George Washington Papers

From George Washington to Colonel Vienne, 16 October 1778

To Colonel Vienne

Head Quarters near Fredericksburg Octob. 16th 1778

Sir

I have been favoured with your Letter of the 5th Instant. On the 29th of September I inclosed you a Certificate respecting your conduct, while in the Army under my command, which I hope you have received; but least it should have miscarried, I transmit you a Duplicate by this conveyanc[e].1 I have also the pleasure to inform you, that Congress consent to your request—and you have their leave to go to France.2 I have only to add my wishes for your having a pleasant passage and a happy meeting with all your friends. I am Sir Your Most Obedt servant

Go: Washington

LS, in Robert Hanson Harrison’s writing, CSmH; Df, DLC:GW; Varick transcript, DLC:GW. The addressed cover of the LS includes the following memorandum: “Head Qrs Boston Octr 21, 1778. Recd by M.G. Heath & forwarded by his order with his compts. Th. Cartwright Aide de Camp.”

1For the text of the certificate that GW wrote for Vienne on 29 Sept., see GW to Vienne, 29 Sept., n.2.

2Although Congress did not formally approve Vienne’s furlough until 27 Oct. (see JCC description begins Worthington Chauncey Ford et al., eds. Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774-1789. 34 vols. Washington, D.C., 1904–37. description ends , 12:1066), Henry Laurens had informed GW of Congress’s favorable disposition toward granting it in his letter to GW of 9 October.

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