Washington, George, 1732-1799 to Benjamin Franklin
Order a pdf of this item here.
A high-resolution version of this object is available for registered users. LOG IN
Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC01588 Author/Creator: Washington, George, 1732-1799 Place Written: New York Type: Autograph letter signed Date: July 1776 Pagination: 1 p. : Height: 32.1 cm, Width: 19.2 cm Order a Copy
A cryptic but important letter written in the same month as the adoption of the Declaration of Independence, as commander in chief, in response to Franklin's letters. Possibly a draft since Washington has left the day and a name blank, but soon or shortly after July 30, when Franklin's response to Howe was delivered. Letter discusses belated peace initiatives of the Howe brothers. This letter responds to two letters from Franklin, one commended Washington for his work with the inventor Joseph Belton to construct a submarine, while the other (now lost) was a copy of his response on behalf of Congress to the peace offer of the Admiral Richard and General William Howe. The Howe's, claiming to be peace commissioners, offered pardon to everyone who disavowed the Declaration of Independence. But the Howe's were too late in their offers. Washington writes: "Within these few days I have been favour'd with two Letters from you. The first cover'd one to Lord Howe which with equal confidence I should have sent locked under a Seal. The only difference is, that I have had an opportunity of perusing Sentiments which cannot but be admired. The Second, recommending the scheme of [blank; i.e, Joseph Belton] when I have given every aid in my power to bring his project to maturity." See Franklin Papers 22: 518-21 for Franklin's letter to Howe. Belton abandoned his work on submersibles, possibly because of David Bushnell's successful experiments. Possibly a draft since Washington has left the day and a name blank.
Citation Guidelines for Online Resources
The copyright law of the United States (title 17, United States Code) governs the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Under certain conditions specified in the law, libraries and archives are authorized to furnish a photocopy or other reproduction. One of these specific conditions is that the photocopy or reproduction is not to be “used for any purpose other than private study, scholarship, or research.” If a user makes a request for, or later uses, a photocopy or reproduction for purposes in excess of “fair use,” that user may be liable for copyright infringement. This institution reserves the right to refuse to accept a copying order if, in its judgment, fulfillment of the order would involve violation of copyright law.