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 Caesar Rodney

High-resolution images are available to schools and libraries via subscription to American History, 1493-1943. Check to see if your school or library already has a subscription. Or click here for more information. You may also order a pdf of the image from us here.

Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC06485 Author/Creator: Washington, George (1732-1799) Place Written: Springfield, New Jersey Type: Manuscript letter signed Date: 10 June 1780 Pagination: 1 p. : docket ; 23.3 x 19.5 cm. Order a Copy

Desires that the posts for "Four Vacant Ensigncies" be filled by new officers. Says "It is essential to service that Troops should be well officered -- and in our's the compliment allowed should be generally full." He mentions that two officers in captivity should not be replaced. Autograph docketing by Rodney reads, "About appointing officers to fill vacancies."

Signer of the U.S. Constitution.

Caesar Rodney was the Governor of Delaware.

Head Qrs. Springfield June 10. 1780
Sir
I have had the Honor to receive your Letter of the 3d Instant. It appears to me necessary, that appointments should be made to the Four Vacant Ensigncies which Major Patten has reported. It is essential to service that Troops should be well officered and in our's the complement allowed should be generally full, as from the nature of our establishment, it is rather limited; and besides, three or four Officers are employed in the Regimental & Brigade Staff who do not act in the common rotine of duty; not to mention that others are often taken as aids & for other purposes. I mention appointments to the Four Ensigncies only - as the places of the Two Officers in captivity cannot be considered as vacant & of consequence ought not to be filled by Others; Their Captivity however as your Excellency very justly intimates, is an additional reason to those I have mentioned, for making the proposed arrangement.
I have the Honor to be, with great respect & esteem
Yr Excellency's Most Obedt Servt

His Excy
Caesar Rodney, Esq. &c. Go: Washington

[2] [docket]
Letter from
G. Washington
June 1780.
About [illegible] officers to fill vacancies -

Washington, George, 1732-1799
Rodney, C. A. (Caesar Augustus), 1772-1824

Citation Guidelines for Online Resources