Official Letters to the Honorable American Congress by George Washington, First English Edition, Two Volume Set, 1795

Washington, George. Official Letters to the Honorable American Congress, Written, during the War between the United colonies and Great Britain, by His Excellency, George Washington, Commander in Chief of the Continental Forces, now President of the United States. Copied, by Special Permission from the Original Papers Preserved in the Office of the Secretary of State, Philadelphia. London: Cadell Junior and Davies, G.G. and J. Robinson, B. and J. White, W. Otridge and Son, J. Debrett, R. Faulder, and T. Egerton, 1795. First English edition. Two volumes. Octavo. Contemporary calf, rebacked in period-style calf, with red Moroccan spine labels, gilt ruling and gilt titles to the spine. 

This beautiful two-volume set of Washington’s Official Letters to Congress was printed in London by Cadell Junior and Davies in 1795. The full title of the work is: Official Letters to the Honorable American Congress, Written, during the War between the United colonies and Great Britain, By His Excellency, George Washington, Commander in Chief of the Continental Forces, now President of the United States. This is the first British edition, published the same year as the American edition, with this printing adding American state papers. 

Combining many of Washington’s letters to Congress between the years 1775 and 1778, this two volume set was published during Washington’s second term in office as the President of the still nascent United States. Dating from June 24, 1775, nine days after Washington’s unanimous appointment to the top military post, through December 1778, bivouac Official Letters reveal his efforts to comply with the financial directives of Congress, while constantly at pains to secure adequate provisions and pay for his poorly trained, disaffected troops. 

Washington’s first letter desperately pleads with Congress for more gunpowder. The last letter was written shortly after the British captured Savannah, but after the turning point in the war. Washington mentions an upcoming strategy and possible annexation of Canada.  This two-volume set contains the General’s warm acknowledgement of the signing of the Declaration of Independence (“I caused ‘The Declaration’ to be proclaimed before all the army under my immediate command”), correspondence from the grueling winter bivouac at Valley Forge, and a report of his Christmas victory at the Battle of Trenton. These letters take the reader through Washington’s thinking and actions during major battles, issues, and victories. 

Washington was known to meticulously care for and organize his personal papers. Throughout his life, he hired aides, clerks, and secretaries to assist him in his careful record keeping. To Washington, the safety of his letters was second only to the safety of his wife, Martha. In 1775 he wrote to his cousin, Lund Washington, to provide “for [Martha] in Alexandria, or some other place of safety for her and my papers.” Bound copies of papers relating to a single topic were kept with his records and he even planned to build an entire building at Mount Vernon specifically to house his papers safely. Periodically, Washington would return to edit his old letters correcting grammar and word choice.

Washington was consulted by Jefferson regarding the publication of these papers, and the latter was in constant correspondence with publishers during their preparation. On July 3, 1792, Jefferson gave the publishers formal permission to use the State Papers. Both men were adamant that as much as possible should be revealed to the public. The letters provide evidence for Washington’s leadership, his care for his men, and his care for his country despite overwhelming odds. 

Public opinion universally glorified Washington when he was first elected, however, opposition to his government began in the early 1790s. The first president was always hailed as an American hero, but by his second term the country was divided over his administration. The most harsh criticisms came about in 1793 and 1794 over US neutrality in Revolutionary France, as well as the Jay Treaty with Great Britain. Amidst growing discontent for the government, these letters were likely published to boost the public’s wavering opinion of Washington and gain support for his administration. These papers helped to solidify the almost legendary character of the first president of the United States. 

CONDITION:

Very good condition. Octavo. 2 Vols. In contemporary calf, rebacked in period-style calf. Gilt-ruled spines, with red morocco spine labels and gilt titles. Interior pages are very good. Some light scattered foxing, else very good. Howes and Sabin note a frontispiece appearing in some copies, which is not present herein. Viii, 364pp; [iv], 384pp.1/2-titles. Ref: Howes W-142. Sabin 101731. 

Dimensions: 8 1/2" H x 5 1/2" W x 1" D (each)

Accompanied by our company's letter of authenticity.