05/31/2026
An American Moment, 250 years ago, May 31, 1776. General Washington to his brother, John A. Washington.
Philadelphia,
Dear Brother:
Since my arrival at this place, where I came, at the request of Congress, to settle some matters relative to the ensuing campaign, I have received your letter of the 18th, from Williamsburgh, and I think I stand indebted to you for another, which came to hand some time ago, in New-York.
I am very glad to find that the Virginia Convention have passed so noble a vote, and with so much unanimity. Things have come to such a pass now as to convince us that we have nothing more to expect from the justice of Great Britain; also, that she is capable of the most delusive arts; for I am satisfied that no Commissioners ever were designed, except Hessians and other foreigners; and that the idea was only to deceive and throw us off our guard. The first has been too effectually accomplished, as many members of Congress, in short, the representation of whole Provinces, are still feeding themselves upon the dainty food of reconciliation; and though they will not allow that the expectation of it has any influence upon their judgments with respect to their preparations for defence, it is but too obvious that it has an operation upon every part of their conduct, and is a clog to their proceedings. It is not in the nature of things to be otherwise; for no man that entertains a hope of seeing this dispute speedily and equitably adjusted by Commissioners, will go to the same expense, and run the same hazards, to prepare for the worst event as he who believes that he must conquer or submit to unconditional terms, and the concomitants, such as confiscation, hanging, and the like.
To form a new Government requires infinite care and unbounded attention; for if the foundation is badly laid, the superstructure must be bad…
American Archives, Peter Force, Series 4, Vol. 6, 631.
© 2026 Clifford Olsen/1776 American Moments
