Washington's Appointment as Commander in Chief
Item
Type
Autograph Letter Signed
Title
Washington's Appointment as Commander in Chief
Description
Washington discusses his appointment to the post of Commander-in-Chief of the Provisional Army and how pleased he is with the public's confidence in him. He will accept the commission with the understanding that he will not be called into active duty unless the army absolutely requires his presence in the field.
year created
1798
month created
07
day created
13
author
sent from location
Mount Vernon
recipient
in collection
in image
notable person/group
John Adams
George Washington
Commander-in-Chief
Secretary of War [McHenry]
electors
notable location
Washington
Mount Vernon
notable item/thing
advice and consent of the Senate
proof of public confidence
vicissitudes of war
conduct of the Directory of France toward our country
[French] disregard of solemn treaties and the laws of nations
[French] war upon our defenseless commerce
[French] demands amounting to tribute
prudent measures of your administration
notable phrase
I must not conceal from you my earnest wish that the choice had fallen upon a man less declined in years and better qualified to encounter the usual vicissitudes of war
I had consoled myself with closing the remnant of my days in my present peaceful abode
I shall not be called into the field until the army is in a situation to require my presence
I must decline having my acceptance considered as drawing after it any immediate charge upon the public
document number
1798071390001
page start
1
number of pages
4
Item sets
Transcribe this document
Document instances
| In image | In source | Location in source | |
|---|---|---|---|
| [view document] (4 pages) | EAA22 (4 pages) | Collection: George Washington Collection | f: 13 july 1798 |
Document names
| Type | Name | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Author | George Washington | Mount Vernon | [n/a] |
| Recipient | John Adams | [unknown] | [n/a] |