George Washington Papers
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https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Washington/02-10-02-0276

To George Washington from Alexander Spotswood, 30 April 1775

From Alexander Spotswood

April 30th 1775

Sr

It is Immagin’d the first thing, that will Come on the Carpet at the Meeting of the Congress, Will be that, of Establishing Regular Armies throughout the Continent on pay if such a thing, Shd Take place, their is not the least doubt But youl have the Command of the Whole forces in this Collony—and in that Case, shall ever Esteem you as my greatest freind, if you’l use yr Intrest in procureing me a Comission—or Shd the powr of Chuseing Officers, be Vested in you—& you Shd think propper to Confer so great an honr on me, as ⟨to⟩ Quallifying me, as one of yr officers, you’l find me, as I have always been, Ready to serve my Country, in the Glorious cause of liberty, at the Risk of my life, fortune & Gratis1—I am extreemly glad to inform you that after a Long debate it was at last agreed we shd not March to Williamsburg. I am Sr with Respect yr obt St

Alexr Spotswood

ALS, DLC:GW. The letter is addressed “pr favr of Mr J. Custis.” Just below the docket are the words “Mops Brooms Brushes” in the hand of Lund Washington.

1For GW’s appointment as commander in chief of the Continental army, see Address to the Continental Congress, 16 June 1775, and note 2 of that document.

Alexander Spotswood served in the 2d Virginia Regiment from 13 Feb. 1776 to 9 Oct. 1778, rising in rank from major to colonel. For GW’s good opinion of him, see GW to Richard Henry Lee, 10 Aug. 1778, and GW to Spotswood, 11 Aug. 1778.

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