Letter, to Burwell Bassett

Containers:

Box 2, Folder 1775.06.19

Creator:

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Abstract:

Written from Philadelphia on June 19, 1775, George Washington announced to Burwell Bassett (Martha's brother-in-law) that he has just been unanimously elected by the colonies as Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army. Washington eloquently expressed, "I am now Imbarkd on a tempestuous Ocean from whence, perhaps, no friendly harbor is to be found." He had humbly accepted this responsibility and stated, "I can answer but for three things, a firm belief of the justice of our Cause - close attention in the prosecution of it - and the strictest Integrety." Washington concluded by expressing his concerns for Martha's loneliness during his absence.

Scope and content:

Fears for the cause and for his character if he fails--Congress in Committee have consented to a Continental Currency & have ordered 2 million dollars to be struck off for payment of troops & other expences of defence--15,000 men voted as a Continental army, & he hopes more will be voted--other high officers not named yet--asks him and Mrs. Bassett to visit Mt. Vernon and take Mrs. Washington down to [Eltham] with them--uneasy at leaving her alone at Mount Vernon.

Language:

English .

Subjects:

Correspondence

Names:

Bassett, Burwell, -1793
Washington, George, 1732-1799
Bassett, Burwell, -1793

Places:

United States -- History -- Revolution, 1775-1783

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