Letter from John Hancock to General Washington

v5:998

Philadelphia, April 20,1776.

SIR: The polite attention which your goodness has induced you to pay to me and my private affairs, particularly while you were at Boston, makes me take the liberty of requesting you to spare your Aid-de-Camp a few days. If Mr˙ Palfrey could, consistent with the service, be permitted to pass two or three days with me in this city, on business of importance to me, I shall esteem it a particular favour. I would not, however, solicit his presence here, or even think of such a thing, if it cannot be done without prejudice or detriment to the publick good, or any inconvenience to you.

I am, sir, with the truest esteem, your most obedient and very humble servant,

JOHN HANCOCK.

To His Excellency General Washington.