Year

Letters from 1781

772 letters
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 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

Alexander Hamilton to Richard Platt, February 25, 1781

From Alexander Hamilton
To Richard Platt
February 25, 1781

Alexander Hamilton communicates General Washington's orders to Richard Platt regarding compensation for Colonel Hay, whose oxen were requisitioned for public use. Hamilton instructs that the Quartermaster General provide Colonel Hay with two good oxen as replacement, emphasizing that the source of compensation is not important to the public interest.

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 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

Richard Platt to Alexander Hamilton, February 24, 1781

From Richard Platt
To Alexander Hamilton
February 24, 1781

Richard Platt writes to Alexander Hamilton in 1781 requesting compensation for Colonel Ann Hawkes Hay for oxen seized for public use during the Revolutionary War. Platt urges Hamilton to take action to ensure Hay receives payment for the loss. The letter reflects concerns over fair treatment of individuals contributing resources to the war effort.

Letter

Alexander Hamilton to William Heath, February 21, 1781

From Alexander Hamilton
To William Heath
February 21, 1781

Alexander Hamilton informs William Heath that Lieutenant Colonel Gouvion and Captain Rochefontaine will join the detachment under Marquis de Lafayette, while Major Villefranche will soon return to West Point. The communication conveys troop movements during the Revolutionary War. Hamilton writes under General Washington's command as his aide-de-camp.