1From George Washington to Benjamin Harrison, Sr., 21 March 1781 (Washington Papers)
Upon my return to this place last night, I met your private & friendly letter of the 25th of February. I do not delay a moment to thank you for the interesting matter contained in it, and to express my surprize at that part which respects a pension for my Mother. True it is, I am but little acquainted with her present situation, or distresses, if she is under any. As true it is, a year or two...
2From George Washington to Benjamin Harrison, Sr., 27 March 1781 (Washington Papers)
On my return from New port, I found your favor of the 16th of February, with its inclosures, at Head Quarters. I exceedingly regret that I could not have the pleasure of seeing you, not only from personal motives, but because I could have entered upon the subject of your mission in a much more full and free manner, than is proper to be committed to paper. I very early saw the difficulties and...
3From George Washington to Benjamin Harrison, Sr., 10 January 1782 (Washington Papers)
I am under the disagreeable necessity of inclosing you the Copy of a representation signed by several Officers of the Virginia Line, in behalf of the whole assembled at Cumberland Court House, and addressed to Colonel Febiger, on giving them orders to prepare to march with a Detachment to join General St Clair—This was transmitted by Colonel Febiger to Genl St Clair, in excuse for not sending...
4From George Washington to Benjamin Harrison, Sr., 15 January 1782 (Washington Papers)
Unacquainted as I am with the cause of my friend Nelson’s resignation, I shall say nothing respecting it—but as the event has taken place, permit me to congratulate you, and my Country on your late appointment to the Government; and to assure you that you have few friends who wish you more honor and satisfaction in managing the Reigns of it than I do—You have certainly embarked on a troubled...
5From George Washington to Benjamin Harrison, Sr., 6 February 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have been duly honoured with your Excellency’s Letter of the 4th of Janry by Colo. Carrington. The disagreable picture you give of the embarrassed situation of the finances and other public Matters in your State, is the more distressing to me; as I flatter’d myself the reduction of the Enemy’s force in Virginia would afford a favourable opportunity for reestablishing your affairs, and making...
6From George Washington to Benjamin Harrison, Sr., 28 February 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with Your Excellencys favor of the 8th of February, since the receipt of which, letters of a later date from Colo. Febiger and Lt Colo. Posey have come to hand. From their reports, (notwithstanding the imprudent steps which had been taken) I am glad to learn, the Officers who had signed the representation were convinced of, and sorry for, the impropriety and unguardedness...
7From George Washington to Benjamin Harrison, Sr., 10 March 1782 (Washington Papers)
I sincerely sympathize with you in the arduos task imposed upon you as first Magistrate of the State of Virginia, in consequence of the present distressed and embarrassed situation of affairs; which you so pathetically describe in your Letter of the 15th of Feby. For it is well known from experience, that in times of War & public Calamity, whoever is engaged in the management of public affairs...
8From George Washington to Benjamin Harrison, Sr., 5 May 1782 (Washington Papers)
The subject of your Excellency ’s favor of the 23d of March was immediately referred to Major General Knox, who has direction to negociate that business, so as to obtain the Brass Artillery, belonging to the State of Virginia, as soon as possible. (It is probable His Excellency the Count de Rochambeau will soon put the french Troops in motion; ‘tho as yet, the Objects of the Campaign are not...
9From George Washington to Benjamin Harrison, Sr., 18 June 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have received your Excellency’s Favor of the 31st —of May—covering your Letter Addressed to Sir Guy Carleton. As your Letter, with the Depositions which accompany it, contain everything that is to be said on the Subject, it is needless for me to impress it with any Observations of mine. The Letter to Sir Guy is forwarded by a flag to N. York, and any Reply he may be pleased to commit to my...
10From George Washington to Benjamin Harrison, Sr., 22 July 1782 (Washington Papers)
Just before the receipt of your Favor by the post, I had written your Excellency by a private conveyance, which will in a great measure anticipates necessity of this. The removal of the french Garrisons from York River with their Stores will relieve your Militia from the Service they were particularly called on for by the Count de Rochambeau, & will effectually relieve you from the...