Washington, George (1732-1799) to James Clinton
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02336 Author/Creator: Washington, George (1732-1799) Place Written: Morristown, New Jersey Type: Manuscript letter signed Date: 24 January 1780 Pagination: 1 p. ; 32 x 20 cm. Order a Copy
Apologizes for not being able to extend Clinton's furlough any longer. There is a shortage of officers, so Clinton must return as soon as possible. Possibly written in the hand of Tench Tilghman, Washington's aide-de-camp.
James Clinton was a brigadier general in the Continental Army. While most sources list his birth year as being 1733, the Library of Congress now lists 1736 as the year he was born.
Signer of the U.S. Constitution.
Head Quarters 24 January 1780
Dear Sir
I should have been glad had the situation of the Army, in respect to General Officers, admitted of my granting your request for a longer continuance of your furlough. But I am really obliged to dispense with many necessary Camp duties and to send Officers of inferior Ranks upon commands which ought in propriety to fall to General Officers. We have at this time but two Brigadiers of the line in Camp, and one of them, General Irvine has pressing calls to visit his family and waits the return of you or General Huntington. You will see by the above that I am under the necessity of desiring you to join your Brigade as soon as you possibly can-
I am Dear Sir
Yr. most obt. Servt
Go: Washington
Brig. Genl. Clinton:
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