To George Washington from Henry William DeSaussure, 1 November 1795
From Henry William DeSaussure
[Philadelphia] sunday morning 1st Novr 1795
D. sir
I find on packing up my papers, one wch I had Intended for your use—Permit me now to enclose it. It gives a Correct view of the course of the Canal from santee to Cooper.1
Last Evening I recd a letter from General Pinckney, wherein he states Strongly the necessity of keeping up a Garrison of some force at Fort Johnson; at least a full Company & mentions that a good deal of disgust had been given by the Idea of that Garrison being reduced—Insomuch as to produce a disinclination to Cede the ground to the Government of the Un: States.2
It seems to me that he Intended this Idea should reach you—If you desire to have his own mode of expressing it, I will Instantly send you his letter.
I feel myself bound to say that he speaks very favorably of a young Gentleman of merit, Dr Gillespie who it seems wished that favorable opinion to reach you.3 With the sincerest & most earnest wishes for your health & happiness I have the honor to be D. sir with truest Attachment and respectful regard your most Ob. sert
Henry Wm DeSaussure
ALS, DLC:GW.
1. The enclosure has not been identified. In March 1786 the South Carolina legislature approved “An Act to establish a Company for the Inland Navigation, from Santee to Cooper Rivers” (Acts, Ordinances, and Resolve, of the General Assembly, of the State of South-Carolina. Passed in March, 1786 [Charleston, 1786], 33–36). Construction on the canal authorized there was begun in 1793 and completed in 1800.
2. The letter from Charles Cotesworth Pinckney has not been identified.
3. DeSaussure probably is referring to George Gillaspy (d. 1832), who served as a surgeon’s mate for the corps of artillerists and engineers stationed in Charleston at Fort Johnson. Gillaspy became a naval surgeon in 1797 and served until 1801, after which he became a doctor and druggist in Philadelphia.