From George Washington to Bryan Fairfax, 24 September 1777
To Bryan Fairfax
Camp near Pottsgrove [Pa.] Septr 24th 1777.
Dear Sir
Your favour from the Connistoga Waggon without date1 was put into my hands on the Evening of the 21st Instt by a stranger who said he was going to Phila. and would call upon me as he returnd but have seen nothing of him since.
The difference in our political Sentiments never made any change in my friendship for you, and the favorable Sentiments I ever entertain’d of your Honr, leaves me without a doubt that you would say any thing, or do any thing injurious to the cause we are ingaged in, after having pledg’d your word to the contrary—I therefore give my consent, readily, to the prosecution of your Inclination of going to England, and for this purpose Inclose a certificate—or pass-port to come forward to this army whenever you please.2
My extreme hurry will not allow me time to add more than that I am Dr Sir Yr Most Obedt & Affec.
Go: Washington
ALS, ViHi. GW addressed the cover: “To Bryan Fairfax Esqr. at Colo. Thompsons—at the Connestoga Waggon 18 Miles below Lancaster.”
1. See Fairfax to GW, 21 September.
2. The enclosed document, which GW wrote and signed, reads: “Permit the bearer, Bryan Fairfax Esqr. to pass to and from the army of the United States without let or hindrance. Given under my hand this 24th day of Septr 1777. Go: Washington” (ViHi).