From George Washington to Major General William Phillips, 16 August 1778
To Major General William Phillips
Head Quarters White plains 16 Augt 1778
Sir
The inclosed packet was sent to me a few days ago by Sr Henry Clinton. I should be happy to oblige Sir Henry or yourself in any thing I could do with propriety; but it is not in my power to grant the request made by him in this instance, as all matters respecting the officers and troops of the Convention are under the immediate direction and controul of Congress.1 I am with due Respect Sir Yr most obt & hble servt.
Df, in Tench Tilghman’s writing, DLC:GW; copy, P.R.O., 30/55, Carleton Papers; Varick transcript, DLC:GW. The copy was enclosed with Phillips’s letter to Gen. Henry Clinton of 27 Aug. (P.R.O., 30/55, Carleton Papers).
1. GW enclosed the packet sent with Gen. Henry Clinton’s letter to him of 18 July, which also requested a passport for Phillips to visit New York.