Author: George Washington

PRIMARY DOCUMENT

Letter from George Washington to Robert Cary & Company (June 1, 1774)

In this June 1, 1774, letter to Robert Cary & Company, George Washington inquires about exporting his flour to Britain given the uncertainty of trade between Britain and the colonies. Washington, a member of the House of Burgesses, opposed British taxation policies and served as a delegate to the First Virginia Convention in August of 1774 and the First Continental Congress in September. Washington was one of many Virginia planters increasingly investing in wheat cultivation and trade on the eve of the American Revolution (1775–1783).

PRIMARY DOCUMENT

Letter from George Washington to Guy Carleton (May 6, 1783)

In this May 6, 1783, letter to British commander in chief Guy Carleton, George Washington, commander in chief of the Continental Army, expresses his concern that the British are violating the Treaty of Paris (1783) by evacuating formerly enslaved people to Nova Scotia. Article 7 of the treaty required the British to withdraw from their American posts “with all convenient speed and without … carrying away any Negroes or other property of the American inhabitants.”

PRIMARY DOCUMENT

Letter from George Washington to Nathanael Greene (February 12, 1778)

In this February 12, 1778, letter, Continental Army commander in chief George Washington commands Major General Nathanael Greene to take possession of horses, cattle, sheep, and forage from colonists in Pennsylvania for use by the Continental Army and to prevent the British from taking the supplies. Washington also mentions a process by which people with certificates for seized property can obtain compensation.

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