Tells of his appointment as Commander of the Continental Army, and his reluctance to accept the position due to hopes of a more peaceful solution and reluctance in leaving his family; gives information as to other Congressional decisions, such as the striking of 2 million dollars in Continental currency to pay troops.

Scope and Contents In answer to a previous letter, he feels that the only principle that will affect them the British? is fear, and that treating them cavalierly will make them despair of their undertaking. Statement on verso: Copy is in handwriting of Rebecca C. Powell of Alexandria.

Scope and Contents Wishes to spend remainder of his life in "rural amusements;" prediction of what a great city Washington, D.C. will become, "though not as large as London," and description of how Alexandria, Virginia has grown; feels that if the United States can steer clear of European politics, it could become "one of the greatest and happiest nations in the world."

Scope and Contents Discusses how he saved the papers of the Revolutionary Government by taking them to Leesburg, Virginia before the British burned the District of Columbia in the War of 1812. These papers included the Declaration of Independence, the journals of Congress, letter of General George Washington, Letters of General Greene and papers of the State Department. 2 pages. copy of letter signed, first part missing.