Our Collection

At the Institute’s core is the Gilder Lehrman Collection, one of the great archives in American history. More than 85,000 items cover five hundred years of American history, from Columbus’s 1493 letter describing the New World through the end of the twentieth century.

Washington, George (1732-1799) to Alexander McDougall

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC01106 Author/Creator: Washington, George (1732-1799) Place Written: Rocky Hill, New Jersey Type: Letter signed Date: 15 October 1783 Pagination: 1 p. ; 22.6 x 18.7 cm. Order a Copy

Written by Washington as commander of the Continental Army to Major General McDougall. References McDougall's letter of 5 October 1783. Authorizes McDougall to visit New York on business. Says he has tried to discourage American troops from visiting New York City, which was still occupied by the British, for trifling reasons.

Signer of the U.S. Constitution.

Rocky hill 15 Octob 1783
Dear Sir
By the last Post I was favord with your Letter of the 5th Instant and I take the earliest opportunity to acquaint you of my compliance with your request.
Tho' I have ever been averse to Officers going to New York on every slight pretext, I was always ready to grant my permission when real business required their presence.
With great regard
I am
Dr Sir
Your Most Obedient
Servant
Go: Washington
Major Genl. M. Dougall

Washington, George, 1732-1799
McDougall, Alexander, 1732-1786

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