Philadelphia 20 July 1798. [f 165] Dear Sir. The crisis, and the almost universal wish of the people to see you at the head of the armies of the U.S. has been too strong to be resisted [strikethrough: and] the President has yielded to causes so powerful and [has] nominated you to the [command] accordingly, which has [strikethrough: been] unanimously [strikethrough: today] been confirmed by the Senate. Thus you are again called upon [strikethrough: to all voices] to fill a station which all think you are alone [strikethrough: qualified] capable [born?] to fill at this moment. I know what must be your feelings, and how many motives you must have for [preferring] the privacy you are in the [enjoyment] of, to the troubles and perplexities of a commander of an army. I [strikethrough: flatter myself]. This however is the crowning sacrifice, and [I think] I pray to God [that] you may agree to make [it] for the sake of your country and [I am] [strikethrough: I flatter myself] [strikethrough: that you] [undecipherable] of [it] I [believe] [ought] in the cause. [I] cannot think [that] nothing short of such a call and the present occasion could have been capable of moving you. I think it probable that the President will not request me to be the bearer of his letter to you. I shall not refuse the office. I [have] [strikethrough: in that case] [to] have an opportunity to converse with you at large [on] the subject relating to the army on the subject, and to agree with you upon such arrangements as may leave you as long as possible at Mount Vernon. [strikethrough: on Friday or after first monday next] Perhaps I may set out on [Thursday or] [strikethrough: on Thursday or] Present me to Mrs. Washington & M[rs.] Custis and accept of my sincere [attachment and] affection. most affectionately. [3 July 1798] [To Gen. Washington] George Washington E[squire]