Washington, George

Autograph letter signed ("G^{o Washington"), last page only (12 1/2 x 7 3/4 in.; 318 x 196 mm), [Newburgh, New York, 10 January 1783], to Major General John Armstrong, inscribed on the verso "To Mr. John Caruthers from his friend Alfred Armstrong, Grandson of Genl. John Armstrong, to whom the letter was originally addressed. Holidaysburg, PA, Aug 12 1857"; silked and inlaid, formerly folded, a few inkstains and some marginal spots.}

J. Macy Willets (his sale, American Art Association - Anderson Galleries, 11 November 1937, lot 68)

J.C. Fitzpatrick, ed., Writings of GW, 26:24-27

silked and inlaid, formerly folded, a few inkstains and some marginal spots.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

General Washington speculates on the course of the peace negotiations.

As the war wound down, no treaty had yet been signed and the British still occupied New York and Charleston. Congress was determined not to disband the army until the British threat was completely removed, but neither did they allocate funds for provisions or back pay.

Writing to his old friend Major General John Armstrong (1717-1795), recently retired as Pennsylvania delegate to the Continental Congress, in the present portion of the letter Washington concedes: "... [a great] point gained [when the King authorized the British representative, Richard Oswald, to treat with any commissioners of the United States] but it was unavoidable on the part of England, as our Commissioners would not enter upon business with Mr. Oswald without ... Upon the whole, I am of Opinion that the terms of Peace were agreed on before the Adjournment for the Christmas Hollidays, or that we shall at least have another campaign; how well the States are provided for the continuance of the War, let their Acts, and their policy answer.

He goes on to describe the poor condition of the Army, injecting an unaccustomed note of sarcasm: "The Army, as usual, are without Pay; and a great part of the Soldiery without Shirts; and tho' the patience of them is equally thread bear, the States seem perfectly indifferent to their cries. In a word, if one was to hazard for them an opinion, upon this subject, it would be, that the Army had contracted such a habit of encountering distress and difficulties, and of living without money, that it would be impolitic and injurious to introduce other customs in it! ..."

In closing: "I offer you the compliments of the Season and wish you may possess health and spirits to enjoy, after we shall have seated ourselves under our own Vines and Figtrees, if it is the gracious will of Providence to permit it, the return of many happy years."