Letter from George Washington to the President of Congress

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Description

While at the Newburgh (NY) cantonment, General George Washington corresponded with the Marquis de Lafayette. Lafayette was on leave from the army working in Europe to represent American interests. In a letter dated December 4, 1782, Lafayette asked Washington to “favorably endorse his conduct” in writing to Congress. Washington complied with Lafayette’s request in this letter, dated March 23, 1783. Shortly thereafter Congress passed a resolution of approval and thanks for Lafayette’s services.

Notes on this document written by history scholars are available on Founders Online, a searchable archive of the correspondence and other writings of several of the Founders of the United States government.

Transcript

Newburgh March 23d 1783Sir,

In a letter which I have lately received from the Marquis de la Fayette, he expresses a wish that my sentiments respecting his absence may be communicated to Congress. To comply with his desire, and not because I conceive the testimony of my approbation of it is wanting, I give your Excellency the trouble of this Letter.

Congress have had too many unequivocal proofs of the Zeal—the attachment to—and important exertions of this young nobleman in the American Cause, to entertain a doubt of the propriety of his present absence—Sure I am that his return will be as soon as he can make it subserviant to the Interest of this Country—These being my Sentiments, I communicate them without reserve.

I have the honor to be with great respect Yr Excellencys Most Obt & Hble Servt

Go: Washington

Citation

This primary source comes from the Records of the Continental and Confederation Congresses and the Constitutional Convention.

National Archives Identifier: 1663347

Full Citation: Letter from George Washington to the President of Congress; 3/23/1783; Letters from General George Washington, Commander in Chief of the Army; Papers of the Continental Congress, 1774 – 1789; Records of the Continental and Confederation Congresses and the Constitutional Convention, Record Group 360; National Archives Building, Washington, DC. [Online Version, https://docsteach.org/document/letter-washington-president-congress/, March 29, 2026]

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