From George Washington to William Fitzhugh, 26 February 1780
To William Fitzhugh
Head Quarters Morris Town 26th Feby 1780.
Dear Sir
I have recd your favr of the 9th inclosing letters for your son—Colo. Ramsay—and Mr Williams of New York1—I am in hourly expectation of seeing Colo. Ramsay, who I am told is coming out with propositions of Exchange, which I sincerely hope will be such as may be accepted with honor and advantage to the States and to the individuals concerned.2
I had flattered myself that the spirited formation of your law, for the supply of the Army with provisions, would have been attended with the most salutary effects—but there really seems to be an almost general combination against every measure calculated to releive the public from the enormous load of debt and distress in which she is involved.
Mrs Washington makes a return of her Compliments to Mrs Fitzhugh, and I beg leave to assure you that I am with great Esteem Dear Sir yr most obt Servt
Go: Washington
LS, in Tench Tilghman’s writing, NHi: George and Martha Washington Papers; Df, DLC:GW; Varick transcript, DLC:GW. GW signed the cover of the LS, which is addressed to Fitzhugh at Annapolis.
1. GW is referring to Fitzhugh’s letter to him of 9 February.
2. GW is referring to the expected response of Lt. Gen. Wilhelm von Knyphausen to his proposal for a meeting of commissioners to negotiate a prisoner exchange cartel (see GW to George Mathews, John Ely, and Nathaniel Ramsay, 1 Feb.). Knyphausen had responded on 19 Feb., but GW did not receive the letter until 28 Feb. (see GW to Knyphausen, 29 Feb.).