Details
WASHINGTON, GEORGE, President. Letter signed ("G:Washington") as Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army, to Colonel John Patton, Morristown, 14 April 1777. 1 page, folio, 320 x 210mm. (12 1/2 x 8 1/4 in.), integral address leaf, a few perforations at folds catching a few letters, two seal holes in address leaf, laid in a blue buckram protective slipcase.
WASHINGTON COMPLAINS OF RECRUITING OFFICERS WHO "SPEND A GREAT DEAL OF TIME IN IDLENESS & DISSIPATION" AND WASTE "PUBLIC MONEY"
General Washington sharply reprimands a commanding officer for not governing his officers: "...I am sorry to find that your Officers are so low in the Recruiting service. The Company you intend to march in a few days you will order directly to head Quarters, unless countermanded. The Expences that necessarily arise to recruiting Officers I believe is much increased, but at same time cant help remarking that (by every Information I receive) They spend a great part of their time in Idleness & Dissipation, to the great detriment of the service & increase of Expence. I by no means intend to charge your Officers with these Crimes, but request you will be attentive that they account in a Satisfactory manner for the Public money you supply them with. As to the additional allowance for recruiting I can do nothing with, as I am intirely govern'd by a Resolve of Congress...If the Board of War...will allow it, I am perfectly Satisfied..." Fitzpatrick 7:410.
Provenance: Joseph M. Roebling (sale, Sotheby Parke Bernet, 28 April 1981, lot 182).
WASHINGTON COMPLAINS OF RECRUITING OFFICERS WHO "SPEND A GREAT DEAL OF TIME IN IDLENESS & DISSIPATION" AND WASTE "PUBLIC MONEY"
General Washington sharply reprimands a commanding officer for not governing his officers: "...I am sorry to find that your Officers are so low in the Recruiting service. The Company you intend to march in a few days you will order directly to head Quarters, unless countermanded. The Expences that necessarily arise to recruiting Officers I believe is much increased, but at same time cant help remarking that (by every Information I receive) They spend a great part of their time in Idleness & Dissipation, to the great detriment of the service & increase of Expence. I by no means intend to charge your Officers with these Crimes, but request you will be attentive that they account in a Satisfactory manner for the Public money you supply them with. As to the additional allowance for recruiting I can do nothing with, as I am intirely govern'd by a Resolve of Congress...If the Board of War...will allow it, I am perfectly Satisfied..." Fitzpatrick 7:410.
Provenance: Joseph M. Roebling (sale, Sotheby Parke Bernet, 28 April 1981, lot 182).