Washington, George, 1732-1799 to James McHenry

Online access and copy requests are not available for this item. You may request to be notified of when this becomes available digitally.

Notify me when this becomes available

GLC#
GLC00204
Type
Letters
Date
May 5, 1799
Author/Creator
Washington, George, 1732-1799
Title
to James McHenry
Place Written
Mount Vernon, Virginia
Pagination
3 p. : address : docket ; Height: 24.4 cm, Width: 20 cm
Language
English
Primary time period
The New Nation, 1783-1815
Sub-Era
The Early Republic

Marked private. In response to McHenry's private letter of April 29, which was a response to Washington's letter of April 23. Washington, commander of the Provisional Army created in 1798 in response to French aggression, wrote to McHenry, Secretary of War in the Adams Administration, on the issue of rank and pay in the army. Officers who lived farther away from the capital received their commissions later than those who lived closer. Since rank was calculated by time of acceptance, those living farther away felt slighted. He agrees with the solution that McHenry suggested to the President and hopes it is approved. Mentions Charles Fenton Mercer, who pressed Washington for a commission and then twice declined the offer when he realized it would hurt him politically in Virginia. Says "I am glad he has refused it." Offers suggestions to fill the vacancy.

Citation Guidelines for Online Resources