George Washington, 18 March 1782

WASHINGTON, George (1732-1799). Letter signed ("Go:Washington") as Commander-in-Chief to Colonel Timothy Pickering, Philadelphia, 18 March 1782.

One page (232 x 193mm) light toning, small marginal loss and tear repaired on verso). Body of the letter in the hand of Benjamin Walker. Matted and framed with an engraving of Washington, a profile of Pickering, as well as with a clipped page bearing the letter's docket by Timothy PICKERING (1745-1829).

Preparing to rejoin the army after a winter spent in Philadelphia. Following the victory at Yorktown, Washington spent a brief respite at Mount Vernon and then moved on to Philadelphia to attend to official business. As he made preparations to depart, he sent notes out to various officers on leave with orders to meet him at Newburgh, including Pickering who had been serving as Quartermaster General: "e to acquaint you that I propose leaving town on Wednesday or Thursday next, & as I would wish to have you at the Army as soon as you have made the necessary arrangements for your department, I must desire you to acquaint me when you think you will be able to follow me." Washington departed the capital on 23 March arriving to the camp of the main army at Newburgh on 31st.