From George Washington to Colonel Daniel Morgan, 27 October 1779
To Colonel Daniel Morgan
Head Quarters West-point 27th Octbr 1779
Dr Sir
The letter of which the inclosed is a copy was put into my hands a few days since.1 Mrs Robinson is a perfect stranger to me and I would hope has been led into some misconceptions. I have however, as not only your own honor but that of the service is concerned thought it essential to send the whole representation.
Should you have been induced from any circumstances attending her capture, or the Slaves own account, to suppose her lawful plunder at the time of taking, I have no doubt, should this have been the case, but that on a more full consideration you will readily make a restitution. I am Dr Sir &c.
Df, in James McHenry’s writing, DLC:GW; Varick transcript, DLC:GW. A notation in the left margin of the draft reads: “Mrs Robinsons letter dated 18 Sepr 1779.”
1. The enclosure, apparently a letter from Ann Robinson to GW dated 18 Sept., has not been found, but GW mentioned this item when he wrote Robinson from West Point on this date: “I have received your letter of the 18 of last month—relative to the slave which Col. Morgan had secured.
“The Col. is now in Virginia—I have however written to him on the subject, and hope it will be attended with her restitution” (Df, in James McHenry’s writing, DLC:GW; copy, DLC:GW; Varick transcripts [2], DLC:GW).