WASHINGTON, George. Autograph letter signed ("G: o Washington"), as Commander in Chief, to Brigadier General William Woodford (1734-1780), Morristown, 3 March 1777. 2 pages, folio, creases expertly repaired AUTOGRAPH ADDRESS PANEL WITH HOLOGRAPH FREE FRANK ("ON PUBLIC SERVICE") but with signature cut away and deficit on address panel repaired; two oval mat burns, probably from portraits, on blank integral, not affecting any of Washington's text .
WASHINGTON, George. Autograph letter signed ("G: o Washington"), as Commander in Chief, to Brigadier General William Woodford (1734-1780), Morristown, 3 March 1777. 2 pages, folio, creases expertly repaired AUTOGRAPH ADDRESS PANEL WITH HOLOGRAPH FREE FRANK ("ON PUBLIC SERVICE") but with signature cut away and deficit on address panel repaired; two oval mat burns, probably from portraits, on blank integral, not affecting any of Washington's text . "CONSIDER WHAT A STAKE WE ARE CONTENDING FOR...IT IS NOT A COMMON CONTEST WE ARE ENGAGED IN...TRIFLING PUNCTILIOS SHOULD HAVE NO INFLUENCE UPON A MAN IN SUCH A CAUSE" An impassioned plea for patriotism over egotism and self-interest, as Washington tries to soften the blow of Woodford's lower status on the promotions list. "By some Resolves of Congress just come to my hands," Washington says, "I find, as I hoped and expected, your name in the new appointment of Brigadiers; but perceived at the same time, that you were named after Muhlenberg and Weedon--the reason assigned for this, your having resign'd your former Rank in the service of the Continent." "You may well recollect my dear Sir, that I strongly advis'd you against this resignation. I now as strongly recommend your acceptance of the present appointment. You may feel somewhat hurt in having two officers placed before you (tho perhaps never to command you) who once were inferior in point of Rank to you; but remember that this is a consequence of your own act. And consider what a stake we are contending for. Trifling punctilios should have no influence in such a cause, and at such a time as this. If smaller matter does not yield to greater, if trifles light as air, in comparison for what we are contending for, can withdraw or withhold Gentlemen from service when our all is at Stake, and a single casting of the Die may turn the Tables, what are we to expect. It is not a common contest we are engaged In. Everything valuable to us depends upon the success of it, and the success upon a speedy, & vigorous exertion. Consider twice therefore before you refuse." Washington closes by urging Woodford to report immediately to headquarters, "as Genl Officers are exceedingly wanting to assist in the arranging of the New Army." An eloquent statement of Washington's devotion to the Revolutionary cause. Far too often he had to urge his disgruntled subordinates to emulate his spirit of selflessness and sacrifice. But in the case of Woodford, at least, it worked. He fought at Brandywine (where he was wounded), and also at Germantown and Monmouth. He led a relief expedition to Charleston in 1779 and was captured by the British, but died before he could be exchanged, on 13 November 1780.
WASHINGTON, George. Autograph letter signed ("G: o Washington"), as Commander in Chief, to Brigadier General William Woodford (1734-1780), Morristown, 3 March 1777. 2 pages, folio, creases expertly repaired AUTOGRAPH ADDRESS PANEL WITH HOLOGRAPH FREE FRANK ("ON PUBLIC SERVICE") but with signature cut away and deficit on address panel repaired; two oval mat burns, probably from portraits, on blank integral, not affecting any of Washington's text .
WASHINGTON, George. Autograph letter signed ("G: o Washington"), as Commander in Chief, to Brigadier General William Woodford (1734-1780), Morristown, 3 March 1777. 2 pages, folio, creases expertly repaired AUTOGRAPH ADDRESS PANEL WITH HOLOGRAPH FREE FRANK ("ON PUBLIC SERVICE") but with signature cut away and deficit on address panel repaired; two oval mat burns, probably from portraits, on blank integral, not affecting any of Washington's text . "CONSIDER WHAT A STAKE WE ARE CONTENDING FOR...IT IS NOT A COMMON CONTEST WE ARE ENGAGED IN...TRIFLING PUNCTILIOS SHOULD HAVE NO INFLUENCE UPON A MAN IN SUCH A CAUSE" An impassioned plea for patriotism over egotism and self-interest, as Washington tries to soften the blow of Woodford's lower status on the promotions list. "By some Resolves of Congress just come to my hands," Washington says, "I find, as I hoped and expected, your name in the new appointment of Brigadiers; but perceived at the same time, that you were named after Muhlenberg and Weedon--the reason assigned for this, your having resign'd your former Rank in the service of the Continent." "You may well recollect my dear Sir, that I strongly advis'd you against this resignation. I now as strongly recommend your acceptance of the present appointment. You may feel somewhat hurt in having two officers placed before you (tho perhaps never to command you) who once were inferior in point of Rank to you; but remember that this is a consequence of your own act. And consider what a stake we are contending for. Trifling punctilios should have no influence in such a cause, and at such a time as this. If smaller matter does not yield to greater, if trifles light as air, in comparison for what we are contending for, can withdraw or withhold Gentlemen from service when our all is at Stake, and a single casting of the Die may turn the Tables, what are we to expect. It is not a common contest we are engaged In. Everything valuable to us depends upon the success of it, and the success upon a speedy, & vigorous exertion. Consider twice therefore before you refuse." Washington closes by urging Woodford to report immediately to headquarters, "as Genl Officers are exceedingly wanting to assist in the arranging of the New Army." An eloquent statement of Washington's devotion to the Revolutionary cause. Far too often he had to urge his disgruntled subordinates to emulate his spirit of selflessness and sacrifice. But in the case of Woodford, at least, it worked. He fought at Brandywine (where he was wounded), and also at Germantown and Monmouth. He led a relief expedition to Charleston in 1779 and was captured by the British, but died before he could be exchanged, on 13 November 1780.
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