From George Washington to Elias Boudinot, 27 February 1779
To Elias Boudinot
Camp at Middle brook. 27th Feby 1779.
Dear Sir,
I had not the pleasure of receiving your polite & friendly letter of the 4th of Jany till within these few days, & of course had no oppertunity of acknowleging it sooner.
I find myself extremely flattered by the strain of sentiment in your Sisters composition—But request it as a favor of you to present my best respects to her, and1 assure her, that however I may feel inferior to the praize, she must suffer me to admire & preserve it as a mark of her genius tho’ not of my merits.2
I shall be glad when your health is so far established as to admit of a ride to Middle brook. And if Mrs & Miss Boudinot can accompany you it will add to our pleasure. Mrs Washington presents her complimts, & wishes for this event. I am Dr Sir Yr Most Obedt Hu’me Servt
Go: Washington
ALS, PWacD: Sol Feinstone Collection, on deposit at PPAmP; Df, DLC:GW; Varick transcript, DLC:GW. GW addressed the cover of the ALS to “Elias Boudinot Esqr. Baskinridge.” The draft manuscript and the Varick transcript are both dated 28 Feb. 1779.
1. On the draft manuscript prepared by James McHenry, GW inserted the previous fifteen words in his own writing.
2. This poem written in praise of GW by Boudinot’s sister Annis Boudinot Stockton has not been identified.