Washington, George (1732-1799) to Francis Barber
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC01201 Author/Creator: Washington, George (1732-1799) Place Written: s.l. Type: Manuscript letter signed Date: 9 July 1778 Pagination: 1 p. : address : free frank ; 24 x 21 cm. Order a Copy
Addressed to Barber in Elizabethtown, New Jersey, where he was recovering from a wound received at the Battle of Monmouth. Instructs Barber to obtain intelligence on the British movements across the Hudson river in New York while in New Jersey. Informs that any expenses will be repaid. Expresses relief that Barber's wound is healing. States that, "Tho I wish for your services, I would not have you to rejoin the Army before your condition will admit of it, with the most perfect safety." Text of the letter and the address are written in the hand of Washington's secretary, Robert H. Harrison. Washington signed a franking signature, "On public service," on the address leaf.
Signer of the U.S. Constitution.
July 9: 1778-
Dr Sir,
I was this afternoon favoured with your letter of the 8th. Inst. While you are at Elizabeth Town, I wish you to obtain the best intelligence you can from time to time of the Enemy's situation and [inserted: of] any movements, they may seem to have in view. For this purpose you will employ the persons you mention, or such others as you may judge necessary. Whatever expenses you are at, upon this occasion, will be repaid on the earliest notice.
I am extremely happy to hear your wound is in so favorable a way. I hope it will be better every day. Tho I wish for your services, I would not have you to rejoin the Army before your condition will admit of it, with the most perfect safety.
I am Dr Sir
Yr Most Obed Servt
Go: Washington
[docket:]
Gen: Washington's
July 9th 1778
[address:]
?On public service?
Lt. Colo Barber
at Eliza Town
Go: Washington
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