“The above Joseph Sheldon private has been honored with the Badge of Merit for Six Years faithful Service...”

Joseph Sheldon receives an honorable discharge and the Badge of Merit, an award created by Washington intended for enlisted men and non-commissioned officers.

After the Comte de Grasse’s fleet arrives in Virginia, Washington requests troops to aid the combined militia and French force during the Siege of Yorktown. Washington and Virginia militia Brigadier General George Weedon had been corresponding for several weeks regarding the arrival of the Duc de Lauzun’s legion in Virginia, and Washington’s concerns that Weedon pay the Frenchman the respect appropriate to his rank.

Washington orders Virginia militia Brigadier General George Weedon to monitor the British and despite lacking supplies, prevent them from foraging the countryside when possible. The Commander in Chief then informs Weedon that French reinforcements are due to arrive and to show their commander the respect he deserves.

Washington responds to an address from the members of a prominent Philadelphia Lutheran congregation, likely written from New York City in the first two weeks of his Presidency. This exceptional letter shows that Washington believed the Revolution was guided by Providence, but also that human virtues would be necessary to build a successful nation. He offers hope of “a wise and efficient government” for the United States, and is confident that his new position will offer ample opportunity to encourage “the domestic and public virtues of Industry, Oeconomy, Patriotism, Philanthropy, and that Righteousness which exalteth a Nation.” Washington closes by thanking the ministers for their pledge to continue praying for him at the “Throne of Grace.”

“…in March last, I committed a matter to your care of which you took no notice till July…. Do not my dear Doctor tease your Mistress in this manner ”

In this highly personal letter, Washington offers a glimpse of the man behind the otherwise stolid image. After victory at Yorktown, Americans were awaiting news of a final peace treaty from Paris. Washington remained head of the Continental Army, and warily watched British General Sir Henry Clinton’s army in New York City. For all its friendly tone and nebulous phrases, Washington and McHenry are actually discussing the very serious business of funding and maintaining troop levels to discourage future British actions.

“Resolved that it is the Indispensable duty of the Inhabitants of this County … to prevent the sitting of the Respective court…the Inhabitants of this County will attend in person the next inferior court of common pleas and general session…properly Armed to repel any hostile force which may be employed…”

This document embodies one of the first instances of open rebellion against the Crown, and records a critical step in the formation of an independent government. Parts of it are written and signed by Major Nathaniel Sartell Prentice, who fought at the Battle of Lexington, less than a year later.

The manuscript starts with a copy of resolves issued on August 31, 1774, in response to one of the Intolerable Acts, by a convention of the Worcester County Committees of Correspondence. The Intolerable Act barred the commonwealth from holding town meetings. Delegates conclude that the act rendered the royal charter “null and void,” and they resolve that the various towns should take over the function of the British-run court system. They ask citizens to select their own town officials, choose representatives for a Provincial Convention, and take action to prevent the courts from sitting under the new system. One resolve specifies that citizens attend the upcoming court session “properly Armed to repel any hostile force” sent by the governor, and another votes to send “Letters by Post to other Committees” should an invasion appear imminent.

A fascinating set of ledger sheets retained by Nicholas Quackenbush. They note the date, the voucher number, “To Whom Delivered” and “By whose order” and then provide a long set of columns to account for almost every conceivable article, ranging from horses to pikes, a wide variety of tools, all types of lumber, as well as foodstuffs.

Fed up with “false hopes and temporary devices,” Washington calls for “an entire new plan.”

“We are without money … without provision & forage … without Cloathing - and … without men – In a word, we have lived upon expedients till we can live no longer, and it may truly be said that, the history of this War is a history of false hopes …”

“We must have a permanent force – not a force that is constantly fluctuating & sliding from under us as a pedestal of Ice would leave a Statue in a Summers day … Our Civil government must likewise undergo a reform – ample powers must be lodged in Congress as the head of the federal union, adequate to all the purposes of War. - Unless these things are done, our efforts will be in vain & only serve to accumulate expence – add to our perplexities, & dissatisfy the people without a prospect of obtaining the prize in view …”

Washington informs friend and fellow Virginian George Mason of Nathanael Greene’s appointment as commander of the southern army to replace Horatio Gates. Washington asks Mason, a prominent Virginia politician, to lend Greene whatever support he can in his new command. Washington then reports on the desperate state of the army, and offers a brief argument in favor of expanding Congressional power to prosecute the war. After the disastrous Battle of Camden, South Carolina, Greene’s appointment – and his successful leadership – finally allowed Washington to regain the offensive.