Freedom Shrine Document (1700's)

Washington's Letter to Col. Nicola (Newburgh May 22nd, 1782)

Sir:

George WashingtonWith a mixture of great surprise & astonishment I have read with attention the sentiments you have submitted to my perusal. Be assured Sir, no occurrence in the course of the War, has given me more painful sensations than your information of there being such ideas existing in the Army as you have expressed, & I must view with abhorrence, and reprehend with severety For the present, the communicatn. of them will rest in my own bosom, unless any further agitation of the matter, shall make a disclosure necessary.

I am much at a loss to conceive what part of my conduct could have given encouragement to an address which to me seems big with the greatest mischiefs that can befall my Country. If I am not deceived in the knowledge of myself, you could not have found a person to whom your schemes are more disagreeable - At the same time in justice to my own feeling I must add, that no man possesses a more sincere wish to see ample justice done to the Army than I do, and as far as my powers & influence, in a constitutional way extend, they shall be employed to the utmost of my abilities to effect it, should there be any occasion Let me conjure you then, if you have any regard for your Country, concern for yourself or posterity or respect for me, to banish these thoughts from your Mind, & never communicate, as from yourself, or anyone else, a sentiment of the like Nature.


With esteem I am Sir

Yr. Most Obed Ser

G. Washington

Col. Nicola