Author

Letters from George Washington

B. 1732 · D. 1799

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.

Source: Wikipedia
1,032 letters
Letter

George Washington to Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de Rochambeau, July 27, 1780

From George Washington
To Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de Rochambeau
July 27, 1780

George Washington informs Rochambeau about the anticipated arrival of the second French division in New Jersey and expresses concern over rumors of a planned British attack on the French fleet and army. He emphasizes the need for vigilance and coordination between American and French forces. Washington seeks to ensure readiness and mutual support in the face of potential British aggression.

Letter

George Washington to Samuel Huntington, August 3, 1780

From George Washington
To Samuel Huntington
August 3, 1780

George Washington informs Samuel Huntington that British General Sir Henry Clinton has returned to the area, prompting strategic repositioning of the Continental Army. He details troop movements in response to this development during the Revolutionary War. Washington seeks to keep Congress apprised of military actions and threats.

Letter

George Washington to Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette, August 3, 1780

From George Washington
To Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette
August 3, 1780

George Washington advises Marquis de Lafayette to inform French commanders of the current military situation and allow them to determine their strategy. He argues that a significant siege should wait for the arrival of the second French division and suggests securing communication with Long Island through land batteries. Washington also reports the British expedition's return to New York.

Letter

George Washington to Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette, August 5, 1780

From George Washington
To Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette
August 5, 1780

George Washington expresses concern over Chevalier de Ternay's reluctance to enter New York harbor and urges Marquis de Lafayette to investigate the likelihood of reinforcements arriving from France and the West Indies. Washington seeks to coordinate French support for the American cause during the Revolutionary War.

Letter

George Washington to Chevalier de La Luzerne, August 16, 1780

From George Washington
To Chevalier de La Luzerne
August 16, 1780

George Washington informs Chevalier de La Luzerne that Rochambeau supports recruiting German deserters. He reports that Chevalier de Ternay requests sending a flour shipment to Boston and dispatching the sloop Saratoga to the West Indies with messages. Washington has contacted the Board of Admiralty to ensure these orders are carried out.

Letter

George Washington to Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de Rochambeau, August 16, 1780

From George Washington
To Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de Rochambeau
August 16, 1780

George Washington expresses satisfaction that his strategic views align closely with those of Comte de Rochambeau. He informs Rochambeau of intelligence regarding an impending British military expedition. Washington emphasizes the importance of coordinated Franco-American efforts in response.

Letter

George Washington to Samuel Holden Parsons, September 2, 1780

From George Washington
To Samuel Holden Parsons
September 2, 1780

George Washington directs Samuel Holden Parsons to relocate to the vicinity of North Castle, New York, and assume command of the troops stationed there. He emphasizes the strategic importance of this position during the ongoing Revolutionary War. Washington's instructions aim to strengthen American defenses against British forces in the region.

Letter

George Washington to Samuel Huntington, September 8, 1780

From George Washington
To Samuel Huntington
September 8, 1780

George Washington requests clarification from Congress regarding the resolution of August 5, 1780, about his military authority. He inquires about Congress's capacity to provide currency, the provisioning abilities of North and South Carolina, and plans to replace soldiers whose enlistments expire in January. Washington seeks to ensure adequate support and manpower for the Continental Army.

Letter

George Washington to Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de Rochambeau, September 8, 1780

From George Washington
To Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de Rochambeau
September 8, 1780

George Washington informs Rochambeau of British military movements preparing for an expedition to Virginia and reports the defeat of Major General Horatio Gates at Camden. He suggests a meeting on September 20 in Hartford to coordinate their strategies. Washington emphasizes the need for allied cooperation in response to British actions.

Letter

George Washington to Nathanael Greene, September 16, 1780

From George Washington
To Nathanael Greene
September 16, 1780

George Washington informs Nathanael Greene of his appointment to command the Army and provides strategic instructions regarding the post at Dobbs Ferry. He reports intelligence about Admiral Rodney's position and enemy movements toward Rhode Island. Washington directs Greene to prepare for a potential attack on New York if the intelligence proves accurate.

Letter

George Washington to Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de Rochambeau, September 27, 1780

From George Washington
To Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de Rochambeau
September 27, 1780

George Washington informs General Rochambeau of Benedict Arnold’s act of treason, revealing Arnold’s attempt to surrender West Point to the British. Washington details the circumstances of the betrayal and emphasizes the urgency of securing the fort against further threats.

Letter

George Washington to Officer Commanding at West Point and Its Dependencies, September 27, 1780

From George Washington
To Officer Commanding at West Point and Its Dependencies
September 27, 1780

George Washington instructs the officer commanding West Point and its dependencies to prepare multiple posts for immediate defense. He emphasizes readiness to respond quickly to potential threats. The letter reflects Washington's strategic focus on securing key military positions during the Revolutionary War.

Letter

George Washington to Officer Commanding at Dobbs Ferry, October 8, 1780

From George Washington
To Officer Commanding at Dobbs Ferry
October 8, 1780

George Washington directs the officer commanding at Dobbs Ferry to strengthen the fortifications and maintain vigilance against British attacks. He emphasizes the importance of securing the position to protect the Hudson River corridor. Washington also orders coordination with nearby forces to ensure effective defense.

Letter

George Washington to Benjamin Franklin, October 9, 1780

From George Washington
To Benjamin Franklin
October 9, 1780

George Washington writes to Benjamin Franklin expressing that a postwar European tour would be appealing but is precluded by pressing domestic issues. He emphasizes that the survival of the United States depends on securing peace or financial support from its allies. Washington conveys the urgency of the military and political situation in 1780.

Letter

George Washington to Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de Rochambeau, October 10, 1780

From George Washington
To Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de Rochambeau
October 10, 1780

George Washington expresses disappointment that the current campaign has not yielded significant successes and doubts the effectiveness of operations involving naval forces. He approves the detention of Colonel Christopher Greene’s regiment and informs Rochambeau about the execution of Major John André.

Letter

George Washington to Samuel Huntington, October 11, 1780

From George Washington
To Samuel Huntington
October 11, 1780

George Washington approves reducing the Continental Army to 50 regiments and proposes a half-pay system for officers as compensation, either for life or converted to full pay over seven years after peace. He outlines detailed organizational structures for infantry, cavalry, partisan corps, and artillery units, specifying ranks and roles within each regiment. Washington also addresses recruitment supervision and the establishment of officers' ranks and duties.