Washington, George, 1732-1799 to James McHenry
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02337 Author/Creator: Washington, George, 1732-1799 Place Written: Mount Vernon, Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 13 May 1799 Pagination: 6 p. : docket ; 24.4 x 20.2 cm. Order a Copy
In reply to McHenry's letter of 2 May 1799. Written as commander of Provisional Army created during the fear of a French invasion to McHenry as Secretary of War in the Adams Administration. They are attempting to find the best candidates to fill openings in the officers' ranks. Washington claims he does not know the rising generation of Virginia as he did when the Revolution broke out since he does not leave home very often. Wants to know if McHenry believes it is proper for the War Department to send out a request for applications that can be reviewed, otherwise he does not know how they will fill the slots in time. Says he needs to be kept up to date with the President's agenda and opinions "for it must not be expected that like a Mercenary, I can quit my family & private concerns at a moment's warning." He tells McHenry to be on the look out for good engineers for the army.
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