Apr 08, 2014 - Sale 2344

Sale 2344 - Lot 273

Price Realized: $ 8,125
?Final Price Realized includes Buyer’s Premium added to Hammer Price
Estimate: $ 10,000 - $ 15,000
WASHINGTON RETURNS AS COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF WASHINGTON, GEORGE. General Washington's Letter Declaring His Acceptance of the Command of the Armies of the United States. Letterpress broadside, 18 1/2 x 11 1/2 inches; untrimmed, one horizontal fold, minor foxing. [Philadelphia]: "Published for general information," [1798]
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In July 1798, hostilities with France appeared to be veering toward open warfare, and President John Adams turned to the best qualified man to assume leadership of the nation's military. Former president Washington had been enjoying his retirement in Mount Vernon for more than a year. Adams sent Secretary of War James McHenry to convince Washington that his country needed him one more time. This broadside records Washington's response to Adams, dated 13 July 1798.
Washington expresses his "earnest wish that the choice had fallen upon a man less declined in years, and better qualified to encounter the usual vicissitudes of war" and his hesitation "at so late a period of life, to leave scenes I sincerely love, to enter upon the boundless field of public action, incessant trouble, and high responsibility."
However, he also describes the "insidious hostility" of the French Directory, including "their disregard of solemn treaties and the laws of nations; their war upon our defenceless commerce; their treatment of our ministers of peace; and their demands amounting to tribute." Thus he accepts the commission as Commander in Chief, "with the reserve only, that I shall not be called into the field until the army is in a situation to require my presence." He also declines all compensation until he is actually required to take the field.
Washington remained Commander in Chief until his death a year and a half later. Though he was never required to lead his troops in battle, he played an active role in building the young nation's military capacity.
This broadside is signed in type by Washington, and includes the 17 July cover note from President Adams. It was read to the Senate the following day, and its subsequent publication was certainly a great reassurance to a worried nation. Evans 34829; Sabin 101713. 3 copies listed in ESTC.