George Washington to Miss Sidney Lee

The letter you did me the honor to write to me on the 23d. of May last, came to my hands in the moment of my departure for our Western territory. Knowing that I should be in the walks of Mr. White, and intending if I did not see him, to write to him on the subject of your letter; I thought it best to decline giving you any trouble until one of those events should have happened.

Fortunately, I saw Mr. White, who informed me that altho’ appearances were against him he had not been unmindful, either of your commands, or his own promises; for tho’ it was to give a precise account of the trust reposed in him, he has nevertheless done it some little time previous to my application; and would leave nothing unattempted to settle the whole in the best manner he was able, and circumstances would admit. He marked the parts of your letter to me which required his attention, and promised me that he would address you on the subject of them, in a very little time. For the favourable wishes you have been pleased to bestow on this young Country, and for the flattering sentiments you have expressed for me, my grateful acknowledgments are due.

I have the honor, etc.¹