George Washington was a Founding Father and the first president of the United States, serving from 1789 to 1797. As commander of the Continental Army, Washington led Patriot forces to victory in the American Revolutionary War against the British Empire. He is commonly known as the Father of His Country for his role in bringing about American independence.
[ Whitpain Township, Pennsylvania ] October 28, 1777 . Orders Varnum to Woodbury to cooperate with those already there for the relief of Fort Mifflin and the garrison at Red…
Head Quarters Philada: County 30th: October 1777 Dear Sir It having been judged expedient by the Members of ⟨a⟨ 2 Council of War 3 held yesterday, that one of the…
Head Quarters [Whitemarsh, Pennsylvania] 15th. Novemr. 1777 Dear Sir I have duly received your several favours from the time you left me to that of the 12th. inst. I approve…
[ Valley Forge, January 29, 1778 .] Discusses proposed changes in military establishment. Submits questions concerning foreign officers, use of Indians to fight British, Colonel Daniel Morgan’s Riflemen, use of…
[ Valley Forge ] February, 1778 . Heading reads: “In the present arrangement of the Army, there will be wanted 11 Major Generals & 25 Brigadiers. 3 Maj: Generals to…
[ Valley Forge ] February 2, 1778. Discusses detection of plot to assassinate Livingston.
Valley Forge, February 3, 1778 . Refuses Bond’s request that Bond’s father be permitted to visit in territory held by enemy.
[ Valley Forge ] February 7, 1778 . Discusses Army’s need for meat. Instructs Champion to purchase all that is available. Has directed Major General Israel Putnam to use salt…
[ Valley Forge ] February 8, 1778 . Asks Nixon to send return of Connecticut troops to Jonathan Trumbull.
[ Valley Forge ] February 8, 1778 . Asks Putnam to send return of Connecticut troops to Jonathan Trumbull.
Valley Forge, February 13, 1778 . Orders Haskell to rejoin regiment.
[ Valley Forge ] February 13, 1778 . Asks for a return of stores in Lewis’s department.
[ Valley Forge ] February 14, 1778 . Regrets inability to “ratify� sentence of court-martial held by Gates’s order, but will leave ultimate decision to Gates’s judgment.
[ Valley Forge ] February 14, 1778 . States that proceedings of the court-martial sent to Headquarters by Hubley are illegal. Encloses the proper authority to retry the accused.
Valley Forge, February 16, 1778 . Describes sufferings at Camp because of lack of food and clothing. Asks Clinton to do all that is possible to forward supplies.
Valley Forge, February 16, 1778 . Asks Hollingsworth to aid Captain Henry Lee in securing supplies from Head of Elk and Dover.
[ Valley Forge ] February 16, 1778 . Is sending Lieutenant Colonel Tench Tilghman to Livingston to present picture of distressing state of the Army. Repeats request to Livingston to…
[ Valley Forge ] February 18, 1778 . Suggests methods to stop communication between Philadelphia and surrounding countryside.
Valley Forge, February 18, 1778 . Asks inhabitants to supply cattle. Promises a “bountiful price.�
Valley Forge, February 19, 1778 . Describes distressing situation of Army. States that unless effective measures are taken, another campaign may prove impossible. Requests Henry to send all available supplies…
Valley Forge, February 21, 1778 . Asks that artillery at Farmington and Albany be forwarded to Camp.
Valley Forge, February 21, 1778 . Discusses impossibility of an enemy attack on Valley Forge.