George Washington Papers

From George Washington to Brigadier General William Smallwood, 1 May 1778

To Brigadier General William Smallwood

Head Quarters Valley Forge 1st May 1778

Dear Sir

Mr Francis Wade who has been lately appointed Deputy Qr Mr General for the State of Delaware and three Counties in Maryland, has applied to me for a letter of introduction to you. As his Business will lay among a number of disaffected and refractory people he will probably sometimes want your advice and assistance to enable him to execute his duty. Mr Wade is represented to me as an honest Man and a warm and zealous friend to our Cause, but I must hint to you that his temper is hasty, which sometimes carries him beyond Bounds. I mention this that you may look well into any Complaints before you determine. You will find him active and attentive to his Business.1 I am Dear Sir Yr most obt Servt.

Df, in Tench Tilghman’s writing, DLC:GW; Varick transcript, DLC:GW.

1See also GW to Francis Wade, this date, which enclosed this letter to Smallwood.

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