![WASHINGTON, George. Autograph letter signed ("Go: Washington") to Jonathan Trumbull Jr. (1740-1809), New Windsor, [N.Y.], 14 May 1781. 1 page, folio, two very minor marginal tears carefully mended, otherwise in fine condition. Matted in a giltwood frame.](https://www.christies.com.cn/img/LotImages/2006/NYR/2006_NYR_01770_0325_000(011230).jpg?w=1)
THE PROPERTY OF A GENTLEMAN
WASHINGTON, George. Autograph letter signed ("Go: Washington") to Jonathan Trumbull Jr. (1740-1809), New Windsor, [N.Y.], 14 May 1781. 1 page, folio, two very minor marginal tears carefully mended, otherwise in fine condition. Matted in a giltwood frame.
Details
WASHINGTON, George. Autograph letter signed ("Go: Washington") to Jonathan Trumbull Jr. (1740-1809), New Windsor, [N.Y.], 14 May 1781. 1 page, folio, two very minor marginal tears carefully mended, otherwise in fine condition. Matted in a giltwood frame.
LOOKING FORWARD TO THE YORKTOWN CONCENTRATION, WASHINGTON APPOINTS TRUMBULL HIS AIDE-DE-CAMP
A letter of considerable warmth from the Commander-in-chief, who has just learned that Trumbull--long one of Washington's most highly regarded junior officers--has accepted his invitation to serve as his military secretary (replacing Alexander Hamilton, with whom he had had a celebrated falling-out). "In answer to your favor of the 10th, which came to my hands last night, I have to assure you, that your joining my family in the first part of June will be very convenient for me, and that I shall be happy in the event. " Washington signs himself "With very great esteem & regard."
At this point, a month or so before the Continental and French armies prepared to march to Yorktown, the Commander's staff included the quietly efficient Tench Tilghman and the multi-talented David Humphreys. Washington's use of the term "family" to refer to his Headquarters staff--mostly younger officers--has a formal, slightly paternalistic ring, and its use is frequent during this period. Trumbull reported for duty as ordered, joining Washington's family on June 8. General Orders for that day noted that "Jonathan Trumbull Esqr. Junior, is appointed Secretary to the Commander-in-Chief and to be respected accordingly" (see Fitzpatrick 22:181).
Trumbull remained by the Commander's side until the end of the war, and in the last few weeks before Washington's own resignation, was kept busy countersigning hundreds of discharges for Continental soldiers returning home after seven-year's service. Published in Fitzpatrick, 22:81.
LOOKING FORWARD TO THE YORKTOWN CONCENTRATION, WASHINGTON APPOINTS TRUMBULL HIS AIDE-DE-CAMP
A letter of considerable warmth from the Commander-in-chief, who has just learned that Trumbull--long one of Washington's most highly regarded junior officers--has accepted his invitation to serve as his military secretary (replacing Alexander Hamilton, with whom he had had a celebrated falling-out). "In answer to your favor of the 10th, which came to my hands last night, I have to assure you, that your joining my family in the first part of June will be very convenient for me, and that I shall be happy in the event. " Washington signs himself "With very great esteem & regard."
At this point, a month or so before the Continental and French armies prepared to march to Yorktown, the Commander's staff included the quietly efficient Tench Tilghman and the multi-talented David Humphreys. Washington's use of the term "family" to refer to his Headquarters staff--mostly younger officers--has a formal, slightly paternalistic ring, and its use is frequent during this period. Trumbull reported for duty as ordered, joining Washington's family on June 8. General Orders for that day noted that "Jonathan Trumbull Esqr. Junior, is appointed Secretary to the Commander-in-Chief and to be respected accordingly" (see Fitzpatrick 22:181).
Trumbull remained by the Commander's side until the end of the war, and in the last few weeks before Washington's own resignation, was kept busy countersigning hundreds of discharges for Continental soldiers returning home after seven-year's service. Published in Fitzpatrick, 22:81.