George Washington Papers

To George Washington from Horatio Gates, 17 August 1782

Philadelphia 17th August 1782

Sir

General Lincoln has in his letter of yesterday acquainted me that it is your Excellencys desire to know, if I wish to take Command in the Army this Campaign. I beg your Excellency to believe that I am always ready to Obey your Commands, and shall be most happy when I can execute them to your satisfaction; I have but to entreat, that no attention to me, or my Rank[,] may interfere, or break in, upon any part of your Excellencys arrangements; my Zeal of the public Interest, makes me exceedingly anxious to be present at the Great concluding Stroke of this War.

I intend to proceed immediately to Berkeley, and prepare myself for taking the Field; I brought nothing with me here, neither did I settle my Domestick matters before I left home; this, will take up but a few days, when finished, I shall hold myself constantly ready to Obey your Orders. I earnestly request your Excellency will be assured of my inviolable attachment, & that no Time, or Circumstance, shall ever shake that Resolution.

In consequence of my application to Congress, upon my arrival here, I have received the inclosed Resolve in a very Affectionate Letter from my Worthy Friend General Lincoln—with Sentiments of the Greatest Esteem, and Respect, I am Sir Your Excellencys most Obedient, & most Faithfull Humble Servant,

Horatio Gates

DLC: Papers of George Washington.

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