George Washington Papers

From George Washington to Major General Benedict Arnold, 3 August 1778

To Major General Benedict Arnold

Head Quarters White plains 3 August 1778

Dear sir.

Your two agreeable favors of the 19 and 22 Ulto came to hand, which I now have to acknowledge.

I am very happy to learn that your wounds are less painful and in so fair a way of doing well—the only drawback in the pleasure [I]1 receive is that the condition of your wounds is ⟨s⟩till such as not to admit of your active services this campaign.

You will rest assured that I wish to see you in a situation where you can be of the greatest advantage, and where abilities like yours may not be lost to the public; but I confess myself no competent judge in marine matters to offer advice on a subject so far out of my line—beleive me tho’ that it is my desire that you may determine, in this case, in a manner most conducive to your health honor and Interest. I am Dr Sir &c. &c. &c.

Df, in the writing of James McHenry, DLC:GW; Varick transcript, DLC:GW.

1The word on the draft is “the,” which was not crossed out when McHenry substituted “receive” for “account gives me.”

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