Washington Receives Request to Consult Congress on Military Matters

George Washington received a letter from John Hancock requesting that he travel to Philadelphia to consult with Congress. The request came as British military action appeared imminent. Washington stated that the army required adequate arms, supplies, clothing, and health to meet the situation.

He issued a General Order directing that soldiers showing symptoms of smallpox be removed to Montresor’s Island to prevent the disease from spreading in the army and city. Washington wrote that he would follow to Philadelphia the next day or the day after if he could settle matters with the Provincial Congress in New York.

He expressed thanks to Congress for its attention to his health and to Hancock for the invitation to stay at his house.

Background on the Request The letter from Hancock included several resolutions of Congress. Washington noted that he had not received the letter until the previous night and had not considered himself at liberty to leave before then. He added that many matters could be better explained in a personal meeting than through correspondence.

Washington concluded the letter with expressions of regard and gratitude to Congress.