WASHINGTON CREATES THE SECRET SERVICE.
WASHINGTON, GEORGE. 1732-1799. Autograph Letter Signed ('Go Washington') to Captain Caleb Gibbs requesting outfitting during the creation of his Life Guard, 2 pp, on first leaf of a bifolium, 4to (312 x 218 mm), Morristown, April 22, 1777, integral address leaf in Washington's hand, 'Captain Gibbs in Philadelphia,' receipt docketed to verso 2nd leaf, worn and stained, silked.

GEORGE WASHINGTON TO HIS AIDE CAPTAIN GIBBS ON UNIFORMS FOR HIS PERSONAL GUARD, THE 'LIFE GUARD.' The earliest form of the Secret Service, Washington's Life Guard was assembled and commanded by Caleb Gibb. Here he outfits the guard: 'Provide for 4 Serjeants, 4 corporals, a drum and fife, and 50 rank and file. If Blew and Buff can be had I should prefer that uniform, as it is the one I wear myself. If it cannot, Mr Mease & you may fix upon any other, red excepted.' Washington's instructions for the guard were that the elite crew be a 'corps of sober, intelligent, and reliable men.' Although here, he has another requirement—'get men from 5 feet 9 to 5 feet 10 for the Guard...'—presumably for the ease of clothing them. He also requests that Gibb be discreet regarding the intended purpose for the uniforms, 'no mention need be made for what purpose they are intended; for though no extraordinary expense will attend it ... the report of making a uniform (or if already made) providing a uniform for the guards creates an idea of expense which I should not wish should go forth.'
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