George Washington Papers

From George Washington to James McHenry, 30 June 1799

To James McHenry

Mount Vernon June 30th 1799

Sir,

Enclosed are letters from several persons, as mentioned at foot, applying for appointments in the actual Army. I have no personal knowledge of the Characters of the Applicants, nor do I know whether there are any vacancies to which they can be appointed, however deserving they may be.1 With due consideration I have the honor to be Sir Yr mo. ob. St

G. W——n.

Df, in Tobias Lear’s hand, DLC:GW.

1Below “G. W——n,” Lear listed the men who had been recommended for appointment in the New Army and gave the name of the man who had written in favor of each; none of these letters has been found. The list reads:

“Charles Thompson, recommended by B[ushrod] Washington Esqr. for a Lieut. in the Cavalry, or an appointt in the Infantry.

“Charles Julian—recommended by Generals [Thomas] Posey & [Alexander] Spotswood for an appointmt in the Artillery.

“William H. Powell—applies for a Captaincy in the Cavalry. Note Since Mr Powell’s application came to hand I have been informed that he drinks hard. If so, he is unfit for any appointment.

“Ruben Thornton. Heretofore appointd an Ensign in Infantry, which he declined. applying for an appoint. in the Cavalry.

“John Campbell recommended by his father Auther Campbell.”

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