Washington, George, 1732-1799 to James McHenry
Order a pdf of this item here.
A high-resolution version of this object is available for registered users. LOG IN
Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC05319 Author/Creator: Washington, George, 1732-1799 Place Written: Susquehanna River Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 16 December 1798 Pagination: 4 p. : docket ; 24.7 x 19.8 cm. Order a Copy
States he is stuck on the Susquehanna River because of low tide and bad winds. Takes the opportunity to discuss administration of the Provisional Army. Says War Department should only communicate with a concentrated military leadership, or else it will get bogged down in details. Says he is not the best person to contact about day to day military affairs because he will not personally lead the army unless an actual military engagement seems likely. He wants McHenry to communicate with General Thomas Pinckney, the commander in the south and with General Alexander Hamilton in the north. General James Wilkinson should command the armies in the west and report directly to Hamilton, but if Hamilton is detained, McHenry should work directly with Wilkinson. Hamilton will lead recruitment efforts and have the ability to call either Pinckney or Wilkinson to his aid.
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.