To George Washington from James Wood, 7 July 1758
From James Wood
Winchester, 7th July 1758.
Sir
The 24th of this Month is appointed the day for the Election; Mr Jones has promised to be here.1 I wish with him and the rest of Your Friends, that it were possable that you could be present to give Life to the cause. I have done my endeavour to search into the Opinions of the people, and cannot percieve Your Interest on the decline, though some try to perswade me to the contrary. I must own Experience has convinced me there is no relying on the promises of the common Herd, the promise is too oft forgot when the Back is turned. There are many of us Embarked in the same cause with You, and a disappointment will sit heavy on us: If the duty of Your Station will permit come down and shew your Face. I think I can then promise Success. If you cannot, depend nothing in my power shall be wanting to promote Your Interest. Mrs Wood and the rest of the Family send their Complimts with their Sincere wishes for your prosperity.2 I am with respect. Sir. Your most humble Servant
J. Wood
ALS, PHi: Gratz Collection; Sprague transcript, DLC:GW.
James Wood (1707–1759), a large landowner in the area, was the first citizen of Winchester. It was he that GW’s friends chose to sit in for GW at the polls on election day.
1. See Gabriel Jones to GW, 6 July.
2. Wood was survived at his death the next year by his wife Mary Rutherford Wood and their four children.