Washington, George, 1732-1799 to James McHenry
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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 ; Height: 24.7 cm, Width: 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.
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