From George Washington to Patrick Henry, 1 March 1779
To Patrick Henry
Head Quarters Middlebrook—1st March 1779.
Sir,
You will perceive by my passport of this date, to the Schooner Argyle, Magnus Crosbie master, that I have granted her Protection to proceed to Hampton Road in Virginia, with Necessaries and 150 Guineas in Specie for the use of the British Prisoners at Fort Frederick and Winchester.1
I have to request that your Excellency will give directions2 for the proper reception of the Necessaries and Specie in some of the Bay craft (and for the Schooner Argyle3 to be immediately dismissed) and that the several Articles be conveyed under a proper Escort and in the most expeditious manner to Alexandria or George Town on the Potowmack, and from thence to Fort Frederick and Winchester to the British Prisoners at those places. I have the honor to be Your Excellency’s Most obedient Servant
Go. Washington
Copy, P.R.O., 30/55, Carleton Papers; Df, DLC:GW; Varick transcript, DLC:GW. The draft manuscript, in James McHenry’s writing, was docketed by Tench Tilghman: “under cover to Sir Henry Clinton” (see GW to Henry Clinton, this date).
1. The enclosed passport has not been identified.
2. At this place on the draft manuscript, McHenry first wrote “orders.” He then struck out that word and wrote “directions” above the line.
3. Following “Argyle” on the draft manuscript, McHenry first wrote “may not be unnecessarily detained.” He then struck out those words and wrote “to be immediately dismissed” above the line.