From George Washington to John Hancock, 21 August 1777
To John Hancock
Head Quarters Bucks County [Pa.] Augt 21st 1777
Sir
I do myself the Honor to inclose you a Copy of Doctr Franklin’s Letter in favor of Count Pulawski of Poland, by whom this will be handed to you. I some time ago had a Letter from Mr Deane, couch’d in terms equally favorable to the Character & Military Abilities of this Gentleman.1
How he can with propriety be provided for you will be best able to determine—he takes this from me, as an introductory Letter at his own request. I have the Honor to be Sir Your most Obedt Humble servant
Go: Washington
LS, in John Fitzgerald’s writing, DNA:PCC, item 152; copy, DNA:PCC, item 169. GW franked the addressed cover of the LS. Congress read this letter on 28 Aug. and referred it to the committee on foreign applications (, 8:687–88).
GW on this date also wrote George Clymer: “I have the honor to introduce to you Count Pulaski, of Poland, who will visit Philadelphia to solicit of Congress a command in our army.
“I sometime ago had a letter from our mutual friend, Mr Deane, speaking in terms equally favorable to the character and military abilities of this gentleman—thus doubly recommended to your notice, you will be pleased, I am sure, to show him all courtesy, and promote his views to the extent of your power” (, 3 [1859], 33).
1. Franklin’s and Deane’s letters introducing Pulaski to GW were both written on 29 May 1777 at Paris. Franklin describes Pulaski as “an Officer famous throughout Europe for his Bravery and Conduct in Defence of the Liberties of his Country against the three great invading Powers of Russia, Austria & Prussia. . . . The Court here have encouraged & promoted his Voyage, from an Opinion that he may be highly useful in our Service” (DLC:GW; the enclosed copy is in DNA:PCC, item 152). Deane says that Pulaski “has distinguished himself in the Polish Wars, & is recommended by persons of the first Consideration as well in the Political, as in the Martial Line—but for himself he desires to convince by his Actions that their Considerations are just” (CSmH).