George Washington Papers

From George Washington to Colonel Hugh Hughes, 11 February 1781

To Colonel Hugh Hughes

New Windsor, Feby 11, 1781

Sir

I want sundry repairs to my own and Servant’s Saddles Mail Pillions1 made &c. for a Journey which I am obliged to undertake in a few Days—I beg therefore that no Disappointment may happen.2

My Servant will point to what is wanting, and will apply for a pair of Horse Scissars or Shears.3 I am Sir Your most obedt

Go. Washington

LB, NHi: Hugh Hughes Papers. The letter-book copy indicates the addressee as Hughes “or any of his Assts” and is certified as “A true Copy.”

Hughes, the deputy quartermaster for New York, replied to GW on 16 Feb. from Fishkill, N.Y.: “Very unfortunately I was absent when your Excellency’s Commands arrived, but, as my Assistant informs me that every Thing was done that was required, I hope they have been attended to agreeably to your Excellency’s Wish. If they have not, it is contrary to positive, Standing orders, which shall be complied with, whenever your Excellency shall be pleased to order me inform’d of a Deficiency” (LB, NHi: Hugh Hughes Papers, certified as “A true Copy”).

2GW was planning a journey to Newport to meet with Lieutenant General Rochambeau (see GW to Rochambeau, 7 Feb., postscript).

3The servant presumably was GW’s slave William “Billy” Lee, who accompanied GW throughout the war (see also Henriques, First and Always description begins Peter R. Henriques. First and Always: A New Portrait of George Washington. Charlottesville, Va., 2020. description ends , 108–12).

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