Letter, to Burwell Bassett, 1775 June 19
Scope and Contents
Fears for the cause and for his character if he fails--Congress in Committee have consented to a Continental Currency & have ordered 2 million dollars to be struck off for payment of troops & other expences of defence--15,000 men voted as a Continental army, & he hopes more will be voted--other high officers not named yet--asks him and Mrs. Bassett to visit Mt. Vernon and take Mrs. Washington down to [Eltham] with them--uneasy at leaving her alone at Mount Vernon.
Dates
- Creation: 1775 June 19
Creator
- Washington, George, 1732-1799 (Creator, Person)
Conditions Governing Access
This collection is open for research during scheduled appointments. Researchers must complete the Washington Library’s Special Collections and Archives Registration Form before access is provided. The library reserves the right to restrict access to certain items for preservation purposes.
Extent
From the Collection: approx. 25 Linear Feet
Language of Materials
English
Abstract
Written from Philadelphia on June 19, 1775, George Washington announced to Burwell Bassett (Martha's brother-in-law) that he has just been unanimously elected by the colonies as Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army. Washington eloquently expressed, "I am now Imbarkd on a tempestuous Ocean from whence, perhaps, no friendly harbor is to be found." He had humbly accepted this responsibility and stated, "I can answer but for three things, a firm belief of the justice of our Cause - close attention in the prosecution of it - and the strictest Integrety." Washington concluded by expressing his concerns for Martha’s loneliness during his absence.
Subject
- Bassett, Burwell, -1793 (Recipient, Person)
Repository Details
Part of the Special Collections at The George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon Repository
PO Box 3600
Mount Vernon VA 22121
703-799-3600
