George Washington Papers
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https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Washington/03-30-02-0523

From George Washington to George Clinton, 24 February 1781

To George Clinton

Head Quarters New Windsor 24th Feby 1781.

Sir

In answer to your Excellency’s letter of the 14th I wrote fully on the 19th since which, I have had the honor to receive your favor of the 20th.1 The reiterated request of both Houses of Assembly to leave the two Regiments of the State in the quarter where they now are, places me in a delicate and painful situation.

I have already assured your Excellency and, through you, the Legislature of my perfect disposition to comply with the wishes of the State, as far as I have the means, to which indeed its exertions intitle it;2 but as an Officer intrusted with the general interest of the Confederacy, in expectation of an active Campaign, under engagements which I shall, at any rate, find it difficult to fulfil, I cannot, in policy, in justice to the United States, in good faith to our Allies consent to divest my self of so considerable a part of my efficient fo⟨rce⟩ as the two Regiments in question. The good of the service, joined to my regard for the State, will always prompt me, as it has heretofore done, to every effort in my power to prevent or repel attac⟨ks⟩ upon it, but to give an assurance, that its troops shall remain as a cover to its Northern and Western frontier from an apprehended invasion, is more than I could answer, while our views extend beyond a mere defensive.

Other applications, similar to that from this State, have been made to me, a compliance with which would leave us without a competent Garrison for the defence of West point.

A heavy detachment from this part of the Army, for an important service, has obliged me to draw in all my out posts, and to call six Companies of the York line from Albany, as the smallest possible number necessary for the security of West point.3

While I am compelled to deliver these Sentiments, I intreat Your Excellency to assure the Assembly, that it is impossible to feel more than I do for the distresses of the State, and that, as far as it can be made consistent with my general duty, no person will do more to serve it. I have the honor to be with the truest Respect & Esteem Yr Excellency’s most obt Servt

Go: Washington

LS, in Tench Tilghman’s writing, PPAmP: David Library; Df, DLC:GW; Varick transcript, DLC:GW.

3See GW to Lafayette, 20 Feb. (second letter); to William Heath, 18 Feb.; and to James Clinton, 16 February.

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