July 1788- December 1788

Carey, Mathew, 1760-1839

Magazine

Title: The American Museum: or repository of ancient and modern fugitive pieces, & c. prose and poetical. Volume IV.

Printed by Carey. Carey dedicates this volume to General George Washington. Includes a printing of Washington's farewell orders to the armies of the United States, issued 2 November 1783 from Rocky Hill, near Princeton, New Jersey (pages 240-242). Also includes a letter observing that in Maryland, "negroes are to be introduced [in Maryland] instead of paper money as a medium of commerce" (page 52). Includes various indications of ownership on inner front and back covers (formerly owned by Hampden-Sydney College, Virginia). Also includes, "Observations on bartering Negroes," "An account…

GLC06565

22 November 1776

Lansing, John, 1754-1829

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Philip Schuyler

Written by Lansing as secretary to Major General Schuyler. Written to Schuyler, who was commander of the Northern Department. Copied extract from the resolves of Congress. Says situation is such that recruiting officers are to enlist men for three years or the duration of the war and offer respective bounties. Says it should be kept in mind that is Congress's opinion that "the public Service will be best promoted by Inlistments for the War, if the recruiting Business is not retarded thereby."

GLC06568

24 September 1777

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Manuscript letter signed

Title: to Caesar Rodney

Discusses poor performance of militia and possibility of losing Philadelphia. "The conduct of the Militia is much to be regretted. In many instances, they are not to be roused, and in others, they come into the Field with all possible indifference, and to all appearance entirely unimpressed with the importance of the Cause in which we are engaged. Hence proceeds a total inattention to order and to discipline, and too often a disgraceful departure from the Army, at the instant their aid is most wanted. I am inclined to think, the Complaints and Objections offered to the Militia Laws are but…

GLC06482

January 19, 1779

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Letter signed

Title: to Caesar Rodney

Discusses moving the cavalry of Count Pulaski's legion to where it will interfere less with supply with Rodney, then President of Delaware. Suggests Kent and Sussex counties in Delaware as a possible location and seeks the proper authority to quarter them there. Docketed twice, on the second page and on the address leaf.

GLC06483

26 August 1779

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Letter signed

Title: to Caesar Rodney

Circular letter written by Washington as commander of the Continental Army to Rodney as Governor of Delaware. The two page letter is accompanied by a leaf entitled "List of American Officers Prisoners who have violated their Paroles belonging to the State of Delaware." Says that he needs the help of the executive power of Rodney to recapture prisoners who have violated their paroles because they have served with the state militia and not the Continental Army. Washington claims it is a matter of honor for prisoners on parole to follow the stipulations of that condition. Says it will help…

GLC06484

10 June 1780

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Manuscript letter signed

Title: to Caesar Rodney

Desires that the posts for "Four Vacant Ensigncies" be filled by new officers. Says "It is essential to service that Troops should be well officered -- and in our's the compliment allowed should be generally full." He mentions that two officers in captivity should not be replaced. Autograph docketing by Rodney reads, "About appointing officers to fill vacancies."

GLC06485

August 1780

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Letter

Title: to Samuel Huntington

Manuscript copy of a letter from Washington to President of Congress Huntington dated 20 June 1780. With address leaf that enclosed this copy sent from South Carolina politician John Mathews to Delaware Governor Caesar Rodney. Washington writes that he anxiously awaits the arrival of the French fleet. He is embarrassed by the condition and supplies of his troops: "were this generous Succour of our ally now to arrive, I should find my self in the most awkward embarrassing and painful Situation." Reports that "the troops...are absolutely destitute." With John Matthews free frank on address…

GLC06486

17 August 1780

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Manuscript letter

Title: to Caesar Rodney

Original manuscript copy, with clerical signature, of a letter appealing to the Committee of Congress for Cooperation. This copy of the letter was sent to Delaware Governor Rodney. Discusses the shortage of troops in the Continental Army, the unreliability of the militia, and the need to begin this years campaign as soon as possible. Lists the troops received from each state, mentions the shortages of men, supply, and transportation. "In this state of things, Gentlemen, I leave it to your own judgement to determine how little it will be in my power to answer the public expectations, unless…

GLC06488

10 December 1780

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Manuscript letter signed

Title: to Caesar Rodney

Informs Rodney that all provisions for the army should be placed at Christiana Bridge, Delaware. This was in accordance with an act of Congress saying that the provisions provided by each state should be placed at a point of Washington's choosing. Washington notes that he would have contacted Rodney earlier "had not the greater part of my time... been taken up in arranging & visiting the Hospitals, and Winter Cantonments of the Army."

GLC06489

7 June 1781

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Manuscript letter signed

Title: to Caesar Rodney

Informs Delaware Governor Rodney to send enlisted troops to Virginia. "One battalion of Infantry and a Corps of Horses... are required of the State of Delaware to serve for three Months" due to the "alarming progress which the Enemy are making in Virginia."

GLC06490

30 July 1782

Smallwood, William, 1732-1792

Autograph letter

Title: to George Washington

Indicates that he is sending recruitment-related reports (not included) and discusses difficulties recruiting soldiers. Lists the reasons that soldiers will not join: worries about pay and depreciation, efforts to defend Chesapeake Bay, lazy officers, and poor conditions including lack of food, clothes and shelter for the recruits. Comments that "The treatment, naked and wretched situation of those in service, the abject distress and total neglect of disabled and disbanded soldiers... rendered desertion very prevalent." Complains of delays in fulfilling his requests for provisions and…

GLC06506

24 November 1776

Whipple, William, 1730-1785

Autograph letter signed

Title: to John Langdon

Whipple, chairman of the Marine Committee in the Continental Congress, discusses a former request for money submitted by Langdon, naval agent for Continental prizes and supervisor of the construction of several ships. Regarding the money, mentions Langdon's acquaintances Wharton (possibly Samuel Wharton) and Donaldson. Relates that Congress has agreed to increase the Navy by one ship, and requests that Langdon assist in formulating a plan to procure materials such as iron. Discusses obtaining material from France and Spain. Discusses Langdon's financial situation, prize money procured for…

GLC06518

4 and 7 December 1776

Whipple, William, 1730-1785

Autograph letter signed

Title: to John Langdon

Written by Whipple, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, as a New Hampshire Congressman to Langdon as agent for Continental prizes in New Hampshire. First two pages are a letter from 4 December 1776 and is signed "W Whipple" and the third page is a letter from 7 December 1776 initialed "WW." 4 December: previously wrote that the navy will add another ship of 74 guns to be built in New Hampshire. Says he will send the dimensions in a few days and the builders are to make their own drafts. Says the carpenters who built the "Raleigh" will do a good a job as any. Langdon is to…

GLC06519

1 July 1779

Sullivan, John, 1740-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to General James Clinton

General Sullivan writes to General Clinton about preparations and plans for troop movements for his upcoming campaign against the Six Nations, at the time, the largest ever expedition mounted against the Indians.

GLC06481

4 June 1781

Weedon, George, 1734-1793

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Marquis de Lafayette

An original draft copy, regarding the status of troops and provisions in Virginia. Discusses calling out the militia, civilians fleeing, and removing stores from Fredericksburg before the onslaught of the British invasion. Written from "Camp Hunters Heights." Later that year, Weedon commanded the Virginia militia at the siege of Yorktown.

GLC06495

December 21, 1782

Greene, Nathanael, 1742-1786

Autograph letter signed

Title: to George Weedon

Written by Major General Greene as commander of the Southern Department to Brigadier General Weedon. A friendly, and at times humorous, letter addressed to Weedon as "My good old friend." Also has a note from Greene's wife Catharine after his signature. She signs the note "Caty Greene." References Weedon's letter of 6 November 1782. Says Major Ichabod Burnet, an aide-de-camp to Greene, is going to Philadelphia "with an account of the long expected evacuation of Charleston." In reference to the religion of New England says "To speak in the language of Connecticut now rejoice and be…

GLC06496

26 June 1780

Grayson, William, 1736-1790

Letter signed

Title: to George Weedon

Discusses General Weedon being recalled to military service by the Continental Congress, claiming that "you must look upon a call at this particular Crisis, as a very decided testimonial of the good opinion of Congress." Agrees with Weedon's ideas about recruitment. Suggests that "The rejection of the resolution of Congress respecting finance was a fatal stab to the independence of America." Criticizes the Virginia policies that limited much needed resources. Indicates "that the Enemy have got stung in the Jerseys." Notes French and Spanish mobilizations. A postscript reports that the…

GLC06497

30 March 1777

Parker, Richard, fl. 1777

Autograph letter signed

Title: to George Weedon

Possibly written by Colonel Richard Parker. Congratulates Weedon, in Fredericksburg, Virginia, on a recent promotion (possibly his promotion to Brigadier General in February 1777). Parker notes, "Mr. Purdie has given me a good deal of uneasiness by killing my son Major Parker but that is now relieved by a letter I have received from him since his death dated the 13th Feb..." Asks that Weedon inform him what he knows of Major Parker, including what condition his son was in when Weedon last saw him. Writes, "I have two other sons in the second Regimt. who the last time I heard from them…

GLC06498.01

27 August 1780- 24 October 1780

Manuscript document

Title: [Copy of orders from the camp of General George Weedon]

Mentions Colonel Febigen and Captains Lovely and Richardson. Discusses a survey of commissaries' stores, in which barrels of salt fish were deemed unfit for consumption. Refers to court martials, the trial of prisoners, and the prevention of embezzlement from a store of arms (6 September). Provides a list of several persons charged with desertion, and describes the proceedings of their court martial (8 September). Discusses the command of local drafts (27 September, 1 October).

GLC06499

27 June 1780-15 August 1780

Walker, John, 1744-1809

Header Record

Title: Four letters to General George Weedon [Decimalized .01-.04]

Four letters commenting upon the activities of the French, English, and American forces. Word processed inventory and transcriptions available.

GLC06500

June 1781

Mortimer, Charles, fl. 1781

Autograph letter signed

Title: to George Weedon

Dr. Mortimer discusses the medical issues at his location, particularly the neglect of the department and the reasons why he can no longer assist with the sick. Explains that there is a lack of medicine and no experienced surgeon. He also notes that he has never practiced surgery. Indicates having supply problems.

GLC06501

February 13, 1782

Jenifer, Daniel of St. Thomas, 1723-1790

Autograph letter signed

Title: to William Smallwood

Discusses the supply of iron, a congressional resolution rearranging the hospital department, the pregnancies of unmarried Roman Catholic women, and an act of the assembly regarding fornication.

GLC06503

23 October 1780

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to William Smallwood

Written by Brigadier General Knox, the Continental Army's chief of artillery, to Major General Smallwood of Maryland. Letter sent through General Nathanael Greene. Asks how he is sustaining the fatigues and hardships of war in a southern climate. Says it must be "agreeable in some degree, as it has produced you such a harvest of Glory." Mentions gallantry of the Maryland Line at the Battle of Camden. Asks to "prospect my love" to General Nathaniel Gist and other friends. Smallwood's brigade was actually swept to the rear by a flood of fugitives at Camden, but he still earned the "thanks of…

GLC06504

13 November 1780

Gates, Horatio, 1727-1806

Letter signed

Title: to William Smallwood

Written by Major General Gates to Major General Smallwood. This was written after Gates's defeat at the Battle of Camden and after Congress voted to call a court of inquiry into Gates's conduct at the battle in October 1780. Smallwood commanded the troops of the Maryland Line and was also at Camden. Seems to have written the letter over several days. Says he arrived in Salisbury after an agreeable march from Hillsborough. Encloses a letter from Governor Thomas Jefferson and a list of units under the command of General Alexander Leslie (not included). Fears that General Henry Clinton will…

GLC06505

19 February 1782

Smallwood, William, 1732-1792

Autograph manuscript signed

Title: [Letters to recruiting officers and reports on recruitment]

Written by Major General Smallwood while on a mission to raise troops and assemble supplies in Maryland. General Nathanael Greene had sent Smallwood on this mission to end a conflict of command between Smallwood and Baron Friedrich von Steuben. This is a booklet of recruitment information that appears to have been bound inside a cover, which is now removed. Includes two letters to recruiters, one dated 19 February 1782, and the other 7 April 1782. Gives guidelines on who not to recruit: British deserters, men under five feet four inches tall, men who do not have well proportioned limbs, and…

GLC06507