George Washington Papers
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From George Washington to John Hancock, 20 May 1776

To John Hancock

New York 20th May 1776.

Sir,

Your favour of the 16th with several resolutions of Congress, therein Inclosed, I had not the honor to receive till last Night. before the receipt, I did not think myself at liberty to wait on Congress, altho I wish’d to do it; and therefore, the more readily consented to General Gates’s attendance; as I knew there were many matters which cd be better explaind in a personal Interview than in whole Volumes of Letters—He accordingly set out for Phila. yesterday Morning, & must have been too far advancd on his journey (as he proposed expedition) to be overtaken. I shall, if I can settle some matters, which are in agitation, with the Provincial Congress here, follow tomorrow, or next day1—and therefore with every Sentiment of regard—attachment—& gratitude to Congress for their kind attention to the means which they think may be conducive to my hea⟨lth,⟩ and with particular thanks to you for the politeness of your Invitation to your House, conclude Dr Sir Yr Most Obedt & obligd Hble Servt

Go: Washington

ALS, DNA:PCC, item 152; LB, DLC:GW; copy, DNA:PCC, item 169; Varick transcript, DLC:GW. Congress read this letter on 21 May (JCC description begins Worthington Chauncey Ford et al., eds. Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774-1789. 34 vols. Washington, D.C., 1904–37. description ends , 4:369).

1GW set out for Philadelphia the next day and arrived on 23 May.

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