George Washington Papers

From George Washington to James McHenry, 8 May 1796

To James McHenry

Sunday Afternoon 8th May 1796

Dear Sir,

The enclosed letter presents a serious—perhaps a just view of the subject1 which has been under consideration—and as I wish in every thing, particularly in matters of foreign relation, to conduct with caution; I request that your letter to the Govr General of Canada; the Instructions to Major Lewis;2 and all your arrangements respecting the reception of the Posts may accord with the ideas contained therein.3

Let the March of the Troops who are to take possession of the Posts be facilitated as much as possible; and let every measure necessary thereto for supplying them on their March, and when there, be concerted without delay.4 I am, as always Yours

Go: Washington

ALS, G-BW; ADfS, DLC:GW; LB, DLC:GW.

1GW inadvertently wrote “subjest” for this word.

2Thomas Lewis (1749–1809), of Virginia, had been a lieutenant during the Revolutionary War and was now a captain in the U.S. Army.

3GW presumably enclosed Charles Lee’s letter to him written on this date.

4McHenry replied to GW on 9 May.

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