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 Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, Baron von Steuben, February 20, 1781

From George Washington
To Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, Baron von Steuben
February 20, 1781

George Washington instructs Baron von Steuben on coordinating with the Marquis de Lafayette to lead American land forces in a joint campaign with the French against Benedict Arnold in Virginia. He outlines von Steuben's specific role in the operation to ensure effective cooperation. The letter emphasizes the strategic alliance between American and French forces in the Revolutionary War.

Letter

George Washington to Officer Commanding the French Squadron in Chesapeake Bay, February 20, 1781

From George Washington
To Officer Commanding the French Squadron in Chesapeake Bay
February 20, 1781

George Washington informs the French naval commander in Chesapeake Bay that he has dispatched a detachment led by the Marquis de Lafayette to support the French fleet. He proposes coordinated operations between American land forces and the French naval squadron to strengthen their joint military efforts.

Letter

George Washington to George Clinton, February 24, 1781

From George Washington
To George Clinton
February 24, 1781

George Washington informs George Clinton of his inability to provide two regiments requested by New York State for frontier defense in early 1781. He explains the constraints faced by the Continental Army that prevent fulfilling this request. Washington emphasizes the challenges in allocating troops during the ongoing Revolutionary War.

Letter

George Washington to Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de Rochambeau, February 24, 1781

From George Washington
To Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de Rochambeau
February 24, 1781

George Washington informs Comte de Rochambeau that a reported victory by Comte d’Estaing could lead to a swift end to the Revolutionary War. He updates Rochambeau on troop movements toward Virginia and shares intelligence about British General Sir Henry Clinton’s possible reactions. Washington postpones his Rhode Island visit until he understands Clinton’s next military move.

Letter

George Washington to Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, Baron von Steuben, February 27, 1781

From George Washington
To Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, Baron von Steuben
February 27, 1781

George Washington informs Baron von Steuben that despite losing naval superiority, the Marquis de Lafayette continues his march to Virginia. He expresses hope that von Steuben has distributed French supplies to Major General Nathanael Greene and notes that the Pennsylvania line has been ordered to move south.

Letter

George Washington to Samuel John Atlee, February 28, 1781

From George Washington
To Samuel John Atlee
February 28, 1781

George Washington informs Samuel John Atlee of the unavoidable reduction in the number of officers under the new military arrangement. He expresses regret for the hardships this causes but emphasizes that the situation cannot be changed. Washington acknowledges the difficulties while maintaining the necessity of the decision.

Letter

George Washington to Newport Inhabitants, March 8, 1781

From George Washington
To Newport Inhabitants
March 8, 1781

George Washington expresses gratitude to the inhabitants of Newport for their support and admiration, praising the French army and fleet for their discipline and generosity in aiding America. He acknowledges the town's suffering under enemy occupation and shares hopes for its swift recovery and continued harmony between the United States and France. Washington conveys his personal esteem for the citizens and their leaders.

Letter

George Washington to Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de Rochambeau, April 10, 1781

From George Washington
To Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de Rochambeau
April 10, 1781

George Washington expresses approval of the French decision to launch an expedition to Penobscot and offers strategic recommendations to support the operation. He emphasizes coordination to maximize the expedition's effectiveness in the ongoing Revolutionary War.

Letter

George Washington to Samuel Huntington, April 21, 1781

From George Washington
To Samuel Huntington
April 21, 1781

George Washington requests Congress to authorize the quartermaster general to appoint Colonel Jabez Champlin as a barrack master for the French army. He emphasizes the need for proper logistical support to maintain the alliance and ensure effective cooperation. Washington's recommendation aims to strengthen the coordination between American and French forces during the Revolutionary War.

Letter

George Washington to Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette, April 21, 1781

From George Washington
To Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette
April 21, 1781

George Washington urges Marquis de Lafayette to rejoin the main Continental Army to strengthen their position against British forces. He emphasizes the importance of Lafayette's leadership in the ongoing Revolutionary War efforts. Washington's request reflects strategic coordination among American commanders in 1781.

Letter

George Washington to Nathanael Greene, April 22, 1781

From George Washington
To Nathanael Greene
April 22, 1781

George Washington approves Nathanael Greene’s military tactics against British General Cornwallis and informs him of a delay in the Pennsylvania line’s arrival. He expresses hope that Greene can utilize Major William Macpherson in upcoming operations. Washington’s communication reflects ongoing coordination during the Revolutionary War.

Letter

George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, April 27, 1781

From George Washington
To Alexander Hamilton
April 27, 1781

George Washington expresses concern to Alexander Hamilton about appointing him to command a new advanced corps, fearing it would exacerbate existing tensions among Eastern officers already unhappy with recent appointments. Washington acknowledges Hamilton's merit but warns that pushing such appointments could lead to serious discord during a critical time in the war.

Letter

George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, August 9, 1781

From George Washington
To Alexander Hamilton
August 9, 1781

George Washington instructs Alexander Hamilton to ensure shoes are issued to state companies under his command with proper accountability measures. He emphasizes that men should be responsible for the shoes and that the distribution process follows established procedures. Washington also directs that Captains Sacket and Williams oversee the proper accounting of the shoes through the existing supply channels.

Letter

George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, March 4, 1783

From George Washington
To Alexander Hamilton
March 4, 1783

George Washington expresses concern to Alexander Hamilton about the lack of transparency between Congress and the military leadership regarding the nation's financial and political situation. He argues that better information sharing could prevent dangerous missteps and acknowledges the army's precarious position due to unpaid taxes and uncertain funds. Washington also mentions hope for a Dutch loan to alleviate financial difficulties.