Letter from General Washington

v5:289

A Letter from General Washington of the 10th instant, was read and filed, and is in the words following, to wit:

"Cambridge, February 10, 1776.

"SIR: Being in the greatest want of arms at this alarming and important crisis, for the Army under my command, and without the most distant prospect or hope of getting more from these Governments than what I already have, I beg leave to solicit the favours of your Committee of Safety in this instance, and earnestly request that they will use their exertions to get and send to me, in the most expeditious manner, all that they can possibly procure. I imagine that there are several belonging to the Colony, and have been informed of many Tones being disarmed, and, therefore, expect that it will be in their power to obtain a considerable supply. Whatever quantity is sent me, I will take on the Continental account, and make payment for, with the expenses incident to their transportation.

"This application being founded in necessity, and arising from the exigency of our affairs, I make no doubt will, meet your most ready and early attention, and that nothing will be wanting on your part to give me the most speedy relief.

"I am, sir, your most humble servant,

"GEORGE WASHINGTON.

To Pierre Van Cortlandt, Esquire.

"P˙ S˙ I wish to have only such arms as are good and serviceable, and shall be glad to have bayonets with them.

"G˙W."