From George Washington to James Wilkinson, 2 April 1794
To James Wilkinson
United States April 2. 1794.
Sir,
I have received the letter which you addressed to me, accompanied by a new map of the present theatre of War North West of the Ohio, which I consider as the best description extant of the Country to which it relates.1
The value of the object is greatly enhanced in my estimation by its being the production of the Officer second in the command of the American legion.
This desire of being useful in the highest degree to the service, in which you are employed, affords me great satisfaction: Nothing should have prevented my having it published, but an apprehension that an improper use may be made2 of the information it contains in this apparently eventful moment. This apprehension however may be obviated at a future period. I am Sir3 Your most obedt Sevant
Go: W——n
Df, DLC:GW; LB, DLC:GW. The draft, in the handwriting of a War Department clerk, was prepared by Knox and enclosed in his second letter to GW of this date.
1. Wilkinson’s letter to GW and the enclosed map of the Northwest Territory have not been found.
2. A second hand struck out “had” and inserted this word on the draft.
3. At this point on the draft, a second hand struck out “I have the honor to be with great respect” before inserting the preceding three words before the rest of the closing, and he then added the abbreviated signature to the document.