From George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 9 March 1780
To Major General Alexander McDougall
Head Quarters Morristown 9th. March 1780
Dr Sir.
The general officers at this time absent from the army, and those who claim the indulgence of a furlough, are1 distressing to me, and injurious to the service, and2 makes me hope, that the state of your health is so far altered for the better as to admit of your joining the army in this quarter. I would wish you to be here as soon as possible, but if circumstances do not correspond with your immediate attendance, in this case, by the beginning of the next month at furthest. If however your health is not in a condition to put this in practice, you will be pleased to take occasion to inform me.3 I am, Dr Sir Your obt & hble sert
Go: Washington
LS, in James McHenry’s writing, CSmH; Df, DLC:GW; Varick transcript, DLC:GW. GW signed the cover of the LS, which was addressed to McDougall at Fishkill, New York. A note on the docket of the LS in McDougall’s writing reads: “recd 15th 7 P.M. by Col. [Udny] Hay.”
1. On the draft, which is also in McHenry’s writing, GW wrote “is”; McHenry wrote “are” over that word.
2. On the draft, GW wrote the previous nine words.