Washington, George (1732-1799) to James McHenry
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC00496.103 Author/Creator: Washington, George (1732-1799) Place Written: Mount Vernon, Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 30 July 1798 Pagination: 1 p. : address : docket ; 23 x 19 cm. Order a Copy
Forwards Anthony MacHarg's letter of application for cavalry instructor to Secretary of War McHenry. Washington expresses interest in MacHarg's experience but requires further testimonial to professional ability and personal character.
Notes: Fitzpatrick, Writings of Washington.36: 375-376. James McHenry was appointed as a secretary of war in 1796, replacing Timothy Pickering.
Signer of the U.S. Constitution.
Mount Vernon 30 July 1798.
Dear Sir,
The writer of the enclosed letter, in name and character, is an entire Stranger to me; nor do I know whether by the Law establishing the Cavalry any provision is made, under which such a person could be employed, tho' certain it is, if Mr. Macharg understands what he professes to be master of, he might be employed very advantageously in training that part of our force.
I have wrote him to this effect; adding, that as he is a stranger, his application to the War Office must be accompanied by ample testimonials, not only of his skill in the business he professes, but to his character in all other respects - with which, and my letter to him, he would come properly before you; and without which, I conceived it w[oul]d be useless to apply.
I am
Dear Sir
Yr. Obed[ient]
Go: Washington
Secretary of War.
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