Wythe to Thomas Jefferson, 18 November 1776
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"Wythe to Thomas Jefferson, 18 November 1776, pg 1." Image from the Library of Congress, The Thomas Jefferson Papers.
GW to TJ
Whenever you and the speaker think I should return to Virginia to engage in the part which shall be assigned to me in revising the laws, I shall attend you. As to the time and place of meeting and my share in this work, I can accommodate myself to the appointment, and be content with the allotment my collegues shall make. In the mean time, I propose to abide here, if the enemy do not drive me away, an event some think not improbable. What to think of it myself I know not: especially is a report we hear today, that the garrison in fort Washington, consisting of 2,000 men
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"Wythe to Thomas Jefferson, 18 November 1776, pg 2." Image from the Library of Congress, The Thomas Jefferson Papers.
men, surrendered themselves prisoners ‘at the first Summons,’ be confirmed. Are the judges in chancery, whilst they are on the circuits, to hear cases in equity? if not, are forty days in the year sufficient for that business I suppose not. I will inquire tomorrow how by whom the requirmental paymasters are to be appointed; and if I have time before the departure the post, will let you know: if by congress your recommendation of Mr. Moore shall be remembered. The journals Shall also be Sent for you, if they can be moved. The conveniency of my house and Servants and furniture to you and Mrs. Jefferson and, not
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"Wythe to Thomas Jefferson, 18 November 1776, pg 3." Image from the Library of Congress, The Thomas Jefferson Papers.
not a little to their value in my estimation. Our best respects to the lady. Be so kind as let me know if our general assembly hath agreed to give any additional bounty to the non-commissioned officers and soldiers of the new levies more than what congress had offered. The eastern estates, or some of them, by doing a thing of that kind, have much embarrassed. I understood by the person employed draw the figures for our great Seal that you intended to propose an alteration in whole in the reverse. I wish you
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"Wythe to Thomas Jefferson, 18 November 1776, pg 4." Image from the Library of Congress, The Thomas Jefferson Papers.
you would propose it; for though I had something to do in designing them, I do not like them. Let me know of the alteration, if any; and send me an impression made by the old Seal. It will be useful to the workman. Adieu.
Philadelphia, 18 November, 1776
My compliments to Mr. Page. I write to him several weeks since, and desire him to send me an impression made by the old seal that I received no answer. I attribute to his ill health. I wish it better.
This morning (19 Nov.) we hear fort Washington was not taken last Sunday morning, the day after the garrison was supposed to have surrendered by the report mentioned above; but it seems it is invented.
