Two Letters Written by Gen. George Washington
that May Shed Light on the Process
by which Samuel Bliss Became His Steward

 

The following is from a transcription of a letter that General George Washington wrote to Alexander Spotswood April 30, 1777, from George Washington Writings, published in 1997 by the Library of America (p. 271). The contents of the book were selected by John Rhodehamel, who did not include the letter referenced by the George Washington Papers Project, mentioned further below. The Spotswood letter gives a very good idea of the qualities in men preferred by GW in his personal guards. The referenced letter attests to the fact that GW also wanted to add a butler or steward to his staff in 1777.

 

To Alexander Spotswood

Headquarters, Morris Town, April 30, 1777.

 

Sir:  I want to form a Company for my Guard[1]. In doing this I wish to be extremely cautious; because it is more than probable, that in the Course of the Campaign, my Baggage, Papers, and other Matters of great public Import, may be committed to the Sole care of these Men. This being premised, in order to impress you with proper attention in the Choice, I have to request that you will immediately furnish me with four Men of your Regiment, And, as it is my further wish, that this Company should look well and be nearly of a Size, I desire that none of the Men may exceed in Stature 5 feet 10 Inches, nor fall Short of 5 feet 9 Inches, Sober, Young, Active and well made. When I recommend care in your Choice, I would be understood to mean Men of good Character in the Regiment, that possess the pride of appearing clean and Soldierlike. I am satisfied there can be no absolute security for the fidelity of this Class of people, but yet I think it most likely to be found in those who have Family Connections in the Country. You will therefore send me none but Natives, and Men of some property, if you have them. I must insist, that in making this Choice, you give no Intimation of my preference of Natives, as I do not want to create any invidious Distinction between them and the Foreigners. I am etc.

 

George Washington Papers Project
Morristown NHP Summer 2006
Compiled by Mr. John Henderson

http://www.nps.gov/archive/morr/smith/gwpaperproject.htm

Date: May 1777
Reel, film counter, LWS: 63, 479-482, 3182
To/From: Captn Gibbs[2] at present in Philadelphia / GW
Location: Morris Town
GW's hand: Y
Number of pages: 4
Type of manuscript: Letter
Signature: GWashington
Content: GW is writing to inquire about locating a qualified person to serve as a butler or steward. Also discusses cloth for his servant.