Washington, George (1732-1799) to Thomas S. Lee
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.01273 Author/Creator: Washington, George (1732-1799) Place Written: Yorktown, Virginia Type: Manuscript letter Date: 29 October 1781 Pagination: 2 p. + docket Order a Copy
Asks Governor of Maryland Lee to intervene on the behalf of Captain Thomas Shilds, who Henry Knox ordered to gather supplies for the siege of Yorktown. Shilds was authorized to impress material and he confiscated wooden planks from a man named William Adams, who consequently brought a suit against Shilds. Clerical copy in the hand of Samuel Shaw and signed by him for Washington. See GLC02437.01200 for a related document.
Signer of the U.S. Constitution.
[Draft]
29 Oct 81
Sir,
During the operations against York, Capt. Thomas Shilds was sent to the Eastern Shore of Maryland, in order to procure plank for the artillery and engineering departments. The exigencey was so pressing, that he was directed to spare no measures [struck: to] [inserted: for] procuring if Part of [struck: said Plank, was <?>] [inserted: it he obtained] by contract, and the remainder, 13540 feet of inch [inserted: pine] plank; he was under a necessity of taking by impress. It was the property of Wm. Adams Esqr. of Somersett County, who has since commenced an action against Capt. Shilds, in consequence of which he is much embarrassed. I have therefore to request the [2]favor of your Excellency to take first steps as you shall think most fit for the relief of Capt. Shilds, he having acted only in conformity to his instructions.
I have the honor to be Your Excellency's Most Obedt Servt.
Signed G. Washington
Camp before York. 29. Octo. 1781.
His Excellency Governor Nelson Lee
[docket]
To His Exy Govr. [struck: Nelson] [inserted: Lee] (from Gen Washington) respecting Capt. Shilds.
29 Octo. 1781.
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