TRANSCRIPT GLC 2437.53.87

George Washington. Autograph letter signed: Mount Vernon, to Henry Knox, 1798 July 16. 5 p. + doc.

Mount Vernon 16^th. July 1798.

My dear Sir,

Little did I imagine when I retired from the theatre of public life, that it was probable, or even possible, that any event would arise in my day, that could induce me to entertain, for a moment, an idea of relinquishing the tranquil walks, and refreshing shades, with which I am surrounded. – But it is in vain, I perceive, to look for ease & happiness in a world of troubles. –

The call of my country, and the urgency of my friends to comply with it, have produced a letter from me to the President of the <loss> [2] Desiring, however, that it might be understood that my Coadjution in the first grades, and principal staff of the Army, must be men in whom I could place entire confidence; – for that, it was not to be expected, at my time of life, that I would forsake the ease & comforts which are essenl. in old age – encounter the toils & viscissitudes of War, with all its concomitants – and jeopardize the reputation which the partiality of the World has been pleased to bestow on me (– When the hazard of diminishing, is at least equal to the prospect of increasing it, –) without securing such assistance as would enable me to go with confidence into such a field of responsibility. –

After this exordium, it is almost unnecessary to add, that I have placed you among those characters on whom I wish to lean, for support. – But my dear Sir, as <loss> [3] For the present and augmented force, three Major Generals, and four Brigadiers are allowed by the Act establish[inserted: ing] the latter; and in a consultation with the Secretary of War, the characters proposed for the former are Colo. Hamilton, Genl. Chas. Cotesworth Pinckney and yourself. – The first of these, in the public estimation as declared to me, is designated to be second in command; with some fears, I confess, of the consequences; although I must acknowledge [inserted: at the same time that] I know not where a more competent choice could be made. – General Pinckney’s character as an active, spirited and intelligent officer you are acquainted with, and know that it stands very high in the Southern Hemisphere; - it being understood there, that he made Tactics as much, if not more his study, than any Officer in the Ameri<loss> [4] opinion (for reasons unnecessary to enumerate) that if the French intend an Invasion of this Country in Force, their operations will commence South of Maryland; probably of Virginia; you will see at once the importance of embarking this Gentleman and all his connexions heartily in the active scenes that would follow, instead of damping their ardour, and thereby giving more activity to the leaven that it is working  in others, where unity of sentiment would be most desirable. –

Viewing things in this light, I would fain hope, as we are forming an Army  a New, which Army, if needful  at all, is to fight for every thing that ought to be dear and sacred to freemen, that former rank will be forgot; and among the fit & chosen <loss> [5] the loss of our Independence on the Subjugation of our Government? both of which are evidently struck at, by an intoxicated – ambitious – and domineering Foe. –

The arrangement made with the Secretary of War is on a separate sheet of paper, and meant for your perusal only, until the decision of the President relative to it, is announced. – With that esteem & regard which you know I feel for you, I remain your sincere friend and 

Affectionate Servant

Go: Washington

P.S.

From the best recollection I have of them, the Secretary of War is furnished with a list of Field & other Officers of the late Army of most celebrity, from whence to draw the Field Officers for the Corps to be raised. – If you would afford your aid also, it wd be obliging

General Knox. –

[docket]
from General Washington
– 26 July 1798
relative to an appointment as
Major General
answered the 29^th July
See poss copy.
Original
No 2  –
[inserted - different hand: Published in Sparks x1.266]

Notes: Significant sections of this letter are missing due to damage of the bottom half of the document.