VII. From George Washington to Major General Arthur St. Clair, 4 October 1779
VII
To Major General Arthur St. Clair
Head Qrs [West Point] Octr 4th 79.
Dear Sir,
I have received, and thank you for the thoughts contained in your Letter of this date—& pray you to continue them as they may occur.1 I prefer receiving the sentiments of Officer[s] in this way to Councils of War; as I can digest every matter and thing at my leizure, and act with more secrecy than it is possible in pursuance of a determination discovered by a Majority of votes & known to numbers—perusing as I observed before the thoughts of each Officer individually & comparing their reasoning with my own—and forming conclusions which may be secret if necessary. I am sincerely Yr Obedt Servt
Go: Washington
ALS, NHi: George and Martha Washington Papers.
1. See Document VI.