Major General Charles Lee to George Washington, 30 June 1778

Maj. Gen. Charles Lee ordered the retreat of his troops from an engagement with British forces on 28 June 1778, thereby precipitating a much larger battle with the British than was originally intended by the orders under which he was acting. Lee was rebuked in person by Washington on the […]

George Washington to Major General Charles Lee, 30 June 1778

Following the Battle of Monmouth on 28 June 1778, Washington received a letter from Maj. Gen. Charles Lee in which Lee claimed that Washington had unfairly accused him of disobeying orders during the course of the fighting that day. In that letter, Lee requested the chance to justify his actions […]

Continental Congress’ Reply to George Washington’s Resignation

Following his Resignation Address to the Continental Congress, Washington “advanced and delivered to the President his commission, with a copy of his address, and having resumed his place, the President [Thomas Mifflin] returned him the following answer,” which is a report in the writing of Delegate James McHenry of Maryland. […]

George Washington’s Resignation Address to the Continental Congress

On Saturday 20 December 1783 Washington wrote to the Continental Congress, notifying it of his arrival in Annapolis, Maryland, with the intention of “asking leave to resign the commission he has the honor of holding in their service, and desiring to know their pleasure in what manner it will be […]

George Washington’s Proclamation of Discharge for the Troops from Pennsylvania to New Jersey

By His Excellency &c A Proclamation Nov. 4. 1783 Whereas the United States in Congress assembled were pleased on the 29 day of October last to pass the following resolve “That the Comr in Chief &c—” [1] In compliance therefore with the foregoing resolve I do hereby give this public notice […]

George Washington to Martha Washington, 18 June 1775

Letter from George Washington to his wife Martha Washington in which he informs her that he has been selected as Commander of the Continental Army and telling her how to prepare for the impending war. This letter is part of a series; more information can be found on the “The […]

General Orders on Profanity

A message condemning the use of profanity amongst the troops of the Continental Army.

George Washington to General Howe (General Howe’s dog)

Note from George Washington to General William Howe following the Battle of Germantown, in which Washington expresses a desire to return a dog found with Howe’s name on the collar: https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Washington/03-11-02-0432. Washington was a great lover and breeder of dogs and had many at Mount Vernon. For more about Washington’s […]

George Washington to John Banister, 21 April 1778

A long and revealing letter giving Washington’s ideas about the army and Congress and his reaction to British moves toward peace negotiations. Original manuscript images of Washington’s letter to Banister at the Library of Congress: Page 1 | Page 2 | Page 3 | Page 4 | Page 5 | […]

Observations on the Institution of the Society of Cincinnati

The Society of the Cincinnati was instituted at Fishkill-on-Hudson on 13 May 1783 when a group of army officers adopted an Institution (or constitution) based on a draft drawn up by Henry Knox the month before. On 19 June 1783 the founders of the society elected GW its president. Although […]