From George Washington to the New York Provincial Congress, 9 June 1776
To the New York Provincial Congress
[New York, 9 June 1776]
Gentlemen
I am extremely obliged for th⟨e⟩ high sense you entertain of my services, and for your promises of every possible assistance in the discharge of my important duty.1
You may rest assured, that my attention to the Interest and happiness of this Colony shall not be wanting, nor my regard to Its Civil authority remitted whilst I am honoured with the command I now hold.
D, in Robert Hanson Harrison’s writing, N: New York Provincial Congress Revolutionary Papers. Although there is no dateline on this document, which was damaged in the New York State Library fire of 1911, it is docketed “June 9th 1776” on the reverse of the letter.
1. The provincial congress resolved on 8 June, “that the Thanks of this Congress be presented to his Excellency General Washington, for the Important services he has rendered to the united Colonies, and for the Attention he has paid to the Interest and civil Authority of this Colony; and that he be assured of the Readiness of this Congress, to afford him all the Aid in their power, to enable him to execute the important Trust reposed in him” (DLC:GW). Nathaniel Woodhull, president of the provincial congress, was directed to wait on GW and present the resolution to him (, 1:486). On 12 June the provincial congress invited GW and his officers to “a dinner at public expense,” and after consultation with GW, Friday 14 June was set “as the most convenient day for His Excellency to accept the invitation” (ibid., 491).