Autographs
“1778” Revolutionary War George Washington Military Letter to Continental Congress President John Laurens
GEORGE WASHINGTON (1732-1799). 1st President of the United States (April 30, 1789 to March 4, 1797); a Founding Father of the United States, serving as the Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War; presided over the 1787 Constitutional Convention held at Philadelphia.
October 21, 1778-Dated Revolutionary War Letter Signed, “Go. Washington,” 1 page, upon 4 sheets, with Integral Address Cover, measuring 8.25” x 13.25” written at “Headquarters Fredericksburg” (New York), Very Fine. Complete with its Address Overleaf, addressed to: “His Excellency Henry Laurens Esqr, President of Congress at Philadelphia” (Laurens served from November 1st, 1777 to December 9th, 1778). Minor edge tone with expected mailing folds and wax seal tear on a blank page affecting nothing. Overall in superior quality, clearly written in excellent penmanship upon clean period laid paper bearing a “S & K” watermark of its maker. It is fully whole and complete with a very large 3.25” long signature of George Washington at its conclusion. Here, Washington writes, in full:

“Headquarters Fredericksburg - Octor. 21st, 1778

Sir --- The Chevalier (Thomas Antoine) Mauduit Du Plessis will have the honor of delivering you this letter. In expectation that the war is at a conclusion in this Country and that another is kindling in Europe; he has determined to return to France to offer his Service to his own Country. He waits upon Congress to obtain their concurrence for this purpose. I have given him a handsome certificate of his conduct in our Service; and he flatters himself that Congress will be pleased to accompany it by a similar mark of their approbation. --- I have the honor to be with the greatest respect - Sir - Your most Obt. Servt. - Go. Washington”.

Washington approves the request of Chevalier Thomas Antoine Mauduit DuPlessis for leave to return to France, which Congress granted on November 3rd, 1778, at the same time conferring upon DuPlessis the brevet of Colonel of Artillery and a grant of £250 to meet his expenses in coming to America and returning to France.

Washington’s optimism about the early end of the war stems from a number of factors. A year earlier, the victory at Saratoga (December 4th, 1777) had spurred the French government to form an open alliance with the American rebels. France formally recognized the Independence of the United States on February 6th, 1778.

An important Letter by General George Washington, addressed directly to: “His Excellency Henry Laurens Esqr, President of Congress at Philadelphia” in the heat of the American Revolutionary War. The courtesy and respect shown to the representative of France leading to further the grand alliance towards the ultimate success in War and Independence for the United States. A lovely example of a pleasing Revolutionary War-Date for George Washington letter for display.
Washington’s optimism about the early end of the war stems from a number of factors. A year earlier, the victory at Saratoga (December 4th, 1777) had spurred the French government to form an open alliance with the American rebels. France formally recognized the Independence of the United States on February 6th, 1778.

The war was now global in perspective – an international struggle between the two greatest powers in the Western world. The British found themselves entangled in a costly land war against both the French and the Americans. The situation was disastrous enough that George III appointed a special commission (headed by Frederick Howard, Earl of Carlisle) to meet with American leaders for the negotiation of a settlement of war.

The Carlisle Commission arrived in British-held Philadelphia in June, 1778, prepared to make sweeping concessions granting the American Colonies autonomy within the empire and representation in Parliament. Though nothing came of the commission (George Washington and Congress refused to meet with the commissioners, who quietly returned to London), the Summer of 1778 saw the arrival of French naval forces to aid in the American cause. That provided General Washington enough confidence to remark that he strongly expected that “... the war is at a conclusion in this County...”.

In fact, the Revolutionary War ground to a standstill for the next three years. The more passive British camped in the coastal cities, while the Americans were stationed in camps outside, watching the British and waiting for their best opportunity.