From George Washington to Martha Washington, 23 June 1775
To Martha Washington
Phila. June 23d 1775.
My dearest,
As I am within a few Minutes of leaving this City, I could not think of departing from it without dropping you a line; especially as I do not know whether it may be in my power to write again till I get to the Camp at Boston—I go fully trusting in that Providence, which has been more bountiful to me than I deserve, & in full confidence of a happy meeting with you sometime in the Fall—I have not time to add more, as I am surrounded with Company to take leave of me—I retain an unalterable affection for you, which neither time or distance can change, my best love to Jack & Nelly, & regard for the rest of the Family concludes me with the utmost truth & sincerety Yr entire
Go: Washington
ALS, ViMtvL.
GW set out for the American camp at Cambridge early this morning. With him went major generals Charles Lee and Philip Schuyler and two young Philadelphians: Maj. Thomas Mifflin, whom GW had chosen as an aide-de-camp, and Lt. Col. Joseph Reed, who was to become GW’s secretary. “The Three Generals were all mounted, on Horse back,” John Adams wrote on this date to his wife Abigail. “All the Delegates from the Massachusetts with their Servants, and Carriages attended. Many others of the Delegates, from the Congress—a large Troop of Light Horse, in their Uniforms. Many Officers of Militia besides in theirs. Musick playing &c. &c.” ( [Cambridge, Mass., 1963-], 1:226–27). The delegates and the Philadelphia militia officers accompanied GW’s party only a few miles out of the city and then turned back. The Philadelphia Light Horse, commanded by Capt. Abraham Markoe, continued on with GW to New York.