Washington, George

Autograph letter signed ("Go Washington"), 1 page (9 x 7 1/8 in.; 228 x 200 mm), Mount Vernon, 27 June 1798, to James Lloyd; silked, inlaid, formerly folded, small fold tears and soiling at folds.

J. Macy Willets (his sale, American Art Association - Anderson Galleries, 11 November 1937, lot 74)

D. Twohig ed., Papers of GW: Retirement Series 2:362 (from a letterpress copy)

silked, inlaid, formerly folded, small fold tears and soiling at folds.
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.

Washington justifies the public release of dispatches concerning the XYZ Affair.

The 1795 signing of Jay's Treaty with England outraged France and soon French privateers began seizing American ships. President Adams sent three envoys, John Marshall, Elbridge Gerry, and Charles Pinckney, to meet with French foreign minister Talleyrand, but they were refused reception, and it was suggested that a bribe should be paid to Talleyrand before they would consider negotiating. President Adams made the diplomatic reports of these matters public, creating an uproar in the United States.

By 1798 relations with France had deteriorated to the point that war seemed imminent, and on 4 July 1798, President Adams offered Washington a commission as lieutenant general and Commander-in-chief of the armies to be raised for service in a prospective war. He reluctantly accepted, and served as the senior officer of the United States Army between 13 July 1798, and 14 December 1799.

The present letter, written to Senator James Lloyd (1745-1820) of Maryland, just prior to this appointment, assures the Senator of French perfidy and the reliability of commissioner John Marshall's observations upon which he bases his opinion: "When the whole correspondence between our Envoys and the French Minister of Foreign Relations & his agents is brought into one view, and laid before the Public, it will be extremely interesting, and must, I conceive, carry conviction to every mind that is open to it, of what the French now are, and have been aiming at, from the beginning of their Revolution—or from an early period of it, at least—and will at the same time show them, in what matter they have been imposed upon by those whose objects were not to be promoted by truth, or a clear understanding of matters. General Marshall is so capable of making accurate observations, that I am persuaded his information may be relied on with Certainty."