Washington, George, first President, as Commander of the Continental Army

Letter signed ("Go: Washington"), text in the hand of George Lewis, 3 1/2 pages (11 5/8 x 8 in.; 294 x 203 mm) on a bifolium watermarked with the arms of Great Britain, half-page postscript in the hand of Robert Hanson Harrison; some very light dampstaining at left margin, neatly encapsulated in Japanese tissue, trimmed close at top margin just touching at few letters, lower portion of second leaf lost costing docket at foot of final page. Brown morocco folding-case.

Sale, Sotheby's New York, 18 June 2004, lot 425 (undesignated consignor)

The Papers of George Washington, Revolutionary War Series, ed. Chase, 5:454–57; The Writings of George Washington, ed. Fitzpatrick, 5:333–35

Washington writes to Nathaniel Woodhull, President of the New York Provincial Congress and General of the New York Milita, about preparations for the Battle of Long Island, the first major battle after the adoption of the Declaration of Independence and the largest engagement of the entire Revolution. The Commander of the Continental Army begins by endorsing Woodhull's plan to secure the livestock of Long Island from the invading British Army: "I have been honoured with your favour of the 20 with its several inclosures I observe the sentiments of your Honble body on the impracticability of removing the stock from Nasau Island and protecting the Inhabitants, and sincerely wish they may prove adequate. I have long since and frequently requested the Commissary to purchase all the fatted Cattle & Sheep from the Island that he posibly could in preference to any other he informs me that he has had many from thence, and that he now has persons employed in different parts for that purpose. the expediency of the measure strikes me so forcibly that you may depend every means in my power will be directed to its execution."

Woodhull had also requested that Lt. Colonel Henry Beekman Livingston, commanding a detachment of the Second New York Regiment, be permitted to hold his position at the eastern end of Long Island, and Washington agrees to "continue Col. Livingston at his present post for the protection of the Inhabitants against the Insults of the Enemies Cruizers, unless some thing should happen to make his removal necessary."

Washington then discusses strategies for foiling a potential blockade by British vessels and preventing patriot goods from falling into the enemies' hands. "Governor Trumbull having informed me by Letter Yesterday that since the arrival of the Fleet at the Hook, many of the Enemie’s Frigates & ships have been stationed between Montauk Point and Block Island to Intercept the Trade from the sound, and in which they had been but too successful in takeing several provision Vessells and of the imposibility that any should escape falling into their Hands, he had ordered the Armed Vessels in the Service of Connecticut to stop and detain all Vessells going down the Sound with provisions till the Continental Congress or the Conventions of the States to which they belong, could be apprized of the hazards attending their proceeding in their Voyages and give orders thereon; I beg leave to recommend the matter to the consideration of your Honble body, and submit It to them, whether it may not be expedient to lay a Genl Embargo or prohibition upon All exports of this kind from your State except such as the Congress or Yourselves may order.  The propriety of keeping the Enemy from Supplies of this sort, and providing a sufficiency for our Own Army is so evident, that words are unnecessary upon the Subject.  However I cannot but observe as my opinion that the former will be imposible to effect, unless some Genl restraining regulation is come into.  No care, nor Industry nor honesty, on the part of Exporters, will be able to elude the vigilance and activity of their almost Innumerable cruizers—But when It is considered that as long as a free export of any Articles of this nature is tolerated disaffected persons may easily fall in their hands with impunity nor any means be left us to ascertain their Guilt—when there is Strong reason to believe that some have designedly done so, and almost incontestable proof from sundry depositions of deserters and others, that a Ship that went from hence sailed with no other view and Joined the Enemy at the Hook, I incline to think the measure not only advisable but necessary, Especialy as the large consumption of provision by our Army affords & will afford a ready Cash market for all that Individuals may have to dispose of and take away every objection of injury on that head—Were It otherwise private advantages and emoluments must always give place to the public good when they are incompatible."

In closing, Washington returns to the first topic of his letter, "The last deserters from the enemy Inform us since they have heard of our forming a Camp at Amboy, they have talked much of Turning their views to long Island and regaling themselves with large supplies of provisions they intend to get from thence, This is an additional circumstance to Induce the Commissary to purchase the Cattle there before any Other." 

In a postscript, Washington reinforces the grave necessity of protecting American goods and supplies from the British, reporting on the treason of one John Hylton, who delivered his ship Betsy and Polly—laden with beef, pork, flour, and other goods —to Lord Howe at Sandy Hook: "When the Ships of War &c. run up the River I wrote Govrs Trumbull & Cooke for some of their Row-Gallies supposing they might be of service in attemptg some thing against the Ships. …  If the Secret Committee are forming any plan against the Ships in which they think they may be usefully employed—if they will let me know I shall be glad to cooperate with them and furnish every assistance the Gallies can give if not otherwise materially engaged. I am just now Informed that this Ship mentd above to have gone to the Enemy was fitted out by the Congress under the Command of a Captn Hilton who has acted this base part."