George Washington Papers

To George Washington from James McHenry, 2 February 1783

Baltimore 2 Feby 1783.

Dear General

One of the best old ladies in the world who has one of the cleverest young ladies for a daughter has requested my endeavours for the recovery of a negroe man of hers in your army. I inclose you a note of hers on the subject, and have to intreat your Excellency that you will order an enquiry and have the negroe restored. I recollect to have been told by Major Reed in Virginia something of this affair but at that time I could not take the necessary steps to have justice done to the good old lady. I need not add if Mrs Dulany is known to your Excellency how much it will oblige [me] to [see] the negroe restored on account of her great virtues, and because it will be a real relief. With the greatest respect I have the honor to be your Excellys most obt St

James McHenry

DLC: Papers of George Washington.

Enclosure

Jany 16th 1783

Sir

I had a likely Negroe man, aged twenty one yrs, who inlisted at the head of Elk, in Oct., or Novr 1781, in the Marquis’s department—The Regiment commanded by Col. Voes. the Captns name Bradford I have been informed that an application to you might be of service; which I hope will excuse me for troubling you on the subject. if it is convenient to you to assist me on this occasion I shall be infinitely oblig’d and am with great respect Sir Yor Obedient Servt

Mary Dulany

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