George Washington letter signed ("Go: Washington"). Two pages of a bifolium, 7.5" x 9.25", "Head Quarters, Newburg" [New York]; [November 6, 1782]. Docketed. General Washington inquires about McDougall's health and if it will permit him to accept a command following his court-martial proceedings. Letter, possibly in the hand of David Humphreys (1752-1818), aide de camp to Washington's headquarters staff, to Major General Alexander McDougall inquiring if the major general's health will permit him to take command of a division. It reads, in full: "Dear Sir Being about to make a general disposition for the command of the Army during the Winter and having it now in my power to place a Division of Troops in this Cantonment under your Orders I must request to be informed by you, as soon as possible whether your State of Health will enable you to accept that Command or not. At the same time I shall be happy to give you a Command suitable to your Rank I think it proper to inform you, that the situation of the Service will, in case your Health requires your being absent to re establish it, admit of that indulgence without essential injury; so that my only wish is that [in] making your Option you may act perfectly agreable [sic] to your own inclination and feelings. I am Dr Sir Your very Obed. Servt. Go: Washington" In this letter to McDougall, Washington shows his long-standing affection and compassion for his major general. The previous August, McDougall had been cleared of six of seven charges relating to conduct unbecoming an officer. The seventh charge was minor and did not affect McDougall's standing in the army or in Washington's view. Early in 1782, Major General William Heath (1737-1814) had McDougall arrested for seven counts of misconduct. Heath and McDougall had engaged in a longstanding dispute over military decisions that dated back to 1776, which came to a head in 1782 when Heath had taken command of fortifications at West Point. McDougall criticized Heath's methods of command and attacked him in public. McDougall faced a court-martial in which he defended himself. The court-martial, lasting for three months, acquitted McDougall of six of the seven charges. Washington subsequently reprimanded McDougall for his public criticism of a fellow officer, but, due to his fondness for the major general, he later offered McDougall another command, which is the content of the letter presented here. During his arrest, which lasted for several months, McDougall's financial situation deteriorated along with his health. When the court-martial proceedings ended with McDougall's acquittal, Washington offered the major general command of a division of the army composed of two Connecticut brigades. McDougall responded to Washington's offer on September 4, 1782, stating that while he was honored to receive the offer, he was in such dire financial straits that he lacked the appropriate attire for the command and was also suffering from poor health. In this letter, Washington inquires about McDougall's health and if he can assume the command offered. If not, Washington informs the major general that he can deliver another command suitable to McDougall's rank. McDougall responded the same day, provided thanks to Washington, and accepted the command. However, he requested it be put off until warmer weather due to his ill health. Washington set up headquarters in Newburgh, New York on March 31, 1782, one day before he wrote this letter to McDougall. Washington's headquarters were in Hasbrouck House, which overlooked the Hudson River. He lived there while he was in command of the Continental Army from April 1782 until August 1783. Newburgh was chosen for its comparatively safe location north of the strategically important West Point. The 7,000 troops under Washington's command camped near what is today known as Vails Gate, a few miles to the southwest of Hasbrouck House. This letter shows Washington's affection and compassion for one of his favorite generals. Taking into account McDougall's financial situation and his poor health, Washington attempts to find a command suitable to McDougall's rank. It is accompanied by a hand-colored engraving of Washington by Johnson, Fry, & Co. and an engraving of Humphreys by G. Parker. Condition: Separated along integral fold. Professional restoration to previous separations at horizontal folds, with one fold just touching the signature. Small area of loss extending through both sheets affecting just one word. Light scattered soiling and foxing. Some toning chiefly found on page four. HID03101062020 © 2022 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved

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