Washington, George, 1732-1799 to James McHenry

GLC05319

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GLC#
GLC05319
Type
Letters
Date
16 December 1798
Author/Creator
Washington, George, 1732-1799
Title
to James McHenry
Place Written
Susquehanna River
Pagination
4 p. : docket ; Height: 24.7 cm, Width: 19.8 cm
Primary time period
The New Nation, 1783-1815
Sub-Era
The Early Republic

States he is stuck on the Susquehanna River because of low tide and bad winds. Takes the opportunity to discuss administration of the Provisional Army. Says War Department should only communicate with a concentrated military leadership, or else it will get bogged down in details. Says he is not the best person to contact about day to day military affairs because he will not personally lead the army unless an actual military engagement seems likely. He wants McHenry to communicate with General Thomas Pinckney, the commander in the south and with General Alexander Hamilton in the north. General James Wilkinson should command the armies in the west and report directly to Hamilton, but if Hamilton is detained, McHenry should work directly with Wilkinson. Hamilton will lead recruitment efforts and have the ability to call either Pinckney or Wilkinson to his aid.

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