George Washington letter to Francis Fauquier, 9 December 1758

TO GOVERNOR FAUQUIER.

Winchester, 9 December, 1758.

SIR,

I arrived at this place last night, and was just setting out (though very much indisposed), for my own house, when I was honored with your obliging favor of the 3d instant.

My last letters would fully inform your Honor of the success of his Majesty's arms under General Forbes, of the march of the Virginia troops to Winchester, and the condition, the very distressed condition, of the first regiment. It is needless, therefore, to recapitulate facts, or to trouble you further on this head.

Reason, nay, common humanity itself points out, that some respite should be granted to troops returning from every toil and hardship, that cold, hunger, and fatigue can inflict, and I hope your sentiments correspond wit mine.

If I easily get the better of my present disorder, I shall hope for the honor of seeing you about the 25th instant. The want of almost every necessary for the journey, and the want of my papers requisite to a full and final settlement with the country, oblige me to take my own house in the way down.

Those matters, which your Honor has glanced at in your letters, have been fully communicated to me. That you had not the least share in causing them, I am equally well persuaded, and I shall think myself honored with your esteem; being, with the greatest respect, your most obedient and most obliged humble servant.