George Washington Papers

From George Washington to John Hancock, 23 October 1789

To John Hancock

Weston [Mass.] October 23d 1789

Sir,

I have this moment received your Excellen[c]y’s polite letter of today—and have the honor to inform you that in consequence of suggestions made by the Gentlemen from Boston and the Depy Adjut. Genl (whom I met at Worcester this morning) that it would make it more convenient for the troops, many of which lived at a distance from the place of parade, if I should pass through Cambridge at an earlier hour than I intended, I thought it best to alter the time of my arrival at that place, which I had the pleasure to mention to your Excellency in my letter of yesterday—and the alteration which I had made I immediately communicated to you by a letter which the Gentlemen from Boston were so kind as to take charge of—but lest any accident should prevent that letter from getting to your hands, I would here mention that it is my determination to be at Cambridge tomorrow at 10’ o’clock, and from thence proceed to Boston as soon as circumstances will permit—where it is probable I may arrive by 12 o’clock, and will do myself the honor to accept your Excellency’s polite invitation of taking an informal dinner with you. I have the honor to be, Your Excellency’s most Obedt Servt1

Go: Washington

Df, in writing of William Jackson, DNA: RG 59, Miscellaneous Letters; LB, DLC:GW.

For background to this letter, see John Hancock to GW, 21, 23 Oct., and GW to Hancock, 22 Oct. 1789.

1Hancock replied to this letter with a note, dated 23 Oct.: “I have just this moment received your Letter of this morning and would acquaint you that no change will interfere with the arrangements I have made” (DLC:GW).

On Saturday, 24 Oct., GW “dressed by Seven Oclock, and set out at eight. At ten we arrived at Cambridge According to appointment; but most of the Militia having a distance to come were not in line till after eleven; they made however an excellent appearance with Genl. Brook at their Head” (Diaries description begins Donald Jackson and Dorothy Twohig, eds. The Diaries of George Washington. 6 vols. Charlottesville, Va., 1976–79. description ends , 5:473). For the ceremonies taking place during GW’s stay in Boston from his arrival on 24 Oct. until his departure on the morning of 29 Oct., see GW’s diary entries and notes in ibid., 5:473–81.

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