TRANSCRIPT GLC 1588
George Washington. Autograph letter signed: New York, to [Benjamin Franklin], 1776 July. 1 p.

New York July [blank] 1776.

Sir,

Within these few days I have been favour’d with two Letters from you. The first cover’d one to Lord Howe which with equal confidence I should have sent locked under a Seal. The only difference is, that I have had an opportunity of perusing Sentiments which cannot but be admired. The Second, recommending the scheme of [blank; i.e, Joseph Belton] when I have given every aid in my power to bring his project to maturity.

Your Letter to Lord Howe is gone to him, & I have the honour to be with great esteem & regard

Sir
Y[ou]r Most Obed[ien]t & Most
H[onora]ble Serv[an]t
Go: Washington

Notes: Compare to Papers of George Washington, Revolutionary Series, 5: 515. Punctuation standardized. The first letter Washington refers to contained Congress’s refusal to accept the pardons offered by Lord Howe. The second letter described Joseph Belton’s plan to build submersible vessels to attack the British Fleet.