27 October 1777

Washington, George (1732-1799)

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Landon Carter

Signed twice by Washington. Discusses his campaign, the battles of Brandywine, Germantown, Red Bank and Saratoga, and the danger of being captured.

GLC07115.01

14-15 December 1777

Washington, George (1732-1799)

Letter signed

Title: to Henry Laurens re: skirmish with Cornwallis and parole of Burgoyne

Large skirmish with Cornwallis, question of parole for Burgoyne & Burgoyne's new opinion that Britain cannot win and should grant America its independence, and self-criticism for problems taking supplies from inhabitants: "I confess, I have felt myself greatly embarrassed with respect to a vigorous exercise of military power. An ill place humanity perhaps and a reluctance to give distress may have restrained my too far...."; sensitive to evils of "Jealousies of military power." Written from the Gulph, now known as West Conshohocken, Pennsylvania.

GLC05572

29 December 1777

Washington, George (1732-1799)

Letter signed

Title: to New Hampshire re: asking for supplies, call to arms & poor state of army

Written in the hand of Robert Hanson Harrison. Washington appeals for clothing and supplies for his troops. Copies of this letter went to every state. Washington writes in part: "We had in Camp on the 23rd Instt. by a field report then taken, not less than 2898 men unfit for duty by reason of their being barefoot and otherwise naked." Fitzpatrick 10: 221-25 (based on the copy sent to Massachusetts).

GLC03706

12 March 1778

Washington, George (1732-1799)

Letter signed

Title: to George Clinton

With Clinton's docket and note in another hand on p. 2. Washington says that the "army has been pretty well supplied" since previously asking for supplies. The letter also answers complaints about Israel Putnam's command on the Hudson River. Washington says the charges, which he has had from other persons, embarassed him because they arose from "want of judgement [rather] then any real intention to do wrong."

GLC00639.30

21 March 1778

Washington, George (1732-1799)

Letter signed

Title: to Alexander McDougall

Introduction of French engineer, Colonel Louis des Hayes de la Radiere, who was to superintend fortifications on the North (Hudson) River. Washington appointed de la Radiere to oversee the construction of the Hudson's Highlands in late 1777, but a dispute with General Israel Putnam, commander at the Highlands, caused de la Radiere to return to Washington's camp. Putnam went on leave in March of 1778 and General McDougall assumed his command. Shortly thereafter, Washington sent de la Radiere back.

GLC04215

8 April 1778

Washington, George (1732-1799)

Letter signed

Title: to Alexander McDougall re: plans for 1778 campaign, conditions in the army

Written as Commander in Chief. Also mentions his fears for a small pox outbreak in the army

GLC03104

1778/05/05

Washington, George (1732-1799)

Letter signed

Title: to Alexander McDougall re: ordering reinforcements to New York area

Writing to McDougall at Fishkill, concerning getting reinforcements for the area about New York, especially in the Hudson Highlands. Washington notes that Americans should not take for granted the help of France in winning independence; he does not want Americans to "relapse into a state of supineness." In the handwriting of Washington's military secretary and aide-de-camp Tench Tilghman.

GLC06767

7 January 1778

Washington, George (1732-1799)

Manuscript document

Title: Instructions for visiting the hospital

Headquarters, Valley Forge.

GLC09246

1778/08/25

Washington, George (1732-1799)

Autograph letter signed

Title: to [Benjamin Tallmadge] re: spy report, setting meeting

Washington wants to discuss a spy report concerning British troop movements in New York: "Knowledge of that circumstance in the enemy might blast the whole design"

GLC07277

25 September 1778

Washington, George (1732-1799)

Manuscript letter signed

Title: to Benjamin Tallmadge

Signed as commander in chief and written in the hand of John Laurens, Washington's aide. Assures Tallmadge that his cavalry would receive enough supplies but warns that there will be no new horses.

GLC01746

16 October 1778

Washington, George (1732-1799)

Manuscript document

Title: At a council of war held at Frederickburgh Octr 16th 1778

Knox's handwritten copy of Washington's queries to his Council of War. Washington informs the Council that the British force consists of two divisions (one at New York and one at Rhode Island). A detachment from New York were recently "employed in a Forage" in New Jersey. Notes that the New York fleet was still in the harbor on 9 October, and was rumored to be planning to sail for Boston.

GLC02437.00731

16 December 1778

Washington, George (1732-1799)

Letter signed

Title: to Alexander McDougall

Written by Washington as Commander in Chief of the Continental Army to Major General McDougall as commander of the Hudson Highlands Department. Place written inferred from George Washington Papers, which place his headquarters at Gulph Mill, Pennsylvania that day. References McDougall's letter of 9 December 1778. Says Sir Henry Clinton's fruitless naval expedition up the Hudson in December 1778 was not worth the trouble. Mentions the necessity of shuffling several officers into different commands and hopes it does not cause too many problems.

GLC02795