August 1, 1779.
Dear Sir: I received Your favor of the 29th Ulto. and thank you for the intelligence
it contains.
General Howe has gone to Ridgefield to take the command of Glover's brigade
and all the Troops in that Quarter, and will make such dispositions of them
as may appear best. I am sorry it is not in my power to send you any hard money.
I have but little and it is more particularly intended for persons within the
enemy's lines. If you will make out a return of your dismounted men, and the
necessary Arms and accoutrements and will send for them I will direct them to
be supplied. I am, etc. 51
[Note:The draft is in the writing of Robert Hanson
Harrison. ]
Date: 12th December 1779
Reel, film counter, LWS: 63, 548-551, 389
To/From: Maj. Genl. Lincoln / GW
Location: Head Quarters Morristown
GW's hand: N
Number of pages: 4
Type of manuscript: Letter
Signature: GWashington
Content:
To MAJOR GENERAL BENJAMIN LINCOLN
Head Quarters, Morris Town, December 12, 1779.
My dear Sir: I had the pleasure of receiving yours of the 22d. October by Colo.
Laurens to whose information I am indebted for a very particular account of
the situation of Affairs to the southward. I had, previous to his arrival, been
furnished by Congress with copies of your dispatches by Major Clarkson, who
came forward himself to Head Quarters. By him I had the mortification of hearing
of the ill success of the allied Arms before Savannah. While I regret the misfortune,
I feel a very sensible pleasure in contemplating the gallant behaviour of the
Officers and Men of the french and american Army, and it adds not a little to
my consolation in learning that, instead of the mutual reproaches which too
often follow the failure of enterprises, depending upon the cooperation of troops
of different nations, their confidence in and esteem for each other is increased:
I am happy in believing that the delicacy and propriety of your conduct, upon
every occasion, has contributed much to this agreeable circumstance.
Before Colo. Laurens's arrival, the two Regiments of North Carolina had marched
and immediately upon finding from your letters and from him the reduced state
of your continental force and the little dependance to be put upon the precarious
supplies of Militia, I submitted to Congress the propriety of detaching the
whole of the Virginia line, expressing at the same time, my willingness to part
with them, illy as they could be spared, should they judge it expedient after
a full consideration of all circumstances. Congress having determined upon the
propriety of the measure, the troops began to march the day before yesterday
and I hope the whole will be in motion this day, should not the weather prevent
them.
I have strongly recommended the transportation of them by water if Vessels can
be procured and a convoy ensured. The advantages of this over a march by land
are too obvious to need mentioning.
The unhappy system of short inlistments operates just now most forcibly upon
the troops in question, as well as upon the whole line of the Army, although
the total amount of the Virginians is at present upwards of 2500 I do not imagine
it will be practicable to move more than Rank and file to South Carolina, as
the times of the remainder would expire by their arrival at Charlestown. About
150 of the two state Regiments had been reinlisted last Winter upon promise
of a furlough this Winter which must be complied with.
I shall take the liberty in my turn of referring you to Colo. Laurens for a
minute account of our circumstances and situation, and I am happy in having
the testimony of so able a judge and so good a Man to witness that the utmost
has been done by me to afford relief to the quarter which so loudly and with
so much reason calls for assistance. I am, etc.18
[Note:The draft is in the writing of Tench Tilghman.
]
Date: 16th December 1779
Reel, film counter, LWS: 63, 552-554, 388
To/From: Gov. Livingston / GW
Location: Headquarters Morris Town
GW's hand: N
Number of pages: 3
Type of manuscript: Circular letter
Signature: GWashington
Content: Description of desperate state of supplies.
CIRCULAR TO GOVERNORS OF THE
MIDDLE STATES67
[Note:Gov. George Clinton, of New York; Gov.
William Livingston, of New Jersey; President Joseph Reed, of Pennsylvania; President
Caesar Rodney, of Delaware; and Gov. Thomas Sim Lee, of Maryland. ]
Head Quarters, Morris town, December 16, 1779.
Sir: The situation of the army with respect to supplies is beyond description
alarming. It has been five or six weeks past on half allowance, and we have
not more than three days bread at a third allowance on hand, nor any where within
reach. When this is exhausted, we must depend on the precarious gleanings of
the neighbouring country. Our magazines are absolutely empty everywhere, and
our commissaries entirely destitute of money or credit to replenish them. We
have never experienced a like extremity at any period of the war. We have often
felt temporary want from accidental delays in forwarding supplies, but we always
had something in our magazines and the means of procuring more. Neither one
nor the other is at present the case. This representation is the result of a
minute examination of our resources. Unless some extraordinary and immediate
exertions are made by the States, from which we draw our supplies, there is
every appearance that the army will infallibly disband in a fortnight. I think
it my duty to lay this candid view of our situation before your Excellency,
and to entreat the vigorous interposition of the State to rescue us from the
danger of an event, which if it did not prove the total ruin of our affairs,
would at least give them a shock from which they would not easily recover, and
plunge us into a train of new and still more perplexing embarrassments than
any we have hitherto felt. I have the honor, etc. 68
[Note:The text is from the letter sent to Gov.
Thomas Sire Lee and is in the writing of James McHenry. ]
[MD.H.S.]
Date: 30th January 1780
Reel, film counter, LWS: 63, 555-558, 684
To/From: Maj. Genl. St. Clair / GW
Location: Head Quarters Morristown
GW's hand: N
Number of pages: 4
Type of manuscript: Letter
Signature: GWashington
Content:
To MAJOR GENERAL ARTHUR ST. CLAIR
Head Quarters, Morris Town, January 30, 1780.
Dear Sir: I have been favd. with yours of the 28th. and 29th. Your reasons for
preferring patrols, and those chiefly of Horse, are so conclusive that I would
wish you to endeavour to engage about twenty to serve while the sound is passable
upon the Ice. If they will find their own Forage, it will be more convenient
than to supply them from the public Magazine. They shall be allowed accordingly.
One Mr. Marsh83 offered a few days
ago to raise that number upon the shortest warning. Colo. Ogden knows him, and
can inform you where he is to be found. As soon as the patrols are instituted,
I think it will be prudent to withdraw all the small Guards from the points,
and even from Elizabeth Town and New Ark in the Night. A Captain's Guard should
go every morning to the former to receive and forward Flags. As the number of
Horse I have mentioned will be, of themselves, too few, you will mix patrols
of Foot with them. If these do their duty on the main Road along the Sound,
which the enemy must cross, our main Body cannot be surprised; but to give them
more perfect security, I am of opinion that they may fall back into a Chain
of Cantonment upon a line with West field: But of this [and every other matter]
you will consider and determine. Our Magazines of Hay ought principally to engage
our attention, as they will probably that of the Enemy, and I would therefore
wish you, always, in making your disposition, to have regard to them. I will
bear in mind your hint of the expediency of sending down whole Corps instead
of detachments from the line. The Connecticut Brigades having more natives than
any others
[Note:Daniel(?) Marsh, of Essex County, N. J.
]
would best answer the purpose, but there are at present some objections which
I will mention to you when I see you.
Be pleased to direct regular inquiries [by judicious Officers] to be held upon
the Officers who command the advanced Guards and pickets the night of the 25th.
that such of them as appear guilty of neglect may be brought to trial. This
is the only method of procuring justice to the public and individuals.
I have written to Docr. Cochran and directed him to send down Surgeons and Dressings;
which I thought had been already provided. Having in this letter answered the
several matters mentioned by Colo. Hazen, I have not written to him by this
Conveyance. I am &c.
P. S. There are certain signals established for calling out the Militia in case
of Alarm. Be pleased to make yourself acquainted with them that you may communicate
them upon occasion. 84
[Note:The draft is in the writing of Tench Tilghman.
The words in brackets are in the writing of Washington. ]
Date: 27th March 1780
Reel, film counter, LWS: 63, 559-560, 3122
To/From: / GW
Location: Hd Qtrs Morris Town
GW's hand: Y
Number of pages: 2
Type of manuscript: Letter
Signature: N
Content: Unsigned letter (in GW's hand) asking for info on enemy movements around
New York.
Date: April 1st 1780
Reel, film counter, LWS: 63, 561-562, 683
To/From: President Reed / GW
Location: Head Quarters Morris Town
GW's hand: N
Number of pages: 2
Type of manuscript: Letter
Signature: GWashington
Content:
To PRESIDENT JOSEPH REED
Head Quarters, Morris Town, April 1, 1780.
Sir: I have been honoured with Your Excellency's Letter of the 21st Instant
with the Inclosures to which it refers.37
The proceedings of the Honourable Council on the subject of the Memorial, were
certainly founded in the greatest propriety, and I am surprised the Officers
in whose behalf it was preferred, should have wished for a departure from a
general principle of arrangement. At the same time that the determination of
the Council on the occasion must be approved by all, I cannot but acknowledge
myself peculiarly flattered by their expressions of confidence and the manner
in which they have been pleased to refer the business to me. I have the Honor
etc. 38
[Note:Reed's letter is not now found in the Washington
Papers , but the memorial of the Pennsylvania artillery officers to the
Supreme Executive Council, dated March 20, and the resolve of the Council, referring
the matter to Washington (March 21), are in the Washington Papers.]
[Note:The draft is in the writing of Robert Hanson Harrison. ]
Date: 2nd April 1780
Reel, film counter, LWS: 63, 563-567, 673
To/From: Maj. Genl. St. Clair / GW
Location: Head Quarters Morristown
GW's hand: N
Number of pages: 5
Type of manuscript: Letter
Signature: GWashington
Content:
To MAJOR GENERAL ARTHUR ST. CLAIR
Head Quarters, Morristown, April 2, 1780.
D. Sir: I have considered the several objects of the two letters from Genl.
Phillips of the 22d and 29 of last month, which you put into my hand, and would
summarily observe for your government so far as my opinion is concerned.
Gen. Phillips may be informed that the American Commissary of prisoners will
be instructed to signify my permission for Major Harnage and Captn. Hawker of
the 62 B: R. to go to New-York on their paroles.
The proposition in favour of Governor Hamilton and the other persons described
by General Phillips cannot be complied with. Altho their release would have
been considered in a general exchange, I do not think myself at liberty to make
them the objects of a particular parole exchange they being claimed as prisoners
belonging to the State of Virginia; and besides the proposition appears to be
very unequal.
The terms which we have proposed respecting the violators of parole appearing
just and reasonable I do not think we should change our sentiments on this head,
nor can the exchange of the violators of parole still residing in the States
be made a previous measure to a general exchange of prisoners.
I shall take the necessary order that Lt. Lord Torphichen43
of the 62 B. Regt. and Secd. Lieut. Hadden 44
of the British Artillery, go into New York on parole, and shall consider
Mr. Randolph 45 and Fitzhugh
46 as opposed to them, for the
[Note:Lieut. James, Lord Torpichen, of the Sixty-second
Foot, British Army. ]
[Note:Lieut. James M. Hadden. He had been promoted to first lieutenant in July,
1779. ]
[Note:Lieut. Robert Randolph, of the Third Continental Dragoons. He had been
wounded and taken prisoner at Tappan, N.Y., in September, 1778. ]
[Note:Lieut. Peregrine Fitzhugh, of the Third Continental Dragoons. He had also
been taken prisoner at Tappan, N.Y. ]
present. But Genl. Phillips is to understand in this case, that when these two
gentlemen return into N. York that it is expected if the British officers should
not be recalled that two other American officers of the rank of Lt. Lord Torphichen
and Hadden, and the oldest in captivity be immediately liberated on he same
conditions. I shall on this account limit the stay of Lt. Randolph and Mr Fitzhugh
to a certain period that their brother officers may have a similar indulgence.
I wish Genl. Phillips to be fully acquainted with this intention.
Mr. Beatty shall have my instructions to interchange a certificate with Mr.
Loring assenting to the proposal that chaplains belonging to either army, when
taken are not to be considered as prisoners of war but immediately released.
Inclosed is a passport for Lieut. Bibby 47
to proceed to Genl. Sir Henry Clinton. It restricts him, you will observe to
a passage by water and to a return in the same way and only exempts his person
and General Phillips' dispatches from capture but not the vessel. I return your
letters and am &c. 48
[Note:Lieut. Thomas Bibby, of the Twenty-fourth
Foot, British Army. The draft of his passport, in the writing of Teach Tilghman,
is in the Washington Papers under date of April 2. ]
[Note:The draft is in the writing of James McHenry. ]
Date: May 11th 1780
Reel, film counter, LWS: 63, 568, 392
To/From: Gov. Reed / GW
Location: Head Quarters Morristown
GW's hand: N
Number of pages: 1
Type of manuscript: Letter
Signature: GWashington
Content: Not in Fitzpatrick
A recommendation to promote a Mr. Sverty of the 10th Penn. Regiment to an ensigncy.
Date: 25th May 1780
Reel, film counter, LWS: 63, 569-572, 350
To/From: Committee of Cooperation / GW
Location: Morris Town
GW's hand: N - Y in Fitzpatrick
Number of pages: 4
Type of manuscript: Letter
Signature: Signed as GWashington but not in his signature
Content:
*To THE COMMITTEE OF COOPERATION
Morris-Town, May 25, 1780.
Gentlemen: I have attentively considered the circular letter to the different
States40 which you did me the honor
to communicate for my perusal, and I am happy to find, that my ideas perfectly
correspond with those of the Committee.
The view they have given of our situation is just, full and explicit; The measures
they have recommended are well adapted to the emergency and of indispensable
necessity. I very freely give it as my opinion, that unless they are carried
into execution in the fullest extent and with the greatest decision and rapidity,
it will be impossible for us to undertake the intended co-operation with any
reasonable prospect of success.
[Note:A copy of the Committee's circular to the
States from New Hampshire to Virginia, inclusive, is dated May 25, 1780, and
is in the Washington Papers.]
The consequences you have well delineated. The succour designed for our benefit
will prove a serious misfortune; and instead of rescuing us from the embarrassments
we experience and from the danger with which we are threatened will in all probability,
precipitate our ruin. Drained and Weakened as we already are, the exertions
we shall make, though they may be too imperfect to secure success, will at any
rate be such as to leave us in a state of relaxation and debility, from which
it will be difficult if not impracticable to recover. The Country exhausted;
The people dispirited; the consequence and reputation of these States in Europe
sunk; Our friends chagrined and discouraged; our Enemies deriving new credit,
new confidence, new resources.
We have not, nor ought we to wish an alternative. The Court of France has done
so much for us, that we must make a decisive effort on our part. Our situation
demands it; 'tis expected. We have the means to success without some unforeseen
accident, and it only remains to employ them. But the conjuncture requires all
our wisdom and all our energy. Such is the present state of this Country, that
the utmost exertion of its resources, though equal, is not more than equal to
the object and our measures must be so taken as to call them into immediate
and full effect.
There is only one thing, I should have been happy the committee had thought
proper to take up on a larger scale. I mean the supply of Men by Draught. Instead
of compleating the deficiencies of the quotas assigned by the resolution of
Congress of the 9th, of February last, it would in my apprehension be of the
greatest importance, that the respective States should fill their Battalions
to their complement of five hundred and four rank and file. Considering the
different possible dispositions of the enemy and the different possible operations
on our part, we ought not to have less than Twenty thousand Continental efficient
troops. The whole number of Battalions from New Hampshire to Pensylvania inclusive,
if complete would not amount to this force. The total would be twenty three
thousand One hundred and eighty four rank and file, from which the customary
deductions being made, there will not remain more than about Eighteen thousand
fit for the Service of the field. To this may be added the remainder of the
Sixteen Regiments 41 amounting
to about one thousand.
Unless the principal part of the force be composed of men regularly organized,
and on the continuance of whose Services we can rely, nothing decisive can be
attempted. The Militia are too precarious a dependance to justify such an attempt,
where they form a material part of the plan. Militia cannot have the necessary
habits nor the consistency, either for an assault or a Seige. In employing them
essentially, we should run a risk of being abandoned, in the most critical moments.
The expence and the consumption of Provisions and Stores (which we are bound
by every motive to oeconomise) will be very considerably increased. As we should
not be able to keep the same body in the field during the whole campaign, we
should a great part of the time have a double set of men to pay and feed, those
in actual service, those on the March to relieve them or returning home when
relieved. The operations of husbandry will suffer in proportion.
[Note:The Sixteen Additional Continental regiments.
]
The mode by Draught is, I am persuaded the only efficacious one to obtain men,
it appears to me certain, that it is the only one to obtain them in time, nor
can the period, you have appointed for bringing them into the field be delayed
without defeating the object. I have little doubt, that at any time, and much
less at the present juncture, the powers of government exerted with confidence
will be equal to the purpose of Draughting. The hopes of the people elevated
by the prospects before them will induce a chearful compliance, with this and
all the other measures of vigor, which have been recommended, and which the
exigency requires.
Notwithstanding the extension of the Draught which I have taken the liberty
to advise, occasional aids of Militia will be still wanted, but in much less
number in this case than in the other.
I have entire confidence that the respective Legislatures will be fully impressed
with the importance and delicacy of the present juncture, and will second the
views of the Committee by the most speedy and vigorous efforts. With every sentiment
of respect etc.
Date: May 28 - August 2, 1780
Reel, film counter, LWS: 63, 573-757, no LWS number
To/From:
Location:
GW's hand:
Number of pages: 184
Type of manuscript: Orderly Book
Signature:
Content: Orderly Book - May 28 - August 2, 1780
Date: June 2nd 1780
Reel, film counter, LWS: 63, 758-759, 3121
To/From: Pennsylvania Circular / GW
Location: Head Quarters Morristown
GW's hand: N
Number of pages: 2
Type of manuscript: Circular to the States
Signature: GWashington
Content:
CIRCULAR TO THE STATES15
[Note:From New Hampshire to Maryland. ]
Head Quarters, Morris Town, June 2, 1780.
Sir: By the Letter from the Honble. the Committee of Congress at Morris Town,
which goes with these dispatches, You will find, that these Gentlemen and Myself,
after maturely considering the matter, deem it essential to the success of the
measures in contemplation to be carried on against the Enemy, to call on the
States for certain Aids of militia, in addition to the requisitions for Men
already made; and that they should be at places of Rendezvous appointed by me,
by the 15th day of next month. The Aid requested in this instance of your State,
is founded on a principle of apportionment common to all the States, from New
Hampshire to Maryland inclusive (the Others on account of their distance and
the operations in the Southern quarter not being now called on) and is stated
at 945 rank and file. This number well Armed , and equipped in every other respect
for the Field in the best manner circumstances will admit, under proper Officers,
I wish to be certainly at Claverac, on Hudson's River at the time mentioned
by the Committee, which appears to me a suitable place for their rendezvousing
at in the first instance, and from whence they will proceed on my Orders, as
occasion may require. It will also be material, on account of disciplining and
organising the Men, as well as on account of public (economy, that they should
be formed into full Regiments. If this is not done, it will render our Arrangements
extremely difficult and irregular, and will add, by greatly encreasing the number
of Officers, very considerably to the public expence. I would beg leave to observe,
that I think the whole number of Militia requested from your State, should be
comprised in Two Regiments about the same size, which would make them nearly
equal to the establishment fixed for those of the Continental line. This additional
aid, will not I trust and earnestly entreat, impede in the smallest degree,
the filling up the Regiments of the State by Drafts to their full complement,
as requested by the Honble the Committee in their Letter of the 25th Ulto. This
is a point of such great importance, so absolutely essential to give the least
prospect of success to our operations, and indeed on which they depend, that
I could not forbear mentioning it. If the Regiments are compleated by Drafts,
it is possible our demands for Militia may be a good deal diminished; but this
must be governed by events and therefore, for Objects so very interesting, so
important as those to which we at present look, we should provide whatever may
be possibly requisite. I have the Honor etc. 16
[Note:In the writing of Robert Hanson Harrison.
The draft, which is also in the writing of Harrison, has the following list
of quotas at the end, the figures and places, of course, varying in the circulars
to the different States: ]
Rendezvous. To New Hampshire. quota 945 to form 2 Regts. Claverack. Massachusetts
4725 9 do Rhode Island New York 1575 3 Fishkill. Jersey 945 2 Morris Town. Pennsylvania
3465 7 Easton & Trenton. Delaware 315 1 Wilmington. Maryland 2205 4 Head
of Elk.
[N.H.H.S.]
Date: June 2nd 1780
Reel, film counter, LWS: 63, 760-762, 605
To/From: Delaware Circular / GW
Location: Head Quarters Morristown
GW's hand: N
Number of pages: 3
Type of manuscript: Circular to the States
Signature: GWashington
Content:
CIRCULAR TO THE STATES15
[Note:From New Hampshire to Maryland. ]
Head Quarters, Morris Town, June 2, 1780.
Sir: By the Letter from the Honble. the Committee of Congress at Morris Town,
which goes with these dispatches, You will find, that these Gentlemen and Myself,
after maturely considering the matter, deem it essential to the success of the
measures in contemplation to be carried on against the Enemy, to call on the
States for certain Aids of militia, in addition to the requisitions for Men
already made; and that they should be at places of Rendezvous appointed by me,
by the 15th day of next month. The Aid requested in this instance of your State,
is founded on a principle of apportionment common to all the States, from New
Hampshire to Maryland inclusive (the Others on account of their distance and
the operations in the Southern quarter not being now called on) and is stated
at 945 rank and file. This number well Armed , and equipped in every other respect
for the Field in the best manner circumstances will admit, under proper Officers,
I wish to be certainly at Claverac, on Hudson's River at the time mentioned
by the Committee, which appears to me a suitable place for their rendezvousing
at in the first instance, and from whence they will proceed on my Orders, as
occasion may require. It will also be material, on account of disciplining and
organising the Men, as well as on account of public (economy, that they should
be formed into full Regiments. If this is not done, it will render our Arrangements
extremely difficult and irregular, and will add, by greatly encreasing the number
of Officers, very considerably to the public expence. I would beg leave to observe,
that I think the whole number of Militia requested from your State, should be
comprised in Two Regiments about the same size, which would make them nearly
equal to the establishment fixed for those of the Continental line. This additional
aid, will not I trust and earnestly entreat, impede in the smallest degree,
the filling up the Regiments of the State by Drafts to their full complement,
as requested by the Honble the Committee in their Letter of the 25th Ulto. This
is a point of such great importance, so absolutely essential to give the least
prospect of success to our operations, and indeed on which they depend, that
I could not forbear mentioning it. If the Regiments are compleated by Drafts,
it is possible our demands for Militia may be a good deal diminished; but this
must be governed by events and therefore, for Objects so very interesting, so
important as those to which we at present look, we should provide whatever may
be possibly requisite. I have the Honor etc. 16
[Note:In the writing of Robert Hanson Harrison.
The draft, which is also in the writing of Harrison, has the following list
of quotas at the end, the figures and places, of course, varying in the circulars
to the different States: ]
Rendezvous. To New Hampshire. quota 945 to form 2 Regts. Claverack. Massachusetts
4725 9 do Rhode Island 630 1 Providence. Connecticut 2520 5 Danbury. New York
1575 3 Fishkill. Jersey 945 2 Morris Town. Pennsylvania 3465 7 Easton &
Trenton. Delaware 315 1 Wilmington. Maryland 2205 4 Head of Elk.
[N.H.H.S.]
Date: June 8th 1780
Reel, film counter, LWS: 63, 763-765, 703
To/From: Major General Lord Stirling / GW
Location:
GW's hand: N
Number of pages: 3
Type of manuscript: Letter
Signature: GWashington
Content:
To LORD STIRLING
June 8, 1780.
My Lord: I am just making a detachment of three batalions under General Hand,
which are to be employed to-day as actively as the situation of the enemy will
permit in conjunction with the Militia. While the enemy remain in their present
position, Maxwell's brigade will preserve the post it held last evening, reposing
to-day and acting as a covering party. I shall send it a field piece for this
purpose. The troops and militia, near the enemy must act chiefly in the woods,
as this mode will not only be best to harass the enemy, but will be best adapted
to security, especially against horse of which the enemy are said to have a
considerable body.
I wish your Lordship to have the Militia put into some form and endeavor to
ascertain their number. After this, you will permit them to act in their own
way, having places of rendezvous to assemble occasionally, and receive orders.49
[Note:The text is from a letter in private hands.
It was sold in 1892. ]
Date: June 16th 1780
Reel, film counter, LWS: 63, 766, 1210
To/From: President Joseph Reed (from Fitzpatrick) / GW
Location: Head Quarters
GW's hand: N
Number of pages: 1
Type of manuscript: Letter
Signature: GWashington with the PS signed GWh
Content:
To PRESIDENT JOSEPH REED
Head Quarters, June 16, 1780.
Dr. Sir: The Board of War having informed me that the city light horse were
held in readiness to march to the army whenever I should signify the necessity
of their services; I am to inform Your Excellency that in the present posture
of things they would be of very great utility and therefore I should be glad
they might march as speedily as convenient. If they come I hope they will be
able to remain with us three or four weeks. They may depend on not being detained
a day longer than the exigency of service requires. I have the honor etc.
P.S. I intreat Your Excellency to hasten the drafts intended for your Regiments
to Camp without delay. Our situation is now truly delicate; but if Sir Henry
Clinton arrives, who is momently expected, and we are not reinforced the worst
consequences are to be apprehended.33
[Note:The draft is in the writing of Alexander
Hamilton; the P.S. is in that of Richard Kidder Meade. ]
Date: 16th July 1780
Reel, film counter, LWS: 63, 767, 2140
To/From: Genl. Forman / GW
Location: Head Quarters
GW's hand: N
Number of pages: 1
Type of manuscript: Letter
Signature: GWashington
Content:
To BRIGADIER GENERAL DAVID FORMAN
Head Quarters, July 16, 1780.
Dear Sir: Yours of the 12th. only reached me yesterday Afternoon. We have an
account of the Arrival of the French Fleet at Rhode Island, which may perhaps
render the collection of any considerable quantity of stock in Monmouth unnecessary.
You shall hear further on that subject, when we know somewhat more of our plan
of operations. I am etc.74
[Note:In the writing of Tench Tilghman. From
a photostat of the original kindly furnished by E. F. Bonaventure, of New York
City. ]
Date: 11th Augt. 1780
Reel, film counter, LWS: 63, 768-769, 2135
To/From: Major Tallmage / GW
Location: Head Quarters
GW's hand: N
Number of pages: 2
Type of manuscript: Letter
Signature: GWashington
Content:
To MAJOR BENJAMIN TALLMADGE
Head Quarters, August 11, 1780.
Dear Sir: I have received your letter from North Castle with its inclosures.
I am very much pleased that the Corrispondence with C -- is again opened. I
have the greatest dependence in his good intentions, and I am persuaded when
he pleases to exert himself he can give the most useful intelligence. The shorter
the line of Communication so much the better.
With respect to the proposed incursion88
I do not think it advisable under present circumstances. Although the Enemy
appear to be small dispersed parties, yet the risque in an attempt more than
Counterbalances the advantage which might be obtained. I am &c. 89
[Note:A surprise attack on British dragoons in
Suffolk County, Long Island. ]
[Note:The draft is in the writing of Caleb Gibbs. ]
Date: 22nd day of August 1780
Reel, film counter, LWS: 63, 770-787, no LWS number
To/From: Answer to a Bill of Complaint executed by Benjamin Moody / GW as last
surviving executive of Thomas Colvill of Cecil County, MD
Location:
GW's hand: N
Number of pages: 18
Type of manuscript: Bound volume of the answer to a Bill of Complaint
Signature: GWashington
Content: Not in Fitzpatrick
Bound volume of the answer to a Bill of Complaint executed by Benjamin Moody
/ GW as last surviving executive of Thomas Colvill of Cecil County, MD
Date: September 12th 1780
Reel, film counter, LWS: 63, 778-794, no LWS number
To/From: King Louis XVI of France / GW
Location: Head Quarters Bergen County
GW's hand: N
Number of pages: 7
Type of manuscript: Bound volume of a facsimile of a letter
Signature: GWashington
Content: Not in Fitzpatrick
Bound volume of a letter from GW to King Louis XVI of France. This is apparently
a facsimile of an original that in 1934 was located in the archives of the Foreign
Office of France.
Date: October 29th 1780
Reel, film counter, LWS: 63, 795-796, 2137
To/From: Governor George Clinton or in his absence Lieutenant Governor Van Cortlandt
/ GW
Location: Head Quarters Prackness
GW's hand: N
Number of pages: 2
Type of manuscript: Letter
Signature: GWashington
Content:
To GOVERNOR GEORGE CLINTON OR IN HIS ABSENCE LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR VAN CORTLANDT13
[Note:Lieut. Gov. Pierre Van Cortlandt.]
Head Quarters, Prackness, October 29, 1780.
Sir: I have the honor to transmit your Excellency the proceedings of the Court
Martial upon Joshua Smith; 14 by
which you will perceive out of four charges exhibited against him the Jurisdiction
of the Court was only found competent to one, of which they have acquitted him
for want of sufficient evidence. As he was brought out of Your State into this
15 for trial, I
have thought proper to send him back to West Point. I think it necessary to
inform you, that he will be shortly released from confinement unless the Civil
Authority should interpose to demand him. 16
I have the honor etc.
[Note:Joshua Hett Smith.]
[Note:New Jersey.]
[Note:Smith was imprisoned by the civil authority of New York, but escaped before
he was brought to trial and succeeded in getting into New York City.]
P.S. When you have considered the Proceedings you will please to return them.
17
[Note:In the writing of David Humphreys. From
a photostat in the Washington Papers.]
Date: Nov. 8th 1780
Reel, film counter, LWS: 63, 797-800, 2138
To/From: Major General Greene / GW
Location: Head Quarters Passaic Falls
GW's hand: N
Number of pages: 4
Type of manuscript: Letter
Signature: GWashington
Content:
To MAJOR GENERAL NATHANAEL GREENE
Head Quarters near Passaic Falls, November 8, 1780.
Dear Sir: I am favored with your Letter of the 31st October and am glad to find
your Appointment so agreeable to the views and wishes of Congress.
So fully sensible have I long been of the distressed situation of the Army,
not only in this quarter, but also to the Southward, and of all our great Departments,
from the embarrassed state of our finances , that it has been not only a constant
subject of representation, in the strongest terms to Congress and the States
individually, but particularly so to the Minister of France at our last interview.
And that a foreign Loan was absolutely necessary to retrieve our affairs. My
ideas therefore must have been exceedingly misapprehended by him, or his by
the Baron Steuben.40
[Note:Greene's letter of October 31 stated: "I
wish our distresses may be painted in their true colours to the Minister of
France, as he intimated to Baron Steuben that your Excellency did not appear
to be apprehensive of any difficulty from the state of our affairs." Greene's
letter is in the Washington Papers.]
I intirely approve of your Plan for forming a flying Army. 41
And in addition to this (if the Enemy should continue to harrass those parts
of Virginia which are intersected with large navigable Rivers) I would reccommend
the Building a number of flat bottomed Boats of as large a construction as can
be conveniently transported on Carriages; this I conceive might be of great
utility, by furnishing the means to take advantage of the Enemys situation by
crossing those Rivers which would otherwise be impassable. I have also written
to Governor Jefferson on the Subject.
[Note:"My first object will be to equip
a flying Army to consist of about eight hundred horse and one thousand Infantry.
This force with the occasional aid of the Militia will serve to confine the
enemy in their limits and render it difficult for them to subsist in the interior
country. I see little prospect of getting a force to contend with the enemy
upon equal grounds and therefore must make the most of a kind of partizan war
untill we can levy and equip a larger force." -- Greene to Washington ,
Oct. 31, 1780. Greene's letter is in the Washington Papers.]
If a spirit of Patriotism, or even of true policy animates the Merchants and
Men of Property in the Southern States, a subscription may be attended with
success, at least the experiment can do no injury.
General Knox has received directions to send forward the Compy of Artillery.
An Order will be given for the thousand stand of Arms.
Since writing the above I have received your favor of the 3rd. Inst.
Lieutenant Col. Lawrens will have heard of his exchange before this time, and
is at liberty to go to the Southward if he thinks proper.
With respect to the power Congress have invested you with, to make exchanges,
I should suppose it regarded the Prisoners taken in the Southern Department
on the usual principles; without involving the Convention or any other Troops
to the Northward. A pretty extensive exchange has just taken place in this quarter.
It is impossible, from the Non arrival of the french Arms, and the scarcity
in the Eastern States, to furnish those requested by you. Nor do I think the
Legion of the Duke Lazun can be detached from the French Army. The fleet of
Arbuthnot which still blocks that of France in the Harbor of New Port effectually
precludes the execution of the other Plan.
Our last advices from the Northward mention another incursion of the Enemy from
Canada in greater force; in consequence of which the remainder of the York Brigade
is ordered thither.
There are reports that an embarkation is about to be made at New York. But the
accounts are vague and contradictory, and the fact not yet ascertained.
I have to request you will be pleased to send by a flag of truce, the inclosed
Letter to Brigadr. Genl Du Portail who is exchanged. I am etc. 42
[Note:The draft is in the writing of David Humphreys.]
Date: 24th Nov. 1780
Reel, film counter, LWS: 63, 801-802, 3171
To/From: Genl. Knox / GW
Location:
GW's hand: Y
Number of pages: 2
Type of manuscript: Note/letter
Signature: GWashington
Content: Not in Fitzpatrick
Note advising General Knox that GW has received intelligence that causes the
enterprise that Knox is about to undertake to be suspended.
Date: 28th Nov. 1780
Reel, film counter, LWS: 63, 803-804, 672
To/From: Maj. Tallmadge / GW
Location: Morris Town
GW's hand: Y
Number of pages: 2
Type of manuscript: Letter
Signature: GWashington
Content:
*To MAJOR BENJAMIN TALLMADGE
Morristown, November 28, 1780.
Dr Sir: Both your letters of the 25th. came to my hands this day. I received
with much pleasure the report of your successful enterprize upon Fort St. George
and the Vessel with Stores, in the Harbour, and was particularly well pleased
with the destruction of the Hay which must, I should conceive, be severely felt
by the Enemy at this time.
I beg of you to accept my thanks for your judicious planning and Spirited execution
of this business and that you will offer them to the Officers and Men who shared
the honors of the Enterprize with you. The gallant behaviour of Mr. Muirson22
gives him a fair claim to an appointment in the 2d. Regimt. of Dragoons, or
any other of the State to which he belongs where
[Note:Richard(?) Muirson, American secret agent.]
there is a vacancy and I have no doubt of his meeting with it accordingly, if
you will make known his merit with these Sentmts. in his favor.
You have my free consent to reward your gallant party with the little booty
they were able to bring from the Enemy's Works. With much esteem etc.
Date: 27th Decem. 1780
Reel, film counter, LWS: 63, 805-806, 3300
To/From: Gov. Jefferson / GW
Location: Head Quarters New Windsor
GW's hand: N
Number of pages: 2
Type of manuscript: Letter
Signature: GWashington
Content:
To GOVERNOR THOMAS JEFFERSON
Head Quarters, New Windsor, December 27, 1780.
Dear Sir: The inclosed are the dimensions of the most convenient Flat Boats,
either for transportation upon carriages, or for transporting Men. The plan
was given to me by an Officer who has made experiments with those of different
kinds.
The Transports, with the embarkation which I mentioned in mine of the 9th.,
fell down to the Hook on the 19th. instant, and as the Wind was fair, it is
supposed they went to sea the same day. The British Grenadiers and Infantry
had been under orders to embark, but for some reason they were countermanded
and other Corps substituted. I have little doubt of their having gone to the
southward. I have the honor etc. 36
[Note:The draft is in the writing of Tench Tilghman.]
Date: January 12th 1780 (from Fitzpatrick)
Reel, film counter, LWS: 63, 807-810, 773
To/From: Lord Stirling / GW
Location: Morris Town (from Fitzpatrick)
GW's hand: N
Number of pages: 4
Type of manuscript: Letter
Signature: N - document is missing the last page(s)
Content: (The document is missing the last page(s). NPS-Morristown document ends with:
Plank will be prepared for Platforms to go on and off the Ice and the Officers must take care to keep the troops in open order while passing. An Officer ).
To LORD STIRLING
Morris Town, January 12, 1780.
My Lord: The difficulty of making an attempt upon the Enemy on Staten Island, being in a great measure removed by the renewal of the frost, and the enterprise, in case it should not succeed, not very likely to be attended with bad consequences, provided the state of the Ice affords a ready and safe passage and return, (which is to be the Basis of the Expedition) I am inclined to direct the attempt and to intrust the command and execution of it to your Lordship.
The Troops allotted for this Expedition are, the detachment of 750 men already on the lines under the command of Brig. Genl. Irvine; the detachment of 1000 Men, which marched this day under the command of Colo. Hazen as a relief to Genl. Irvine; a detachment of between three and four hundred, under the command of which will leave Camp on Friday Morning in Sleds and a fourth detachment of 500 Men under the command of Colo. Walter Stewart, which will also leave Camp on Friday Morning, and join the main Body or act separately, as your Lordship may, upon a further investigation of circumstances, judge most proper.
The objects in view are to captivate the Troops on the Island51 and bring off or destroy all public stores of every kind, and fat Cattle and sheep, if time and circumstances will allow.
[Note:Staten Island. ]
To point out any precise plan of operation would be wrong in me. Your movements must be governed by information and circumstances. You are therefore at full liberty to pursue such measures as shall appear most conducive to attain the objects of your command. I shall however give you my present Ideas of the several matters which appear to me worthy of your Lordship's attention.
>From the best information I have been able to obtain the Enemy's force on Staten Island does not exceed 1000 Men. The principal part of whom it is said are in hutts near their Redoubts at the Watering place. The Queen's Rangers, about 200, at Richmond, and Buskirks Regiment, of near one hundred at Deckers.
To get on the Island without discovery is so essentially necessary, that the complete success of the enterprise depends absolutely upon it. Every device and Stratagem therefore should be used to effect it, by eluding or seizing their Guards or patrols and deceiving their Spies on this side.
The greatest part of Irvine's detachment being at and in the neighbourhood of Elizabeth Town, and Hazens marching to Connecticut Farms in the Vicinity thereof, will draw the enemy's attention in a particular manner to that quarter. By crossing Stewards detachment therefore at the old blazing Star, or which would be still more unsuspected, at or near Dusaway's (by a Mill which is on the Island) about the hour of ten at night and pushing it to Richmond, with all the caution I have already suggested, I think there is a moral certainty of surprising the troops at that place.
As the attempt upon Richmond whether successful or not will give an Alarm and this alarm will communicate very quickly thro' the Island, the cooperation of the main Body must be well timed, or the enemy on the other quarter will probably, by previously putting themselves in a posture of defence, defeat the effect of the operation against them.
It is not likely that any number of prisoners will be taken unless the Redoubts at the Watering place are possessed very early by us, and as I take it for granted that they can only be possessed by surprise, I would propose the following mode of effecting it. The main Body to cross at Tremly's point on account of the goodness of the Ice, and because it seems an unsuspected place, and march immediately to the Cross Roads at Parkers before they seperate. From hence, two parties of 100 Men each, covered by 800 or 1,000 Men are to move as rapidly as possible for the Redoubts at the Watering place, by the Cross Roads at Merceraus, continuing along the middle Road, provided the Enemy have not taken the alarm; in that case I conceive the attempt would be fruitless. The parties of 100 men, if not interrupted, are to advance each to a Redoubt and endeavour to surprise it, before it can be reinforced. If they succeed they can with ease hold the Works untill the support comes up. If they fail they are again to unite with the covering party, and proceed to Decker's on the lower Road, first burning the Hurts of the Enemy if practicable.
The remainder of the troops, (if a separation should not be deemed uneligible) may, one half take post at the Cross Roads at Parkers and other at the Cross Roads, a mile beyond, at I. Merceraus 52 and Dawsons, with orders to halt there untill the parties designed for the surprise of the Forts have full time to reach them. (To do which well I conceive require three hours) during this time they may probably intercept retreating parties from Richmond. But they are not to remain longer for this or any other purpose than the three hours, at the expiration of which they are to form a junction at the last mentioned Cross Roads (Merceraus and Dawsons) and push immediately for Deckers, beating up the Enemy's quarters and driving them towards the forts at the Watering place, whither it is supposed they will retreat. But if the Garrison at Deckers should not evacuate it, nor appear disposed to surrender upon a peremptory challenge and threat to burn them out, or if parties should throw themselves into houses, it should not retard the pursuit of the fugitives; parties may be left to watch them, for should we succeed in the principal attacks, they will afterwards fall of course.
[Note:John or Joshua Mercereau. ]
To secure the Garrison of Deckers effectually, should they incline to make resistance, a number superior to those within may be left there, till Artillery can be brought up to reduce them. But as the occasion for Artillery is at present a matter of very great uncertainty, and as it would, in the present state of the Roads, exceedingly retard and incumber your march, I should not think it advisable to pass any over in the first instance. It may be so disposed near Elizabeth Town, as to come to you at a moments notice by D'Hart's point.
If the party under Colonel Steward succeeds in the attempt upon Richmond; The prisoners under the escort of the worst and most fatigued Men may be immediately sent to Brunswick, and he directed to endeavour to form a junction with the Main Body by the Road leading from Richmond to the Watering place, by Deckers.
It is a difficult matter to combine operations in point of time as that one part will not impede if not totally defeat the other and this it is to be feared will be the case in the present instance, if there is an attempt to surprise the troops at Richmond and at the Watering place at the same time. The latter is important but precarious, the other is of less consequence but more certain. From observation and information after you get down, you must determine which to prefer, if an attempt on both at the same time should be deemed ineligible. You will give Colonel Steward orders accordingly, with whom you must keep up the best correspondence you can before crossing; furnishing him with your Watch Word &c.
If it should be found that the Enemy on the Island cannot derive succour from New York; that there is no appearance of the Frost breaking up, and that by remaining upon the Island we can starve them into a compliance by confining them to their Works, the experiment ought by all means to be made, and measures shall be taken here to give every possible Aid.
Plank will be prepared for Platforms to go on and off the Ice and the Officers must take care to keep the troops in open order while passing. An Officer in whose diligence you can confide, should reconnoitre the crossing place before night and make observations on the opposite shore. He should cross over with a party of 15 or 20 chosen Men at least half an hour before the Column comes down; having sent forward two or three trusty Men to see that the coast is clear, he should follow with his party and so dispose of them as to seize any patrols or suspicious persons. Some of Webb's Men clothed in Red would be best for this duty and to be always in advance.
Every disposition should be made before crossing; The Officers for the different services well instructed and Guides assigned them, that there may not be the least delay after the line of march is taken up.
Every Officer should have a Roll of the platoon he commands and see that no Man absents himself; the most profound silence should be observed under pain of instant death.
White Cockades or some Badge of distinction should be worn by our Officers and Men and the Watch word should be such as may deceive the Enemy; for instance Clinton, Cornwallis, Skinner, &c. &c
There should be no firing if it is possible to avoid it in the several attacks. The Bayonet will be found the most effectual weapon, especially in the Night.
In case of success, The value of every thing that is public property or lawful plunder shall be divided in just proportion among the Officers and Men. And if any Officer or Soldier attempts to appropriate any thing to his own particular use, he shall be compelled to deliver it up, shall forfeit all pretensions to a common share and shall be punished at the discretion of a Court Martial for disobedience of Orders. No private property to be brought off on any pretence whatever, except fat Cattle &c. as before mentioned.
Heartily wishing success to the enterprise and every possible honour and Glory to your Lordship and the troops concerned, I am etc. 53
[Note:The draft is in the writing of Tench Tilghman. ]
Date: 3rd January 1781
Reel, film counter, LWS: 63, 811, 4 (says P 4, doesn't appear to be any faded
numbers before the 4)
To/From: / GW
Location:
GW's hand: Y
Number of pages: 1
Type of manuscript: Memo
Signature: N
Content: Not in Fitzpatrick
A list of (personal?) items to be procured for GW
Date: January 8, 1781 (from Fitzpatrick)
Reel, film counter, LWS: 63, 812-813, 3147
To/From: Major General William Phillips (from Fitzpatrick) / GW
Location: Head Quarters, New Windsor (from Fitzpatrick)
GW's hand: N
Number of pages: 2
Type of manuscript: Extract of a letter
Signature: N
Content: (This is a one paragraph extract of a letter with a preceding paragraph
saying this. This intro paragraph is in the same hand as the extracted paragraph.
The extracted paragraph is the first paragraph from below.)
To MAJOR GENERAL WILLIAM PHILLIPS
Head Quarters, New Windsor, January 8, 1781.
Sir: I have received your favors of the 18th: and 23d. of December. Soon after
the Passports for the Flag ship were sent to you I was informed by the Governor
of Virginia that there had been a necessity of removing the British troops of
Convention to Fort Frederick in Maryland, I therefore in answer to his letter,
desired him to give permission to the ship, upon her arrival in James River,
to proceed with the Stores for the British, to such other place in the Chesapeak
as would be most convenient to transport them from to Fort Frederick.
As to the propositions contained in your letter of the 23d. of Decemr. I can
only say, that I am not at liberty to go into further exchange of the troops
of Convention before there is an adjustment of the debt incurred for their support.
I have the honor etc. 13
[Note:The draft is in the writing of Tench Tilghman.]
Date: 8 January (17)81
Reel, film counter, LWS: 63, 814-815, 4
To/From:
Location:
GW's hand: N
Number of pages: 2
Type of manuscript: List
Signature: N
Content: Not in Fitzpatrick
A list of articles purchased for GW
Date: Feby. 27. 81
Reel, film counter, LWS: 63, 816-817, 3107
To/From: Chev. Destouches / GW
Location: Head Quarters New Windsor
GW's hand: N
Number of pages: 2
Type of manuscript: Letter
Signature: GWashington
Content:
To CHEVALIER DESTOUCHES
Head Quarters, New Windsor, February 27, 1781.
Sir: I had file honor of writing to you the 26th. Your letter of the 24th. is
this moment delivered to me. The Count De Rochambeau has also transmitted me
the copy of yours to him announcing the return of your ships from Chesapeak
bay after having captured the romulus made a number of prisoners and destroyed
some transports. I receive the news of this success with the greatest pleasure,
and am happy to learn at the same time that you axe preparing for a second visit
to the bay to assist file operations of the detachment I have sent. I have repeated
my orders to the Marquis De la Fayette who commands it to prosecute his march
to the Head of Elk. Permit me to observe that to give success to the expedition
it will be not only necessary to protect the passage of the troops to the point
of operation, but to block up the bay afterwards to prevent the retreat of the
enemy or succours going to them.
In my letter to the Count De Rochambeau which accompanied my last to you, I
informed him of an incursion of the enemy up Cape fear River in North Carolina.
This corps can only be protected by some light frigates from the nature of the
navigation; if any thing could be attempted there without interfering with the
project of Chesapeak bay, it might be very useful to the state of North Carolina
pressed in different quarters by superior forces.
I assure myself that I shall have the earliest notice of your subsequent arrangements
as mine depend upon them. I have the honor etc. 65
[Note:The draft is in the writing of Alexander
Hamilton.]
Date: February 27, 1781 (from Fitzpatrick)
Reel, film counter, LWS: 63, 818, 3107?
To/From: Comte De Rochambeau (from Fitzpatrick) / GW
Location: New Windsor (from Fitzpatrick)
GW's hand: Y
Number of pages: 1
Type of manuscript: Only the postscript of a letter
Signature: Initialed GWh
Content: (This appears to be the P.S. from this letter, but seems to have been
categorized by LWS as the P.S. to the February 27, 1781 letter to Chev. Destouches
(63, 816-817, 3107))
*To COMTE DE ROCHAMBEAU
New Windsor, February 27, 1781.
Sir: I thank you for the immediate communication contained in your letter of
the 24th. of the agreeable intelligence of the success of the naval detachment
in Chesapeak bay; and I am happy to find at the same time that Mr. Destouches
was preparing a second detachment for an ulterior cooperation.
I have renewed my orders to the Marquis De la Fayette who commands the Corps
sent from hence to push forward his March to the head of Elk.
In my last to you of the 26th. I mentioned that I had reason to believe Cornwallis
was advancing vigorously on his side. Advices from General Greene have since
come to hand confirming this supposition. After the defeat of Tarleton, he divested
himself of all his Baggage and made a rapid march upon Morgan, but he was disappointed
in this object for Morgan retired in time with all his Prisoners who were on
their way to Virginia. He afterwards crossed the Catawba river and was penetrating
the Country. It was the interest of General Greene to avoid a general action,
but he was apprehensive it would not be in his power without sacraficing all
his baggage and Stores which would be an irreparable loss.
Lord Cornwallis had with him between two and three thousd. regular Troops. General
Greene was inferior in number and greatly so in force; the principal part of
his little army being militia and the whole ill provided with every thing.
The Corps that has ascended Cape Fear river is estimated at four or five hundred
Men and supposed by General Greene, to be a detachment from Charles Town.
The Militia of North Carolina have been exceedingly harrassed, which added to
their being ill armed will make their opposition less vigorous than might be
expected from the Spirit they have shewn.
Since the defeat of Tarleton there have been several little successes on our
part in which Prisoners have been made; the most considerable of which is the
surprize of George Town by Major Lee, in which he put the greater part 63
to the Sword, took the commandant a Lieutt. Colo. and others Prisoners. The
cruelties of the enemy seem in several late instances to have excited a spirit
of retaliation.
[Note:The draft, in the writing of Hamilton,
at this point has "of the garrison."]
The idea of holding your Fleet and Army in readiness gives me pleasure, as besides
imposing on the enemy in Gardners bay these demonstrations may be thought to
have something more in view and may serve as a diversion in favor of the Southern
States.
I rely on being honored with the earliest notice of your subsequent dispositions
as mine must corrispend.
Your Excellency may be assured that as soon as the circumstances mentioned in
my last are effected, I will certainly have the pleasure of paying a visit to
you and to the Army. I am convinced with you that it is essential we should
have a further conference, and that as soon as possible. with great esteem etc.
P S. By advices from New York I am informed that a detachment of five or 600
Men was preparing for embarkation, designed, it was said, to reinforce Arnold.
That the Iris and some other Vessel was to Convoy it; and that two or three
Expresses had been sent from New York to Gardners bay upon receiving the Acct.
of the French Squadron appearing in Chesapeak bay. 64
[Note:From a photostat of the original in the
Chateau de Rochambeau, France.]
Date: March 2, 1781 (from Fitzpatrick)
Reel, film counter, LWS: 63, 819-820, 3111
To/From: The Chevalier Destouches Commanding the Fleet of His Most Christian
Majesty in the harbour of New Port / GW
Location: Morehouses (from Fitzpatrick)
GW's hand: N
Number of pages: 2
Type of manuscript: Letter
Signature: GWashington and also GWashington on the envelope.
Content: (There is a slight difference between the document and Fitzpatrick's
transcription (which the note says was from a draft).
To CHEVALIER DESTOUCHES
Morehouses, March 2, 1781.
Sir: I had the honor of receiving your dispatch by the Baron De Coleson the
third day after its date, informing me of the resolution you had taken of renewing
the attempt in Chesapeak bay with your whole fleet. Persuaded that this determination
is warranted by prudence as well as a spirit of enterprise, I receive the intelligence
with peculiar pleasure. It is the strongest evidence of your desire to be useful
to these states, and I hope will be productive of correspondent advantages.
On receiving the information I immediately set out for Rhode Island where I
shall be happy to arrive in time to have the pleasure of a conversation with
you, and of assuring you personally of my wishes for your success and of the
perfect esteem etc. I shall arrive at Rhode Island early the 6th. 89
[Note:The draft is in the writing of Alexander
Hamilton.]
Date: 12th Aprl 1781
Reel, film counter, LWS: 63, 821, 2134
To/From: Colonel Walter Stewart (from Fitzpatrick) / GW
Location: New Windsor (from Fitzpatrick)
GW's hand: Y
Number of pages: 1
Type of manuscript: Letter
Signature: GWashington.
Content:
*To COLONEL WALTER STEWART
New Windsor, April 12, 1781.
Dear Sir: I have been favoured with your letter of the 21st. Ulto. and am much
obliged by the general information which you have given of the progress of the
line in collecting their old Soldiers and Recruits. Be assured your letters
can never be troublesome to me.
The communication which you so politely made in your last, respecting your own
prospects, gave me a particular pleasure, which will be heightened by hearing
that I may congratulate you, and present my compliments to Mrs. Stewart. That
you may be as happy as you deserve is the sincere wish of Dear Sir, Your, etc.
88
[Note:From a facsimile of the letter sold at
auction in 1931.]
Date: 28th June 1781
Reel, film counter, LWS: 63, 822-823, 3297
To/From: Colonel Elias Dayton (from Fitzpatrick) (on page 2 someone wrote Col
Ha??en) / GW
Location: Head Quarters Peekskill
GW's hand: N
Number of pages: 2
Type of manuscript: Letter
Signature: GWashington.
Content:
To COLONEL ELIAS DAYTON
Head Quarters, Peekskill, June 28, 1781.
Sir: I was yesterday favored with a letter from you without Date.
Had not the Enemy made the Movement which you mention, I should by this Time
have given you directions to have drawn your Brigade towards this River. In
present Circumstances, you will be pleased to draw together, as much as possibly
you can the whole Brigade (except the Parties in the Clove) to one Point at
Morris Town, where you will wait further Orders, and although it will much interfere
with my Intentions, yet considering the present irruption of the Enemy into
your State, I shall not at this Time withdraw the Troops under your Comand;
but expect to have them in Readiness to be ordered to such Point as eventual
Circumstances may most Demand.
I have received no official account of the Promotion of Colo Hazen to the Rank
of a Brigadier: 87 whoever has informed you of his being recommended by me to
that Promotion, with a View to take the Comand of the Troops of N Jersey state,
must have been mistaken; to convince you of this, I send you a Copy of my Letter
to Congress on the Subject, by Colo
[Note:On June 29, 1781, Congress conferred the
brevet of brigadier general on Colonel Hazen. ]
Hazen, from which it will appear that nothing of the kind was mentioned.
If the promotion of Colo Hazen has taken place, Congress would seem to contradict
their own Principles established by their Resolutions of the 25th of May, in
which they have declared the Mode by which Promotions in future were to take
place. Agreeable to these Principles Colo Van Schaick stood first in the Class;
untill I am informed from Congress, I know not that Colo Hazen is promoted,
nor (if he is) can I say from what Motives or on what Principles such Event
may have taken place. I am &c. 88
[Note:The draft is in the writing of Jonathan
Trumbull, jr. ]
Date: 30th Nov. 1781
Reel, film counter, LWS: 63, 824-826, 2133
To/From: B. Genl. Hand in Lancaster / GW
Location: Head Quarters Philadelphia
GW's hand: N
Number of pages: 3
Type of manuscript: Letter
Signature: GWashington.
Content: Not in Fitzpatrick
A request to Brig. Gen. Hand to come to Philadelphia as speedily as he can to
assist GW who is now stationed there.
Date: 11th Dec. 1781
Reel, film counter, LWS: 63, 827-828, 2132
To/From: Humphrey (Lieutenant Colonel David Humphreys in Fitzpatrick) / GW
Location: Phila.
GW's hand: Y (but N in Fitzpatrick)
Number of pages: 2
Type of manuscript: Letter
Signature: GWashington.
Content:
To LIEUTENANT COLONEL DAVID HUMPHREYS
Philadelphia, December 11, 1781.
Dear Sir: I received yours of the 22d. of Novem. by Capt. Sargent 71
and am obliged by the trouble which you took in securing Quarters for me. It
is very uncertain when I shall have occasion to use them, as I am detained here
at the request of Congress to assist in the arrangements which are making for
the next Campaign. As to the plan which you propose, I will only say just now,
that there are not the same motives for carrying it into execution [or running
risks] that there were last summer. Then we could have maintained our advantage
if successful, or could by a diversion have favoured the retreat of our Troops
if otherwise. The severity of the season and uncertainty of the Weather are
other reasons which operate against an enterprize which would take more than
one night to execute. 72
[Note:Capt. Winthrop Sargent, of the Third Continental
Artillery. He was aide to Gen. Robert Howe from June, 1780, to the close of
the war; secretary of the northwest territory in 1787; and adjutant general
of St. Clair's Indian expedition. He was wounded at the Maumee, Ohio, in November,
1791, and was Governor of Mississippi Territory in 1798. ]
[Note:Humphreys had written from Peekskill (November 22) suggesting an attempt
upon the British at the north end of York Island on the return of the troops
from the south. ]
Should you not find me upon the North River when you arrive there, you will
come on to this place. I am etc. 73
[Note:The draft is in the writing of Tench
Tilghman. ]
Date: 19th Dec. 1781
Reel, film counter, LWS: 63, 829-832, 3172
To/From: Circular to the States (from Fitzpatrick) / ?
Location: Philadelphia
GW's hand: N
Number of pages: 4
Type of manuscript: Circular letter
Signature: N
Content:
CIRCULAR TO THE STATES 99
[Note:Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina,
South Carolina, and Georgia. ]
Philadelphia December 19, 1781.
Sir: You will have been furnished by His Excellency the President of Congress
with the Resolve of the 10th instant calling upon the several States to compleat
their respective Quotas of Troops by the 1st. of March next. In order to ascertain
the deficiencies, I am directed to transmit to the Executives of the States,
Returns, under particular descriptions, of the number of Men each has in service.
The Troops of your State composing part of the Southern Army, it would occasion
an immense loss Of time were I first to call for the Returns and then transmit
them back from hence or wherever I may happen to be. I have for that reason
directed Major General Greene to furnish your Excellency with the state of your
Line and give you credit for any Men you may have serving in the Legionary Corps
or Artillery, deducting that amount from the Quota assigned to you by the arrangement
of the 3d. and 21st. of October 1780, will point out exactly your deficiency.
I flatter myself it is unnecessary to impress upon your Excellency the necessity
of complying as fully as possible with the requisition of Congress above mentioned.
It is a well known fact, that the critical and dangerous situation to which
all the southern States were reduced, was owing to the want of a sufficient
regular force to oppose to that of the enemy, who, taking advantage of the frequent
dissolutions of our temporary Armies, had gained such footing in the four most
southern that their Governments were totally subverted or so debilitated, that
they were not capable of exerting sufficient authority to bring a regular Army
into the Field. Happily the Scene is changed, and a moment is allowed us to
rectify our past errors, and, if rightly improved, to put ourselves in such
a situation that we need not be apprehensive of the force which Great Britain
has remaining upon the Continent, or which she can probably hereafter bring:
But the greatest encouragement to a vigorous preparation is, that it will be
the most likely method of gaining new Allies and forcing Great Britain into
a negociation, which we have every reason to suppose would end in a peace, honorable
to the interests and views of America.
I will take the liberty of recommending a matter to your Excellency, which I
must sollicit you to urge to the Legislature as absolutely necessary to the
filling your Regiments with proper Men, more especially if the mode of drafting
should be adopted. It is stationing Continental Officers of the Rank of Field
Officers at least at the different places of rendezvous, who shall judge of
the ability of the Recruit, and pass him or reject him as circumstances may
require. For want of a regulation of this kind, we have had hundreds of old
Men, mere Children, disordered and decripid persons passed by Civil Characters
appointed for Muster Masters, and have been under the necessity of discharging
them the moment they have joined the Army: whereby, the State has been put to
a vast expence for an useless Man, and the service has lost a Man for the Campaign,
as the districts from whence such have been sent have scarcely ever replaced
them. [The Secretary at War will address your Excellency upon this subject,
which I can assure you is of the utmost importance to the constitution of the
Army.] I have the honor etc. 1
[Note:In the writing of Tench Tilghman. From
the circular sent to President John Dickinson, of Delaware, which is in the
collection of Judge E. A. Armstrong, of Princeton, N, J., who kindly furnished
a photostat. The sentence in brackets is not in the circular sent to Dickinson,
but is in the draft, and the circulars to Maryland and Virginia, photostats
of which are in the Library of Congress. ]
Date: 12th January 1782
Reel, film counter, LWS: 63, 833-834, 3104
To/From: Col. Dayton / GW
Location: Philadelphia
GW's hand: N
Number of pages: 2
Type of manuscript: Letter
Signature: GWashington.
Content: Not in Fitzpatrick but one of the notes in a letter of the same date
to Colonel Christian Febiger is the following:
[On January 12 Washington wrote also, briefly,
to Col. Elias Dayton to furnish a subaltern's guard to the order of the Secretary
at War "to collect the prisoners of War in Jersey and conduct them to this
place" [Philadelphia]. This letter is in the Washington Papers .
]
The reference appears to be to this letter. Also, in GW Papers at the LOC but
appears to be a draft there.
Date: Ap 2nd 1782
Reel, film counter, LWS: 63, 835-838, 682
To/From: Col. Ogden / GW
Location: Newburgh
GW's hand: Y
Number of pages: 4
Type of manuscript: Letter
Signature: GWashington
Content:
*To COLONEL MATTHIAS OGDEN
Newburgh, April 2, 1782.
Dr. Sir: After I wrote to you from Morris Town, I received information that
the Sentries at the doors of Sir Henry Clinton's quarters were doubled at Eight
O clock every night from the apprehension of an attempt to surprize him in them.
If this be true it is more than probable the same precaution extends tends to
other personages in the City of New York, a circumstance I thought it proper
for you to be advertized of.
It is of great importance that I shou'd know the exact strength of the enemy's
Corps in New York and its dependencies, and how they are disposed of. Either
of the persons whose names you mentioned to me when I was at your house can,
if they are inclined and would be faithful, give very good information in these
matters; and it is very much my wish that they should do it speedily and with
accuracy.
The list which you, and another which Colo. Dayton sent me sometime ago, were
both incorrect as some Corps were inserted that were in the West Indies and
others omitted which were known to be here. No man in the Military line, of
common abilities and who has access to New York, can possibly be at a loss to
know the total number, and the names of the Corps in the department where he
himself is. To ascertain the strength of each, I acknowledge is more difficult;
but by no means impracticable with a little address, to accomplish in a short
time. To keep me regularly advised of the Enemy's strength, and how it is disposed
of; of their reinforcements, and detachments, and of the state of the Kings
Ships in and belonging to the Harbour is of great importance, and it is my earnest
wish that you would impress this upon the persons in whom you seem to place
confidence, urging them to be pointed, regular and accurate in all their communications.
No service can be greater than this, if it is well performed; these, with an
acct. of the nature and progress of their public works is of infinite more consequence
than all the chit-chat of the Streets and the idle conjectures of the Inhabitants
respecting the policy and mode of carrying on the War, &ca. I am etc.
Date: April 7, 1782 is typed outside the letter (of which page(s) are missing
Reel, film counter, LWS: 63, 839-840, 705
To/From: Col. Ogden - First Jersey Regim. / GW
Location: ?
GW's hand: Y
Number of pages: 2
Type of manuscript: Part of a letter
Signature: GWashington and again GWashington on the envelope.
Content: Not in Fitzpatrick - need to check Fitzpatrick volumes other than #24
This is the last page and the envelope (page(s) are missing)
Date: May 15 - (17)82
Reel, film counter, LWS: 63, 841-842, 810
To/From: Maj. Talmadge (at) Hartford / GW
Location: Newburgh
GW's hand: Y but N in Fitzpatrick
Number of pages: 2
Type of manuscript: Letter
Signature: GWashington and again GWashington on the envelope
Content:
To MAJOR BENJAMIN TALLMADGE
Head Quarters, May 15, 1782.
Sir: I have received your Letter by the Baron Steuben; and take the earliest
opportunity to return the Enclosure. I could easily have excused your sending
it to me; as I have so bad an opinion of the Writer of that Letter to you, that
I wish never to hear or see any thing more of so infamous a character. 56
I am etc. 57
[Note:Tallmadge's letter to Washington of May
9 says: "I have just received a Letter from Mr. Silas Deane, which at the
request of its Author, I beg leave to present to Your Excellency." Tallmadge's
letter Is in the Washington Papers . ]
[Note:The draft is in the writing of Jonathan Trumbull, jr. ]
Date: May 25th 1782
Reel, film counter, LWS: 63, 843, 702
To/From: Colonel Matthias Ogden (from Fitzpatrick) / GW
Location: Head Quarters
GW's hand: N
Number of pages: 1
Type of manuscript: Letter
Signature: GWashington
Content:
To COLONEL MATTHIAS OGDEN
Head Quarters, May 25, 1782.
Sir: The Plan as proposed to me by you thro' Capt Ogden 2
appears Eligible, you have therefore my Permission to carry it into execution.
[Note:Capt. Aaron Ogden. ]
Colo. Dayton has my Order to permit you to march your Regt from Camp at such
Time and in such a manner as may appear to you most eligable.
Capt Ogden will deliver to you my sentiments upon the affair more fully than
it would be proper for me to commit to paper.
I can only request you to be particularly guarded against deception, and hope
the Plan may succeed to your wish. I am &c. 3
[Note:The draft is in the writing of William
Stephens Smith. ]
Date: 27th May 1782
Reel, film counter, LWS: 63, 844-847, 681
To/From: Colonel Matthias Ogden (from Fitzpatrick) / GW
Location: Head Quarters
GW's hand: N
Number of pages: 4
Type of manuscript: Letter
Signature: GWashington
Content:
To COLONEL MATTHIAS OGDEN
Head Quarters, May 27, 1782.
Sir: I requested Colo Smith 8 to
reply to yours of Yesterdays Date, by the Return of Lieut. Rhea.
9 I cannot see into the Necessity for the Removal of the party under
Major Hay, 10 for the purpose mentioned,
for if you have been able to keep up the Communication hitherto without his
Knowledge, it surely can be carried through with the same Address, until brought
to the last Stage, when I think he may be of Service. The very act of removing
them will give suspicion. Should Mr. -- 11
be apprehended, I would recommend that you treat him with every Civility
in your power consistent with his security, and that you
[Note:Lieut. Col. William Stephens Smith. ]
[Note:Lieut. Jonathan Rhea, of the Second New Jersey Regiment. He served to
November, 1783. ]
[Note:Maj. Samuel Hayes(?), of the New Jersey Militia. ]
[Note:Pierre de Peyster, loyalist of Essex County, N.J. ]
remove him immediately to the Jersey Huts, forward a particular State of the
Circumstances, with Copies of the original papers to His Excellency Govr. Livingston,
and as -- is a Citizen, and a subject of the State over which he presides, take
his further Orders respecting him. If it should be, to subject him to a Trial
by Law-martial, let him be sent to Major Genl. Heath, with all the Papers and
proofs necessary to it.
With respect to the other matter, should it turn out agreeably to your Expectations,
the sooner you retire to the Hutts the better. Lodge the prisoners in a place
of Safety and forward to me the earliest Intelligence of your Success, and the
Number of prisoners, the Circumstances attending them and the Enterprise; when
the necessary steps will be immediately taken for their further Security.
The sooner you bring this matter to a Close the more agreeable it will be to
me, and I have great Reason to believe the more advantageous to the public at
large. I am &c. 12
[Note:The draft is in the writing of Hodijah
Baylies.
On May 27 William Stephens Smith wrote to Postmaster General Ebenezer Hazard,
in reply to Hazard's query, that Washington did not consider Kakiat, N.Y., a
safe place for the mails to remain over one night, "the risk being evidently
too great as it is considerably advanced of any post that we occupy in that
Part of the Country." The draft of Smith's letter is in the Washington
Papers . ]
Date: June 10th 1782
Reel, film counter, LWS: 63, 848-849, 2105
To/From: Gen. Dayton / GW
Location: Head Quarters
GW's hand: N
Number of pages: 2
Type of manuscript: Letter
Signature: GWashington
Content:
To BRIGADIER GENERAL ELIAS DAYTON
Head Quarters, June 10, 1782.
Sir: It is extremely painful to me to have continually to remark on the irregular
manner in which business seems to be conducted at your Post.
In my Letter of the 27th. May I directed Colo. Ogden to transmit Governor Livingston
a particular State of the Circumstances respecting Mr De Peyster and take his
Orders and that if the Governor directed him to be delivered to the Military
he should be sent with all the Papers to Genl Heath. Instead of this being complied
with, the Prisoner is sent to Head Quarters, without even a Line from any body,
or a Single paper respecting the matter; whilst the Prisoner alledges that the
Civil Authority has taken the matter up, and did actually Issue an Habeus Corpus
which Colo Ogden refused to pay any regard to. I must request Sir that you would
immediately transmit me Copies of all the papers that have passed between you
and the Civil authority of the State on this occasion, with every other information
you have. In a matter of so serious a nature as the Trial of a Citizen for his
Life, it is certainly necessary that we should be well assured of the legality
of the proceedings, and till this is the case nothing can be done in the affair.
I am &c. 68
[Note:The draft is in the writing of Benjamin
Walker. ]
Date: July 3rd 1782
Reel, film counter, LWS: 63, 850-852, 2100
To/From: Gov. Livingston / GW
Location: Head Quarters Newburgh
GW's hand: N
Number of pages: 3
Type of manuscript: Letter
Signature: GWashington
Content:
To GOVERNOR WILLIAM LIVINGSTON
Head Quarters, Newburgh, July 3, 1782.
Sir: From the inclosed information of Captain Stevens, there is reason to apprehend,
the business of driving Cattle to the Enemy is carrying on with great art and
assiduity; it would be a happy circumstance if the Villains concerned in it
could be detected; I have therefore to propose to your Excellency that you will
be pleased to take such precautions as you shall judge best calculated to learn
whether any such Cattle are passing in droves or small parcels (for they may
be divided on the road) to the Enemy.
If you should hear of them before they turn off towards New York, I think it
would be adviseable to employ some trusty Man or Men to dog and follow them
privately until the fact is ascertained, otherwise it is to be feared, no positive
proofs of the intention of the People engaged in this infamous trade can be
obtained.
I sincerely wish every practicable plan may be attempted for seizing the cattle
and apprehending and bringing to condign punishment the Men; as this would tend
essentially to frustrate the insidious Schemes of our Enemies as well as deter
their other Agents from similar practices. I am &c.
84
[Note:The draft is in the writing of David Humphreys.
The same letter was sent to Brig. Gen. Elias Dayton and to Lieut. Col. Philip
Van Cortlandt, changing, of course, the phrase "I have therefore to propose
to your Excellency that you will be pleased to take" to "I have therefore
to request you will take."
On July 3 Cobb acknowledged Mrs. Rachel Holly's letter of June 21 from New Haven
and stated that Washington had no objection to her visiting her son, who was
a prisoner in New York, "if permission is obtained from Govr. Trumbull"
and that she enters New York by way of Dobbs Ferry. ]
Date: 5 August 1782
Reel, film counter, LWS: 63, 853, 3148
To/From: The President of Congress / GW
Location: Head Quarters
GW's hand: N
Number of pages: 1
Type of manuscript: Transcribed extract of a letter
Signature: N
Content: This is a transcription of just the postscript of a letter to the President
of Congress. There is no GW signature. The following is the entire letter from
Fitzpatrick:
To THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS
Head Quarters, August 5, 1782.
Sir: I have the Honor to transmit to your Excellency the Copy of a Letter which
has just now been received from Sir Guy Carleton and Admiral Digby.
79 I do not Delay a Moment to convey it to the Eye of Congress; and
beg that I may be furnished with their Directions for my Government.
[Note:Dated August 2. The original is in the
Washington Papers . ]
The inclosed passport from the Hono Henry Laurens 80
accompanied the Letter from the British Commanders, in Consequence of which,
Directions are given to the Commanding
[Note:Laurens's passport is filed with this letter
from Washington in the Papers of the Continental Congress . ]
Officer at Dobbs Ferry to suffer the Person of Mr. Blake
81 to come out for the purpose of passing to Philadelphia, where
Congress will have an Opportunity to judge of the propriety of granting him
the further Indulgences M
r. Blake wishes. With very great Regard etc.
[Note:William Blake, of South Carolina. ]
PS. a few Days ago I received Intelligence from N York, that a considerable
Detachment of Troops was makg; said to be for Charlestown; whether for a Reinforcement
to that Garrison, or as a Relief to the Troops already there was not known 82
[Note:In the writing of Jonathan Trumbull, jr.
The letter was read in Congress and referred to Arthur Lee. John Witherspoon,
and John Rutledge. ]
Date: 6th Aug 1782
Reel, film counter, LWS: 63, 854-856, 2102
To/From: Col. Walter Stewart / GW
Location: Head Quarters
GW's hand: N
Number of pages: 3
Type of manuscript: Letter
Signature: GWashington
Content:
To COLONEL WALTER STEWART
Head Quarters, August 6, 1782.
Dear Sir: I have received your two favors of Yesterday respecting your Brother,
who you think, wishes to become an Inhabitants of the United States.
99
[Note:On August 9 Trumbull, by Washington's direction,
wrote to the commanding officer at Dobbs Ferry, that Colonel Stewart's brother
was to be permitted to come on shore with his servants, etc., "and to proceed
into the Country, or attend his Brother." Trumbull's draft is in the Washington
Papers . ]
I know you are sensible of the Delicacy of Situation in which I am placed, and
you are equally sensible of the impropriety of the Channel through which your
Brother, has presented himself for Admittance as an Inhabitant. At the same
time I trust you are persuaded of the Disposition I have to oblige you in every
Thing that I can consistent with my Duty and you cannot be insensible that it
is necessary for me to observe some general Rules in Cases of this Nature.
I have therefore to desire, that you will, previous to his comg out, either
do it yourself, or take means to obtain from your Brother, the particular Views
and Intentions with which he comes to this Country, with the Reasons of his
comg thro' the Channel of N York, as also the Mode by which, he obtains permission
from the Enemy to pass among us. Upon information of which, if satisfactory,
no Difficulty will be opposed to his comg out.
Tho I have no particular Reasons to suspect your Brother of any evil Intentions,
yet 'tis necessary on all Occasions to be guarded against the least Apprehension
of Imposition.
If he does come out, his becoming a Resident does not depend on me; his Mode,
I suppose, will be to apply to the Executive Power of the State where he means
to reside. I am &c. 1
[Note:The draft is in the writing of Jonathan
Trumbull, jr. ]
Date: 24th Aug. 1782
Reel, film counter, LWS: 63, 857-858, 3292
To/From: ? (salutation: My Lord) / GW
Location: Head Qtrs.
GW's hand: Y
Number of pages: 2
Type of manuscript: Letter
Signature: GWashington
Content: Not in Fitzpatrick
Letter (possibly to Lord Stirling) discussing the candidates for the office of Commissioner of Prisoners. Also mentions the loan to GW of a "History of ? Sobieski?".
Date: 4th September 1782
Reel, film counter, LWS: 63, 859-860, 2101
To/From: Lieut. Col. Badlam / GW
Location: Head Quarters
GW's hand: N
Number of pages: 2
Type of manuscript: Letter
Signature: GWashington
Content:
To LIEUTENANT COLONEL EZRA BADLAM
Head Quarters, September 4, 1782.
Sir: I have received your Letter of the 21st ulto. accompanied with sundry papers,
tendg shew the Impositions which are attempted on Musterg Officers; that such
Deceptions would be practiced I have ever been aware, and have viewed it as
an argument which should induce the Officers to the greater Vigilance and Attention.
Such Impositions as are attempted by subjects, apparently fit for Service, and
pushed by every Art of Deception which can be invented, may in some Instances
succeed. But where an Officer passes a Man, who is visibly unable to discharge
the Duties of a Soldier, his Want of Attention, and Obedience to Orders, to
say nothing more of it, is certainly unpardonable. I am &c.
77
[Note:The draft is in the writing of Jonathan
Trumbull. jr. ]
Date: 23rd September 1782
Reel, film counter, LWS: 63, 861-864, 3105
To/From: Major General William Heath and Major General Henry Knox / GW
Location: Head Quarters Verplancks Point
GW's hand: N
Number of pages: 4
Type of manuscript: Instructions
Signature: GWashington
Content:
INSTRUCTIONS TO MAJOR GENERALS - HEATH AND KNOX
Head Quarters, Verplancks Point, September 23, 1782.
Gentlemen: The powers of equal date herewith, authorize you to proceed to Tapan
in Orange County in the State of New York and there meet Commissioners from
the British for the purposes mentioned in your powers.
You are to pay the most pointed attention to the nature of your powers, which
are founded upon Letters patent under the Great Seal of the United States bearing
date of the 16th. instant, a Copy of which you have annexed. No. 1. By this
you will perceive you are to enter into no stipulations of any kind whatever
with the British Commissioners which may have a future operation, unless they
come appointed and competently authorized on the part of the Crown and Nation
of Great Britain. Should the British Commissioners, come prepared with admissible
powers, the Resolve of Congress of the 9th. instant Copy of which you have also
annexed. No. 2. will in great measure serve for instructions on which you may
proceed.
It is possible, that should it be found a General Cartel cannot be settled,
that the British Commissioners may request partial exchanges, but this I do
not think I am at liberty to allow under present circumstances.
The case of Mr. Laurens and Lord Cornwallis is sufficiently specified in the
7th. section of the Resolve of the 9th.
By the 8th. section of the same Resolve it is said "Chaplains, Surgeons
or Hospital Officers who shall be captured in future may not be considered as
prisoners of War." The construction to be put upon this is, in no case
a General Cartel should be established Chaplains under a former stipulation
have been mutually released.
Should a sum of Money be offered in Gross as a compensation for subsistence
of Prisoners up to a certain period, You will not accept it, unless it should
come up to or near the sum which the former Commissioners deemed adequate, neither
will you absolutely refuse it; but will report to me the offer, that I may take
direction in the matter from Congress, or the Superintendant of Finance.
Should the British Commissioners propose as perhaps they may, that the adjustment
of all accounts may be referred to a future day and to persons more conversant
in business of that kind than military Men are supposed to be; you can only
engage to report upon this; but you are at the same time to signify to them,
That in case such a stipulation is entered into, it will be expected that national
and not personal assurances shall be given for the payment of the Balance on
whichever side it may fall, otherwise the settlement will be of no avail.
Should your Negociations break off without accomplishing the business of your
Mission, you will, in the most solemn manner declare to the British Commissioners
the necessity we shall be under of putting in execution the 9th. section of
the Resolve of the 9th.
Mr. Mullins a Clerk in the Office of Finance will attend with the accounts respecting
the former subsistence of prisoners of War.
Lt. Colo. Smith, lately appointed Commy. of Land prisoners will attend the meeting
and will endeavor to bring with him Mr. Skinner the late Commy. who, from his
full acquaintance with the Business of that department, may be useful in case
you enter into negotiation. 1
[Note:At this point the draft has the following
crossed off: "The paper No. 3 will be introduced by you, in way of conversation
rather than formerly, should your negociations break off. I am willing to allow
the indulgence of Fishing Boats for the use of the marine prisoners, if no abuses
are made of such indulgence. You will, if possible, concert a mode of licensing
them. There is no need to say anything respecting Wood, That we can send in
as it is wanted." ]
You will make your Report to me of your proceedings as soon as convenient after
they are finished. 2
[Note:The draft is in the writing of Tench Tilghman. ]
Date: 24th September 1782
Reel, film counter, LWS: 63, 865-866, 2103
To/From: Major Dexter Commanding at Dobbs Ferry / GW
Location: Head Quarters
GW's hand: N
Number of pages: 2
Type of manuscript: Letter
Signature: GWashington
Content:
To MAJOR JOHN SINGER DEXTER 10
[Note:Of the Rhode Island battalion. He served
to November, 1783. ]
Head Quarters, September 24, 1782
.
Sir: You will please to permit the British Commissioners, (with their Suite)
who are to meet Commissrs from me at Orange-Town tomorrow to pass to that Place;
the Gentlemen will land at Tapan or the Store landing. Boats are also to be
permitted to pass to and from the Enemy, on the written Passports of Major Genls
Heath or Knox, during the sitting of the Commissioners, to whom Guards are to
be furnished when applied for by our Commissioners. The additional Company of
Lt Infantry is sent to enable you to perform this; and you will pay due attention
to any other requisitions of those Gentlemen which may tend to promote the public
service, without waiting until reference can be made to me.
The papers respecting an interview between Mr. Van Wagenen and his Father may
be sent into New York by the first Flag. I am etc.
P.S. Gentlemen having permission from the Executive of any State to go to the
Enemy's Lines, may be suffered to send an open Letter to N York previously to
obtain liberty for the purpose. 11
[Note:The draft is in the writing of David Humphreys.
]
Date: 20th November 1782
Reel, film counter, LWS: 63, 867-868, 599
To/From: Comte De Rochambeau / GW
Location: Head Quarters
GW's hand: N
Number of pages: 2
Type of manuscript: Letter
Signature: GWashington
Content:
To COMTE DE ROCHAMBEAU
Head Quarters, November 20, 1782.
Sir: I have been honored with Your Excellency's favors of the 9th. 13th and
15th. instants. We have yet no official accounts of the evacuation of Charles
town, but there are a variety of reasons for believing that it has taken place.
I never could learn that any troops embarked on board the Fleet which sailed
the 26th. of last Month.
By information from New York the remainder of the British Fleet are very near
sailing if not already gone; most of them had fallen down to the Narrows a few
days ago. A Fleet of 25 sail of Transports arrived very lately at New York from
Quebec. What is remarkable, all those ships were fitted up with Births for the
reception of Troops previous to their leaving Quebec, and I have just received
advice that an embarkation of Troops had began at New York three days ago, but
I cannot yet vouch for the truth of the last. The fitting of the transports
I have from Persons who came passengers in them.
All the letters committed to my care have been forwarded. I have the honor etc.
23
[Note:The draft is in the writing of Tench Tilghman.
]
Date: Mar 5th 1783
Reel, film counter, LWS: 63, 869-870, 2131
To/From: John Pierce (from Fitzpatrick) / GW
Location: Newburgh
GW's hand: Y
Number of pages: 2
Type of manuscript: Letter
Signature: GWashington
Content:
*To JOHN PIERCE
Newburgh, March 5, 1783. 90
[Note:The draft, also in the writing of Washington,
is dated March 3. ]
Sir: I am about revising my Accts. with the public from the beginning, in order
to make a thorough digest of them for Settlement. 91
[Note:This "digest" was forwarded to
the Treasury July 1, 1783. ]
In going over them, I find I have given credit for some advances with which
I am not charged in the Acct. you sent me last; particularly 1000 Dollars paid
to Colo. Tilghman Deer. 10th. 1781, and the like sum to Lt. Colfax the 7th.
of Feby. following. On the other hand, it is not impossible but that I may have
omitted credits which ought to have been given; I beg therefore you will let
me know with precision the whole amount from all the Offices , of Monies charged
to me, or others for my use, that I may be able to comprehend and draw the whole
into one point of view.
I wish to know also, whether Genl. McDougall stands charged with a Sum in Specie
in your Books, the Treasury Books, or Registers Office, with a Sum in Specie
for Secret Services between the first of Jany. and middle of March 1779; and
if such charge should appear, to what amount, and to whom paid for his use.
This information is necessary in the liquidation of my Accts.
On the 27th Ulto. I requested to know whether I stood charged with any sum in
your Books "between Feby. and May 1777; to whom it was paid, for what Sum,
and the precise date." I pray you to give me answers to these points by
the first Post after this letter reaches you. I am etc.
92
[Note:From a photostat of the original kindly
furnished by E. F. Bonaventure. of New York City. ]
Date: 12th Mar. 1783
Reel, film counter, LWS: 63, 871-873, 2130
To/From: Lieut. Col. Wm S Smith / GW
Location: Head Quarters
GW's hand: N
Number of pages: 3
Type of manuscript: Letter
Signature: GWashington
Content:
To LIEUTENANT COLONEL WILLIAM STEPHENS SMITH
Head Quarters, March 12, 1783.
Dear Sir: I have duly received your favor of the 8th instant.
Mr. Mercereau 30 being out of military
Office, and retired to the Class of Citizens, his Application to me for Liberty
to go into N York, is not properly made; but should be addressed to the Civil
Power of the State within which he resides; independent of this principle, I
have no Objection to granting his Request. You may communicate my sentiments
to him, and if he obtains Govr Livingston's Permission, his passing to New York
by Way of your post, will be a matter very admissible. I am &c. 31
[Note:John Mersereau. ]
[Note:The draft is in the writing of Jonathan Trumbull, jr. ]
Date: 23rd Mar 1783
Reel, film counter, LWS: 63, 874-875, 2153
To/From: Lieut. Col. Smith / GW
Location: Head Quarters
GW's hand: N
Number of pages: 3
Type of manuscript: Letter
Signature: GWashington
Content:
To LIEUTENANT COLONEL WILLIAM STEPHENS SMITH
Head Quarters, March 23, 1783.
Sir: Your favor of the 21st was delivered me last Evening.
You will please to give Capt. Douglass 61
permission to pass within the Enemys Lines, agreeable to his recommendation
from Majr. Turner. But you will, as from me, declare positively to Capt Douglass,
that the proposed Communication for Exchange of Marine prisoners mentioned by
him to be opened by way of Elizabeth Town, will not by any Means meet my Consent,
and that no other places than those now permitted, will be admitted by me. Vizt
Dobbs's Ferry and New Bridge.
[Note:Capt. Thomas Douglass, of the Continental
Artillery. He had retired in January, 1783; was captain of U. S. artillery in
August, 1784; served to October, 1785. ]
I have no Objections to your proposed Visit to Camp; you will please to use
your own Time for the purpose. The sendg on to Philadelphia, of the Money you
have in Hand, may probably be negotiated without much Trouble, with either the
Contractors or Paymaster; this you will be able to do, when you come to Camp.
I am &c. 62
[Note:The draft is in the writing of Jonathan
Trumbull, jr. ]
Date: March 31, 1783 (from Fitzpatrick)
Reel, film counter, LWS: 63, 876-877, 2155
To/From: Major Genl Greene / GW
Location: Head Quarters Newburgh
GW's hand: N
Number of pages: 2
Type of manuscript: Letter
Signature: GWashington
Content: (Doc. on microfilm is very faded)
To MAJOR GENERAL NATHANAEL GREENE
Head Quarters, March 31, 1783.
Dear Sir: I have the pleasure to inclose to you a letter from the Marquis de
la fayette, which came under cover to me, by the Packet Triumph, dispatched
by the Marquis and the Count de Estaing from Cadiz to Phila.
All the Accounts which this Vessel has bro't, of a Conclusion of a General Peace,
you will receive before this can reach you.
You will give the highest Credit to my Sincerity, when I beg you to accept my
warmest Congratulations on this glorious and happy Event, an Event which crowns
all our Labors and will sweeten the Toils which we have experienced in the Course
of Eight Years distressing War. The Army here, universally participate in the
general Joy which this Event has diffused, and, from this Consideration, together
with the late Resolutions of Congress, for the Commutation of the Half pay,
and for a Liquidation of all their Accounts, their Minds are filled with the
highest Satisfaction. I am sure you will join with me in this additional occasion
of joy.
It remains only for the States to be Wise, and to establish their Independence
on that Basis of inviolable efficacious Union, and firm Confederation, which
may prevent their being made the Sport of European Policy; may Heaven give them
Wisdom to adopt the Measures still necessary for this important Purpose. I have
the honor etc. 89
[Note:The draft is in the writing of Jonathan
Trumbull, jr. ]
Date: April 14th 1783
Reel, film counter, LWS: 63, 878-881, 2156
To/From: President Weare / GW
Location: Head Quarters
GW's hand: N
Number of pages: 4
Type of manuscript: Circular letter
Signature: GWashington
Content: If addressed to President (Meshech) Weare this should be the circular
to New Hampshire.
CIRCULAR TO THE STATES 46
[Note:New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island,
Connecticut, New York, and New Jersey. ]
Head Quarters, April 14, 1783.
Sir: Previous to the disbanding of the Army, an event which is to be wished,
may take place with as much ease and satisfaction as circumstances will admit,
Congress have directed that a compleat settlement and liquidation of all their
Accounts shall be made; To effect this the Pay Master Genl. is arrived, with
full Instructions to enter immediately upon the settlement, and to compleat
it as soon as possible; In performing this Duty he informs me that recourse
must be had to the several States for their Accounts (if they have any) against
their respective Lines; this requisition probably may have been, or will be,
made by Mr. Morris; but as I consider it of the utmost importance both for the
ease and quiet of the Army, as well as in point of Oeconomy to the Public, that
this business should be effected with all the dispatch that it is possible to
give it, I have procured from the Pay Master Genl. the enclosed minutes of what
he judges necessary to obtain from the States, as part of the ground of his
settlement; which I take the liberty to transmit to your Excellency, with my
most earnest request, that you will be pleased to give Directions that the earliest
attention may be given to forward, without the least delay, to Mr. Pierce, Pay
Master Genl., whatever information, Accounts or papers, shall on examination
of his Minutes, be found necessary; together with any other papers or documents
which may be thought proper from your State to effect the settlement proposed.
I have taken this liberty the rather, as it is judged, that, on a supposition
of the utmost dispatch in the States, the greatest delay in compleating this
very important settlement, will most probably arise from the time necessary
to obtain their Accounts. 47 I
have the honor etc. 48
[Note:The circular was accompanied by a set of
queries from the Paymaster General to the States, the evident purpose of which
was to enable him to establish a uniform basis for paying off the Army. In the
Connecticut circular these queries are in the writing of Jonathan Trumbull,
jr. The draft of the circular. in the Washington Papers , is dated April 12,
and the queries, in the writing of Pierce, contain this additional one, not
found in the Connecticut document: "Supplies to the families of Officers
and Soldier." ]
[Note:In the writing of David Cobb. From the circular sent to Connecticut, the
original of which is in the Connecticut State Library. ]
Date: 18th of April 1783
Reel, film counter, LWS: 63, 882-884, 680
To/From: / GW
Location: Head Quarters Newburgh
GW's hand: N
Number of pages: 3
Type of manuscript: Passport ?
Signature: GWashington
Content: Not in Fitzpatrick Based on a note in Fitzpatrick this is a passport
issued by GW. The letter in which the note occurs is:
To REAR ADMIRAL ROBERT DIGBY
Head Quarters, April 11, 1783.
Sir: Captain Hurlbutt, an Officer of this Army, who was dangerously wounded
about two Years since, wishing to return to his home and being still unable
to bear the fatigue of a conveyance by Land; I have to request the favor of
your Excellencys Passport for a small Vessel to convey him by Water to New London.
38 Captain Hurlbutt will be accompanied only by another Gentleman
and the small number of Persons necessary to Navigate the Vessel. I have the
honor etc. 39
[Note:On April 15 Digby granted this passport,
and on April 18 Washington issued his passport for a sloop to proceed from Newburgh
to New London in which Hurlbut was to proceed. A Captain Arthurs, a British
naval prisoner, who was in ill health. was to go in the sloop to New York City.
Digby's passport and the draft of Washington's letter are in the Washington
Papers ]
[Note:The draft is in the writing of Benjamin Walker. ]
Date: April 19 1783
Reel, film counter, LWS: 63, 885-886, 668
To/From: / GW
Location: Head Quarters in Newburgh
GW's hand: N
Number of pages: 2
Type of manuscript: Certification
Signature: GWashington
Content: Not in Fitzpatrick
A document by GW certifying that Col. Ogden Matthias served in the war and attained
the rank of Colonel in the Army of the United States
Date: 17th May 1783
Reel, film counter, LWS: 63, 887-888, 668
To/From: Brigadier Genl Huntington at West Point / GW
Location: Head Quarters (Newburgh from Fitzpatrick)
GW's hand: N
Number of pages: 2
Type of manuscript: Letter
Signature: GWashington and again GWashington on the envelope
Content:
To BRIGADIER GENERAL JEDIDIAH HUNTINGTON
Head Quarters, Newburgh, May 17, 1783.
Sir: Having perused with attention your Letter of the 16th, and the Papers enclosed
in it, respecting the Court of Enquiry 68
appointed in the Orders of the 3d of April 1783; upon mature consideration I
am of opinion, that the Court ought to proceed without delay to the investigation
directed therein, notifying Major Reid 69
and taking all such measures as may seem proper to them for ascertaining the
facts fully, and reporting their
[Note:Major Reid objected to the legality of
the court, and gave his objections in writing. They were considered insufficient
and he was called upon by the court "to give Information upon the Matters
in Question, which he refused." Reid's letter is in the Washington Papers
. ]
[Note:On May 18 Benjamin Walker wrote to Reid that the Commander in Chief "has
directed the Board to proceed, agreable to former Orders…Whether you will
leave Camp under there circumstances is left to your own decision." Walker's
draft is in the Washington Papers . ]
opinion thereon at large, which, if approved, will be considered as the final
determination of the matters in question, of which all persons concerned should
be previously apprised, that they may regulate their conduct accordingly. I
am etc. 70
[Note:The draft is in the writing of David Humphreys.
]
Date: Eighth Day of June 1783
Reel, film counter, LWS: 63, 889-890, 391
To/From: / GW
Location: Head-Quarters
GW's hand: N
Number of pages: 2
Type of manuscript: Discharge certificate
Signature: GWashington
Content: Not in Fitzpatrick
Discharge certificate for someone in the Third Connecticut Regiment
Date: 8th Oct. 1783
Reel, film counter, LWS: 63, 891-892, 3170
To/From: Genl Knox / GW
Location: Rocky Hil
GW's hand: N
Number of pages: 2
Type of manuscript: Letter
Signature: GWashington
Content:
To MAJOR GENERAL HENRY KNOX
Rocky Hill, October 8, 1783.
Dr. Sir: Count Wengiersky, a Polish Gentleman, travelling the Continent for
his amusement, will have the pleasure to deliver you this; he comes recommended
to me by the Marquis de la fayette and the Minister of France, and as he proposes
visiting West Point, I take the liberty to request your Civilities to him during
his Stay there. Mr. Vernon, an English Gentleman, lately from Europe travels
with the Count, and will I know equally participate in your attention. I am,
etc. 71
[Note:The draft is in the writing of Benjamin
Walker. Practically the same letter was also sent to Philip Schuyler, the draft
of which is in the Washington Papers . ]
Date: 4th day of November 1783
Reel, film counter, LWS: 63, 893, 64
To/From: Board of War / GW
Location: Rocky Hill
GW's hand: N
Number of pages: 1
Type of manuscript: Letter
Signature: Appears to be a forgery of GWashington
Content: Not in Fitzpatrick
Letter indicating that a half-pay pension should be granted, but appears to
have a forged GWashington signature.
Date: No date
Reel, film counter, LWS: 63, 894, No LWS number
To/From:
Location:
GW's hand: N
Number of pages: 1
Type of manuscript: A seal
Signature: N
Content: A seal that has the name George Washington on it. In Latin is the phrase
"The result proves the things done (Your work speaks for itself).
Date: No date
Reel, film counter, LWS: 63, 895, No LWS number
To/From
Location:
GW's hand: N
Number of pages: 1
Type of manuscript: An image of the cover of a book
Signature: GWashington
Content: An image of the cover of "The Beauties of Pope" with GW's
signature and writing above saying this was given as a gift.
Date: 5th Feby 1784 (Fitzpatrick has February 4, 1784)
Reel, film counter, LWS: 63, 896-902, 1564
To/From: Governor Luis De Unzaga Y Amezaga (from Fitzpatrick) / ?
Location: Mount Vernon
GW's hand: N
Number of pages: 7
Type of manuscript: Letter
Signature: N - signed as George Washington but not in his signature
Content:
To GOVERNOR LUIS DE UNZAGA Y AMEZAGA 24
[Note:Of Cuba. ]
Mount Vernon, February 4, 1784.
Sir: The Gentleman who will have the honor of presenting this Letter to your
Excellency, is Genl. Stewart, an Officer of distinguished merit in the American
Army; having embarked amongst the foremost in the cause of his Country, and
persevered in the service of it with equal credit to himself and advantage to
her, until the happy [re-establishment of peace, in the acknowledgment of our
Independence and Sovereignty.
He proposes soon to make a Voyage to Europe, but wishing, previously thereto,
to visit a place so remarkable and so well known to this Country as the Havana,
I have taken the liberty of introducing him to your Excellency's countenance
and Civilities, during his stay there. He will repeat to you, the assurances
of respect and consideration with which I have the honor, etc.]
25
[Note:From the "Letter Book" copy in
the Washington Papers . The portion in brackets is taken from a facsimile
of the last page of the original. ]
Date: Feby 18th 1784
Reel, film counter, LWS: 63, 903-904, 707
To/From: Mrs. Stockton / GW
Location: Mount Vernon
GW's hand: Y but N in Fitzpatrick
Number of pages: 2
Type of manuscript: Letter
Signature: GWashington
Content:
To MRS. ANNIS BOUDINOT STOCKTON
Mount Vernon, February 18, 1784.
Dr. Madam: The intemperate weather, and the very great care which the post riders
take of themselves, prevented your Letter of the 4th. of last month 46
from reaching my hands 'till the 10th. of this: I was then in the
very act of setting off on a visit to my aged mother, from whence I am just
returned. These reasons I beg leave to offer, as an apology for my silence 'till
now.
[Note:Not now found in the Washington Papers
. ]
It would be a pity indeed, My dear Madam, if the Muses should be restrained
in you. I have only to lament that the hero of your poetical talents, is not
more deserving of their lays. I cannot however, from motives of false delicacy
(because I happen to be the principal character in your pastoral) withhold my
encomiums on the performance for I think, the easy, simple and beautious strains
with which the Dialogue is supported do great justice to your genius, and will
not only secure Lucinda and Aminta from Wits and Critic's, but draw from them,
however unwillingly, their highest plaudits, if they can relish the praises
that are given, as highly as they must admire the manner of bestowing them.
Mrs. Washington, equally sensible with myself, of the honor you have done her,
joins me in most affectionate compliments to yourself, the young Ladies and
Gentlemen of your family. With sentiments of esteem, regard and respect, I have
the honor, etc. 47
[Note:From the "Letter Book" copy in
the Washington Papers . ]
Date: 20th Augt 1784
Reel, film counter, LWS: 63, 905-906, 390
To/From: / GW
Location:
GW's hand: N
Number of pages: 2
Type of manuscript: Expense accounting?
Signature: GWashington
Content: Not in Fitzpatrick
Expense accounting ? for Captn. David Kennedy
Date: 25th Dec. 1784? June 18th 1785?
Reel, film counter, LWS: 63, 907-910, 524 (end of reel #63)
To/From: /
Location:
GW's hand: N
Number of pages: 4
Type of manuscript: List of balances due
Signature: N
Content: Not in Fitzpatrick
List of balances due GW
Date: October 26th 1785
Reel, film counter, LWS: 64, 006-007, 671
To/From: /
Location:
GW's hand: N
Number of pages: 2
Type of manuscript: Account journal
Signature: GWashington
Content: Not in Fitzpatrick
Account journal with Battaile Muse
Date: 16th Dec 1785
Reel, film counter, LWS: 64, 008-011, 2161
To/From: Battaile Muse / GW
Location: Mount Vernon
GW's hand: Y
Number of pages: 4
Type of manuscript: Letter
Signature: GWashington
Content:
*To BATTAILE MUSE
Mount Vernon, December 16, 1785.
Sir: Since I wrote you last I have received your letter of the 28th. of Novr.
Although you could not make out an exact statement of the Accts., as they stand
between the Tenants and me, I wish you had returned me a list of them, and the
Lots on which they live, with the Rent each man pays.
I see no advantage that is to be derived now , from my being on the Tenemants.
As you have power, and your judgment must direct, your enquiries may be extended
as far as mine could, was I on the spot. Supposing this to be the case, what
could I do, more than to see, in the first place, to whom Lot No. 1 (and so
on with all the rest) was originally granted; in whose possession it now is;
and what transferances have taken place. What rents the lot has credit for in
the acct. I sent you (which is the best that could be made out?) and what receipts
can be produced, in case of a difference between my accts. and the Tenants,
in proof of his having paid more than he stands credited for. What, more than
this, I say, could I do were I on the Land? And is not all this in your Power?
The Leases which I gave you (for this purpose) testifies to the first. The Tentent
[ sic ] on the land solves the second. and the information of themselves, compared,
and corroborated by the testimony of the neighbourhood, if necessary, is the
only means I know, of coming at the truth of the third matter. that is, the
transferences. With respect to the Rents which are due on any lot, my Acct.
compared with the Tenants receipts, is the only mode by which this can be ascertained.
I readily grant that, my business with respect to these people have been most
shamefully neglected but there is no help for that now, to recover it out of
the State of disorder and confusion into which it has run, and to place it on
as just a footing both for Landlord and tenant as the nature of the case will
admit of, is all that remains to be done; and some of the letters which I have
already written to you on this subject, and to which I now refer, gives you
my ideas fully on the Subject. and wch. in one word are these, to deal justly,
honourably, and even generously by them; But where it shall appear that the
Tenants have disregarded every Covenant in the leases, which were intended to
secure a mutual benefit to myself; and their sole aim has been to make a Market
of the Land for their own private emolument. Or where the tenant in possession
has taken advantage of the times, and paid their rents in Paper money when it
was of no value. In either of these cases, I should have no scruple to set the
Leases aside, if they are clearly, and legally forfeited; provided, the Lots
can be let to a better advantage than on the present terms, of the Leases. And
all these things must be submitted to your own Judgment, after the fullest information
of the circumstances, is obtained.
If the Tenants have paid money to any other than Lund Washington or myself,
I should have an acct. of it; and when it was done; that I may look for it in
some quarter, but where there is no receipt, nor no credit in my acct., I shall
pay no regard to bear ascertions. I may quit scores at once if these are to
be considered as discharges. With respect to their being two tenants on a Lot,
unless they have something to shew, which authorizes it, the Lease itself must
be your guide and director, without application to me. It is evidence of the
agreement between the Landlord and tenant, and must be resorted to every year,
to see that the terms are fulfilled on the part of the latter; for it may be
laid down as a certainty that there is no obligation on the former that will
not be exacted.
Lund Washington's going upon the land could answer no purpose; he knows no more
how matters stand than I do, and much less I believe than yourself, or the business
would not be in the confusion it is at present.
It is essentially necessary that yr. collection should be as large as possible,
because, independant of other considerations, I have not made half bread Corn
enough this year to serve my People and stock; and shall have to purchase it
at a high price, in addition to my other heavy and numerous expenditures notwithstanding
this, it is my wish to push matters to the last extremty in order to obtain
all the rents which may be due, unless there is, in your opinion, good cause
for it. in short, circumstances and your own discretion must direct you.
With respect to the vacant Lots I have in the Tracts committed to your Inspection
and management; I can give but one general direction for them all. And that
is this: let the notice that they are to be let, be as long before hand, and
as extensive as you can conveniently give of the day you will let them, (to
the highest bidder if you shall think it best), and then let them for as much
as you can obtain, for a term not exceeding 14 years; ten years I should prefer.
If the Season is now too far advanced, (and it is highly probable that few Tenants
have places to look for at this late Season of the year), perhaps it might be
better to rent them upon any terms for the coming year, and endeavor in time
next year, to render them as advantageous to me as the Land will procure.
I think it would be best to divide the lot on Chattins run, occupied by John
Thompson, and to put it on the footing wch. you have suggested. It also appears
that the other Lots on the same tract, had also better be divided; they will
rent much higher for it, as there are so many more people of small force wanting
land than great. and when they are divided, rent them for as much as you can
get. An Advertisement of these vacant Lots in the Alexa. Paper, At Dumfries,
Falmouth, and Port Tobacco would, I am persuaded, (if the Season is not too
far advanced) bring you tenants in abundance. for many have applied to me, and
I told them, as I really thought, that I had not an Acre of Land in those parts
untenanted.
It may be well to attend a little closely to the line between some person, or
persons of the name of Rector, and me on Chattins run. It is now, some years
ago, since I was told, his Mill was on my Land; and that he was making some
other encroachments; and was endeavouring to support a claim to it, merely because
it was convenient for, and his interest to possess it.
Inclosed you have a memo. of the agreement between us, respecting the Wheat.
I made a bad bargain of it. not more than ⅚ has been given at Alexandria
for this Article, the market there now dull, and the price expected to fall.
What Wheat of yours that has come to my Mill, the Miller says is good and I
hope your orders will be fulfilled with respect to the good cleaning of that
which is to come. It is all I can expect for the high price given. I am etc.
PS. Williams not coming down, the Counter part of his Lease is not signed by
him. I have directed that it shall be delivered to you. This letter is written
in so great a hurry, that I wish it may be understood. If you can get at my
meaning it is all I wish. The opportunity for sending it being sudden and unexpected.
52
[Note:From a photostat of the original kindly
furnished by Lloyd W. Smith, of New York City.]
Date: 22nd Dec 1784 - July 15th 1786 (typed intro page says December 22, 1785)
Reel, film counter, LWS: 64, 012-044, no LWS number
To/From: /
Location:
GW's hand: N
Number of pages: 33
Type of manuscript: Cash memorandum
Signature: N
Content: Not in Fitzpatrick
Cash memorandum
Date: 1785-1790
Reel, film counter, LWS: 64, 045-082, no LWS number
To/From: / GW
Location:
GW's hand: N
Number of pages: 38
Type of manuscript: Overseers Ledger
Signature: N
Content: Not in Fitzpatrick
Overseers Ledger 1785-1790
Date: 1st July 1786
Reel, film counter, LWS: 64, 083-084, 461
To/From: Battaile Muse Berkeley / GW
Location: Mount Vernon
GW's hand: N
Number of pages: 2
Type of manuscript: Letter
Signature: GWashington
Content:
To BATTAILE MUSE
Mount Vernon, July 1, 1786.
Sir: I did not receive your Letter of the 4th of June seasonably enough to return
an Answer so soon as you may have expected. I cannot inform you with any precision
what the flour made of the 50 bushels of wheat sent to my mill is worth as I
am informed that flour has risen to the Northward, and the short crops of wheat
this season will undoubtedly have a great effect upon the price of it, I should
therefore think it advisable to let it lay a little longer till it can be disposed
of to more advantage. It is customary at my Mill to receive the Bran in payment
for the Barrels, packing &c.
I should be much obliged to you if you would draw in my favour as soon as possible
after having the means in your hand, and let me know where I shall receive the
money, as the number of workmen which I have employed, and sundry other matters,
call for a large and constant supply of Cash. I am etc. 14
[Note:From a copy in the Toner Transcripts in
the Library of Congress.]
Date: 20th Nov. 1786
Reel, film counter, LWS: 64, 085-086, 1123
To/From: William Drayton / GW
Location: Mount Vernon
GW's hand: Y
Number of pages: 2
Type of manuscript: Letter
Signature: GWashington
Content:
To WILLIAM DRAYTON
Mount Vernon, November 20, 1786.
Sir: I wish it was in my power to give you a more favorable accot. than the
following, of your Servant Jack.
After absenting himself from you at Dumfries (as I believe my nephew has already
informed you) he came here and remained quietly 'till the 12th.; when being
informed by some gentlemen from Baltimore that a Packet from that place was
on the point of sailing for Charleston, I sent him under the care of a very
trusty Overseer to be shipped from that place, requesting a friend of mine in
the Town to engage a passage and to provide everything for him on Ship board,
that was necessary. When they arrived at Baltimore, unfortunately, the vessel
was hove down. It became necessary therefore to commit him to Goal for security;
but before this could be effected, he took advantage of a favorable moment and
made his escape. Diligent, but ineffectual, search was instantly made, and it
is supposed his object is Philadelpa.
The Gentleman to whose care I sent him has promised every endeavor in his power
to apprehend him, but it is not easy to do this where there are numbers who
had rather facilitate an escape than apprehend a run-away. I hope your journey
was not much incommoded by this untoward step of your waiter. With sentiments
of great esteem etc. 79
[Note:From the "Letter Book" copy in
the Washington Papers. ]
Date: 4th Dec. 1786
Reel, film counter, LWS: 64, 087-090, 2160
To/From: Battaile Muse Berkeley Cty / GW
Location: Mount Vernon
GW's hand: N
Number of pages: 4
Type of manuscript: Letter
Signature: GWashington and GWashington on the envelope
Content:
To BATTAILE MUSE
Mount Vernon, December 4, 1786.
Sir: As the fifty bushels of wheat stands as an article of charge at ⅚
in your accot. against me, it may remain so, as a final settlement of the matter.
Altho' I have no flour at present for sale, and have made no enquiry into the
price of this article, I do not suppose I shall either loose or gain much in
so small a quantity by fixing the wheat at this price.
With respect to the persons 5 named
in your letter of the 26th. ulto. (which is just come to hand) I can only repeat
what I have often done before, in substance, and that is, that it is my wish
to obtain justice to myself, but not to act with that rigor in effecting it,
as to bring ruin, or even considerable distress upon poor families. Rather than
do this, I would relinquish my claim; but in all cases of this kind, I would
endeavor to draw a line between inability and dishonesty; where the former appears
with good dispositions to industry and honesty, I would wish lenient means may
be used; but where the intention appears fraudulent, no indulgencies should
be given. These being my sentiments, you can apply them to the cases of Rector
and Thompson as your own judgment, under the circumstances as related, shall
dictate, keeping the old proverb in view, not to "sue a beggar and catch
a louse." This adage may apply also to Colo. Kennedy, otherwise if he will
not give you security for paying the balance in six, nine, or even twelve months,
(as he has assumed the payment, for without this he might have plead the act)
I would sue him without further delay.
[Note:Charles Rector and John Thompson. ]
All these difficulties and losses have arisen from Rents lying over, unpaid
from year to year; for which reason I am determined that my Rents in future
shall be punctually discharged, unless there is some interposition of Providence
which calls for forbearance. The best Landlord, I am perfectly convinced, is
he who never suffers two rents to become due on the same tenement.
In the enclosed (which I request you to forward) I have consented to Fielding
Lewis's getting timber, if the tenants having leases are willing, to build him
a house in Rector-town; but what use he means to put it to afterwards, will,
I dare say, puzzle him to tell. I am, etc. 6
[Note:From the "Letter Book" copy in
the Washington Papers. ]
Date: March 10th 1787
Reel, film counter, LWS: 64, 091-092, 0002
To/From: Thomas Cushing Boston / GW
Location: Mount Vernon
GW's hand: N
Number of pages: 2
Type of manuscript: Letter
Signature: GWashington and GWashington on the envelope
Content:
To THOMAS CUSHING
Mount Vernon, March 10, 1787.
Sir: By your letter and account of the 22d. of February 1786, there appears
a balance in my favor of fifteen pounds thirteen shillings Lawful money, [for]
which I take the liberty to draw a bill in favor of Mr. Thomas Porter of Alexandria
payable ten days after sight.
I am happy to find by the last Accounts from the Northward that the disturbances
in your State were almost totally suppressed, and hope before this, that peace
and good order are again restored, Mrs. Washington joins me in my best wishes
for Mrs. Cushing and yourself. I am, etc. 92
[Note:From the "Letter Book" copy in
the Washington Papers. ]
Date: May 17th 1787
Reel, film counter, LWS: 64, 093-094, 674
To/From: Dear George ? / GW
Location: Philadelphia
GW's hand: Y
Number of pages: 2
Type of manuscript: Letter
Signature: GWashington
Content: Not in Fitzpatrick
Date: 18th Sept. 1787
Reel, film counter, LWS: 64, 095, 701
To/From: Mrs.? Bache / GW
Location:
GW's hand: Y
Number of pages: 1
Type of manuscript: Note
Signature: N
Content: Not in Fitzpatrick but similar to the letter from Fitzpatrick below:
*To MRS. JOHN PENN3
[Note:Mrs. Penn was Ann Allen, daughter of Chief
Justice William Allen, of Pennsylvania. ]
Tuesday, September 18, 1787.
Genl. Washington takes the liberty of offering his respectful compliments to
Mrs. Penn, and the Vision of Columbus. it is one of several Copies for which
he subscribed some years ago and received since he came to this City. To the
merit, or demerit of the performance, the General can say nothing, not having
had time to read it. 4
[Note:From a photostat of the original kindly
furnished by E. F. Bonaventure, of New York City. ]
Date: 1787-1799
Reel, film counter, LWS: 64, 096-168, no LWS number
To/From: /
Location:
GW's hand: N
Number of pages: 73
Type of manuscript: Ledger book
Signature: N
Content: Not in Fitzpatrick
GW's personal accounts ledger 1785-1790
Date: March 25, 1788 - May 9, 1789
Reel, film counter, LWS: 64, 169-210, no LWS number
To/From: / GW
Location:
GW's hand: N
Number of pages: 42
Type of manuscript: Account book - cash memorandum
Signature: N
Content: Not in Fitzpatrick
Account book - cash memorandum, March 25, 1788 - May 9, 1789
Date: Feby 5th 1789
Reel, film counter, LWS: 64, 211-214, 3146
To/From: Francis Hopkinson Esq. / GW
Location: Mount Vernon
GW's hand: N
Number of pages: 4
Type of manuscript: Letter
Signature: Signed GWashington but the signature does not appear to be his. Also
the word 'copy' is typed on the first page
Content:
To FRANCIS HOPKINSON
Mount Vernon, February 5, 1789.
Dear Sir: We are told of the amazing powers of musick in ancient times; but
the stories of its effects are so surprizing that we are not obliged to believe
them unless they had been founded upon better authority than Poetic assertion;
for the Poets of old (whatever they may do in these days) were strangely addicted
to the Marvellous; and If I before doubted the truth of their relations with
respect to the power of musick, I am now fully convinced of their falsity, because
I would not, for the honor of my Country, allow that we are left by Ancients
at an immeasurable distance in everything; and if they could sooth the ferocity
of wild beasts, could draw the trees and the Stones after them, and could even
charm the powers of Hell by their musick, I am sure that your productions would
have had at least virtue enough in them (without the aid of voice or instrument)
to melt the Ice of the Delaware and Potomack, and in that case you should have
had an earlier acknowledgment of your favor of the 1st. of December which came
to hand but last Saturday.
I readily admit the force of your distinction between " a thing done and
a thing to be done ", and as I do not believe that you would do "a
very bad thing indeed" I must even make a virtue of necessity, and defend
your performance, if necessary, to the last effort of my musical Abilities.
But, my dear Sir, if you had any doubts about the reception which your work
would meet with, or had the smallest reason to think that you should need any
assistance to defend it, you have not acted with your usual good Judgement in
the choice which you have made of a Coadjutor; for should the tide of prejudice
not flow in favor of it (and so various are the tastes, opinions and whims of
men that even the sanction of divinity does not ensure universal concurrence)
what, alas! can I do to support it? I can neither sing one of the songs, nor
raise a single note on any instrument to convince the unbelieving, but I have,
however one argument which will prevail with persons of true taste (at least
in America), I can tell them that it is the production of Mr. Hopkinson.28
[Note:This was the publication "Seven
Songs" (November, 1788) which Hopkinson dedicated to Washington. A
photostat of his letter of Dec. 1, 1788, is in the Library of Congress. ]
With the compliments of Mrs. Washington added to mine for you and yours, I am,
etc. 29
[Note:From the "Letter Book" copy in
the Washington Papers . ]
Date: April 2, 1789 - October 3, 1792
Reel, film counter, LWS: 64, 215-286, no LWS number
To/From: / GW
Location:
GW's hand: N
Number of pages: 72
Type of manuscript: Account book
Signature: N
Content: Not in Fitzpatrick
Account book, April 2, 1789 - October 3, 1792
Date: May 6th 1789
Reel, film counter, LWS: 64, 287, no LWS number
To/From: / GW
Location:
GW's hand: Y?
Number of pages: 1
Type of manuscript: Wash list
Signature: N
Content: Not in Fitzpatrick
Wash lists for May 6 and May 18, 1789
Date: May 13, 1789 - June 10, 1790
Reel, film counter, LWS: 64, 288-329, no LWS number
To/From: / GW
Location:
GW's hand: N
Number of pages: 42
Type of manuscript: Cash memorandum
Signature: N
Content: Not in Fitzpatrick
Cash memorandum, May 13, 1789 - June 10, 1790
Date: June 12, 1790 - December 14, 1791
Reel, film counter, LWS: 64, 330-371, no LWS number
To/From: / GW
Location:
GW's hand: N
Number of pages: 42
Type of manuscript: Cash memorandum
Signature: N
Content: Not in Fitzpatrick
Cash memorandum, June 12, 1790 - December 14, 1791
Date: December 16, 1791 - October 7, 1792
Reel, film counter, LWS: 64, 372-396, no LWS number
To/From: / GW
Location:
GW's hand: N
Number of pages: 25
Type of manuscript: Cash memorandum
Signature: N
Content: Not in Fitzpatrick
Cash memorandum, December 16, 1791 - October 7, 1792
Date: 1791
Reel, film counter, LWS: 64, 397-410, 524
To/From: / GW
Location:
GW's hand: N
Number of pages: 14
Type of manuscript: Accounts ledger
Signature: N
Content: An accounts ledger ?
Date: April 26th 1792
Reel, film counter, LWS: 64, 411-412, 2159
To/From: General Williams Baltimore / GW
Location: Philadelphia
GW's hand: Y
Number of pages: 2
Type of manuscript: Letter
Signature: GWashington
Content:
*To OTHO HOLLAND WILLIAMS
(Private)
Philadelphia, April 26, 1792.
Dear Sir: Your letter of the 18th. Instt. came duly to hand, as did the one
to which it alludes. 59 To the
latter I could make no reply for reasons which will (perhaps have) occurred
to you. Sensible however, if you had not assured me of it, that you meant not
to give me pain by the proposition therein contained, I can assure you that
I feel none, and that, with the same esteem and regard I always professed to
have for you, I remain etc. 60
[Note:Both of Williams's letters (March 22 and
April 18) are in the Washington Papers . The purport of the letter of
March 22 was that Williams might be elected Governor of Maryland, and he suggested,
in that event, that William Smith succeed him as Collector of the Port of Baltimore.
]
[Note:From a photostat of the original kindly furnished by E.F. Bonaventure,
of New York. ]
Date: Nov. 1st 1792
Reel, film counter, LWS: 64, 413-414, 2163
To/From: James Mercer / GW
Location: Philadelphia
GW's hand: Y
Number of pages: 2
Type of manuscript: Letter
Signature: GWashington
Content:
*To JAMES MERCER
Philadelphia, November 1, 1792.
Dear Sir: I pray you to accept my thanks for your obliging attention to my request
respecting the conveyance of Lots which I purchased at the Sale of Colo. Mercers
Estate; and for sending the Deeds from Mr. Muse to me. I see no occasion of
a Copy of the re-conveyance of the above lots from you to me, as I am persuaded
they were drawn with correctness; and because it appears by the Clerks certificate
on the back of the Deed to you, that it was duly recorded.
Permit me before I close this letter, to express my regret that want of health,
or any other cause should have prevented you from making me the visit you proposed
whilst I was at Mount Vernon; and to assure you that it will ever give me sincere
pleasure to see you at that place. And I will also unite my regret to yours
for the death of our old friend, and acquaintance Colo. Mason. 9
With Affectionate regard etc.
[Note:George Mason, of "Gunston Hall."
He died Oct. 7, 1792. ]
Date: Mar. 4th 1793
Reel, film counter, LWS: 64, 415-416, 3113
To/From: James Mercer / GW
Location: Philadelphia
GW's hand: Y
Number of pages: 2
Type of manuscript: Letter
Signature: GWashington
Content:
*To BURWELL BASSETT
Philadelphia, March 4, 1793.
Dear Sir: Your letter of the 18th. Ulto. and its enclosure, came duly to hand.
Expected, as the death of my departed relation and friend 53
was, I could not but feel sensibly, when the news of it arrived; and I take
the prest. occasion to offer you my Condolence on your own late loss of yr.
father and my friend for whom, when alive, I had the sincerest regard.
[Note:George Augustine Washington. ]
I wish some other competent and more active than, I can be had been placed as
an Executor of the Will of my Nephew. All the aid I can give, by advice, in
the management of the Estate and whatever may respect it would have been afforded
without being named in it: More, cannot be done by me from that circumstance
for my situation will preclude me from qualifying as an Executor and from incurring
any responsibility in the management of the Estate.
The time for proving the Will, and qualifying as an Executrix, must depend upon
your Sister. I expect to be at Mount Vernon about the first Week in April, and
will make a point of it, if public duties do not forbid it, to be in the County
on the Court day of that month; which, I think, happens on the 15th. day of
it; provided she chooses to be up then, either temporarily or permanently, and
with much pleasure and satisfaction to myself will give her every aid in my
power to arrange the business of the Estate. My returning thither again, will
depend upon circumstances; which are not always under my controul and probably
will not admit it, before July or August. With these things be pleased to bring
Fanny acquainted. Offer my love to her and the Children, my respects and good
wishes to Mrs. Bassett, and be assured of the esteem and regard with wch. I
am &c. 54
[Note:From the draft in the possession of E.
Francis Riggs, of Hyattsville, Md. ]
Date: April 25th 1793
Reel, film counter, LWS: 64, 417-420, 2022
To/From: Doctor James Anderson / GW
Location: Philadelphia
GW's hand: N
Number of pages: 4
Type of manuscript: Letter
Signature: N
Content:
To DOCTOR JAMES ANDERSON
Philadelphia, April 25, 1793.
Sir: It was not until the 18 instant that I had the pleasure to receive your
letter of the 3d. of Novr: enclosing one from Lord Buchan, and accompanied by
the 7. 8. 9. 10 and 11. volumes of the Bee , and a copy of the pamphlet
on Wool.
While I beg your acceptance of my best thanks for the polite attention you have
shewn in forwarding the several volumes of the Bee , and expressing my sincere
wishes for the prosperity of that liberal and useful work, I must repeat my
desire of being considered as a subscriber to it, and request to be informed
to whom I shall make payment therefor.
I have been hitherto prevented, by my numerous avocations of a public nature,
from perusing the Volumes which you first sent me, with that care and regularity
which I wished; but such parts of them as I have had an opportunity of looking
into, have convinced me that the work has been conducted with that view to a
diffusion of useful knowledge upon which it was undertaken, and in such a manner
as must meet the approbation of the friends of science, and those who wish to
promote the best interests of mankind. I am persuaded that, when the work becomes
more generally known in this Country than it is at present, you will find a
considerable demand for it from this quarter; for I believe I may say, without
vanity, that my Countrymen are as eager in the pursuit of useful knowledge as
their circumstances and necessary avocations will permit; and as these are every
day becoming more favourable to such acquirements, it will not be an unfounded
calculation to count upon an increasing demand here for such publications as
inform the head and improve the heart.
I hope you will find it convenient to prosecute your proposed plan of publishing
a periodical work on agriculture, the utility of which pursuit is so abundantly
evident, and in which, comparatively speaking, so little progress has been made,
at least in this Country. I am pleased to learn that you have been so successful
in the experiments to improve your wool. I have been always convinced, that
nothing more is necessary than an attention to the breed and management of Sheep,
to produce the best wool in every Country that is suitable for tending them.
I sincerely hope that Sir John Sinclair will meet with the success which his
exertions merit, in this as well as in his other laudable undertakings to promote
the good of Society. I am &c. 22
[Note:From the "Letter Book" copy in
the Washington Papers . ]
Date: May 8th 1793
Reel, film counter, LWS: 64, 421-422, 2125
To/From: James Keith (from Fitzpatrick) / GW
Location: Philadelphia
GW's hand: Y but N in Fitzpatrick
Number of pages: 2
Type of manuscript: Letter
Signature: GWh
Content:
To JAMES KEITH
Philadelphia, May 8, 1793.
Dear Sir: Enclosed is Colo. Hooe's letter to me on the subject of Mr. Bennett's
claim on Colvills estate. I can only again express my wish that you would do
in this case what in your own judgment is perfectly legal and just. or in points
which appear doubtful that which able counsel shall advise you to as proper.
I want most exceedingly to close this business; and am perfectly willing that
Mr. Bennett's claim should be fully discharged, upon the convictions and principles
above mentioned. but I know not to this hour, whether Messrs. Wilson and Dunlap
mean to enjoin on one of the Judgments, or discharge it with interest agreeably
to the Decree of the Court; although they promised on the 1 or 2 of April to
let me know their decision thereon in ten days or a fortnight from that date.
The ground for an injunction, if that is the result, is on the score of interest
during the war; consequently my allowing interest to Mr. Bennett must depend
upon the Decree of the High Court of Chancery in this case (if the matter is
carried thither), for the Estate of Colvill can only do, as it is done by, and
if the Judgment on the Bond is hung there, it will lie with you, as I have declared
in a former letter, with your Counsel, to say whether the case will be affected
by receiving the principal due on the Bond, or any part thereof, whilst the
interest thereof is in litigation. In a word, whether they may not avail themselves
of this circumstance as a plea to invalidate the demand of Interest. By all
this, I mean no more than to express my wish to act circumspectly. Keeping this
then always in view, I cannot too often repeat the earnestness of my desire
to make a final settlement of this administration. Whatever money you can receive
properly, and pay properly to Colo. Hooe on accot. of Mr. Bennett's claim, will
be perfectly agreeable to me, as I do not want to touch a copper of it, and
know of no other claims to which it can be applied. I am etc.
P.S. I had closed this letter when your favor of the 3d. was handed to me. the
sentiments contained in mine with the proposition of Messrs. Hooe and Little,
go to your queries respecting a settlement with them as Agents of Lord Tornkerville
and Mr. Bennett; and also (the controversy having ceased) to that of Mr. Wilson.
The accot. rendered by Colo. Hooe, I transmitted to you some time since, the
regularity and equity of which you are to judge agreeably to the caution already
given; having everything before you, being better acquainted with the subject,
and more leisure to do it than myself. finally, if the sum which shall be found
due from Semple's trustees, on settlement with Mr. Wilson, amounts to more than
the balance due to the Agents of Bennett &c. [the application thereof shall
be directed as soon as it is made known to me. On the other hand, if it should
fall short, I will provide for the deficiency, as far as I have Assets. The
trouble which the Attornies have had in this business you are better acquainted
with than I am, and whatever you may think just, I am willing to allow. I had
not, however, thought their trouble uncommon: One Suit being on a simple Bond;
the other on an Acct. prepared to their hands. But, as I have already said,
I wish them to be adequately paid. Your trouble, I am well satisfied, has been
great; and I have every disposition to reward it, as far as those who have had
the matter before them formally, or any others, may think me justified in allowing.
I am etc.] 33
[Note:From the "Letter Book" copy in
the Washington Papers . The portion in brackets is from a photostat of
that portion of the original, in the writing of Washington, in the Harvard College
Library. ]
Date: June 3rd 1793
Reel, film counter, LWS: 64, 423-424, 3173
To/From: Col. John Fitzgerald / GW
Location: Philadelphia
GW's hand: N
Number of pages: 2
Type of manuscript: Letter
Signature: N
Content:
To JOHN FITZGERALD
Philadelphia, June 3, 1793.
Dear Sir: Your favor of the 25 ulto. came duly to hand. Presuming that my letter
to you of the 28 of April had either miscarried, or that you were employed in
the investigation of the Shenandoah (of which I recollected some mention had
been made). And having occasion to write to Colo. Hooe on other business, I
mentioned to him the Flour I had for sale; and have, since, accepted the offer
he made me for it, precisely what you thought might be obtained.
The approaching heats, added to the uncertainty of a sufficiency of American
bottoms to carry off the Crop, inclined me more to the acceptance of the Colonel's
offer than to await a better market, altho' I am certain the demand for this
Article will encrease rather than diminish in the course of the summer.
Altho' Mr. Whiting (as a farmer) can have no adequate knowledge of Tobacco;
yet, as he has seen some of mine opened lately, and can point you to the Inspectors
who examined it, and who ought to know if it is of a quality to suit the Georgetown
market, I have by this days post directed him to call upon you with such information
as he can give or obtain; after receiving which, and making the enquiries promised
in your last I would thank you for your opinion on what is best to be done with
the Tobacco, the sale of which I am not anxious to hasten if it is in good order
and in no danger of suffering. But query, Can inspected Tobacco on the Virginia
side be removed to warehouses on the other?
I thank you for the tender of your services on this and other occasions, and
am with sincere esteem etc. 50
[Note:From the "Letter Book" copy in
the Washington Papers . ]
Date: Aug. 4th 1793
Reel, film counter, LWS: 64, 425-431, 700
To/From: Hanah Lewis (his neice?) / GW
Location: Philadelphia
GW's hand: Y
Number of pages: 6
Type of manuscript: Letter
Signature: GWashington
Content: Not in Fitzpatrick
A six page letter to his neice?.
Date: 18th Sept. 1793
Reel, film counter, LWS: 64, 432, 3112
To/From: / GW
Location:
GW's hand: N
Number of pages: 1
Type of manuscript: List of 4 lots
Signature: N
Content: Not in Fitzpatrick
List of 4 lots purchased by the President.
Date: 16th Oct. 1793
Reel, film counter, LWS: 64, 433-436, 679
To/From: Henry Lee Gov. of Virginia / GW
Location: Mount Vernon
GW's hand: Y
Number of pages: 4
Type of manuscript: Letter
Signature: GWashington
Content:
*To GOVERNOR HENRY LEE
(Private)
Mount Vernon, October 16, 1793.
Dear Sir: Since my arrival at this place I have been favored with your letters
of the 17th. Ulto. and 7th. instt. For your kind attentions to me I pray you
to receive my sincere acknowledgments.
I have always (from the accts. given of it) entertained a high opinion of Colo.
Taliaferros threshing machine but knew at the sametime I had no stream that
could supply water for one on any of my Farms. This was confirmed when Mr. Payne
came hither and exam'd them. The model brought over by the English Farmers may
also be a good one, but the utility of it among careless Negros and ignorant
Overseers will depend absolutely upon the simplicity of the Constructn; for
if there is any thing complex in the machinery it will be no longer in use than
a mushroom is in existance. I have seen so much of the beginning and ending
of these new inventions, that I have almost resolved to go on in the old way
of treading until I get settled again at home, and can attend myself to the
management of one. As a proof in point of the almost impossibility of putting
the Overseers of this Country out of the track they have been accustomed to
walk in, I have one of the most convenient Barns in this, or perhaps any other
Country, where 30 hands may with great ease be employed in threshing; half of
the Wheat of the Farm was actually stowed in this Barn in the straw by my order
for threshing; notwithstanding, when I came home about the Middle of September,
I found a treading yard not 30 feet from the Barn door, the Wheat again brought
out of the Barn and horses treading it out in an open exposure liable to the
vicissitudes of weather. I am now erecting a building for the express purpose
of treading. I have sanguine expectations of its utility; and if I am not deceived
in them it may afford you some satisfaction when you come into this part of
the Country to call and look at it.
I have a grateful sense of your kind offer of Mr. Workman; previous however
to the communication I had engaged a Manager from the Eastern shore of Maryland
but the impression on my mind for the favor intended me is not lessened on that
acct.
I have not, as you will perceive, touched the subject of Politics in this letter.
The reasons are, your letter of the 17th. has expressed precisely my ideas of
the conduct, and views of those, who are aiming at nothing short of the subversion
of the Government of these States, even at the expence of plunging this Country
in the horrors of a disastrous War; and because I wish to await a little longer
to see what may be the sense of legally constituted bodies at the meetings99
which are about to take place.
[Note:Of the Democratic societies. ]
The public service requiring it, I shall set off in about ten days for Philadelphia
or vicinity. Though unknown to your lady, I beg my respectful compliments may
be presented to her. I wish you an agreeable and harmonious Session, and am
with much truth Your Affecte. Hble. Servt.
Date: Dec. 4th 1793
Reel, film counter, LWS: 64, 437-438, 3168
To/From: Richard Snowden / GW
Location: Philadelphia
GW's hand: Y
Number of pages: 2
Type of manuscript: Letter
Signature: GWashington
Content:
*To RICHARD SNOWDEN
Philadelphia, December 4, 1793.
Sir: I have received, and thank you for the first vol: of the American Revolution.
I shall read it, I am persuaded, when my leizure will allow me with not less
pleasure because it is "Written in the style of ancient history."
I thank you also for the favorable sentiments and good wishes you have expressed
for me, and am etc.44
[Note:From a photostat of the original kindly
furnished by E. F. Bonaventure, of New York City. ]
Date: May 26th 1794
Reel, film counter, LWS: 64, 439-440, 3101
To/From: Jack Anderson / GW
Location: Philadelphia
GW's hand: Y
Number of pages: 2
Type of manuscript: Letter
Signature: N
Content
:
*To DOCTOR JAMES ANDERSON
Philadelphia, May 26, 1794.
Sir: The letter with which you were pleased to favor me, dated the 15th. of
August last year, accompanying sevl. pamphlets on interesting subjects, came
safe; though long after its date, as you will perceive by the enclosed note
from a Mr. Callender; which serves as a wrapper of six guineas which I sent
for the vols. of the Bee (15 in number) which have come to my hands. As you
have never authorised any one to call upon me for the cost, I am uncertain as
to the amount. If the sum herewith sent is short of it, I will pay the balance
at anytime, to your order; if over, it may remain in your hands for the succeeding
numbers, as they shall be published.
I thank you as well for the Seeds as for the Pamphlets which you had the goodness
to send me. The artificial preparation of Hemp, from Silesia, is really a curiosity;
and I shall think myself much favored in the continuance of your corrispondence.
When I have more leizure than at present, (just at the winding up of a long,
laborious and interesting Session of Congress) I may write you more fully than
it is in my power to do under such circumstances, relatively to the subjects
you have touched upon.
This letter, and another which I have taken the liberty of putting under cover
to the Earl of Buchan, is directed to the particular care of the American Minister
in London. I wish them safe to hand, and that you wd. do me the justice to be
assured of the esteem with which I am etc.11
[Note:From a photostat of the original through
the kindness of Judge E. A. Armstrong, of Princeton, N. J. ]
Date: c.1794
Reel, film counter, LWS: 64, 441-442, 3112
To/From: /
Location:
GW's hand: ?
Number of pages: 2
Type of manuscript: 2 lists and a note
Signature: N
Content: Not in Fitzpatrick
Two lists, one marked Old Method and one marked New Method on the first page.
The second page is a note saying, "Mr. Hamilton will with pleasure execute
the command of the President by the time appointed and have the honor of waiting
upon him"
Date: Aug. 24th 1795
Reel, film counter, LWS: 64, 443-434, 186
To/From: Thomas Johnson Esq. / GW
Location: Philadelphia
GW's hand: Y
Number of pages: 2
Type of manuscript: Letter
Signature: GWashington
Content:
*To THOMAS JOHNSON
(Private)
Philadelphia, August 24, 1795.
My dear Sir: The office of Secretary of State is vacant; occasioned by the resignation
of Mr. Randolph. Will you accept it? You know my wishes of old, to bring you
into the administran.; where then is the necessity of repeating them? No time
more than the present ever required the aid of your abilities nor of the old;
and proved Patriots of the country. To have yours would be pleasing to me, and
I verily believe wd. be agreeable also to the community at large. It is with
you to decide; if in the affirmative return to me the enclosed lettr. and I
will communicate further with you on this subject the moment you inform me thereof.
If it is in the negative, be so good as to forward the letter by the Post agreeably
to its address. And at any rate write me the result of your determination as
soon as you can after the receipt of this letter as I only remain here to get
this, and some other matters arranged before I go to Virginia for my family.
14 With sincere
esteem etc. 15
[Note:Johnson's letter of declination, Aug. 29,
1795, is in the Washington Papers . ]
[Note:In District of Columbia Letters and Papers in the Library of Congress.
]
Date: Aug. 25th [26th?] 1795
Reel, film counter, LWS: 64, 445-446, 3131
To/From: Maj. Wm. Jackson / GW
Location: Philadelphia
GW's hand: Y but N in Fitzpatrick
Number of pages: 2
Type of manuscript: Letter
Signature: GWashington
Content:
To WILLIAM JACKSON
Philadelphia, August 25 [26?], 1795.
Dear Sir: I have been favored with your letter of yesterday, 18
and thank you sincerely for the obliging offer therein contained.
My stay here will be short; and the weight of business is pretty well got through.
I am not less sensible however of your kindness on that acct. To the close attention
I have paid to it, since my arrival, you must attribute my seclusion from company;
except at the hours appropriated for that purpose. This cause also, has, in
a manner, prevented me crossing the threshold of my own door, except at times
when I have found
[Note:Jackson's letter of August 25 (not 24,
as Washington states) is in the Washington Papers . In it Jackson offers
his services as a secretary to the President, in the absence of Bartholomew
Dandridge. ]
it convenient to go to one or another of the Public Offices since I came to
the city. With esteem etc.19
[Note:From the printed text in a sales catalogue,
1918 -- 19. ]
Date: 9th Oct 1795
Reel, film counter, LWS: 64, 447-450, 5057
To/From: Edward Carrington (from Fitzpatrick) / GW
Location: Mount Vernon
GW's hand: Y
Number of pages: 4
Type of manuscript: Letter
Signature: GWashington
Content:
*To EDWARD CARRINGTON
(Private and confidential)
Mount Vernon, October 9, 1795
Dear Sir: Your letter of the 2d. instant came duly to hand, and I shall wait
the result of the proposed enquiry, respecting Colo. Innes, which I wish might
be soon.
The compliance with one request oftentimes begets another, and that is the case
at present. You know, full well, that the office of State is vacant; but you
may not know that I find difficulty in filling it. In the appointments to the
great offices of the government, my aim has been to combine geographical situations,
and sometimes other considerations, with abilities; and fitness of known characters.
In pursuance of this system, I have tried to bring Judge Patterson 82
Mr. Johnson (of Maryland) and Charles Cotesworth Pinckney of So.
Carolina into this office. All have declined; the latter by the Post of Wednesday.
I would have made an offer of it to Mr. Henry in the first instance, but two
reasons were opposed to it; 1st. ignorance of his political sentiments (for
I should consider it as an act of governmental Suicide, to bring a man into
so high an office who was unfriendly to the Constitution and laws which are
to be his guide) and 2d., because I had no idea he would accept the office;
until General (late Govt.) Lee, gave some reasons which have induced me (in
a degree) to draw a different conclusion; assuring me at the sametime that he
believed
[Note:William Paterson (Patterson). ]
Mr. Henry'sSentiments relative to the Constitution were changed; and that his
opinion of the government was friendly.
Of these matters however (so important in their nature) I wish to learn the
opinion of others; and of whom can I enquire more likely to know, than yourself?
Let me then come to the point: If in the judgment of yourself and Genl. Marshall
Colo. Innes is a fit character for Attorney Genl. of the U. States; Will accept
the Office; and enter upon the duties of it without delay; no application is
to be made to Mr. Henry, be his sentiments what they may. If on the contrary,
that event does not take place; I impose upon you the task, and pray you to
have the goodness to forward the enclosed letter to him by Express (the cost
of which I will pay) provided you accord in Sentiment with Genl. Lee with respect
to the political opinions of that Gentleman; and have reason to believe he has
expressed no opinion adverse to the treaty with Great Britain, and is disposed
to give active opposition to the adoption of, for that would place both him
and me in embarrassed situations.
>From the instances which have fallen within your own knowledge, you can
form some idea of the difficulties I experience in finding out, and prevailing
on characters to fill offices of importance. In the case before us, I am sensible
I am imposing a delicate task upon you, but from the peculiar circumstances
thereof, it is, in some measure, a necessary one; and having a high opinion
of General Marshalls honor, prudence and judgment, I consent to your consulting
him on this occasion, as you did in the case of Colo. Innes.
I have, I must confess, but little expectation that Mr. Henry will accept the
offer, if it gets to him; and therefore I must look forward to the consequence
of his refusal; let me ask therefore if another trial should be made, and a
refusal ensue; and ultimately, it should be found eligable to remove the present
Secretary of War to the Office of State (if it should be agreeable to himself)
would you fill his place as Secretary of War?
You will, My dear Sir, perceive that the whole of this letter is perfectly confidential,
written perhaps with more frankness than prudence, but I rely on your goodness
and discretion to appreciate my motives. My letter to Mr. Henry is left open
for your perusal, that the whole matter may be before you. If it should go forward
Seal it, if not return it to, Dear Sir Your friend etc. 83
[Note:Carrington replied (October 13: "We
are not without apprehensions, that Genl Lee estimates too highly the affections
of Mr. H -- towards the Constitution, General Marshall being, however, decidedly
of opinion, in which I cordially joined, that your letter should be forwarded
to him, I have this morning dispatched it by Express…we have changed the
order in which you directed the propositions to Colo. Innes and Mr Henry to
stand: the fact is, we have as yet had no opportunity of acting with respect
to the first Gentleman, nor do we know when we shall; this was likely to suspend
operations longer than the nature and importance of the object admitted."
Carrington's letter is in the Washington Papers . ]
P.S. On Monday I leave this for Phila. 84
[Note:From a photostat of the original in the
Washington Papers . ]
Date: May 19th 1796
Reel, film counter, LWS: 64, 451, 3115
To/From: / GW
Location:
GW's hand: Y?
Number of pages: 1
Type of manuscript: Checklist ?
Signature: N
Content: Not in Fitzpatrick
Some form of checklist pertaining to the Secretary at War
Date: July 2nd 1796
Reel, film counter, LWS: 64, 452, 2181
To/From: /
Location:
GW's hand: N
Number of pages: 1
Type of manuscript: Check
Signature: N
Content: Not in Fitzpatrick
A $750. Bank of Alexandria check signed by William ? for George Washington Esq
Date: 11th July 1796
Reel, film counter, LWS: 64, 453-454, 3132
To/From: John Dandridge Esq / GW
Location: Mount Vernon
GW's hand: Y
Number of pages: 2
Type of manuscript: Letter
Signature: GWashington
Content:
To JOHN DANDRIDGE
Mount Vernon, July 11, 1796.
Dear Sir: I have received, at this place your letter of the 23d Ulto; but long
after the date of it. Whether occasioned by neglect in the Post Offices or by
its having made a journey to Philadelphia and back, I know not.
With respect to the negroes, Frederick, George, Burwell and Pleasant, I have
no objection to your taking them with you to your new habitation, Provided you
can arrange matters with your mother, to her entire satisfaction. I shall set
no price on them, because it is not probable I shall ever avail myself, or heirs,
of that property in your mothers possession.
Your brother Bart69 conduct is
too enigmatical for me to develope; I have conjecture only to resort to, for
a solution of it: and as that might prove erroneous I shall say nothing
[Note:Bartholomew Dandridge. ]
concerning the causes, further than that I have no charges to make against his
honesty or fidelity, and that his sudden and abrupt departure, was not occasioned
by any difference between us, and further that I had no more suspicion of his
intention to leave me, (until he was gone and left a line informing me thereof)
than you had. His first letter to me, (four days after he had left the family)
requested I would harbour no unfavorable opinion of him, intimating that when
he was more composed, he would write me more fully, and give some explanation
of his conduct. A second and a third letter has been recd. from him since (dates
at Green bryer Ct House) without doing this, but expressing an inclination to
return to his former station, which cannot be as another Genre. has taken his
place. If however I can render him any service I shall do it chearfully, as
I always entertained and continue to entertain a favourable opinion of his integrity
and abilities.
With best regard to your mother and other friends I am etc.
PS. Since closing this letter your brother Bar has arrived here, as he is writing
to you or some other of his friends, I shall refer you to his own explanations
which ought to be the most accurate. 70
[Note:From the "Letter Book" copy in
the Washington Papers . ]
Date: 19th Aug 1796
Reel, film counter, LWS: 64, 455-457, 3100
To/From: Wm. Pearce / GW
Location: Baltimore
GW's hand: Y
Number of pages: 3
Type of manuscript: Letter
Signature: GWh
Content:
*To WILLIAM PEARCE
Baltimore, August 19, 1796.
Mr: Pearce: At this place I have seen Mr. Thos. Ringgold, who is very desirous
of availing himself of your testimony in his pending suit. I have told him,
that my consent to this measure has been freely given. and that it depends entirely
upon yourself and the State of your health whether you attend or not.
Mentioning to him, the probability of your quitting the Superintendence of my
business, he said it was reported, that a person of the name of Cannon who manages
for Mr. Saml. Chew was about to leave that employ and that in his opinion he
was most excellently qualified for such a trust as mine.
You know that it is not my inclination to part with you, but if you are decided
on doing it it will be better both for you and me (if I can get a suitable person
as a successor) that it should take place at the usual time (the first of Jany.)
than in March or April when it is not probable I should be able to find a competent
character unengaged to superintend my concerns for the Remainder of that year.
By These considerations, and understanding further, from Mr. Ringgold, that
you are well acquainted with the person and character of Mr. Cannon, I am lead
to request, if you should go to the Eastern shore, that you would ascertain
with precision whether he means to quit Mr. Chew's Service or not. And if he
does, and you, (who know the nature of my concerns so well) should be clearly
of opinion that he is competent to the judicious management of them, that you
would know whether he would undertake the trust, and on what terms, for I never
gave more than a hundd. pounds Virga. cury. to any except yourself nor do I
think I shall ever do it again to any other whose character is not perfectly
established.
It is not my wish to entice Mr. Cannon (however deserving he may be) from Mr.
Chew, but if he has thoughts of leaving that Gentleman, I may as well apply
to him if you do not remain as another and it is necessary for me to hear from
you as soon as possible on this subject, as some persons have already offered
as managers, and others may.
If you have not re-engaged Violet and Cash, fail not to use your best exertions
to supply their place, especially from the best farming parts of the Eastern
shore, if it can be accomplished. A letter from you to me, written from the
Eastern shore, will certainly get to hand if it is put in the line of any Post.
I wish you well and am etc.49
[Note:From a photostat of the original through
the kindness of E. Francis Riggs, of Hyattsville, Md. ]
Date: c.1796 ?
Reel, film counter, LWS: 64, 458-459, 3108
To/From: / GW
Location:
GW's hand: Y
Number of pages: 2
Type of manuscript: List of bank stock shares
Signature: N
Content: Not in Fitzpatrick
List of bank stock shares
Date: January 7 - September 10, 1797
Reel, film counter, LWS: 64, 460-639, no LWS number
To/From: / GW
Location:
GW's hand: N
Number of pages: 180
Type of manuscript: Farm ledger
Signature: N
Content: Not in Fitzpatrick
Farm ledger for January 7 - September 10, 1797
Date: 25th Feby 1797
Reel, film counter, LWS: 64, 640, 3133
To/From: Genl. Rufus ? of ? / GW
Location: Philadelphia
GW's hand: Y
Number of pages: 1
Type of manuscript: Note
Signature: GWashington
Content: Not in Fitzpatrick
A representation of land
Date: 7th April 1797
Reel, film counter, LWS: 64, 641, 3102
To/From: ? / GW
Location:
GW's hand: Y
Number of pages: 1
Type of manuscript: Note
Signature: N
Content: Not in Fitzpatrick but it is the footnote mentioned in the letter below
from Fitzpatrick.
*To DOCTOR JAMES ANDERSON
Mount Vernon, April 7, 1797.
Sir: A few days since, through the Channel of our Minister in London, I was
favoured with the receipt of your third Volume of Essays relating to Agriculture
and Rural Affairs; for which I pray you to accept my best thanks.
I am once more seated under my own Vine and fig tree, and hope to spend the
remainder of my days, which in the ordinary course of things (being in my Sixty
sixth year) cannot be many, in peaceful retirement, making political pursuits
yield to the more rational amusement of cultivating the Earth.
To do this in the small way, I find I shall need a Gardener in October next,
the time of the one I now have terminating the 10th of that month and no inclination
on my part to employ him any longer. You have not only skilful persons of this
profession in Scotland, but generally speaking, they are more orderly and industrious
than those of most other nations, and besides the dissimilitude of climate between
the Southern and middle parts of Scotland, and the middle States of this Country,
is not great. These considerations have induced me to turn my eyes that way;
presuming that the emigration of men in that line are not under governmental
restraints.
My present manager (Mr. James Anderson, an honest, industrious and judicious
Scotchman five years since from the county of Fife) has written to a Mr. Foreman
and to a Mr. Harper, (whose places of residences and professions, together with
what was formerly his own, are to be found in his memorandum enclosed), to procure,
and send me a Gardener. He thinks it is much in the power of Mr. Harper, who
according to his account has been several years principal Gardener to Lord Murray,
to do this; but I have desired him, to request them, to consult and advise with
you on this Subject before any agreement is entered into, as I shall place more
confidence in a Gardener who is approved by you, than by them alone, without
this check. For taking the liberty of requesting this favor of you, and for
the trouble it must necessarily give I shall rely on your goodness and usual
complaisance for a pardon.
I would prefer a single man to a married one, but shall not object to the latter
if he has no children, or not more than one, or at most two; and his wife would
undertake to superintend my Spinners, and if required a Small dairy at the Mansion
house (where the Gardens are). The man ought to be a good Kitchen and Nursery
Gardener; to have some knowledge of a Green house and hot house, and how to
raise things in hot beds. He would have two or three labourers under him, but
not placed there with a view to exempt him from manual labour. He would be furnished
with a good apartment, convenient to his work, to reside in; and would have
an ample allowance of good Provisions with fuel; and if a single man, with his
washing also.
My Manager conceives that such a character, with the assurances here given,
might be had for twenty guineas pr. Annum: but if he should be mistaken in this,
and a well recommended Gardener could be engaged for twenty five guineas a year,
I would allow the latter sum and pay his or their passage (as the case may be)
provided he (or they) would enter into articles with you (or some other in my
behalf) to remain with me three years, four would be still better, without which,
that is for a single year only, I would not encounter the expence of the passage,
and run the hazard of being left to seek another at the end of it. Both of us
would be placed on surer ground by the longest term; while one, or the other,
perhaps both ultimately might be incommoded by the shorter.
You would do me a particular favor by acknowledging the receipt of this letter
as soon as convenient after it gets to your hands informing me of the prospect
of succeeding, for I shall be without a Gardener in October, and cannot engage
one here permanently until I know the result of my application with you. With
great esteem etc.
PS. Upon second thoughts, It appears best that the letters of my Manager to
Messrs. Foreman64 and Harper shd
pass under cover with this letter open to you that you may know precisely what
is requested of them and give your advice accordingly.
[Note:The following memorandum, in the writing
of Washington, is in the possession of E. Francis Riggs, of Hyattsville, Md.:
"Mr. James Anderson, to Mr. Jno. Foreman dated 7th. Aprl. 1797. To cause
Mr. Richmond, or any other Nursery man of character to put up 20,000 Thorns
of 4 yrs. old; one half; and the other half of 3 years old; closely packed in
Boxes with fog and some little earth. Also to have gathered 12 firlots of the
best kind of Haws from the real white thorn. 3 plows Invented and made by James
Small. All to be sent to London to the care of on whom draw for the amount of
cost. Also a Gardener who understands the Nursery, Kitchen and flower Garden;
and who understands the Hot and Green house, and raising early things under
glasses." ]
Date: 19th May 1797
Reel, film counter, LWS: 64, 642-643, 704
To/From: Majors Reed & Ford / GW
Location: Mount Vernon
GW's hand: Y but N in Fitzpatrick
Number of pages: 2
Type of manuscript: Letter
Signature: GWashington
Content:
To REED & FORD
Mount Vernon, May 19, 1797.
Gentn: Your letter of the 20th Ulto. came duly to hand and through the medium
of a friend in George Town to whom I sent it and who made application to Mr.
Walter Smith for the fulfilment of your obligation, I have obtained the following
result.
"I have seen Mr. Smith and had conversation with him respecting Messrs.
Reed & Ford and the probability of their producing the residue of the shares
due to you. They intimate in their correspondence no idea of obtaining them
any other way than by their funds in this place, due 11 or 12 months hence.
How far their earlier necessities may compel them to part with these I know
not; but Merchantile men who depend upon such distant resources for immediate
purchases, cannot I think be much in cash; or they have no just ideas of Merchantile
punctuality."
Let me hope Gentn. that the case is otherwise, in a word let me find that you
do not mean to trifle with me in this business. I had no Idea that I was buying
Shares in the Bank of Columbia (contrary too to my wishes) of which you were
not possessed, I have as I informed you in my former letter, sustained a loss
by receiving these Shares ni payment of 490 Dollars, in the receipt of 2800,
for the 70 Shares you obligated yourself to transfer, a greater, I cannot submit
to willingly, nor to the withholding of the remaining 29 Shares any longer.
Yours Ansr. as soon as convenient letting me know in decisive terms what I am
to expect will oblige Gentn. Your etc.76
[Note:From the "Letter Book" copy in
the Washington Papers . ]
Date: September 16, 1797 - January 26, 1799
Reel, film counter, LWS: 64, 644-918, no LWS number
To/From: / GW
Location:
GW's hand: N
Number of pages: 275
Type of manuscript: Farm ledger
Signature: N
Content: Not in Fitzpatrick
Farm ledger for September 16, 1797 - January 26, 1799
Date: 3rd Oct. 1797
Reel, film counter, LWS: 64, 919-921, 3130
To/From: Thomas Martin / GW
Location: Mount Vernon
GW's hand: Y
Number of pages: 3
Type of manuscript: Letter
Signature: GWashington
Content:
*To THOMAS C. MARTIN21
[Note:Of King and Queen County, Va.
On October 7 Washington wrote to Dr. William Thornton: "Genl. Washington
presents his compliments to Doctr. Thornton. Mrs. Washington recollecting her
promise of saving him a few of the Spanish Chestnuts, some are now sent. They
are immediately from the tree, and should, without delay, be planted where they
are intended to remain, or put into a box with earth, otherwise they will soon
get hard and worm eaten, and the vegitation be prevented." This note is
in the William Thornton Papers in the Library of Congress. ]
Mount Vernon, October 3, 1797.
Sir: I have already erected a threshing machine on Mr. Bookers plan, and was
on the point of putting up one or two more when I received a letter from a Gentleman
of my acquaintance informing me that you had invented one which did more execution
with less force. This has induced me to suspend the erection of those on Mr.
Bookers plan, until I can receive better information relative to yours, and
this is the cause of my giving you the trouble of receiving this letter and
praying that you would be so obliging as to give it.
The advantage which Mr. Bookers has over the Scotch Machine (which I never saw)
lyes, it is said, in being less expensive, and less complex, particularly in
the substitution of a band in place of cogs and rounds; which, as I have understood,
(with the expence thereof) is the principal objection to the latter.
Not having heard whether you have obtained a Patent for the invention of yours,
or mean to apply for one, I would not have it understood that my application
for information into the principle on which yours act, the power which works
it, or the execution, is calculated to deprive you of any benefit which might
result in either case.
The object of my enquiry is merely to know whether yours (nothing being more
interesting to the farmer) is upon a simple plan and not easily put out of order
in the hands of ignorant negros, and careless Overseers; whether cheap, and
easily erected, what the execution; and with what force it is worked; together
with the manner of working it, and the house proper for its reception.
If in these particulars, on a fair comparison with Mr. Booker's, it obtains
a preference, I shall certainly, as I am about to provide conveniences of this
sort for getting my grain out of the straw, erect yours instead of his: and
whether built by my own People or others, I am perfectly willing to allow the
Patent fee if it exists, or to stand upon the same footing that others do to
avail myself of the best discovery in this or any other country to effect so
valuable an end. Your answer to these queries would very much oblige me as my
ulterior measures depend upon them and my want of machines to get my grain out
in a clean and expeditious mode, pressing. I hope you will have the goodness
to excuse the liberty I have herein taken and believe that I am etc.
[N.Y.P.L.]
Date: October 16th 1797
Reel, film counter, LWS: 64, 922, 457
To/From: The Sheriff of Fx? / GW
Location:
GW's hand: Y
Number of pages: 1
Type of manuscript: Check
Signature: GWashington
Content: Not in Fitzpatrick
A $51.28 Bank of Alexandria check signed by GW.
Date: 23rd October 1797
Reel, film counter, LWS: 64, 923, 459 (last frame of reel #64)
To/From: ? / GW
Location:
GW's hand: ?
Number of pages: 1
Type of manuscript: Check
Signature: GWashington
Content: Not in Fitzpatrick
A Bank of Alexandria check signed by GW.
Date: 3rd November 1797
Reel, film counter, LWS: 65, 006-007, 2111
To/From: Robert Lewis (from Fitzpatrick) / GW
Location: Mount Vernon
GW's hand: Y but N in Fitzpatrick
Number of pages: 2
Type of manuscript: Letter
Signature: GWashington
Content: Typed at the bottom: "This appears to be a letterpress copy"
To ROBERT LEWIS
Mount Vernon, November 3, 1797.
Dear Sir: Your letter of the 26th Ulto. has been received. To Mr. T. Whiting
for presenting and to you for forwarding the orchard grass seeds, I feel myself
obliged and request you to mention it to him accordingly.
I approve of your placing a Tenant on my small Tract of Land above Bath at a
moderate Rent for the purpose of preserving the Timber thereon: and if decisive
proof could be had of the Trespasses I think suit should be brought against
them in the District Court by way of terror to others. In this Court if the
proof was positive justice might be expected, in the County Court I should expect
nothing but to pay the Cost of the suit. I would not let the land for more than
5 years, limit the quantity of ground to be cleared and reserve all the walnut
Timber for my use which may stand thereon.
The other depredations mentioned in your letter will not I hope escape unpunished.
Remember us to Mrs. Lewis and be assured of the friendship of Your etc.42
[Note:From the "Letter Book" copy in
the Washington Papers . ]
Date: November 11th 1797
Reel, film counter, LWS: 65, 008-009, 2112
To/From: Gideon Worth / GW
Location: Mount Vernon
GW's hand: Partially
Number of pages: 2
Type of manuscript: Receipt
Signature: N
Content: Not in Fitzpatrick
A receipt from Gideon Worth for a $103. purchase
Date: c.1797
Reel, film counter, LWS: 65, 010-011, 3114
To/From:
Location:
GW's hand: Y
Number of pages: 2
Type of manuscript: List
Signature: N
Content: Not in Fitzpatrick
List of navigation conditions and distance between various points from Port
Vincennes to the mouth of the Wabash
Date: 1797- early 1799 ?
Reel, film counter, LWS: 65, 012-116, no LWS number
To/From:
Location: Mount Vernon
GW's hand: Y in two or more places
Number of pages: 115
Type of manuscript: Ledger
Signature: GWashington in at least two places
Content: Not in Fitzpatrick
Ledger for 1797- early 1799 ?
Date: 15th January 1798
Reel, film counter, LWS: 65, 117-118, 2116
To/From:
Location: Mount Vernon
GW's hand: ?
Number of pages: 2
Type of manuscript: Receipt
Signature: N
Content: Not in Fitzpatrick
Receipt for a tax payment apparently from GW
Date: May 10th 1798
Reel, film counter, LWS: 65, 119-120, 2112
To/From: GW / Richard Weightman
Location:
GW's hand: ?
Number of pages: 2
Type of manuscript: Receipt
Signature: N
Content: Not in Fitzpatrick
A receipt from Richard Weightman possibly to GW
Date: May 15th 1798
Reel, film counter, LWS: 65, 121-122, 3129
To/From: Tho C. Martin / GW
Location: Mount Vernon
GW's hand: Y
Number of pages: 2
Type of manuscript: Letter
Signature: GWashington
Content:
*To THOMAS C. MARTIN
Mount Vernon, May 15, 1798.
Sir: In the course of last Autumn, I wrote to you relatively to a thrashing
Machine, of which you were the Inventor; and you were obliging enough to give
me some account of it; adding, that you had not fully satisfied yourself how
far Manual labour or the labour of horses, could be applied to advantage. Since
which, indistinct, and contradictory accounts have been received of the result
of your experiments.
Under this uncertainty, and an earnest wish that you might succeed to the full
extent of your expectation and hope, and that you may obtain in the Patent right,
ample compensation for your ingenuity, I give you the trouble of receiving this
second letter from me; requiring to be informed from yourself whether the Machine
can be worked advantagiously by Men, or horses (for I have no water that could
be applied to it), and in both, or either mode, what quantity of Wheat might,
on a medium, be expected from the work of a day? And, if you are, yourself,
perfectly satisfied of the simplicity, and utility of the machine, as an impliment
on a farm, that you would inform me (if you have obtained Patents, or digested
any mode of dissiminating Instructions) in what manner I could obtain them;
and of the previous steps to be taken (by a bill of scantling and the provision
of other materials) to facilitate the work; as I should like to have one erected
by Harvest; and am willing (if on trial the plan has succeeded) to conform,
in all respects to your terms, or to be governed by your directions or advice;
or to be at the expence of paying a skilful workman whom you might send hither,
for putting such materials together as you might previously order to be provided.
To hear from you soon would much oblige Sir Your etc.
Date: July 10th 1798
Reel, film counter, LWS: 65, 123-125, 2124
To/From: James Anderson / GW
Location:
GW's hand: Y
Number of pages: 3
Type of manuscript: Check
Signature: GWashington
Content: Not in Fitzpatrick
A check to James Anderson from GW for $275.
Date: 4th December 1798
Reel, film counter, LWS: 65, 126-127, 2123
To/From: P. Church / GW
Location: Philadelphia
GW's hand: Y
Number of pages: 2
Type of manuscript: Letter
Signature: GWashington
Content: Not in Fitzpatrick but the first note from the letter from Fitzpatrick
below seems to reference this letter.
*To PHILIP SCHUYLER
December 4, 1798.
My dear Sir: I have been honored with your letter of the 20th. Ulto. and congratulate
you, very sincerely on the favorable change you have lately experienced (as
I am informed) in your health. I wish it may be perfectly restored. I persuade
myself, that it is unnecessary for me to add that, if health and other circumstances
had enabled you and Mrs. Schuyler to have visited Mrs. Washington and myself
at Mount Vernon, that it would have been considered as a most pleasing and flattering
evidence of your regard. And the most so, as neither she nor I, ever expected
to be 25 miles from that retreat during the remnant of our lives. But, strange
to relate, here I am! Busied in scenes far removed, and foreign from any I had
contemplated when I quitted the Chair of Government.
Your Grandson, Mr. Church,18 has
all the exterior of a fine young man, and from what I have heard of his Intellects,
and Principles will do justice to, and reward the precepts he has received from
yourself, his Parents and uncle Hamilton. So far then as my attentions to him
will go, consistent with my other duties, he may assuredly count upon.
[Note:Philip Church. He was appointed a captain
in the Twelfth U.S. Infantry in January, 1799; aide-de-camp to Major General
Hamilton in May, 1799; honorably discharged in June, 1800
On December 4 Washington wrote briefly to Philip Church, committing letters
to his care. "If business, duty or inclination should ever call you into
the State of Virginia, I shall be very happy to see you at Mount Vernon."
This letter was sold at auction in 1931.
On this same day (December 4) Washington also wrote briefly to Mrs. Angelica
Church, the mother of Philip: "From the handsome and genteel appearance
of Mr, Church (your Son) and the favourable report of Iris merits by Genl. Hamilton,
you have the most pleasing presages of his future usefulness and consequence;
and as far as I can contribute thereto, consistently with my other duties he
may freely command me." The draft
of the letter is in the Washington Papers . ]
I pray you to present me (and I am sure Mrs. Washington would unite in them
if she was here) to Mrs. Schuyler in the most respectful terms, and let me pray
you to be assured of the sincere esteem, regard and wishes of the most affectionate
kind of etc.
[H.L.]
Date: 31st January 1799
Reel, film counter, LWS: 65, 128-130, 2113
To/From: Sam. Washington / GW
Location: Mount Vernon
GW's hand: Y but N in Fitzpatrick
Number of pages: 3
Type of manuscript: Letter
Signature: GWashington
Content:
To SAMUEL WASHINGTON
Mount Vernon, January 31, 1799.
Dear Sir: Into what channel you put your letter of the 7th of November70
is not for me to say but this I can add that it never came to my hands until
the 13th instant: When if you had put it into any Post Office it would have
been received at this place in 3 or 4 days and whilst I was in Phila in 3 or
4 days more.
[Note:Not now found in the Washington Papers
. ]
It is of little avail to investigate now what has produced the difficulties
and distresses into which your fathers affairs and your own have gone; things
passed may be regretted but can never be recalled.
At the time I wrote to your Mother 71
I had as I thought a moral certainty of receiving several thousand dollars for
Lands which I had sold West of the Allegany Mountains and although I had urgent
call for the money myself I had resolved that those evils which she seemed to
apprehend should not come upon her if a $1000 would prevent it; but so far from
receiving several thousand dollars as I expected I have not received one on
the account of land sold. Yet notwithstanding this had she drawn as she was
authorized to do, I would, rather than have been worse than I had promised to
be, have borrowed the money at the Bank of Alexandria at the ruinous interest
at which it is loaned.
[Note:Mildred Thornton, wife of Charles Washington.
No copy of this letter is now found in the Washington Papers . ( Cf .
Washington's letter to Samuel Washington, July 12, 1797, vol. 35, ante .) ]
But as the application for the money for the uses I had intended it will not
answer the end I proposed and as I have no other means at present to obtain
it but from the Banks my offer of course ceases.
But if contrary to my expectation (and I own I have none) I should receive payment
for my land, which ought to have been made in June last and other in Dec I will
let you have from one to three thousand dollars according to the sum I shall
receive myself, but I must add that from present appearances little dependence
can be placed on it. From your affectionate Uncle. 72
[Note:From a recent copy in the Toner Transcripts
in the Library of Congress. ]
Date: December 31st 1799
Reel, film counter, LWS: 65, 131-133, 3103
To/From:
Location:
GW's hand: N
Number of pages: 3
Type of manuscript: Receipt
Signature: N
Content: Not in Fitzpatrick
Receipt for the sale of tobacco by GW
Date: undated
Reel, film counter, LWS: 65, 134, 2113
To/From: Chas. W. Peale Philadelphia / GW
Location:
GW's hand: Y
Number of pages: 1
Type of manuscript: An envelope
Signature: GWashington
Content: Not in Fitzpatrick
An envelope addressed to Chas. W. Peale Philadelphia
Date: undated
Reel, film counter, LWS: 65, 135-137, 2113
To/From: /
Location:
GW's hand: Y
Number of pages: 3
Type of manuscript: Titled References and Observations
Signature: N
Content: Not in Fitzpatrick
References and observations pertaining to land ?
Date: undated
Reel, film counter, LWS: 65, 138, 2113
To/From:
Location:
GW's hand: Y
Number of pages: 1
Type of manuscript: A list
Signature: N
Content: Not in Fitzpatrick
A list of sums expected to be received from? Col. T. Lewis
Date: undated
Reel, film counter, LWS: 65, 139-141, 2115
To/From:
Location:
GW's hand: Y
Number of pages: 3
Type of manuscript: Titled Vol. II Chap. 1
Signature: N
Content: Not in Fitzpatrick
Information on the management of rye both for winter feed crop and a seed corn
Date: undated
Reel, film counter, LWS: 65, 142, 3109
To/From:
Location:
GW's hand: ?
Number of pages: 1
Type of manuscript: List
Signature: N
Content: Not in Fitzpatrick
List of acreage on four farms
Date: undated
Reel, film counter, LWS: 65, 143-144, 2112
To/From:
Location:
GW's hand: N
Number of pages: 2
Type of manuscript: List
Signature: N
Content: Not in Fitzpatrick
Some form of accounting
Date: undated
Reel, film counter, LWS: 65, 145-146, 2122
To/From: Battaile Muse / GW
Location:
GW's hand: N
Number of pages: 2
Type of manuscript: Letter
Signature: GWashington
Content: Not in Fitzpatrick
A list of instructions to Battaile Muse
Date: undated
Reel, film counter, LWS: 65, 147, 596
To/From: / GW
Location:
GW's hand: Y
Number of pages: 1
Type of manuscript: Titles "The Courses of Derrick & Wells' Patent"
Signature: N
Content: Not in Fitzpatrick
A note that is difficult to decipher.
Date: undated
Reel, film counter, LWS: 65, 148, no LWS number
To/From:
Location:
GW's hand: N
Number of pages: 1
Type of manuscript: A signature
Signature: GWashington
Content: Not in Fitzpatrick
A GW signature
Date: undated
Reel, film counter, LWS: 65, 149, 3158
To/From:
Location:
GW's hand: Y?
Number of pages: 1
Type of manuscript: Fragment of an envelope
Signature: N
Content: Not in Fitzpatrick
A fragment of an envelope addressed to Majors Watson and Cosseh?, East of the
Nantes - in France that may be in GW's hand.
Date: undated
Reel, film counter, LWS: 65, 150, 1107
To/From:
Location:
GW's hand: Partially
Number of pages: 1
Type of manuscript: List
Signature: N
Content: Not in Fitzpatrick
Possibly a list of the number of men in each regiment in hospital.
Date: undated
Reel, film counter, LWS: 65, 151, 2179
To/From:
Location:
GW's hand: N
Number of pages: 1
Type of manuscript: List
Signature: N
Content: Not in Fitzpatrick
Indiscernible list
Date: undated
Reel, film counter, LWS: 65, 152, 2112
To/From: John David Wilper /
Location:
GW's hand: Y
Number of pages: 1
Type of manuscript: Envelope
Signature: N
Content: Not in Fitzpatrick
An envelope addressed to John David Wilper