Browse the complete collection of historical letters, memos, and telegrams.
46,149 lettersAlexander Hamilton writes to Jeremiah Wadsworth from Preakness, New Jersey, discussing General Schuyler's departure from Albany to attend a convention. Hamilton likely addresses military or political matters related to Schuyler's movements during the Revolutionary War. The letter reflects ongoing coordination among American leaders in 1780.
George Washington informs Francisco Rendon of British troop movements, specifically their embarkation plans. He provides intelligence to aid in monitoring enemy actions during the Revolutionary War. This communication reflects Washington's efforts to coordinate with allies and gather timely military information.
George Washington sends Samuel Huntington memorials from Captain Joseph Traversie and Canadian refugee families settled in Albany. He communicates their concerns and requests for assistance during the Revolutionary War. Washington seeks Huntington's support in addressing their needs.
George Washington expresses gratitude to Chevalier de Bouchet for the French alliance during the American Revolutionary War. He acknowledges the importance of French support in the struggle for independence. Washington emphasizes the value of continued friendship between the United States and France.
George Washington directs Abraham Skinner to manage the exchange of prisoners of war, providing specific instructions to facilitate the process. He emphasizes the importance of adhering to agreed terms to ensure a smooth and honorable exchange between American and British forces.
Alexander Hamilton instructs Joshua Mersereau to send a reliable agent to Staten Island to gather intelligence on potential British troop movements from New York, expected around Thursday. He emphasizes the urgency of confirming any unusual enemy activity and coordinating with local forces near Cranes Gap. The gathered information must be delivered to Headquarters by Thursday evening.
George Washington responds to John Mathews, agreeing to assist Mrs. Mathews when circumstances allow. He also provides an update on the military and political situation in the southern colonies during the Revolutionary War.
George Washington instructs that, pending Congress's approval, Baron von Steuben is to join Major General Nathanael Greene in marching south. The directive aims to strengthen Continental Army forces in the southern theater during the Revolutionary War. Washington emphasizes coordination and readiness for upcoming military operations.
George Washington instructs Abraham Skinner to negotiate a prisoner exchange involving Brigadier Generals William Thompson and Louis Le Bèque Du Portail, and Major General Benjamin Lincoln in return for Major General William Phillips and Baron von Riedesel. The letter reflects ongoing efforts to recover American officers held by the British during the Revolutionary War. Washington emphasizes the importance of securing these exchanges to maintain morale and leadership.
George Washington appoints Major General Nathanael Greene to lead the southern army pending an inquiry into Major General Horatio Gates’s conduct and urges Congress to support Greene in overcoming the challenges ahead. He also requests congressional approval to send Baron von Steuben south to assist in reorganizing the army.
George Washington instructs Charles Harrison to join Major General Nathanael Greene in the southern theater to reorganize the artillery corps. He emphasizes the importance of restoring the unit's effectiveness during the ongoing Revolutionary War. The letter reflects Washington's strategic efforts to strengthen Continental Army forces.
George Washington instructs William Heath to establish a court of inquiry to investigate the actions of Lieutenant Colonel Richard Varick and Major David S. Franks. The inquiry aims to assess their conduct during military operations. Washington seeks accountability within the Continental Army leadership.
George Washington addresses David S. Franks regarding a proposed court of inquiry into Franks’s conduct. Washington communicates the need to investigate the matter formally, reflecting concerns about Franks’s actions during the Revolutionary War. The letter emphasizes maintaining discipline and accountability within the Continental Army.
George Washington addresses Henry Clinton regarding the management of prisoners, proposing the appointment of a resident commissary to oversee their care and exchange. He argues that such an official would improve the treatment and administration of prisoners during the ongoing Revolutionary War. Washington seeks to establish clearer protocols to prevent abuses and misunderstandings between the opposing forces.
George Washington requests clarification from the Board of War regarding the meaning of the term the line of the army. He seeks to understand its precise definition and implications for military organization. This inquiry reflects Washington's attention to detail in managing the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War.
Marquis de Lafayette writes to Alexander Hamilton sharing news of a successful capture of a convoy and a victorious expedition on the Spanish Main, expressing joy over the combined fleet's achievements. He urges Hamilton to read his previous letters from Rhode Island and inquires about any new developments that might lift his spirits. Lafayette also mentions hoping his letter to Gouvion reached Hamilton safely and notes Britain's declining fortunes.
Marquis de Lafayette informs Alexander Hamilton about sending a Canadian officer with a letter to Gouvion and requests Hamilton's approval to dispatch it along with letters for General Heath to mislead the enemy. He urges Hamilton to discuss the release of two acquitted deserters and the transfer of the condemned one with the General. Lafayette emphasizes gathering intelligence from both sides by Monday night for comparison and insists on strict confidentiality.
George Washington approves Rochambeau’s proposed locations for winter quarters in New Jersey. He expresses confidence in the strategic value of the plan for the Continental Army’s operations. Washington emphasizes coordination between American and French forces during the winter campaign.
George Washington acknowledges receiving Francisco Rendon's letters and expresses support for Rendon's proposed expedition. He promises to share intelligence on British movements as soon as he obtains it. The letter reflects ongoing coordination between American and allied forces during the Revolutionary War.
George Washington informs Samuel Huntington that Baron von Steuben is traveling to Philadelphia to seek clarification on his military role. Washington reiterates his recommendation that Congress provide support to von Steuben in his efforts to train and organize the Continental Army.