From George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 29 January 1779
To Major General Alexander McDougall
Philadelphia Jany 29th 1779
Dear Sir,
I have been duly favoured with your several letters of December 10th January 11th and 19th, with their inclosures. They have all been received in this city, where I have been for some time past, intirely engrossed in a variety of important1 business with Congress, which has put it out of my power, to give them an answer so full and particular as I could wish; and as the same impediment still exists, I must beg to defer it, ’till my arrival in camp, which I hope will be in a few days.2
I have some specie at Head Quarters at Middle-Brook; part of which, so soon as I am arrived there shall be forwarded to you for the purposes, you mention.3 With the greatest esteem and regard I am Dr Sir Your most Obedt servant
Go: Washington
LS, in Alexander Hamilton’s writing, PPRF; Df, DLC:GW; Varick transcript, DLC:GW. GW franked the cover of the LS, which is addressed to “Major General McDougall Peeks Kill” in Hamilton’s writing.
1. At this place on the draft manuscript, Hamilton first wrote “public.” He then struck out that word and wrote “a variety of important” above the line. Immediately following “business,” Hamilton wrote and then struck out the words “of importance.”
2. At this place on the draft manuscript, Hamilton wrote and then struck out the words “or ’till a moment of greater leisure.” GW answered McDougall’s letters on 9 February.
3. For the sending of this money, see GW to McDougall, 9 Feb., and n.18.