George Washington Papers
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https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Washington/03-04-02-0110

From George Washington to Josiah Quincy, 25 April 1776

To Josiah Quincy

New York 25th of Aprl 1776

Dear Sir,

Your favour of the 7th Instt coming duely to hand I thank you for the Intelligence therein contained.1 It gives me pain, to find from your Acct, that matters are taking a wrong biass in the Politicks of your Government. I left five Regiments (upon an Average as strong as any in the Service) to erect such Works, and in such places, as should be deemed most conducive to the defence of the Harbour—I did, as it was a Government concern, leave the Works which should be constructed for the defence of the Harbour, to the adoption of the Genl Court, under the Auspices of Colo. Gridley, who I have been taught to view as one of the greatest Engineers of the age—If things have gone wrong I can only express my concern, & lament that time, at so important a juncture, should be wasted; and the best mode for the Defence of the Harbour neglected.2

My extreame hurry, will only allow me, in addition to what I have said to thank you most cordially for your friendly wishes and to assure you that I am with great truth and sincerity Dr Sir Yr Most Obedt & Obligd Hble Servt

Go: Washington

ALS, MHi: Miscellaneous Bound Collection.

1This letter has not been found.

2For additional complaints about the defenseless condition of Boston, see GW to William Gordon, 13 May, and Samuel Adams to GW, 15 May 1776. For GW’s efforts to spur on the work of fortifying the town and harbor, see his letters to Richard Gridley of 28 April and to Artemas Ward of 29 April 1776. For their denials of neglecting that work, see Ward to GW, 4, 9 May, and Gridley to GW, 13 May 1776.

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