From George Washington to Joseph Reed, 4 March 1779
To Joseph Reed
Head Quarters [Middlebrook] 4th March 79.
Dear Sir
Inclosed is a letter which I had written your Excellency, previous to the receipt of your favor by Mr Keen1—If Congress have not given you official notice of their intentions relative to the defence of the Western frontier—You will be pleased to regard my letter on the subject in the light of a private and confidential2 intimation. I am with great regard and esteem Your Excellencys most obedt servt
Go: Washington
LS, in John Laurens’s writing, DLC:GW; Df, DLC:GW; Varick transcript, DLC:GW. The draft manuscript and the Varick transcript are both dated 3 March 1779 and do not name the bearer of the letter from Reed to GW.
1. GW is referring to his letter of 3 March to Reed. Thomas McKean, chief justice of Pennsylvania as well as a member of Congress from Delaware, may have delivered the letter from Reed to GW, which has not been found but probably was written circa 1 March.
2. The words “and confidential” do not appear on the draft.