Autograph Letter Signed

Nomination as Commander-in-Chief

President Adams notifies Washington of his nomination to be the Commander-in-Chief of the Provisional Army. Adams assures Washington that the Secretary of War would assist him while Adams is traveling.

1798

07

07

Philadelphia

Cited in Washington to Adams, 07/13/1798.

Cited document that was neither sent to nor from the War Office

George Washington

John Adams

James McHenry

Philadelphia

travel

nomination

1798070790001

1

2

Philadelphia July 7. 1798
Dear Sir
Mr. McHenry the Secretary at War, will have the Honor to wait on you, in my behalf to impart to you a Step I have ventured to take, and which I should have been happy to have communicated in person, if such a journey had been at this time, in my power. As I said in a former letter if it had been in my power to nominate you to be President of the United States, I should have done it with less hesi tation and more pleasure. My reasons for this measure, will be too well known to need my explanation to the Public. Every Friend and every Enemy of America will comprehend them, at first blush[?]/ To you, Sir I give all the Apologies I can make. The [?]urgent necessity, I am in, of your [?]advice and assistance indeed of your conduct and [undecipherable] of the War, is all, I can urge, and that is a sufficent Justification to myself and the world. I hope it will [undecipherable]
by yourself. Mr McHenry will have the honor to consult you upon the organization of the Army, and upon every Thing relating to it. With the highest respect I have the honor to be, Sir your most obedient and most humble Servant
John Adams

General Washington