Washington, George. Letter Signed, 26 April 1777....

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Washington, George. Letter Signed, 26 April 1777. Letter Signed ("Go Washington") as Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army, 1 page (9.25 x 15 in.; 235 x 381 mm.), "Head Quarters Morris Town", 26 April 1777, written to "General Glover" (Brigadier General John Glover), in the hand of an unidentified aide-de-camp. Includes separate address panel with red seal remnants. Minor paper loss at fold intersections that have been expertly infilled on both leaves. Faced with a dire need of able commanders, Washington makes an eloquent appeal to John Glover (whose men ferried Washington across the Delaware at the Battle of Trenton), to remain with the great cause that can now only be decided by the Sword. "I have with great concern observed the almost universal listlessness that prevails throughout the continent and I believe that nothing has contributed to it more, than the resignation of officers who stepped early forward and led the people into the great cause, in which we are too deeply embarked to look back, or to hope for any other terms than those we can gain by the Sword." Washington writes in full: Sir After the conversations, I had with you, before you left the army, last Winter, I was not a little surprised at the contents of yours of the first instant. As I had not the least doubt, but you would accept the commission of Brigadier, if conferred upon you by Congress, I put your name down in the list of those whom I thought proper for the command, and whom I wished to see preferred. Diffidence in an officer is a good mark because he will always endeavour to bring himself up to what he conceives to be the full line of his duty; but I think, I may tell you, without flattery, that I know of no man better qualified than you to conduct a Brigade, You have activity and industry, and as you very well know the duty of a colonel, you know how to exact that duty from others. I have with great concern observed the almost universal listlessness that prevails throughout the continent and I believe that nothing has contributed to it more, than the resignation of officers who stepped early forward and led the people into the great cause, in which we are too deeply embarked to look back, or to hope for any other terms than those we can gain by the Sword. Can any Resistance be expected from the People when deserted by their leaders? Our Enemies count upon the Resignation of every Officer of Rank at this time, as a distrust of and desertion from the cause and rejoice accordingly. When you consider these matters I hope you will think no more of private inconveniences, but that you will, with all expedition, come forward and take that command which has been assigned to you. As I fully depend upon seeing you, I shall not mention any thing that has passed between us, upon this Subject, to the Congress. I am Sir Your most humble servant Go. Washington In spring of 1777, Washington found himself in sore need of able commanders with proven battlefield skills. Glover was the ideal candidate: An ardent patriot and a fine leader of men, who had served Washington well in previous campaigns. Congress duly approved the appointment of ten men for commissions, including Anthony Wayne and Glover; but when the commission reached him, dated 21 February, Glover declined it. Washington's eloquence, though, prevailed. Glover took up his command and participated in the defense of Newport, Rhode Island, served as a member of the court which passed sentence on the British spy, Major John Andre, helped defend the forts in the Hudson Highlands and finally retired in 1782 due to failing health and his ill wife. After the war, Glover served as a member of the Massachusetts delegation which ratified the Federal Constitution. A beautiful letter with a powerful combination of gentle rebuke, subtle praise, and an appeal to patriotism to secure the consent of a valuable fighter for independence.