Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1829-06-06

WAsHNeToN to his wife, on the occasion of
his accepting the command in chief of the
American Armies, will be read with pleasure
1t was furnished TO the Editors Of the National
Inteligencer for publication by Mr.. CUsrIs,
whose private memoirs Of General Washing.
ton are now In a course Of publication, and
which will be enriched by many letter. which
have never before been presented to the pubie
PHILADELPHIA, June ls, ITS.
My DEAREsr-I am now set down to write
to you on a subject which fills me with ioex-
pressibe concern, and this concern is greatly
aggravated and increased, when | reflect upon
the uneasiness know it will give you. It has
been determined in Congress-, tina, the whole
Army raised for the defence Of the American
cause shall be put under my care, and that it is
necessary for me TO proceed Immediately to
Boston To take upon me the command of it,
You may believe me, my der Patsy, when as
sure you IN the most solemn manner that SO far
from seeking this appointment, have used ev-
cry endeavor in my power TO avoid 1t, not only
from my unwilingness to part with you & the
family, but from a consciousness Of its being a
rus, too great for my capacity, and that | shall
enjoy more real happiness in one month with
you a, home, than l have the most distant
prospect Of Snding abroad, if my stay was to
be seven times seven years. But as il has been
kind OF destiny rha, has thrown me upon
this service, shall hope that my undertaking
OF ii is designed to answer some good purpose.
You might, and suppose did perceive, fom
the tenor OF my letters, that was aPprehensive
could not ayoii this appointment, as did not
pretend to intimate WHEN Iishould return. That
was The case. Ii was utterly out of my power
TO refuse this appointment without exposing
my character 10 such eensures as would have
reflected dishonor upon myself, and given pain
to my friends. This, am sure, could not and
ought not, 10 be pleasing 10 YOU, and mus, have
lessened me considerably in my own esteem.
shall rely there fore confidently in that Prov
dence which has heretofore preserved and
been bounlful 10 me, not doubling but .har |
shall return safe 10 you in be Fall. shall feel
no pain from the toll or he danger OF the Cam
pa,gn; my urhnppiness will flow from The un-
easihes> know you will feel fron, being left a.
lone. | tuerefte beg mat you will summon
your VIII lie fortuude, and pass your time as d
greeably as possibis Nothing will give me
SO much sincere Subtraction as TO hear il from
your own pen. NV ,drnes aud ardent desire
IS, hat you would pursue any plan that is most
Likely produce contsnt, and oerabe de-
gree of ranqp ilit,: as it must add greatly 10
my uneasy feelings, TO hear that you arc dissat-
ished or con, planning al what really could not
a oid.
AS life is always uncertain, and common
prudenc' dictates To every man the necessity
70 settling his trmpo,a concerns while 1t is in
his power. and while the mind is calm and un-
dis iurbed, bavt, since came 10 this place,
Tor | had not time TO do il before | left home,
go, Col. Pendleo 10 draft will for me, ~
'hr dirre tons which gave him, which will
now enclose. The provision made for you in
case of IN, deah will, / hope, be agreeable.
shalt add no hing more as have several let
tiers 20 write, but to desire thai you will smem
Der We 10 your friends, and TO assure you that
| am, with he most unfeigned regard NV
dear Patsy,
Your Affectionate
GEORGE WASHINGTON