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George Washington. Autograph letter signed ("[Go:W]ashington")....
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Description
George Washington. Autograph letter signed ("[Go:W]ashington"). 2 pages, bifolium (10 x 8 inches) with integral blank, Mount Vernon, August 15, 1798, to the Reverend Jonathan Boucher, addressed in Washington's hand; an approximate 1 x 2 inch section of the bottom portion of the letter has been replaced and a few words and letters on each side have been expertly added including the "G" and the "W" of Washington's signature. Housed in a custom clamshell.Even amid the undeclared naval war with France (after the XYZ Affair), Commander-in-Chief and former President George Washington writes: "Peace, with all the world is my sincere wish. I am sure it is our true policy.- and am persuaded it is the ardent desire of the Government."
Washington writes (in full):
"Revd. Sir,
I know not how it has happened, but the fact is, that your favour of the 8th of Novr, last year, is but just received; and at a time when both public & private business pressed so hard upon me, as to afford no leisure to give the "View of the causes & consequences of the American Revolution" written by you, and which you had been pleased to send me, a perusal.
For the honor of its Dedication, and for the friendly & favourable sentiments which are therein expressed, I pray you to accept my acknowledgment of thanks.
Not having read the Book, it follows of course that I can express no opinion with respect to its Political contents; but I can venture to assert, beforehand, and with confidence, that there is no man in either country, more zealously devoted to Peace and a good understanding between the two Nations that I am - nor one who is more disposed to bury in oblivion all animosities which have subsisted between them & the Individuals of each.
Peace, with all the world is my sincere wish. I am sure it is our true policy.- and am persuaded it is the ardent desire of the Government.- But there is a nation whose inter-medling [sic], & restless disposition, and attempts to divide, distract & influence the measures of other countries, that will not suffer us, I fear, to enjoy this blessing long, unless we will yield to them our rights, & submit to greater injuries and insults than we have already sustained, to avoid the calamities resulting from War.
What will be the consequences of our Arming, for self defense, that Providence, who permits these doings in the Disturbers of Mankind; & who rules and Governs all things, alone can tell. To its all powerful decrees we must submit, whilst we hope that the justice of our Cause if War must ensue will entitle us to its Protection.
With very sincere respect - I am, your most obed. servant
Go. Washington"
The present letter is undoubtedly one of the finest autograph letters by George Washington letters in existence. The former President declares "Peace, with all the world is my sincere wish. I am sure it is our true policy.- and am persuaded it is the ardent desire of the Government." Washington's letter is his response to correspondence from an Anglican clergyman, The Reverend Jonathan Boucher, author of View of the Causes & Consequences of the American Revolution (1797), containing thirteen of his discourses preached in America. The book was dedicated to George Washington, a family acquaintance dating back to the days when Boucher had tutored Washington's stepson John Parke "Jacky" Custis in the early 1770s. Jacky was one of Martha's four children by her first husband, Daniel Parke Custis, who died in 1757. The letter and book were delayed in reaching Washington, and though he did not have the time to examine the volume, Washington nonetheless thanks Boucher for the dedication, and states, "there is no man in either country, more zealously devoted to Peace and a good understanding between the two Nations than I am - nor one who is more disposed to bury in oblivion all animosities which have subsisted between them & the Individuals of each."
The first President left office after serving two terms, declining a third term. He attended the inauguration of the second President, John Adams, on March 4, 1797, then departed from Philadelphia for Mount Vernon to retire. However, his pro-British policy during his term in office led to a gradual breakdown of relations with France; by 1797, relations with France had severely deteriorated. Jay's Treaty (November 19, 1794) had already angered the French, as it placed Britain in a more favored position with America. As a result, the French interfered with American shipping and refused to receive the U.S. Minister to France, Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, when he arrived in December 1796. An attempt was made to secure a treaty of commerce and amity with France. But the American peace commissioners failed. During the negotiations, three agents of the French Foreign Minister, Talleyrand, suggested a large U.S. loan to France - and a bribe to Talleyrand. Termed the XYZ Affair, the Americans responded by refusing to make concessions. When the news of the affair was made public in April 1798, American public opinion was greatly aroused. On July 2, 1798, the former President, George Washington, was asked to return to the service of his country. He was nominated Lieutenant General and Commander-in-Chief of the armies by Adams and he promptly accepted the commission on July 13. The reason for his appointment is clear: in the aftermath of the XYZ Affair, an undeclared naval war with France had resulted, which lasted from 1798-1800 and had to be closely monitored. Adams favored a peaceful course of action, and sought to strengthen the nation's defenses (the Department of the Navy was created at this time). If war was to come, France would have to take the initiative. Despite the international tensions, Washington, too, favored peace, as his heartfelt letter proclaims. In fact, he has written the word "Peace" in lettering larger than any other word in his lengthy letter.
Auction Info
2022 May 7 Treasures from the Melvin "Pete" Mark, Jr. Collection Signature® Auction #6256 (go to Auction Home page)
Auction Dates
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Saturday
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