Washington, George (1732-1799) to Josiah Quincy
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC04442 Author/Creator: Washington, George (1732-1799) Place Written: Cambridge, Massachusetts Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 24 March 1776 Pagination: 4 p. ; 23.3 x 19 cm. Order a Copy
Written just one week after Continental forces captured Boston. Thanks Quincy and the nation for their praise, saying "To obtain the applause of deserving men, is a heart felt satisfaction - to merit them, is my highest wish. If my conduct therefore...hath merited the approbation of the great Country, I shall esteem it one of the most fortunate & happy events of my life." Despite the joy of his victory, Washington cautions that the Americans must remain on guard. Worries about the British fleet at "Nantasket Road." But is more afraid of spies, "There is one evil I dread, & that is their spies." Asks Quincy to arrange for men to guard against spies and protect shipping.
Josiah Quincy was a businessman, member of the Massachusetts House of Representative and justice of the peace.
Signer of the U.S. Constitution.
Cambridge 24th March 1776.
Sir,
I am favourd with your Letter of the 21st Instt. - it came to hand this afternoon, and I thank you for the many polite and flattering expressions which it contains _ To obtain the applause of deserving men, is a heart felt satisfaction - to merit them, is my highest wish. If my conduct therefore as an Instrument in the late signal interposition of Providence hath merited the approbation of the great Country, I shall esteem it one of the most fortunate & happy events of my life. I acknowledge myself yr debtor, for the share you have bestowd on me of it.
The continuance of the Fleet in Nantasket Road affords matter for Speculation - it surpasses my comprehension and awakens all my suspicions- I have taken every step in my power to guard against [2] surprizes, but the temper of your People seems to me to be, to apprehend no danger til it stares them in the Face- I do not think there is cause to apprehend such Marauding parties as you dread - if any stroke is aimed, it will be a capitol one, for which reason I wish to be much upon my guard; & therefore have appointed Guard Boats, lookouts & ca. There is one evil I dread, & that is their Spies, I could wish therefore that the most attentive watch was kept to prevent any Intercourse between the ship & main - for this purpose, and to prevent suspected persons (for I have no doubt but that trusty soldiers, Sergeants, and even commissioned officers in disguise will be sent out) from travelling about, I wish a dozn. or more of Honest, sensible, and deligent Men were Imployed to haunt the Communication between Roxbury, and the different landing Places nearest [3] the Shipping, in order to question; cross question & ca all such Persons as are unknown, & cannot give an acct. of themselves in a strait, & satisfactory line- If you could hire Men for this purpose whilst the shipping continue where they now are, I would pay the wages you shall agree upon; and thank you for the trouble, as I think it a matter of some Importance to prevent them from obtaining Intelligence of our Situation__ the earliest Information should also be communicated of any movements which may be discovered, and whether any of the shipping are getting out, as it were by stealth.
I am exceedingly sorry to hear of your Indisposition, & heartily wish you a perfect restoration of health - I should be very happy to take you by the hand before I bid adieu to the Colony, but as my motions are regulated by those of the Enemy, I cannot say how - when - or where it can happen.
[docket]
In sincerity and truth I remain
Dr Sir Yr most Obedt & Obligd
Servt
Go: Washington
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