Washington, George (1732-1799) to Gouverneur Morris re: western theatre, opinion of Gen. McIntosh
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC00496.099 Author/Creator: Washington, George (1732-1799) Place Written: Middlebrook Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 20 March 1779 Pagination: 2 p. ; 23 x 19 cm. Order a Copy
Washington acknowledges receiving the letter from Col. George Morgan, and discussing "affairs to the westward." McIntosh, who had mortally wounded Button Gwinnett in a duel, commanded Fort Pitt from May 1778 until Mar. 5 1779. His subordinates Daniel Broadhead and Morgan complained of his conduct. Washington writes that residence with McIntosh at Valley Forge had impressed him and he hoped the Georgian would be disinterested in western disputes. He writes that command will go now to Brodhead and concludes (with a hint of exasperation) "with such means as are provided, I must labour" ("labour" underscored in original). Signature repaired.
Notes: Punctuation standardized. Fitzpatrick, Writings of Washington.14: 262. Colonel George Morgan was a deputy commissary general of purchases Western Department, and served to the close of the war.
Signer of the U.S. Constitution.
Middlebrook Mar 20th - 79
Dear Sir,
I have received your favor of the 14th. Inst. by Colo. Morgan, and have had a good deal of conversation with him respecting our affairs to the westward.
I wish matters had been more prosperously conducted under the command of Genl. McIntosh. This Gentlem[a]n was in a manner a stranger to me, but during the time of his residence at Valley forge I had imbibed a good opinion of his good sense, attention to duty, and disposition to correct public abuses - qualifications much to be valued in a separate, & distant command.
To these considerations were added (and not the least) his disinterested concern with respect to the disputes [2] which had divided, & distracted the Inhabitants of that Western world - and which would have rendered an Officer from either Pens[sylvania] or Virg[ini]a improper, while none could be spared from any other state with so much convenience as McIntosh.
He is now coming away, and the second in command, Brodhead (as there will be no military operation of consequence to be conducted) will succeed him, but, once for all, it may not be amiss for me to conclude with this observation. That, with such means as are provided, I must labour.
I am Dr Sir
Yr. Most Obedt. Servt.
Go: Washington
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